Taipei Temptations: Culture, Cuisine & Skyline Views

Day 1: Iconic Landmarks & Skyline Views

Welcome to Taipei! Kick off your adventure with a hearty local breakfast at Fuhang Soy Milk, a beloved spot for savory soy milk soup and crispy egg crepes—be prepared for a line, locals love it here. After breakfast, hop on the MRT Blue Line to Taipei 101 Station to visit the iconic Taipei 101. Ride to the top for jaw-dropping views and marvel at the giant tuned mass damper that keeps the building stable during typhoons. For lunch, savor a bowl of rich, perfectly tender beef noodle soup at Niu Dian Beef Noodles, a Michelin-approved spot. In the afternoon, walk over to the serene Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, where you can catch a changing of the guard and learn about Taiwan’s founding father. By sunset, make your way to Elephant Mountain—just a short MRT ride and 20-minute hike—for an unforgettable view of the skyline lit up by golden hour. Finish your day with legendary xiao long bao (soup dumplings) at the original Din Tai Fung, and then toast to your first night with cocktails made from local ingredients at Bar Mood Taipei, one of Asia’s top bars.

 

Day 2: History, Heritage & Night Market Delights

Start your morning at Coffee Lab Roasters near Da’an Park, known for its smooth pour-over coffee and fresh croissants. Then ride the MRT to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, where you can explore the majestic halls, watch the ceremonial guard change, and stroll peaceful gardens. When hunger strikes, walk to Jin Feng Braised Pork Rice, a no-frills local hotspot serving deeply satisfying bowls of minced pork over rice. In the afternoon, discover the charms of Dihua Street, Taipei’s oldest market street filled with herbal shops, traditional tea houses, and the matchmaking-friendly Xiahai City God Temple. As evening approaches, join a guided food tour of Ningxia Night Market—a foodie favorite filled with crispy chicken cutlets, oyster omelets, and ice cream spring rolls. Let your guide introduce you to hidden gems and fun food lore. For drinks, head to Taiwan Soul, a cozy bar specializing in fruit-infused Taiwanese rice wine, perfect for a chill nightcap.

 

Day 3: Temples, Traditions & Youth Culture

Start your day with a Taiwan twist at Toasteria Café, famous for creative toast options and silky milk tea. After breakfast, hop over to Longshan Temple, Taipei’s most revered place of worship. Take time to light some incense, observe the prayers, and embrace the tranquility. Just a short walk away is Bopiliao Historic Block, a beautifully preserved glimpse into 19th-century Taipei with red brick alleyways and cultural exhibitions. For lunch, grab a spicy bowl of vermicelli noodles at the ever-popular Ay Chung Flour-Rice Noodles—expect to stand and slurp like the locals do! Spend your afternoon exploring Ximending, Taipei’s buzzing shopping and youth culture district, filled with quirky boutiques, vintage shops, and endless photo ops. For dinner, try the kitschy-cool Modern Toilet Restaurant—yes, it’s toilet-themed, and yes, it’s more fun than it sounds. End your evening with hidden cocktails at Alchemy Speakeasy, tucked behind a bookshelf inside a whiskey shop for that extra air of mystery.

 

Day 4: Hot Springs & Riverside Romance

Grab a quick breakfast and coffee at Louisa Coffee near Taipei Main Station, then take the MRT Red Line to Beitou, Taiwan’s historic hot spring district. Begin at Beitou Hot Spring Museum and walk through the steamy landscape of Thermal Valley, where sulfuric mist creates an otherworldly atmosphere. Soak your worries away in the public pools at Millennium Hot Springs. For lunch, indulge in naturally cooked hot spring meals at Su’s Restaurant, a local favorite nestled in the hills. Next, continue north to Tamsui, where you can explore Fort San Domingo, walk along Old Street, and enjoy an unforgettable sunset at Fisherman’s Wharf. Try local snacks like A-gei (stuffed tofu) and grilled squid along the waterfront. Cap off your relaxing day with a drink at Driftwood Tamsui, a rustic riverside bar perfect for watching the lights twinkle over the water.

 

Day 5: Mountain Views & Tea Culture

Start the day with artisan coffee and buttery pastries at Woolloomooloo Daan, an Aussie-inspired café popular with locals. Then head to Maokong Gondola (via MRT and gondola transfer) for a scenic ride over lush tea plantations. Choose a glass-bottom car if you're feeling adventurous! Once at the top, have lunch with a view at Yao Yue Teahouse, where the food is infused with locally grown tea leaves. In the afternoon, participate in a Taiwanese tea ceremony or cooking class—many teahouses offer English-language workshops where you can learn how to brew oolong tea or make traditional dumplings. For dinner, take the MRT back to Taipei and feast at Addiction Aquatic Development, a modern seafood market with sushi counters, raw bars, and hot pot. End your elegant evening with drinks at Frank Taipei, a stylish rooftop bar offering sparkling views of the city lights.

 

Day 6: Arts, Parks & Cultural Exploration

Fuel up with Taiwanese-style breakfast at Yonghe Soy Milk King, known for its savory soy milk soup and fried crullers. Head to the National Palace Museum, where you’ll find over 700,000 Chinese imperial artifacts, including the world-famous jade cabbage sculpture. After soaking in some history, dine at the museum’s Silks Palace, where dishes are inspired by items in the collection—delicious and Instagrammable. In the afternoon, escape to Yangmingshan National Park, where you can walk through flower-filled meadows, bubbling hot springs, and gentle hiking trails. When you return to the city, go straight to Shilin Night Market, Taipei’s largest and liveliest, for an epic street food dinner—don’t miss the fried chicken steak and bubble tea. Wrap up your night with a drink in the serene garden setting of VVG Hideaway, a charming bar that feels like a secret urban escape.

 

Day 7: Creative Spaces & Last-Minute Wanderings

Ease into the day with brunch at Antipodean Specialty Coffee in Neihu, where flat whites and smashed avocado toast keep locals coming back. Spend the morning at Huashan 1914 Creative Park, an old sake brewery turned hip cultural space with art exhibits, pop-up shops, and cool cafes. Grab lunch at Umami Burger & Bar, where Western bites meet Asian flair. Then head to Zhongxiao Dunhua, a trendy neighborhood perfect for last-minute shopping and stylish boutiques. For your final dinner, splurge at RAW, the innovative fine dining experience from Michelin-starred chef André Chiang—expect seasonal ingredients and poetic plating. Close out your Taipei journey with a refined cocktail at Indulge Bistro, a bar blending Taiwanese terroir with high-end mixology.

 

Taipei Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens can enter Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days with a valid passport. 

 

Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to extensive walking and public transportation use.​

 

Health Precautions: Carry hand sanitizer and tissues, as public restrooms may lack soap and paper. 

 

Water Safety: Tap water is not recommended for drinking; opt for bottled or boiled water.​

 

Mobile Apps: Download Google Maps, Uber, and the Taipei Metro app for navigation and transportation.​

 

Cultural Etiquette: Be respectful in temples by removing shoes and speaking softly; avoid pointing with your finger.​

 

Language: Mandarin is the official language; learning basic phrases or using translation apps can be helpful.​

 

Public Behavior: Taiwanese culture values politeness and orderliness; queue patiently and speak softly in public spaces.​

 

Transportation: The Taipei Metro (MRT) is efficient and affordable; purchase an EasyCard for convenience.​

 

Health and Safety: Taipei is generally safe, but always stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.​

 

Emergency Numbers: Dial 110 for police and 119 for fire or medical emergencies.​

 

Money: The New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) is the local currency; cash is preferred in night markets and small eateries.​

 

Cultural Considerations: Avoid discussing sensitive political topics; showing respect for local customs is appreciated.​

 

Best Time to Visit: October to April offers pleasant weather; summers can be hot and humid.​

 

Time Zone: Taipei operates on Taiwan Standard Time (UTC+8).​