Let’s get one factor clear: Three days just isn’t sufficient to completely take pleasure in what Taipei has to supply. It’s an unimaginable vacation spot full of sights that would go away you wanting extra.
However hey, we perceive that not all vacationers have the posh of time. Maybe you’re a full-time worker who solely has a protracted weekend to spare for trip otherwise you’re touring to Taipei to attend a convention and wish to lengthen their keep for a bit longer.
Don’t fear, it’s doable to expertise one of the best of the Taiwanese capital in simply three days. So yeah, 3 days will really feel like getting a tiny sip of one of the best boba milk tea when there’s a complete tank of it in entrance of you. However with its extremely developed amenities and dependable public transport system, it’s simple to see and discover the highlights of the town even in such a brief interval.
Observe: Because you solely have three days, this information stays strictly inside Taipei Metropolis and we’re not venturing out. However Taipei Metropolis alone is so full of sights, sounds, and flavors that it will possibly fill a protracted weekend effortlessly.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL & XIMENDING
Should you’re coming from the Taiwan Taoyuan Worldwide Airport, you have got two fundamental public transportation choices: the MRT and the bus.
BY MRT
Each Terminals 1 and a pair of have their very own MRT Station:
- Terminal 1: A12 Station
Terminal 2: A13 Station - Working hours: round 6am to 10:55 pm
Journey time: 37 minutes (if Categorical)
Fare: NT$150
You will discover extra information right here.
BY BUS
Should you’re arriving outdoors the MRT working interval otherwise you merely want the bus, head over to the bus counters near the Arrival Corridor of the airport. These buses are operated by varied firms, and journey time and fare differ relying in your route and vacation spot. However listed below are some tough estimates:
- Journey time: 60-90 minutes
- Fare: NT$ 125-160
Extra particular information right here.
Should you’re arriving previous 2 or 3PM, then test in to your lodge room. In any other case, simply drop your baggage for now and let’s begin exploring instantly!
Our first and solely cease for right this moment is Ximending. Fear not, there’s so much to see and do right here!
Generally known as Taipei’s Shibuya, Ximending is a kaleidoscope of lights, road performers, and outlets bursting with knick-knacks you by no means knew you wanted. This neighborhood is the place Taipei’s youth come to flex, snack, and store until they drop. It has an virtually electrical vitality to it. So get your recreation face on, and let’s head out to discover considered one of Taipei’s most vibrant districts.
Rainbow Street
Should you’re popping out of Ximen Station, the very first thing that may greet you is the Rainbow Street, due to its row of colours and the group that kind subsequent to it, making an attempt to take their IG pictures.
It isn’t only a street-—it’s an announcement! These colours splashed throughout the pavement turned an extraordinary crosswalk right into a full-on celebration. Taiwan has been a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights in Asia, and the Rainbow Street is Taipei’s daring high-five to the neighborhood, displaying off its pleasure with each vibrant stripe.
Whether or not you’re right here to have fun, present assist, or simply jazz up your Instagram feed, this highway virtually waves at you for a pic. Folks flock right here, cameras in hand, able to immortalize their second in all that colourful glory. Photobombs are inevitable, however that’s a part of the problem!
More often than not, road performers additionally use the nook subsequent to it as their stage. There are the same old singers, bands, and dancers, however from time to time you’ll additionally see mind-blowing stunts that may make you cease and keep a bit longer.
The Pink Home
Cross the adjoining highway and also you’ll be greeted by the Pink House, a historic gem that’s managed to remain related by means of a long time of reinvention. In-built 1908, this octagonal red-brick constructing has worn many hats: a theater, a market, and now a museum-slash-shop. Step inside, and also you’ll discover indie craft stalls, LGBTQ+ pleasant areas, and native paintings that put a contemporary twist on this outdated magnificence. You may end up questioning why your hometown can’t protect historical past with this a lot swag.
Our final go to coincided with Satisfaction Month celebrations, so the environment was rather more fab and festive and there have been loads of freebies round.
Pop Mart Flagship Retailer
Welcome to Pop Mart, the Disneyland of designer toys, the place cabinets groan underneath the load of collectibles that’ll drain your pockets however heal your interior little one.
Recognized for its lovely collectible figurines and trinkets, this place is floor zero for these trying to snag a unusual memento particularly of Labubu, the now insanely fashionable and arguably addictive character from The Monsters. These serrated tooth and mischievous look don’t cease individuals from falling in love with it or, at the least, leaping on the bandwagon. It’s such a crowd favourite, there’s all the time a crowd constructing in entrance of this pop mart retailer. Each one is hoping to get their palms on an merchandise as a result of it’s less expensive right here than the value resellers are charging again house. And sure, Labubu gadgets, particularly the plush key chains, have been offered out after we visited.
Some don’t perceive why it’s so fashionable and a few say it’s only a fad, however we wished to know so we joined the enjoyable and bought three thriller bins at one other Pop Mart store. And sure, they’re so cute and we could or could not get extra subsequent time we had the prospect.
Dinner
It’s time for supper, and Ximending is a feast for each finances and style. We’ll be mentioning three meals spots right here, however we really tried extra.
- Finances Possibility: Head to Ay Chung Flour Rice Noodle for a repair of gooey, umami-packed rice noodles. That is road meals at its most interesting—no seats, simply seize a bowl, stand on the sidewalk, and savor the flavour. It’s solely NT$ 60 per small serving, nevertheless it’s actually, actually tasty. No surprise there’s all the time a loooong queue right here. Each silky serving is topped with a little bit of offal, which surprisingly didn’t have any hint of gutsy scent or aftertaste. Even Vins, who doesn’t usually like consuming innards, discovered it scrumptious and wished to have one other bowl. It’s much more flavorful whenever you add chili, crushed garlic, and a little bit of vinegar, which is out there for self-service on a station on the facet.
- Mid-Vary Possibility: Discover the Wan Nian Constructing and go all the way down to the basement the place you’ll discover a meals courtroom. However look particularly for Lao Shan Dong Do-it-yourself Noodles, a Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee. This humble institution has been serving bowls of piping sizzling beef noodles since 1949; it’s a Ximending establishment. The place was packed after we visited. Vins ordered the meat brisket noodle soup whereas I had the so-called “three treasures” noodle soup, which had brisket, tendon, and tripe. We may simply inform that the noodles have been handmade as a result of they weren’t uniformly minimize. It was agency, simply the best way I appreciated it, and swimming in a broth that was deep and completely balanced. Each chunk of the brisket was succulent. They’re identified for his or her dumplings, too!
- Splurge Possibility: Should you’re with a gaggle (household or mates) otherwise you’re simply feeling royally hungry and wish to go large, discover the Taipei Wenting Emperor Palace Scorching Pot, a sizzling pot spot that may make any emperor proud. Whereas ready to your desk, you’ll be able to attempt on elaborate costumes to essentially embrace the royal theme of the place. You’ll be able to attempt on conventional Chinese language-style outfits that resemble robes or robes from historic dynasties and channel your interior emperor or empress. It’s not on daily basis you get to really feel like a ruler whereas ready to your broth to boil, so we grabbed the prospect. The employees was comfortable to snap photographs, so it’s an ideal alternative for some memorable, Insta-worthy moments. The entire expertise provides a playful, immersive twist to your meal.
Ah sure, let’s discuss concerning the meals. They provide a big selection of recent elements — prime cuts of meat, seafood, and veggies — all ready to be dunked in both a homey clear broth or the additional savory and spicy mala soup. After you’ve feasted on all of the proteins, you’ll be able to dive right into a freezer stuffed with Häagen-Dazs flavors to high all of it off. They’ve 16 flavors, and it’s all yours to take pleasure in. I had caramel biscuit and mango raspberry! We’ll be breaking down this eating expertise in one other article.
After your meal, discover this tiny stall promoting freshly fried Crispy Milk Donut (NT$ 40). You may need to attend in line for a bit too, however that’s often the case for something scrumptious today.
Boba Milk Tea
Wash your dinner down with a cup of milk tea. However as you already know, Taiwan is the land of boba, so it is perhaps exhausting to decide on which one to attempt even right here in Ximending.
- Each single Taipei native we have now met recommends 50 Lan’s boba milk tea (NT$ 60), recognizable by its yellow and blue branding. It’s a series, and also you’ll discover a few branches in Ximending. 50 Lan’s model is basic – no frills, no gimmicks, only a completely balanced mix, with simply the correct sweetness, smoothness, tea perfume, and chewy pearls. And we agree. That is additionally one of the best milk tea for us.
- However most vacationers appear to be magnetized by the loud and flashy Xing Fu Tang flagship retailer. You gained’t miss it as a result of there’s a lengthy queue any time of the day. It’s exhausting to not be drawn to it as a result of they cook dinner the pearls within the open. We’ve tried their basic boba milk tea earlier than, however on our most up-to-date journey, we had its best-selling signature brown sugar boba milk (NT$ 120), one thing I used to be ready to hate due to its extreme value, however was really very satisfying. The roasted brown sugar on high add a little bit of playfulness to the graceful milky drink.
- Should you’d slightly have it as an icy dessert, head over to Kenting Dan Dan Duai Nai, the place they serve milk tea within the type of a shave ice deal with.
Taipei Cinema Park & Graffiti Spots
Finish your evening with a stroll by means of Taipei Cinema Park, the place graffiti partitions make for good Instagram backdrops. It’s road artwork galore, with painted masterpieces that vary from artsy to hilarious. Pose, snap, and absorb this cool, colourful vibe on this typically uncrowded part of Ximending.
You’ll additionally discover Wow Land, a claw machine heaven! There are numerous claw machines in Taipei; you’ll see them all over the place. However what makes these specific machines exceptional is that you can really win one thing when you have the ability. It’s not rigged, or at the least not as rigged because the others! After we enter this place, we by no means depart empty-handed!
And that’s it for Day 1. I instructed you, it’s a bit packed, however buckle up as a result of we’ve solely simply began.
DAY 2: BEITOU & SHILIN
As we speak, we’ll be exploring two of Taipei’s most fascinating districts: Shilin and Beitou.
Beitou Thermal Valley
Begin Day 2 with a go to to Beitou Thermal Valley for the mist that rises eerily from inexperienced sulfuric waters.
While you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a small fountain, the place you’ll be able to really feel the water and provides your palms a shower. However as you stroll deeper, you’ll ultimately see the steamy sizzling springs that appear to be nature’s large cauldron. Whilst you can’t take a dip right here, it’s mesmerizing to observe. Stroll round it, catch that sulfur-scented air, and soak within the barely mystical environment.
Earlier than going, attempt some tea eggs, offered by outlets in entrance of the doorway, for very mild however on-theme breakfast. Then stroll to your proper for 10 minutes to our subsequent cease.
Beitou Scorching Springs Museum
Step again in time on the Beitou Scorching Springs Museum, a former Japanese-era bathhouse. In-built 1913, this well-preserved architectural attraction showcases the golden age of sizzling springs in Beitou, together with an enormous bathtub the place friends as soon as loved therapeutic dips. It’s a fantastic, nostalgic slice of outdated Taiwan and makes you respect the cultural layers in Beitou’s steamy previous.
After we visited, there have been bus-fuls of Japanese college youngsters on an academic tour, so it was extra crowded than traditional. However in any other case, it’s often very chill and enjoyable. As in any onsen, you’ll need to take away your sneakers and deposit them in lockers. Placed on the supplied slippers and observe the marked path across the museum.
After this, it’s time for lunch. Resolve whether or not you desire a bowl of beef noodle soup at a correct sit down eatery or eat your means by means of a meals market!
- Should you go for beef noodles, proceed to Su Jia. enter this in your Google Maps app: 粟家牛肉麵. You’ll discover two outcomes. Select the one alongside Yongxing Avenue. It is best to attain it in lower than quarter-hour on foot.
- Should you’d slightly stroll and munch on the similar time, head over to the Beitou Market. It’s nearer, roughly 10 minutes on foot.
Lunch Possibility A: Su Jia Beef Noodles
It’s beef noodle time (once more!) —Taiwan’s soul meals in a bowl.
Su Jia makes use of noodles which might be agency and chewy, drowned in a wealthy broth. Their signature bowl (NT$ 280) has the identical three treasures toppings: brisket, tripe, and tendon. However when you’re not that adventurous like Vins, go for its beef brisket noodles (NT$ 200).
We beloved how tender the meat was. And the tripe was thick, with loads of meat nonetheless connected to it. If I evaluate it to Lao Shandong, this one wins the meat recreation simply, however Lao Shandong had extra flavorful broth. However it was nonetheless a really satisfying bowl total. Don’t be stunned if you end up slurping away, eyes closed, misplaced in noodle nirvana.
Should you’re not within the temper for an additional serving to of beef noodles or when you’ve bought room for dessert (and let’s be actual, there’s all the time room), then cross the road to Beitou Market!
Lunch Possibility B: Beitou Market
Beitou Market is a type of locations the place you are feeling like a neighborhood, buying shoulder-to-shoulder with Beitou residents.
One of many largest attracts of Beitou Market is the number of road meals stalls providing every thing from handmade dumplings to savory buns and native Taiwanese specialties. Should you’ve labored up an urge for food from exploring Beitou’s sizzling springs, it’s a unbelievable place to seize a fast, budget-friendly lunch, snack, or, sure—-lest I forget-—dessert! Right here, you’ll be able to pattern quirky native treats, like smooth pastries stuffed with pink bean or egg custard, or chewy mochi balls.
From the Beitou Market, take the MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Line to Shilin Station (Fare: NT$25; Journey time: 11 minutes) and catch Bus R30 to achieve our subsequent cease, the Nationwide Palace Museum (Fare: NT$15; Journey time: 11 minutes).
Nationwide Palace Museum
Time for some tradition! The Nationwide Palace Museum itself feels grand. With over 700,000 items, it’s like stepping right into a time capsule of the imperial dynasties, stuffed with intricately crafted jade carvings, gorgeous calligraphy, and fantastically preserved ceramics that inform the story of over 8,000 years of Chinese language tradition.
However right here’s the factor. It’s an enormous museum – big! And it’s simple to get misplaced in its galleries. And if you wish to see each single piece on show, you’ll most likely want greater than a day. So plan your go to properly. Analysis which items you wish to see and discover them.
In our case, we let this Google Arts and Tradition article cleared the path.
It listed out six of the must-see items inside and we made them our northern stars:
- Tsu-I tsun, a bronze ritual wine cup
- Zong-zhou Zhong, a ceremonial bell fabricated from bronze, from 1046-771 BCE
- Bi and Cong, utilized in rituals by the traditional Liangzhu civilization, which lived from 3300-2300 BCE
- Ceramic polo gamers, collectible figurines of feminine polo gamers within the Tang dynasty
- Jadeite cabbage, a jadeite stone meticulously carved to resemble a pak choi. It’s so jaw-droppingly reasonable.
- Meat-shaped stone, constructed from jasper that appears precisely like a slice of braised pork stomach
In fact, we additionally checked out the opposite rooms alongside the best way. However to make our go to extra attention-grabbing, we used the record above as our objectives.
- If you wish to spend the remainder of the day contained in the museum – a tempting choice when it’s raining otherwise you’re simply drained – accomplish that. As talked about, the museum is huge and wealthy. Simply anticipate time for supper and head on to Shilin Night time Market after. Take Bus R30 or S19 to Shilin Market (Fare: NT$ 15, Journey time: 15-25 minutes).
- However when you really feel such as you nonetheless have the time and vitality, squeeze in a go to to the following cease. Take Bus BR13 to the Air Drive Headquarters (Fare: NT$ 15; Journey time: 12 minutes) after which stroll for 14 minutes to the Martyr’s Shrine.
Martyr’s Shrine
The Nationwide Revolutionary Martyr’s Shrine is sort of a mini-palace devoted to fallen heroes. In-built conventional Chinese language architectural type, it’s a grand tribute to the troopers who fought for Taiwan. The shrine itself is gorgeous and peaceable, a pleasant breather after all of the sightseeing.
Catch the altering of the guards, which occurs on high of each hour from 9AM-5PM. It’s a powerful ceremony the place guards in crisp uniforms carry out their routine with army precision. An analogous routine occurs on the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, however this one is prolonged since you get to observe them stroll all the size of the positioning – from the doorway to the shrine and again.
To get to Shilin Night time Market from right here, take Bus 902 or R3 to Mingchuan College (Fare: NT$15; Journey time: 5-7 minutes) and stroll for 7 minutes to our last cease of the day.
Shilin Night time Market
No day in Taipei is full with out a evening market, and Shilin Night time Market is the granddaddy of all of them. Whereas the basement meals courtroom is underneath renovation, there’s nonetheless lots to eat. Right here, essentially the most well-known is Scorching-Star Giant Fried Rooster, which we tried a few years in the past. However our native companion beneficial one thing else, one thing that she claimed even locals line up for: Hometown BBQ Rooster (NT$100).
Like Scorching-Star, there’s additionally a queue that varieties towards it, and it’s additionally an enormous piece of breaded rooster cutlet. However this one is admittedly juicy and full of complicated flavors, led to by its difficult cooking course of. It’s brined, seasoned and breaded earlier than getting deep fried. After which – get this – it’s grilled after, giving it a slight smokiness, nevertheless it all makes the distinction. It’s actually good! One of the best fried rooster we’ve had in Taipei. Granted, we haven’t tried that many, however nonetheless.
When you’ve had your ji pai repair, stroll a bit to Good Good friend Chilly Noodles to have your dose of carbs, within the type of chilly noodles (Small: NT$ 55; Huge: NT$70). Good Good friend serves bowls which might be oddly refreshing, one thing we desperately wanted after hours of simply strolling round Taipei.
It’s deceptively easy: skinny, bouncy noodles, doused with a wealthy, creamy sesame sauce for that nutty base, then garnished with shredded cucumbers for further crunch, and a touch of citrus (lemon?) for freshness. It’s easy, sure, however low-cost, filling, and scrumptious. Sure, it has a Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition, too.
With this, time to name it a day! Head again to your lodge, sleep tight, and put together to your final day in Taipei!
DAY 3: TAIPEI ICONS
Begin your day early, pack up, and take a look at of your lodge. You’ll be able to stash your baggage on the lodge reception or discover a metro station locker and decide it up after your sightseeing. This morning, you’ll be paying a go to to a few of Taipei’s most beloved landmarks.
You are able to do it in two methods: by MRT or by double-decker sightseeing bus.
- By MRT. Put together NT$ 20-25 per means. Simply obtain the Google Maps app and let it information you with the transfers. It’s going to inform you the instructions together with which MRT line to take and which station to alight at.
- By Sightseeing Bus. A 4-hour cross usually prices NT$330 when you purchase on the bus itself. Should you e-book with Klook or KKDay, it’s solely NT$300. If you are going to buy tickets on the bus itself and you employ Mastercard, you’ll get 25% OFF. So that you’ll solely be paying NT$ 247.5.
✅ BOOK SIGHTSEEING BUS WITH KKDAY or KLOOK!
You’ll be able to catch the very first sightseeing bus at Taipei Essential Station, simply outdoors EXIT M4. There’s a marked bus cease there. From right here, hop on the bus and get off at your first cease of the day.
Lungshan Temple
Begin with the town’s most well-known, Lungshan Temple, a masterpiece of conventional design and religious vitality. In-built 1738, it has survived fires, earthquakes, and even World Battle II bombings. Admire the dragon columns, ornate picket carvings, and the extreme devotion of locals who come to hope right here every day.
One factor I seen is that there aren’t any incense sticks right here. Apparently, it was banned by the administration to enhance the air high quality within the space. As a substitute, worshippers could place different choices on the desk.
Entrance Price: FREE
Hours open: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Corridor
This grand memorial honors Chiang Kai-shek, that is Taipei’s assertion piece with huge white partitions, placing blue-tiled roof, an unlimited bronze statue of Taiwan’s former chief. Inside, find out about his life and legacy whereas marveling on the structure. Be sure you catch the altering of the guard right here, too.
Entrance Price: FREE
Hours Open: 9:00 AM to six:00 PM
Taipei 101
The world-famous Taipei 101 awaits, towering over the town like an enormous bamboo shoot or a stack of Chinese language takeout bins. Whether or not you go up or simply admire it from the surface, Taipei 101 is a sight to behold.
At 508 meters tall, this was as soon as the tallest constructing on the planet. It now not holds the document, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a monumental achievement in structure and engineering. This skyscraper is capped with an observatory that permits sweeping panoramic views of the town. Right here’s a recreation: when you’re atop Taipei 101, attempt to discover the opposite landmarks and sights that you’ve got visited on this journey. Begin with the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial, it’s the simplest to identify!
One other attention-grabbing to catch a glimpse of right here is its tuned mass damper, which stabilizes and retains the constructing standing and a reminder of Taipei 101’s resilience. It additionally homes workplaces and retail outlets.
Talking of retailers, simply near Taipei 101 is a posh of buying malls together with ATT4FUN and Breeze Nan Shan. Should you nonetheless have time, you’ll be able to spend the remainder of the day buying. Should you don’t, then decide up your baggage and head to the airport!
Departure
And similar to that, you’ve conquered Taipei. Three days is extra like a whirlwind romance, brief and candy. Taipei has much more in retailer. However that ought to provide you with a cause to e-book one other flight and provides Taipei one other go!
The place to Keep in Taipei
Right here’s an inventory of the resorts and hostels we tried in Taipei:
Seek for extra Taipei Inns!
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