5 Days in Taiwan: The Ultimate Taipei Itinerary (Food, Views, & Vibes)
- Ziv Barzilay
- Apr 20
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 21
Discover Taipei in 2026 with digital entry forms and updated night market payment strategies.
So, you’re planning a trip to Taiwan? Good call. After spending five incredible days exploring this island, I can tell you one thing for sure: it’s the perfect mix of high-tech city life, deeply rooted traditions, and some of the best street food you’ll ever have.
Whether you're here for the neon lights of Ximending or the misty mountains of Jiufen, this 5-day Taipei itinerary covers it all. Here’s exactly how we did it, including the logistics that will save you time and money.
Before You Land: Pro Tips & Logistics
To make your arrival as smooth as a steamed bao, handle these basics first:
Money Matters: We withdrew cash with zero fees in Taipei at Cathay Bank (look for the green tree logo). The exchange rate at the airport was actually quite good, so don't hesitate to change some money right when you land.
Stay Connected: Head to the TSAR shop at the airport (the one on the far right). We picked up a Chunghua Telecom SIM—it’s super reliable. Expect to pay between 700–1000 TWD for a 15-day plan.
Getting Around: Buy an EasyCard immediately. It costs 445 TWD (which includes 200 TWD credit and your airport MRT fare). You can use it for the Metro, buses, and even at 7-Eleven.
Where to Stay: We stayed at the Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel. We booked it with Agoda app for the best price. It’s centrally located, luxurious, and makes hopping on the MRT incredibly easy.
Day 1: History, Temples, and Coffee in the Clouds
After a quick flight and a caffeine fix at Ikari Coffee, we dove straight into the heart of the city.
Morning: Liberty Square & Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall This place is massive. Make sure to catch the changing of the guards, which happens every hour on the dot. It’s a powerful, choreographed ceremony, and best of all—it’s free.
Afternoon: Ximending Vibes Next, head to Ximending. It’s the "Harajuku of Taipei." Check out the Red House, wander through Graffiti Lane, and visit the Taipei Tianhou Temple. For a quirky lunch, try the Modern Toilet Restaurant (yes, you sit on toilets and eat out of mini bowls—it’s a classic Taipei experience!).
Golden Hour: Simple Kaffa at Taipei 101 This was a highlight. We booked a spot at Simple Kaffa Sola on the 88th floor of Taipei 101.
Pro Tip: To get there, enter through the Xinyi Door of the Taipei 101 office building. The reception desk is on the left; they’ll guide you to the elevators for the 88th floor. The views at sunset are unbeatable.
Evening: Longshan Temple & Night Markets Visit Longshan Temple around 5:00 PM to see the evening prayers. Afterward, walk through The Herb Lane for some old-school Taipei atmosphere, then grab dinner at PIZZAROUND (their evening dough is fantastic) before hitting the Ximending Night Market.
Day 2: Nature Escapes & Birthday Celebrations
We used Klook to book a day trip to Beitou and Yangmingshan. It’s a great way to see the volcanic landscapes and hot springs without worrying about transport.
In the evening, we celebrated Michael’s birthday. Taipei has a world-class bar scene, and we highly recommend:
SoShow Bar & Restaurant: Great vibes and creative drinks.
C PARK Re:Creation by A Train: Part of the famous "A Train" jazz bar group—perfect for a celebratory nightcap.
Day 3: Shifen Waterfalls & Shilin Night Market
Another day, another adventure. We took a Klook tour to Shifen, where we released lanterns and saw the "Niagara of Taiwan" (Shifen Waterfall).
When we got back to the city, we hit the big one: Shilin Night Market.
Must-try: The giant fried chicken steak at the entrance.
Explore: Don't forget the massive underground food court!
Day 4: Culture, Tea, and the Best View in the City
Morning: National Palace Museum This museum is home to nearly 700,000 artifacts. Even if you aren't a history buff, seeing the famous "Jadeite Cabbage" is a must.
Afternoon: Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) For the iconic photo of Taipei 101, you have to hike Elephant Mountain. It’s a steep 30-minute stair climb, but doing it just before sunset is worth every drop of sweat. Watching the city lights flicker on is magical.
Evening: Raohe Street Night Market After the hike, reward yourself at Raohe. It’s a bit more traditional than Shilin and famous for its Black Pepper Buns (you’ll see the line at the entrance—join it!).
Day 5: Pandas, Gondolas, and Old Streets
Morning: Taipei Zoo & Maokong Gondola The Taipei Zoo is incredible and super cheap (65 TWD). We went specifically for the pandas and koalas.
Note: You don't have to take the gondola to the zoo, but taking the Maokong Gondola up the mountain afterward is a must. It’s a 20-minute ride over tea plantations. Spend an hour or two wandering the tea houses at the top.
Afternoon: Dihua Street For a change of pace, head to Dihua Street. It’s one of Taipei's oldest streets, filled with Baroque architecture, traditional medicine shops, and dried goods. It’s the perfect place to buy unique souvenirs.
The Grand Finale: Din Tai Fung You cannot leave Taiwan without eating at Din Tai Fung. Go to the Xinsheng Branch for their world-famous Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings). Yes, there’s usually a wait, and yes, it is absolutely worth it.
Final Thoughts
Taiwan is one of those rare places that manages to be incredibly safe and welcoming, yet still feels endlessly surprising every time you turn a corner. Whether you’re staring out from the 88th floor of a glass skyscraper or leaning over a steaming night market stall in the humid air, five days is just enough to make you fall in love—and honestly, you’ll probably start scouting flights for your next trip before you even head to the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need to fill out a paper arrival card for Taiwan? No, as of late 2025, Taiwan has transitioned entirely to the Online Arrival Card (TWAC). All non-resident foreign travelers must complete this digital form within 72 hours before landing. Paper cards are no longer accepted at immigration. It is a free service, so be sure to use only the official government website.
How much is the entrance fee for the Taipei Zoo in 2026?
The entrance fee for international adult visitors is now 100 TWD (approximately $3 USD). You can pay with your EasyCard at the gate to skip the ticket vending machine lines. Note that the zoo also has an annual maintenance closure in late June, so check the dates if you are visiting during the summer.
What is the process for visiting Simple Kaffa Sola on the 88th floor of Taipei 101?
To access the cafe, you must enter through the Xinyi Office Entrance (not the mall). Head to the dedicated reception desk on the ground floor to check in for your reservation.
Reservations: Essential and can only be made online up to 7 days in advance.
Minimum Spend: Window seats require a minimum spend of 2,000 TWD per table, while non-window "Bay Sofas" start at 3,000 TWD.
Is the Maokong Gondola open every day?
The gondola is generally closed on Mondays for maintenance. Additionally, in 2026, there are two major scheduled maintenance periods: one in late April and another from June 8 to June 28. During these times, the gondola service is fully suspended, and you will need to use the shuttle buses to reach the Maokong tea area.
Can I use Apple Pay or Credit Cards at Night Markets?
While Taipei is increasingly cashless, night markets are still largely cash-driven. Some larger stalls now accept LINE Pay or JKOPay, but international credit cards and Apple Pay are rarely accepted at street stalls. Always carry enough TWD in cash for food, or ensure your EasyCard is topped up, as some vendors may accept it.
