G: Taiwan 3 Nights 4 Days: Your Ultimate Taipei Core Itinerary Unpacked! ##

Planning a short trip to a vibrant city can be exciting, but also a little overwhelming, right? Especially when you only have 3 nights and 4 days to soak it all in! You want to see the best, eat the tastiest, and experience the most, without feeling rushed or missing out.

Well, good news! Your search for the perfect Taipei itinerary ends here. This guide is crafted to help you maximize your 3N/4D adventure, covering all the essential spots, delicious eats, and unique experiences Taipei has to offer. Get ready for an unforgettable journey! 🇹🇼✨

Why Taipei for a Short Getaway? 🤔

Taipei is a fantastic destination for a quick trip for so many reasons:

• Compact & Easy to Navigate: The city’s excellent MTR (subway) system makes getting around a breeze. Most major attractions are just a few stops away! 🚇
• Foodie Paradise: From bustling night markets to Michelin-starred restaurants, Taipei is a culinary dream. You’ll be eating non-stop! 🍜🥟
• Rich Culture & History: Ancient temples, grand memorials, and world-class museums offer a glimpse into Taiwan’s fascinating past and present. 🏛️🖼️
• Vibrant & Safe: Taipei is known for its friendly locals, lively atmosphere, and incredibly safe environment. You can explore with peace of mind. 😊
• Budget-Friendly: Compared to many other East Asian capitals, Taipei offers great value for money, especially when it comes to food and accommodation. 💰

Before You Go: Essential Tips for a Smooth Trip ✈️

A little preparation goes a long way! Here’s what you need to know:

• Visa: Check if you need a visa for Taiwan based on your nationality. Many countries enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days.
• Currency: The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD or TWD). Exchange money at the airport or local banks. ATMs are widely available. 💵
• Connectivity: Stay connected with a local SIM card, an eSIM (super convenient!), or a portable Wi-Fi device. You’ll need it for navigation and sharing your amazing photos! 📶
• EasyCard (悠遊卡): This is your best friend for public transport! Purchase one at any MTR station or convenience store (7-Eleven, FamilyMart). Tap and go for MTR, buses, and even some shops. It saves you time and money. Seriously, get one! 🚌
• Accommodation: Consider staying in areas like Ximending (lively, central, great for entertainment), Taipei Main Station (transportation hub), or Xinyi District (modern, upscale, near Taipei 101).
• Best Time to Visit: Autumn (Sept-Nov) and Spring (March-May) offer pleasant temperatures. Summer (June-Aug) can be hot and humid, while winter (Dec-Feb) is cooler but rarely freezing. ☀️🌧️

Your Perfect Taipei 3 Nights 4 Days Itinerary! ✨

This itinerary balances iconic landmarks, cultural immersion, delicious food, and a touch of nature. Feel free to adjust based on your interests!

Day 1: Arrival, Iconic Landmarks & Night Market Delights! 🏙️🍜

• Morning/Afternoon: Arrival & Check-in

  • Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) or Songshan Airport (TSA).
  • From TPE: Take the Taoyuan Airport MRT Express (purple line) directly to Taipei Main Station (approx. 35-40 mins). If you’re staying near the airport or in another area, check connections.
  • From TSA: Take the MTR Brown Line (Wenhu Line) to your hotel. Much closer to the city center!
  • Get your EasyCard at the airport or MTR station if you haven’t already.
  • Check into your hotel and drop off your bags.

• Afternoon: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall 🏛️

  • Why Visit: This magnificent landmark is a symbol of Taiwan, dedicated to its former president. The grand architecture, vast Liberty Square, and the impressive changing of the guard ceremony are not to be missed.
  • What to Do: Explore the main hall, wander through Liberty Square, admire the National Concert Hall and National Theater, and try to catch the changing of the guard ceremony (every hour on the hour, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM).
  • How to Get There: MTR CKS Memorial Hall Station (Red Line/Green Line).
  • Estimated Time: 1.5 – 2 hours.

• Late Afternoon/Evening: Taipei 101 & Xinyi District 🛍️🌃

  • Why Visit: Once the world’s tallest building, Taipei 101 offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The surrounding Xinyi District is Taipei’s modern heart, filled with luxury shopping, trendy restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
  • What to Do: Head up to the Taipei 101 Observation Deck (buy tickets in advance online for shorter queues!) for stunning sunset or night views. Afterwards, explore the upscale malls (Taipei 101 Mall, Breeze Center, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi), enjoy street performers, or grab a fancy dinner.
  • How to Get There: MTR Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (Red Line).
  • Estimated Time: 2 – 3 hours (including observation deck).

• Dinner: Raohe Street Night Market 🍢🥟

  • Why Visit: A fantastic, traditional night market known for its delicious food, lively atmosphere, and iconic entrance arch. It’s often less overwhelming than Shilin but just as tasty.
  • What to Eat: Fuzhou Pepper Buns (胡椒餅 – a must-try!), Oyster Omelets, Grilled Squid, Spicy Stinky Tofu (if you’re brave!), various skewers, and of course, Bubble Tea! 🥤
  • How to Get There: MTR Songshan Station (Green Line), Exit 5. The market entrance is right next to the Ciyou Temple.
  • Estimated Time: 1.5 – 2 hours.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion & Urban Energy! 🖼️🎭

• Morning: National Palace Museum 🖼️

  • Why Visit: Home to one of the world’s largest and finest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts and artworks, spanning thousands of years. A true treasure trove!
  • What to See: Key exhibits include the Jadeite Cabbage, Meat-shaped Stone, and Mao Gong Ding. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours, or more if you’re a history buff.
  • How to Get There: MTR Shilin Station (Red Line), then take a short bus ride (R30, 255, 304, 815, M1, S18, S19) to the museum entrance.
  • Estimated Time: 2.5 – 3.5 hours.

• Lunch: Yongkang Street 🍜☕

  • Why Visit: A charming street famous for its trendy cafes, unique boutiques, and, most importantly, some of Taipei’s most beloved eateries.
  • What to Eat: This is where you’ll find the original Din Tai Fung (prepare for a wait, but it’s worth it for their Xiao Long Bao!), King Mango Ice (for refreshing shaved ice), and numerous other local Taiwanese noodle shops and tea houses.
  • How to Get There: MTR Dongmen Station (Red Line/Orange Line), Exit 5.
  • Estimated Time: 1 – 1.5 hours.

• Afternoon: Longshan Temple & Bopiliao Historical Block 🧘‍♀️🚶‍♀️

  • Why Visit: Longshan Temple is one of Taipei’s oldest and most beautiful temples, a vibrant spiritual center. Right next door, Bopiliao offers a glimpse into Taipei’s past with its well-preserved Qing Dynasty street.
  • What to Do: Observe locals worshipping at Longshan Temple, admire its intricate carvings and traditional architecture. Then, stroll through Bopiliao Historical Block, a photogenic area with red-brick buildings, art installations, and small shops.
  • How to Get There: MTR Longshan Temple Station (Blue Line), Exit 1.
  • Estimated Time: 1.5 – 2 hours.

• Evening: Ximending Youth Shopping District 🛍️🎶

  • Why Visit: Often called the “Harajuku of Taipei,” Ximending is a bustling pedestrian area packed with fashion boutiques, street performers, cinemas, karaoke bars, and a huge variety of food stalls and restaurants.
  • What to Do: Shop for trendy clothes and souvenirs, catch a street performance, watch a movie, or just soak in the lively atmosphere.
  • Dinner: Explore the endless food options here! Try Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle (阿宗麵線), Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken, or any of the countless bubble tea shops and casual eateries.
  • How to Get There: MTR Ximen Station (Blue Line/Green Line), Exit 6.
  • Estimated Time: 2.5 – 3 hours (or more if you love shopping!).

Day 3: Nature, Panoramic Views & The Ultimate Night Market! ⛰️🥳

• Morning Option 1: Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) ⛰️🚶‍♀️

  • Why Visit: For the most iconic panoramic views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. It’s a relatively short but steep hike that’s incredibly rewarding.
  • What to Do: Hike up the well-maintained steps to various viewpoints. The “Six Giant Rocks” is a popular photo spot. Go early to avoid crowds and heat!
  • How to Get There: MTR Xiangshan Station (Red Line), Exit 2. Follow signs for the Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail.
  • Estimated Time: 1.5 – 2 hours (round trip hike + photos).

• Morning Option 2: Maokong Gondola & Tea Plantations 🚠🍃

  • Why Visit: A more relaxed morning option, perfect for nature lovers and tea enthusiasts. Enjoy scenic gondola rides over lush tea plantations and beautiful views.
  • What to Do: Take the crystal cabin (glass floor!) gondola up to Maokong. Explore tea houses, sample local Oolong tea, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. You can also visit the Taipei Zoo at the base of the gondola if you have extra time.
  • How to Get There: MTR Taipei Zoo Station (Brown Line), then walk to the Maokong Gondola entrance.
  • Estimated Time: 2.5 – 3.5 hours.

• Lunch: Local Eatery or Return to City 🍚🍲

  • If Maokong, enjoy lunch at a tea house. If Elephant Mountain, head back to a nearby MTR station and find a local spot. Consider the Xinyi Anhe area for more casual dining options.

• Afternoon: Huashan 1914 Creative Park 🎨🎭

  • Why Visit: A former winery and brewery transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. It’s full of art exhibitions, independent shops, cafes, and often hosts live performances and markets.
  • What to Do: Wander through the charming brick buildings, browse unique handmade goods, grab a coffee, or just relax in the green spaces.
  • How to Get There: MTR Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station (Blue Line/Orange Line), Exit 1 or 6.
  • Estimated Time: 1.5 – 2 hours.

• Dinner: Shilin Night Market 🥳🦐

  • Why Visit: The biggest and most famous night market in Taipei! It’s a bustling labyrinth of food stalls, carnival games, and shops selling everything from clothes to electronics. A true sensory overload in the best way!
  • What to Eat: The variety is endless! Try Taiwanese Fried Chicken Steak (豪大大雞排), Large Sausage Wrapped in Small Sausage (大腸包小腸), Oyster Vermicelli, and every kind of fruit and dessert imaginable. Don’t be afraid to try new things!
  • How to Get There: MTR Jiantan Station (Red Line), Exit 1. Cross the street and follow the crowds.
  • Estimated Time: 2 – 3 hours.

Day 4: Last Bites, Souvenirs & Departure 🎁✈️

• Morning: Traditional Taiwanese Breakfast & Last-Minute Shopping 🍳🥛

  • Why Visit: Experience a quintessential Taiwanese breakfast like a local! Then grab some last-minute souvenirs.
  • What to Eat: Head to a local breakfast shop (永和豆漿大王 – Yonghe Soy Milk King, or similar) for warm soy milk, youtiao (fried dough stick), dan bing (egg pancake roll), or fan tuan (rice ball).
  • Shopping: For unique and traditional souvenirs, consider Dihua Street (迪化街) for dried goods, teas, and traditional medicines. For more modern or quick buys, the underground malls around Taipei Main Station (Taipei City Mall, Taipei Underground Street) are convenient, or revisit Ximending.
  • How to Get There: Dihua Street (MTR Daqiaotou Station, Orange Line, Exit 1A). Taipei Main Station (MTR Taipei Main Station).
  • Estimated Time: 2 – 3 hours (breakfast + shopping).

• Afternoon: Depart from Taipei 👋

  • Depending on your flight schedule, head back to Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) or Songshan Airport (TSA) using the efficient MTR or airport express.
  • Make sure you arrive well in advance for your flight!

Beyond the Itinerary: Essential Taipei Tips & Delights! 💡

• Foodie Must-Tries (Beyond Night Markets):
  • Beef Noodles (牛肉麵): A hearty, flavorful Taiwanese staple.
  • Braised Pork Rice (滷肉飯): Simple, comforting, and delicious.
  • Gua Bao (割包): Taiwanese “hamburger” with braised pork belly.
  • Pineapple Cakes (鳳梨酥): The ultimate Taiwanese souvenir! 🍍
  • Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶): Duh! Try different variations. 🧋
• Transportation Hacks:
  • MTR is King: It’s clean, efficient, and well-connected. Don’t be afraid to use it.
  • Google Maps: Your best friend for navigation and MTR routes.
  • Taxis/Uber: Available and relatively inexpensive for late-night returns or when you’re tired.
• Language: While Mandarin is the official language, many people in tourist areas and younger generations speak some English. Learning a few basic phrases like “謝謝” (xièxie – thank you) and “你好” (nǐhǎo – hello) goes a long way!
• Safety: Taipei is incredibly safe, even at night. However, always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
• Stay Hydrated: Especially in summer, carry a water bottle. Convenience stores are everywhere to refill or buy drinks.
• Respect Local Customs: When visiting temples, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and be respectful of worshippers.
• Embrace the Random! Sometimes the best memories are made by simply wandering off the beaten path and discovering hidden gems. Don’t be afraid to explore!

Your Taipei Adventure Awaits! ❤️

Taipei in 3 nights and 4 days is an absolute whirlwind of incredible experiences. From the towering heights of Taipei 101 to the spiritual serenity of Longshan Temple, and from the sizzling delights of Shilin Night Market to the artistic vibes of Huashan Creative Park, you’re in for a treat.

This itinerary is designed to give you a comprehensive taste of the city’s heart and soul. Pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to fall in love with the vibrant charm of Taipei! Enjoy your trip! Safe travels! ✨🇹🇼