5D4N Taipei Holiday Itinerary for 1st Timer

Have you been to Taipei, Taiwan?

If you are planning your first trip to Taipei, we got you.

This is our 5 Days 4 Nights Itineary for Taipei. There are plenty of places and cities to explore in Taiwan, but for this trip, we decided to stick to Taipei and the surrounding area to truly enjoy the sights and sounds of the city. 

Here we go!

Day 1: Ximending, Wafupu, Roahe Night Market

Arrival

Our flight to Taipei was on Scoot. We took the morning flight at 6 a.m. Since the flight time was around 3.5 hours, it was relatively smooth.

When we landed, we headed straight to the Taiwan Taiwan Lucky Land booth just outside the Arrival hall. It is a lucky draw for NTD5000 credit or accommodation vouchers. You have to prebook this lucky draw one day before arrival. Among the seven of us, one actually won!

After that, we hopped onto a prebooked car on Klook. Since we are in a group of 7, it is much cheaper to prebook an airport transfer than other alternatives like taxis or trains. 

Prebook Airport Transfer from Klook

Hotel: Taipei Garden Hotel - Big Rooms, Good Location
Nearest Metro: Xiaonanmeng Station

Our hotel was a 10-minute walk from Ximenting. While it is not in the heart of Ximenting, it has big and comfortable rooms available at decent prices. Compared to the smaller accommodation in Ximenting, we were good with the distance. 

The nearest Metro is XiaoNanMeng, an easy walk of less than 5 minutes. The rooms were clean and of decent size.

Book Taipei Garden Hotel from Booking.com

Ximending - Taiwanese Style Steakhouse, Cheap and Good
Nearest Metro: Ximending Station

The first stop is Ximending Steakhouse. In Taipei, you can find these affordable Steakhouses that sell a set of Steaks for as low as TWD 300 (Approximately SGD12). The set meal consists of sirloin steak, unlimited drinks, soup, bread, and ice cream. It's definitely value for money.

The Red House: For History Buffs

On our way back, we checked out The iconic Red House.

Wufenpu - Wholesale Market, Place for cheap clothes
Nearest Metro: Songshan

In the evening, we headed out to Wufenpu en route to Roahe Night Market, which is within 10 minutes' walking distance of each other.

While there were plenty of shops (mainly catering to women), we have yet to pick up anything here. 

Roahe Night Market - Street Food, Games and Shopping
Nearest Metro: Songshan

The next stop is Roahe Night Market. 

This is the most popular night market next to Shilin Night Market. It is smaller scale and spans over 1 main street. 

The impressive Songshan Ciyou Temple is at the entrance, a prominent landmark next to Roahe Night Market.

Night markets are popular for their street food, carnival games, shopping and UFO catchers. 

At Roahe Night Market, the other attraction to see would be the Rainbow Bridge.

Check out what you can do at Roahe Night Market in this post.

Day 2: Tamsui Old Market, Fort San Domingo, Shilin Night Market

Tamsui Old Market - Street food and shop
Nearest Metro: TAnsui

For day 2, we headed out to Tamsui Old Market 

Getting to Tamsui Old Market was an easy metro ride from our hotel. We took the train from Xiaonanmeng to Taipei, changing to the Tamsui-Xinyi Line, which stops just steps from the Old Market.

It was a weekday, so it was relatively quiet. We browsed the souvenir shops and played some UFO games on our way to Fort San Domingo. 

Having been here 4 years ago, this street has retained its character.

Stop by the Tamsui Chruch and the historical Hobe Mackay Hospital while there.

You can book a tour through Klook should you wish to travel in a private group.

Fort San Domingo, Step back into the past
Nearest Metro: Tamsui

This time, we added Fort San Domingo, a historical fortress built by the Spanish Empire. 

It is a relatively small fort, but it is worth a visit if you want to see a part of Taipei's history preserved for today's visitors.

If you are a history buff, we recommend visiting the National Palace Museum en route to your next destination. We skipped it for this trip due to the lack of time.

Shilin Night Market - Street Food, Carnival Games
Nearest Metro: Jaintan Station

On the way back, there is another night market. 

The next destination is Shilin Night Market, the biggest Night Market in Taipei. Contrary to what the Metro may indicate, the nearest Metro would be Jaintan Station instead of Shilin Station.

This night market is famous for street food. 

Among them will be the Fried Chicken.

There is also an extensive section on carnival games.  Along the way are the usual claw machines and clothes shops.

While you are there, do check out the historical Shilin Cixian Temple.

For a modern twist, the 3D screen in the middle of Shilin Market should entertain you.

Day 3: Day Trip to Shifen, Juifeng, Houtong Cat Village. HuaXin Street Market, Longshan Temple

On day 3, we headed out of Taipei to Shifen and Juifen. While you could join the tours on Klook for a day trip, we decided to get a driver and have our own personal itinerary. This way, we could spend more time in the individual places.

Shifen - Sky Lanterns

The first stop was Shifen-Sky Lanterns. There was less of a crowd since we were there at a different time from the usual tour groups.

There are stores for you to browse along the railway track.

You have to try the famed stuffed chicken wings and the Popiah ice cream when you are there.

You could also venture out more to see the imposing Jingan Hanging Bridge.

Setting off the Sky Lantern according to your wishes is a must-do. 

Most of the shops retail for similar prices. If you prefer, you can also pre-book your lanterns from Klook.

Shifen Waterfall

Next, head to Shifen Waterfall, less than 10 minutes away by car. Technically, you could walk there, but a drive would be better if you have private transport.

There are also shops along the way for you to browse.

Houtong Cat Village - For Cat Lovers

Our next stop was Houtong Cat Village. Unfortunately, it was raining cats and dogs, so we had to cut our time short.

During our short visit, a few cats were around the village, and they were pretty tame and unafraid of us.

There is also a mini museum there . To explore more, cross the overhead bridge to the Cat Village for some shops and restaurants.

Juifeng- Ah Mei Tea House

Our last stop is Juifeng.

Our last trip to Juifeng was rather rushed. We had only 30 minutes at Ah Mei Tea House the last time.

We had triple more time to enjoy our tea session at Ah Mei Tea House this time.

We also explored the shops and stopped for the famous Grandma Lai's Taro Balls.

If you prefer to have everything arranged for you,  book a group tour with a similar experience from Klook. The main benefit is that you do not have to plan the logistics. This should be better if you travel in smaller groups of less than 4 pax.

Book the Shifen/Juifen day tour with Houtong Cat Village from Klook.

Book the Shifen/Juifen day tour with Yehliu Park from Klook

Book Driver for Day Trip from Klook

Time flies when we are having fun. Soon, it's time to head back to Taipei.

Hauxi Street Night Market, Taste of Taiwan
Nearest Metro: Longshan Temple

Since we had our own driver, we could dictate our drop-off point, and the friendly driver happily obliged. Our last stop for the day was Hauxi Street Night Market, which is within walking distance from our hotel. If you plan a trip here, you can also take the Metro to Longshan Temple Station.

We stopped by the Snake Alley to taste traditional Taiwanese dishes. 

Initially, we wanted to try Wang's Broth, but it was close. We chose the store next to it (Ah Mei Braised Pork). This store has no Google reviews, but the food was delicious and cheap!

Wuzho Street Night Market

After a hearty meal, we ventured to Longshan Temple and stumbled upon Wuzhou Street / Guangzhou Street Night Market on the way to the Temple. 

It was less touristy than Shilin or Roahe Market and more of a local night market. Traditional Taiwanese shops lined both sides of the road. This is the place to go if you want a more localised experience. 

Longshan Temple
Nearest Metro: Longshan Temple

Do stop by Longshan Temple when you are here.

Carrefour, Stock up on Taiwan Snacks
Nearest Metro: Longshan Temple

The last stop is the 24-hour carrefour to stock up on Taiwanese Snacks to bring back home.

Popular Taiwanese snacks here, from pineapple cakes to sun biscuits to Mochi. You can even get the famous Chia Te Pineapple cakes here.

Day 4: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial, Starberry, Taipei Main Sation, Cifeng Street, Fufu Cafe

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Must see in Taipei
Nearest Metro: Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Started off the morning with a visit to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall.

If this is your first visit to Taipei, you must visit CKS Memorial. There are 2 main activities you can partake in. 

The first is the changing of guards, and the second is the museum documenting Chiang Kai-Shek's life. 

Starbearry: Taipei's largest Claw Machine Shop
Nearest Metro: Taipei Main Station

The next stop is at Taipei's largest Claw Machine Shop - Starbearry, near Taipei Station. 

Claw Machines are synomous with Taipei. You can find them at night markets, underground shops in substations and even along old streets.

 At Starbearry, you can find prizes like plush toys and food items. With hundreds of claw machines, you can easily spend hours here. Each catch is at TWD 10, around 40 cents per try.

Taipei Main Station - Underground Shops
Nearest Metro: Taipei Main Station

Next, we explored Taipei Main Station's underground shops. Since it was raining, this was the best place to explore. 

This maze is divided into four main shopping areas: the Zhongshan Metro Mall, Station Front Metro Mall, Taipei Station K Underground Mall, and the oldest and biggest stretch, the Taipei Main Station Underground Mall.

We only explored K Underground Mall and Front Metro Mall for the day and will be back for more.

Cifeng Street, Old and New
Nearest Metro: Zhongshan Station

Next is Cifeng Street, one of the upcoming old streets in Taipei. These streets used to be part of the automotive repair street.

There are still a handful of automotive shops there. However, fashion and cafe shops are popping up in the vicinity. This place is targeted more at older teens and young adults with its speciality shops like K-Pop and thrift shops.

FuFu Cat Cafe is perfect for cat lovers
Nearest Metro: Ximending

In the evening, it is back to Ximending with a visit to FuFu Cat Cafe. 

This is a very well-run cat cafe. The atmosphere is relaxing, and a dozen healthy cats move around in an air-conditioned room.

You also get to enjoy unlimited drinks while you are there. 

As for the cost, it will be dependent on the time you spend at the cafe. If you are a cat lover, this place is highly recommended.

Ximending Street Food

While you are in Ximending, there is a small street food section. However, the must-try foods are Ay-Chung Flour Rice Noodle and Xing Fu Tang Bubble Tea, famous for their craft brown sugar boba milk tea.

Wan Nian Building, Anime Paradise
Nearest Metro: Ximending

You must stop by Wan Nian Building if you are an anime fan. This seven-floor building sells Japanese anime figurines, manga books, hobby kits, and more. 

There is even an arcade on the top floor.

It's not your modern shopping mall, but a mall with old-school vibes. If you want to experience what shopping in Singapore was like in 2000 before the big malls were here, this place replicates that feeling.

Day 5: Elephant Mountain, Taipei 101, Taipei Main Station underground mall

Elephant Mountain - A morning trek
Nearest Station: Xiangshan

A trek up Elephant Mountain is the perfect way to cap a Taipei Holiday. It is time for some fresh air.

You will pass by a park before reaching the foot of the mountain.

From there, it is a 30-minute trek up.

There are two separate routes for viewing. One route gives you a bird's eye view of Taipei, known as the Fireworks viewing point, while the other would lead you to a boulder with a Taipei 101 view beyond it. 

If you want a panoramic view, take the Fireworks route. If you want a selfie with the bolder, the other route would be the one to pick. 

You could technically do both, but that would double the time and quadruple the energy. While the climb up was short, the number of steps can be challenging.

Taipei 101
Nearest Metro: Taipei 101 / World Trade Center

If you haven't visited Taipei 101, you can add this to the itinerary. It's just one metro stop away, or you can take a stroll there.

A must-do is to climb Taipei 101 to see the gigantic ball stabilising the building during earthquakes.

Taipei Main Station Underground Mall, More Shopping
Nearest Metro: Taipei Main Station

Our last stop was Taipei Main Station Underground Mall.

Before that, we checked out the modern Zhongshan Metro Mall.

If Zhongshang Metro Mall is a modern mall, Taipei Main Station Underground Mall is a step back into the past. This mall has three main regions: clothing, Anime, and Electronics.

Our main attractions will be the anime figurines, gashapon machines, and claw machines. 

Taipei Main Station Underground Mall has been described as a mini Akihabara of Taipei, and we can see why.

We have come to the end of the holiday. For first-timers, this 5-Day/4-Night Taipei itinerary will be helpful. Till the next country, 再见!

If you are looking for a trip beyond Taipei, here are some of the experiences we had in Taiwan

Itinerary

• Taipei and Taichung 1 Week Family Itineary
• Juifen- Shifen Tour with Klook
• Ah Mei Teahouse 
• 10 Things to Do in Taiching with Kids

Taiwan Hotels Reviews

• Silks Place Taroko
• Silks Place Tainan
• Silks Club Kaoshiung
• Well Springs By Silks, Yilan
• Regent Taipei