One Week in Taiwan Travel Itinerary
Taiwan’s application for “Asian destination everyone raves about” was probably lost in the mail because there is no plausible reason for it to be so overlooked by travelers. That’s where this Taiwan travel Itinerary comes in! Spending 1 week in Taiwan might not be enough to explore the entire island, but it will give you just enough to fall head over heels for it.
This itinerary for Taiwan is packed with must-visit city attractions, fairytale-like villages, food that will blow your mind, and natural wonders you had no idea Taiwan had in store for you, all wrapped up with helpful tips to ensure you make the most of your stay. Grab yourself a bubble tea, and let’s get going!
Taiwan Arrival Checklist
The first step of your 1 week Taiwan itinerary is arriving on the island and setting yourself up for success with some basics that will make your time here much easier:
📲 Pick up the unlimited data Taiwan SIM card* you purchased online before your arrival – the best value-for-money option for staying connected in Taiwan.
🚊 Pick up the preloaded Easycard (transportation pass)* you ordered online – this will be your best friend during your 7 days in Taiwan for getting around the island.
🌎 Withdraw money using your international fee-free card. We use Wise* worldwide, and it never fails us. If you didn’t get a Wise card in time for your trip, exchange currency or withdraw cash with your regular card – choose whichever option has the lowest fees and costs in your case.
🚖 Head to your hotel! Chances are you landed at Taoyuan Airport in Taipei, so your best options for reaching the city center are:
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Taoyuan Airport MRT* – takes you to Taipei Main Station, where you can transfer to another MRT line.
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Private transfer* or Taxi.
Using the MRT to get from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei city center is extremely easy and the most affordable option. After exiting the immigration area, look for signs for the “MRT”. If you already have your Easycard, you can use it for this ride, which costs NT$150 (4.42€). You will only need to swipe the card at the exit station.
7 Days Taiwan Itinerary
A 1 week Taiwan itinerary is the perfect introduction to this stunning island and all it has to offer. While you won’t be able to explore the entire island in such a short time, you also won’t have to limit yourself to Taipei for all 7 days in Taiwan. Thanks to its small size and efficient transportation network, you can go from bustling cities to dramatic coastlines, and even to stunning mountains, waterfalls, and gorges – all in the span of a single day. During this Taiwan travel itinerary, you will be blown away by the island’s diversity, natural beauty, and charm.
Taiwan Itinerary Day 1 & 2: Taipei
When putting together your itinerary for Taiwan, we suggest starting with the city where you land – most likely Taipei – instead of immediately getting into a car to drive cross-country. This way, you will have time to settle in, fully enjoy your first stop, and shake off any lingering jet lag.
Taipei Day 1
Enjoy a walk down Taipei’s memory lane with a visit to Dihua Street (Taipei’s oldest street) and Longshan Temple (one of Taipei’s oldest and most famous temples). The temple is equally beautiful during the day and at night – it stays open until 9:45 PM, and its lanterns light up beautifully at sunset.
After these nostalgic visits, head to the bright and lively Ximending neighborhood. Shopping enthusiasts will find their playground here, while those looking for a more cultural experience can explore the Red House, visit Tianhou Temple, and snap a quick selfie on Rainbow Road.
Ximending has a vibe reminiscent of Seoul’s Myeongdong but with its own unique flair. The neighborhood truly comes to life on weekend nights, when its night market reigns supreme, offering a variety of street food delights.
Talking about night markets: Taiwan’s food scene is a dream!
Apart from savoring an array of xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung, trying a pepper cake at Fuzhou Ancestral Pepper Cake, being in wow with the humble perfection of the beef noodles served at Liao Jia Beef Noodle Restaurant, and drinking amazing bubble tea everywhere, adding some night market visits to your one week Taiwan itinerary is a must!
From the tasty treats at Raohe Street Night Market to the quirky fair vibes at the popular Shilin Market, you will be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of amazing street food options.
The best tip we can give you is to dive into the local gastronomy from the start by joining a food tour in Taipei. It is such a fun (and delicious) experience – the perfect first step toward discovering new flavors while in Taiwan!
Where to Stay in Taipei
The area you explored today, between Dihua Street and Ximending, is where we recommend finding accommodation while in Taipei. The transportation options are fantastic, it is within walking distance of amazing restaurants and bars, and the atmosphere is unbeatable.
Here are our recommended hotels in Taipei:
Taipei Day 2
Day two of your 7 days in Taiwan starts with a short hike to Elephant Mountain, which offers the best views of the city, with Taipei 101 (Taiwan’s tallest building) as its centerpiece. The first viewpoint is only about a 10-15 minute walk from the starting point, marked as “Xiangshan Trail” on Google Maps. There are several viewpoints to choose from depending on your energy level. The path consists mostly of stone steps, making it a fairly easy and straightforward hike – though I still sweated like I had run a marathon. The humidity is a killer!
This hike is amazing either to start your day, or at sunset (expect more crowds then). Not only are these the best times to enjoy the skyline with the most stunning colors, but they also help you avoid the midday heat. Be sure to spray some mosquito repellent before you start, and don't forget to bring a water bottle.
Now that you have seen Taipei 101 from afar, it is time to explore it from the inside. This is an excellent alternative for amazing city views if you decide not to hike Elephant Mountain, but also worth visiting for its world-class architecture. Taipei 101 held the title of the tallest building in the world for six years, until Dubai's Burj Khalifa claimed the crown, and its mind-blowing engineering is truly something to admire. Did you know the building contains a 660-ton sphere that stabilizes it during earthquakes and typhoons?
That said, if you ask Eneas, what really blew his mind about Taipei 101 is that it boasts the fastest elevators in the world, reaching speeds of 60.6 km/h. Have to admit it is pretty impressive!
The next step on your Taiwan travel itinerary is to explore one of Taipei’s creative parks, such as Huashan 1914 or Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. These former industrial spaces – Songshan was a tobacco factory, and Huashan a winery – have been transformed into vibrant cultural hubs packed with quirky exhibitions, pop-up markets, and fun shops.
Speaking of creativity, did you know that themed 7-Eleven shops are scattered around Taiwan? Featuring themes like Ultraman, Hello Kitty, Bugcat Capoo, and Coca-Cola, these unique stores are worth keeping an eye out for during your 7 day Taiwan itinerary. Our favorite is the Snoopy-themed shop near Huashan 1914. Tip: Go downstairs!
Before the day ends, make sure to visit the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial, which honors Taiwan's former leader. Located alongside the beautiful Liberty Arch and the National Concert and Theatre Hall, this place offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s past while showcasing stunning architecture. If you time it right, you can also catch the changing of the guard, which happens every hour on the hour from 9 am to 5 pm in the boulevard in front of the memorial building. While simple, it’s a charming ceremony worth watching if you’re already there.
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Taiwan Itinerary Day 3: New Taipei City
Day three of your 1 week Taiwan itinerary will be a day trip from Taipei to explore the region of New Taipei City, home to the iconic towns of Jiufen and Shifen. These are easily accessible by public transport, car, or tour*, with tours being the most hassle-free option.
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Jiufen
The hillside town of Jiufen is the star of New Taipei City, and if you can only pick one town to visit, make it this one. However, you won’t be the only one. Strolling down lantern-lit alleyways, and endless tea houses will make you feel like you have been transported to the movie Spirited Away. While Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli have debunked the myth that Jiufen inspired the film, well...who caaaaares? It is beautiful, and it just feels right.
Pick the tea house with the best view and enjoy a cup of tea. We had the tea set at A-Mei Teahouse, which cost us NT$300 (8.80€) per person. Or, stroll down the old street, where arms stretch from inside each shop to offer you tea, cookies, and freshly fried squid to taste.
We are usually quite hard to get, but a young man almost shoved a piece of fried squid in our mouths, and WOW – delicious! We played it cool, walked two solid steps, then turned around to buy some. The name of the place was Xiang Chu You.
Shifen
A 30-40 minute drive from Jiufen takes us to the next stop on our Taiwan itinerary, the small town of Shifen. It is best known for its old railway line, where visitors release sky lanterns with their hopes and dreams, and the stunning Shifen Waterfall, the broadest waterfall in Taiwan.
Shifen Waterfall is within walking distance of the old street, but many people rather skip the 30 minute stroll and opt for a bicycle or electric scooter, both available for rental in town. Either walking or on wheels, you are bound to enjoy the sight.
While public transport can get you to Jiufen or Shifen, planning a full-day trip with multiple stops is easier by car or tour. Stick to your top picks if you are using public transportation.
Click to learn more and book the top recommended tours to Jiufen & Shifen:
While Jiufen and Shifen are the most common stops of New Taipei City on a Taiwan travel itinerary, this region offers plenty of other attractions. Depending on your preferences, time, and, more importantly, your transportation method, consider visiting Yehliu Geopark, Houtong Cat Village (which, although a bit worn out, will still delight cat lovers), or Keelung Miaokou Night Market.
Taiwan Itinerary Day 4: Sun Moon Lake
It is time to add a nature getaway to this one week Taiwan itinerary with a visit to Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan’s largest natural freshwater lake. The area is home to the Thao people, one of Taiwan's indigenous groups, and the bike paths around Sun Moon Lake are often ranked among the most scenic in the world. You can rent bicycles of all types at the village.
We didn’t get the chance to ride a bike, as it was raining quite a bit, so we opted for the boat alternative – this is the one we took*. The views from the boat are lovely, and the captain seems to say some funny stuff, but as the only non-Mandarin speakers on the boat, we were not in on the joke. Considering the lack of buses going around the lake, this is a solid shortcut.
Hike up to the peaceful Cien Pagoda, be mesmerized by the beauty and size of Wenwu Temple (if you can only pick a temple to visit here, make it this one), try the famous Ah Po Tea Eggs (cracked eggs soaked in a marinade infused with tea, spices, and soy sauce), or take a stroll through Ita Thao village, which is also perfect for shopping or family fun. You can rent a pedal boat or visit the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village theme park.
For the best views of the lake, choose either a visit to Cien Pagoda (even if you drive up, you will need to hike the last 15 minutes, but the stairs are well-maintained) or enjoy a ropeway round-trip* from Ita Thao.
How to Get to Sun Moon Lake
Getting to Sun Moon Lake by public transportation is possible from the city of Taichung, without having to spend the night, but since we are working with a 1 week Taiwan itinerary, this option is not feasible, as it would require adding a full day in Taichung. With the length of this Taiwan travel itinerary in mind, your two alternatives are: renting a car* and spending the night near the lake (about a 3-hour drive from Taipei) or joining a day tour from Taipei, such as:
If you decide to rent a car and stay the night by the lake, we recommend Sun Moon Lake Blue Sky Bay B&B* as a great place to stay.
Taichung is the third largest city in Taiwan. If you can add an extra day to your trip and decide to use Taichung as a base to explore Sun Moon Lake, make sure to also visit Rainbow Village, have ice cream at Miyahara, and enjoy one of its many awesome weekend markets.
Taiwan Itinerary Day 5: Kaohsiung
The final days of your one week Taiwan itinerary will be spent in the city of Kaohsiung. So, first things first: get to Kaohsiung! You can continue driving down the west coast, or take a bus* or train from Taipei*.
We traveled between cities using the High-Speed Rail and highly recommend it. The train is fast, comfortable, and, with special deals for foreigners, the prices are amazing – click here to get your ticket with this deal!* Just note that Kaohsiung’s high-speed train station is not in the city center, but convenient connections are available without having to leave the terminal.
Kaohsiung is a vibrant harbor city, home to one of the largest ports in the world and some of the kindest and most welcoming people we encountered. Friendly smiles, curiosity about our nationality, and warm “Welcome to Taiwan” greetings were how we were received while exploring our first stop: the streets of WeiWu Mi Mi Village, a vibrant hub of street art where people live among the most colorful murals you have ever seen.
Explore iconic landmarks like the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, and Sanfong Temple – built over 300 years ago and moved to its current location brick by brick about 40 years ago. Enjoy a stroll down Love River, or better yet, take a gondola ride and let the crew serenade you as the sun sets – no, you don’t need to go to Venice for this anymore.
Discover why Kaohsiung is so loved by foodies with a trip to Ruifeng Night Market. And why not get there by catching the metro at Formosa Boulevard, so you can admire the Dome of Light (the world's largest domed underground station, with an impressive 660 square meters and 4,500 pieces of colored glass)?
If time allows, add a visit to the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum to your Kaohsiung itinerary. Just a 40 minute drive from the city, it is one of Asia’s largest Buddhist centers. Not only is it an impressive visit, but it is also very informative, as monks are happy to answer all your questions.
Where to Stay in Kaohsiung
While in Kaohsiung, staying near the Formosa Boulevard station will make your life super easy – not only for the metro lines that stop here, which are the ones you will use most often, but also because it is an area packed with great restaurants, night markets, and historic sights within walking distance. We stayed at JÒHO Hotel*, and if we return we will probably stay again – comfy, spacious room, free access to the lounge (which serves food and drinks all day), and within walking distance of two of the most important stations in the city.
Here are our recommended hotels in Kaohsiung:
Taiwan Itinerary Day 6: Alishan
We personally don’t like to leave full-day trips for the last day in a country, so let’s take a break from exploring Kaohsiung and let’s spend the day in Alishan.
Alishan is one of those places that feels like stepping into a dream. Nestled in Taiwan’s central mountains, it is famous for its jaw-dropping sunrises, oolong tea plantations, fairytale-like forest, and the most magical old school train ride – the Alishan Forest Railway.
Alishan is a 2h30min drive from Kaohsiung. If you're following this one week Taiwan itinerary by car, you can easily swap this with Day 5, making a stop on your way down to Kaohsiung. This area doesn’t have many accommodations, but if you decide to spend the night, take a look at Alishan B&B YunMinGi*. Alternatively, we suggest joining this tour from Kaohsiung*.
Taroko National Park
Taiwan’s nature is one of its biggest treasures, offering lush mountains, serene beaches, and breathtaking national parks that are a paradise for outdoor lovers. However, with only 7 days in Taiwan, there is only so much you can visit.
Taroko National Park is one of those must-see natural wonders, which we didn’t get the chance to explore as most areas are temporarily closed due to the damage caused by the April 2024 earthquake. These areas will reopen in phases, but no estimated final date is available. Be sure to check the national park’s website for the latest travel tips and safety information.
If you get the chance to add Taroko National Park to your Taiwan travel itinerary, but remain limited to a week, we recommend choosing between this visit and Alishan. Since Taroko is in the north, you can adjust your itinerary by shifting it down a day and scheduling the visit right after your time in Taipei.
Taiwan Itinerary Day 7: Kaohsiung & Cijin Island
Ready to make the most of the last day of your Taiwan travel itinerary? You still haven’t seen all Kaohsiung has to offer, so head towards Pier 2 Art Center, a former warehouse district that is now a creative hub, featuring eclectic murals, art installations, and even a whimsical tiny train that you can actually ride over the tracks that once served the district's industrial past.
If the train ride has made you peckish, pay the Sunny Hills shop at Pier 2 a visit. Here, you can try the beloved Taiwanese treat: pineapple cake. The best part? Upon arrival at Sunny Hills, they will offer you a cup of tea or coffee, along with one of their cakes or cookies, for free! You don’t even need to buy anything from them…but trust us, you will!
Next, it is time for a short ferry ride to our next stop: Cijin Island. Catch the ferry from one of these piers:
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Gushan Ferry Pier: 12 minute trip on the public ferry, costing NT$30 (0.88€).
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KW2 Port (part of Pier 2 Art Center): For some reason, this is the ferry Google Maps will send you to. This is the alternative for tourists. The boat usually has themed designs, it only runs from 1.15pm to 4.30pm, and costs NT$80 (2.40€).
You can use your Easycard to ride any of the ferries.
It’s amazing how quickly the vibe shifts in Cijin – suddenly, you are in a beach village reminiscent of southern Portugal or Spain, with fresh seafood, pedal cars for rent, and a long beach promenade. Start with a visit to Tinamou Temple, one of Taiwan’s oldest temples honoring Mazu, the sea goddess. Then, choose between surfing lessons, indulging in top-notch seafood, or exploring beachside art like the giant golden shell and the Instagram-famous Rainbow Church (we didn’t get the hype, but the shell, which nobody seemed to care about, was cool!).
Wrap up your day with the best view of Cijin and Kaohsiung in the distance, from Cihou Fort or the Kaohsiung Lighthouse, both with free entrance and great spots for sunset.
Now that our Taiwan travel itinerary has come to an end, you can either fly home from Kaohsiung International Airport, or jump back on the high speed train to get to Taipei*.
Taiwan Travel Itinerary FAQ
Do I need a visa to visit Taiwan?
Traveling to Taiwan is fairly easy for citizens of over 60 visa-exempt countries, most of whom are allowed to stay for up to 90 days. These countries include most European countries, USA, Canada, Australia, and others. For other nationalities or stays longer than the granted visa-free period, you will need to apply for a visa before your arrival.
Rules and regulations change from time to time, so make sure to double check the requirements for your particular case before planning your trip to Taiwan.
Is 1 week in Taiwan enough?
As we mentioned before, while a 1 week Taiwan itinerary will give you a nice overall first impression of what the island has to offer, it won’t be enough to explore it fully. Two to three weeks would be ideal for a well rounded-trip, including hidden gems, adventure trekkings, and allowing for a slower exploration pace, and more spontaneous plans.
What should I add to my Taiwan itinerary if I have more than one week?
That will depend a bit on the kind of traveler you are – whether you feel compelled to keep exploring cities, hike one of Taiwan’s stunning mountains, or relax by a waterfall. That being said, some places worth considering are Taichung, Tainan, Kenting, and Yilan. If you are looking to add more day trips near Taipei, Teapot Mountain and Yangmingshan National Park offer lovely trails.
What is the best time of year to visit Taiwan?
Generally speaking, the best time to visit Taiwan is during Autumn (October-December) and Spring (March- May). Autumn offers mild weather, clear skies, and minimal typhoons, while Spring features beautiful blooming landscapes, though occasional rain.
Our flights out of Taiwan got canceled due to bad weather, and that is no rare occurrence. Make sure to have travel insurance that covers unexpected incidents. Get a discount on your Heymondo travel insurance here*.
Planning Time
If you are ready to start planning your next trip, here you have all the usefull links you need to make it happen! By using them you are supporting our work as we might get a small fee from it. But hey! You pay the same (or might even get a discount), so is a win-win situation!
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