Taipei 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for Taipei: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
Ximending Walking District

A pedestrianised shopping and entertainment area with vintage shops, street food stalls, and red-brick buildings from the Japanese era. No entry fee but food costs money.

🕐 Shops open 11am to 10pm, streets busy until midnight

Free entry

💡 Try the fried chicken cutlet from the stall at the corner of Section 2, Wuchang Street—small queue, huge portion.

Hotels near Ximending Walking District →
Afternoon
Daan Forest Park

A 26-hectare urban park with a large pond, pavilions, and walking paths. Locals practice tai chi and play chess under the trees. Toilets and water fountains available.

🕐 24 hours, park closes at 10pm

Free entry

💡 Visit the ecological pond near the Xinyi Road entrance at dawn to see kingfishers and egrets.

Hotels near Daan Forest Park →
Evening
Where to eat

星巴克 · ££

西堤牛排 · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into Taipei

Morning
Longshan Temple

A lively 18th-century temple in Wanhua district. Smoke from hanging incense fills the main hall and worshippers pray with red wooden blocks.

🕐 6am to 10pm daily

💡 Arrive before 7am to see the morning rituals without crowds. Bring small change for coin offerings.

Midday
Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail

A 20-minute uphill concrete staircase through jungle to a viewing platform. Sweeping views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline.

🕐 24 hours, best before sunset

💡 Go at 4pm for golden light and avoid midday heat. Take the MRT to Xiangshan Station, then walk 10 minutes.

Evening
Dining tonight

韓國時間(即將開幕)

亨信酒棧

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
National Palace Museum

Houses the world's largest collection of Chinese imperial artefacts, including jade carvings and ancient bronzes. Entry costs 150 TWD (under £4).

💡 The 'Jade Cabbage' room gets packed by 10am. Start on the second floor for less crowded galleries.

Final meal

Roxy

Dick

Getting Around Taipei

Taipei Metro System (MRT) From $0.80-1.50 USD per trip 3 min

Get an EasyCard (reloadable IC card) for seamless travel on MRT, buses, and taxis. Hotel is 5-minute walk from Nanjing Fuxing Station. Most efficient for local exploring.

Taoyuan Express (Airport MRT) From $11 USD 35 min

Most affordable and reliable airport transfer. Connects to Taipei Metro Red Line at Taipei Main Station. From hotel area (Nanjing Fuxing), it's just 2 stops away on the Red Line.

Taiwan Taxi (Taipei Main Taxi) From $50-65 USD 50 min

Use the official taxi stand at airport terminals. Metered fares are fixed. Faster than other options during off-peak hours but slower during rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm).

Airport Shuttle Bus (Kuo-Kuang & FX-Shuttle) From $8-12 USD 60 min

Budget-friendly option with dedicated stops near major hotels. Less comfortable than taxi but cheaper than MRT transfer. Luggage space readily available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for Taipei?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Ximending Walking District and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit Taipei?

See our full best time to visit Taipei guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Regent Taipei, Mandarin Oriental, Taipei, Taipei Marriott Hotel. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.