10 Days in Taiwan: Itinerary, What to Do & Where to Go

Planning 10 days in Taiwan? When the Portuguese first laid eyes on Taiwan, they dubbed it Ilha Formosa (Beautiful Island). Take on your own Taiwan itinerary, and you’ll soon agree. No place on earth has a better size-to-awesomeness ratio than Taiwan.

Don’t let its tiny stature fool you: Taiwan is a heavy-hitter. It’s everything you’d expect on an epic East Asia trip. From buzzing cities & delicious food to swoon-worthy hikes & pristine beaches, you can enjoy it all in Taiwan. And with an ease worth bragging about.

Not sure where to go in Taiwan in 10 days? Follow along with this complete 10-day Taiwan itinerary, including when to visit, what to do, see & eat, and where to stay…

Where to go in Taiwan: A complete 10-day itinerary

We’ve geared this plan for what to do in Taiwan in 10 days or less towards urban explorers. We’ve also included more than a few surprises for foodies & nature lovers.

This action-packed 10-day itinerary swings around the entire perimeter of the island. It covers plenty of ground and will help you leave Taiwan with a well-rounded appreciation of the country and its people. Mix and match these ideas as you go to craft the perfect Taiwan itinerary for your trip.

Taipei

3 Days

If I pushed you to start your Taiwan itinerary anywhere but Taipei, it would be purely a cry for attention. And while I scurry around clichés as much as possible, this one is unavoidable.

All sensible Taiwan itineraries start in Taipei with good reason: It’s super convenient. (And super awesome.)

Perhaps it’s crazy to love a city that so many travellers ignore or are indifferent to. But I’ll put my reputation on the line and give Taipei the thumbs up. (Yes, I’m that confident you’ll like it.)

Sure, Taipei might lack the dynamism of Tokyo or the cultural treasures of Kyoto. But Taipei captures your heart with the secret that grandmothers long figured out: through the stomach. Taipei is one of the best foodie cities in Asia, even in the world. And all at a deep discount.

See Also: When is the Best Time to Visit Taipei?

You’ll spend much of your journey chowing down at Taipei’s bustling night markets. But the Taiwanese capital is also the perfect city for wandering around without a plan. Walk the streets to stumble upon stunning Taiwanese folk temples. Or follow your nose to a hole-in-the-wall food stall serving the best beef noodle soup you’ve ever tasted. Either way, you won’t be disappointed with spending time in Taipei.

What to do in Taipei

With only 10 days in Taiwan, try to spend at least two days in Taipei (or, even better, three). If you do nothing else, try to fit in a few of these best things to do in Taipei:

Gorge yourself at Taipei’s night markets

Visiting Taipei without going to one (or several) night markets would be heresy. If there’s anything that Taiwan’s capital is known for it’s the food. And the best place to test out the country’s best flavours is at a Taipei night market.

Spread throughout the city, night markets are buzzing hotbeds of activity. Get your adrenaline rushing as throngs of people skate past you while food vendor wisp intriguing smells into your nostrils.

Not sure which one’s right for you? Here are a few suggestions:

• Shilin Night Market is the city’s biggest & busiest night market. It offers a massive variety of food, covering the gamut of Taiwanese flavours from savoury to sweet.
• Raohe Street Night Market is a more traditional night market. It’s located in Songshan District at the edge of the stunning Ciyou Temple. The pepper buns on Raohe Street are to die for!
• Ningxia Night Market is a smaller night market closer to the heart of the city. It’s heavy on traditional Taiwanese snacks. The fried chicken and stinky tofu get my vote here.
• Tonghua Night Market is located close to the central business district of Xinyi. It’s a quieter night market, sitting among a deluge of teppanyaki restaurants. Don’t miss the famous sausage stand run by a perky “ninja” who hunts his own boar.

Eat at Din Tai Fung at Taipei 101

With your stomach growling from sightseeing, tackle your hunger at Din Tai Fung. This restaurant is Taipei’s most famous eating institution. Although it’s been awarded a prestigious Michelin star, Din Tai Fung is surprisingly affordable. It’s one of the most value-laden fine Taiwanese dining experiences in the country.

Of course, the popularity comes at a price. Expect a long wait to snatch a table at Din Tai Fung. In the end, I promise it’ll be worth your while. Remain patient, and you’ll be rewarded with silky-smooth xiao long bao dumplings so good they might make your heart skip a beat.

Scoot up to the Taipei 101 observatory

Done grabbing lunch at Din Tai Fung? Head upstairs to Taipei 101, one of the world’s tallest buildings. Shoot up the world’s fastest elevator for some huge views of Taipei City.

The elevator at Taipei 101 zips you up to the 89th floor to take in the 360-degree panorama. On the way, be sure to check out the massive damper. It’s a marvel of engineering brilliance that keeps Taipei 101 from toppling in typhoon-prone Taiwan. Alternatively, slink up to the 91st floor to breathe in Taipei at the outdoor observatory.

If you decide to skip Din Tai Fung, the Taipei 101 food court is another great place for a bite to eat.

Hike the tea trails around Maokong Gondola

At first glance, Taipei seems little more than a sprawling urban jungle. Take a trip to the fringes of the city, though, and it’s a different story. It’s not hard to feel worlds away from Taipei’s hustle. Add some bliss to your trip with some fresh air and exercise in the shadeless tea fields of Maokong.

The gateway to this chilled-out tea-growing area is the Maokong Gondola. This lofty cable car is located outside of the Taipei Zoo and easily accessible via MRT. Hop on to scoot up to the tea fields & hiking trails. Along the way, you’ll breathe in incredible vistas of Taipei.

Take a brilliant day trip to Jiufen and Jinguashi

Toss one extra day into your Taipei itinerary. It’ll afford you the time to visit the old mining towns of Jiufen and Jinguashi. These twin towns are the perfect place to suck in fresh mountain air and enjoy epic views of the northern coast. They’re among the best day trips from Taipei and well worth the small effort to explore.

Start the morning in Jinguashi. Once a prosperous gold mining town, Jinguashi has a storied history. It took a sharp turn for the worst under Japanese rule when it became a WWII POW camp. Leave enough time to explore the most interesting sites in Jinguashi. Check out the Gold Ecological Park and its Benshan Fifth Tunnel, former Japanese residences, and Shinto shrine ruins.

Much like Jinguashi, the town of Jiufen got its start as a gold mining town. Long since decommissioned as a mining centre, the town’s now one of Northern Taiwan’s most famous tourist attractions. Jiufen’s tourism got a huge boost from the popular Japanese anime film “Spirited Away.”

While the crowds in Jiufen may leave you jaded, the food won’t. Walk along Jiufen Old Street to discover the town’s famous street food concoctions. Those with a sweet tooth will love Jiufen’s taro balls and peanut ice cream rolls.

Where to stay in Taipei

The best place to base yourself while visiting Taipei is Zhongzheng District. Alternatively, book yourself into one of the best places to stay in Ximending. Both of these districts are super central, close to Taipei Main Station, and offer quick access to superb food and fun things to do.

Here are some of the best hotels in Taipei:

Getting to Taipei

Several major international airlines offer flights to Taipei from North America and Europe. Airlines flying into Taipei include Cathay Pacific, All Nippon Airways, and EVA Air. I’ve flown all these airlines to Asia and would recommend any of them—especially Cathay Pacific.

Looking for awesome flight deals to Taipei? I’d recommend starting your search at Cheapoair!

Taichung

2 Days

Zipping two and a half hours south of Taipei, you’ll reach Taichung, Taiwan’s third biggest city. Taichung doesn’t get a whole lotta love from travellers, but it’s worth popping in for at least a quick visit.

What’s more intriguing in visiting Taichung is less the city itself but what lies beyond. The industrial city cozies up to the island’s rugged interior. Here some of the top nature spots in Taiwan, including spectacular Sun Moon Lake reside.

When you’ve only got 10 days in Taiwan, try to squeeze in at least one day in Taichung. Leave at least one extra day to explore some of its beautiful natural surroundings.

What to do in Taichung

Compared to the likes of Taipei or Tainan, you won’t find a massive list of things to do in Taichung itself. Most travellers will prefer using the city as a launch pad for day trips into the central highlands. Here’s a quick list of places to check out while visiting Taichung:

Admire nature at Sun Moon Lake

If you can only fit in one activity in the Taichung area, make it a day trip to Sun Moon Lake. This dazzling lake lies amidst Nantou Country’s Central Mountains. It’s surrounded by verdant rolling mountains that’ll take your breath away.

There’s a whole slew of things to do in Sun Moon Lake. Enjoy the scenery on one of the sightseeing boat tours. Or rent a bike to tackle the 30-kilometre round-the-lake circuit. You can also catch incredible views along the 1.8-kilometre-long Sun Moon Lake Ropeway. Trips to the Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village are also popular. Since the bus ride takes about 90 minutes from central Taichung, you’ll need to be a true travel planning genius to fit it all in.

Just be aware: Weekends at Sun Moon Lake can get packed, as all of Taiwan seems keen on converging here.

Undertake a late-night Taiwanese food adventure at Fengjia Night Market

In choosing only one of the Taichung night markets, you’d do well to stick here. And with good reason: For food, Fengjia Night Market is one of the two best night markets in Taiwan (1).

Seek out some famous Taiwanese fried chicken, deep-fried squid-on-a-stick, or deep-fried Oreos. Wash it all down with what might be Taiwan’s tastiest bubble tea.

Revel in history at Taichung Folklore Park

Unless you can read Chinese, you won’t understand a thing while walking around Taichung Folklore Park . Either way, the historical park is a pleasant escape within Taichung. It provides a glimpse of Qing Dynasty-era Taiwan with its traditional architecture and artifacts.

You’ll love the lotus pond and arch bridge. They’re reminiscent of what you’d see in old Chinese cities like Lijiang and Suzhou.

Marvel at the story of Rainbow Village

I don’t want to overhype Rainbow Village (Caihongjuan Village in Chinese) for fear it might disappoint. It truly is small, but its story is remarkable. The Kuomintang built villages for its soldiers all over Taiwan. Mr. Huang, a war veteran himself, saw these villages slowly wiped away as his comrades passed on. He didn’t want his village to suffer the same fate. So, he painted.

Once discovered, his colourful murals gained instant attention, first around Taichung and then in the whole of Taiwan. Thankfully, his plan worked, and his village was saved from demolition. Now, visitors from around the world drop in to see Mr. Huang’s legacy. Immerse yourself in this little colourful corner of Taiwan. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll get to see Mr. Huang, now 99 years old, continuing his work.

Where to stay in Taichung

Like Taipei, Taichung is an enormous, sprawling city. Sorting through all the accommodations in Taichung would be an absolute nightmare. One of the best areas to stay in Taichung is Xitun District, near the Fengjia Night Market. Here are a few choices for the best hotels in Taichung…

Getting to Taichung

From Taipei to Taichung, it’s anywhere from about two hours to over three hours of travel time by regular train. The cheapest fares (and slowest trains) go as low as NT$241. Faster trains will set you back NT$375. If you’re in a rush, Taiwan HSR plies the route in just over an hour for NT$700.

Tainan

1 Day

From Taichung, it’s a quick 2- to 2.5-hour trip south to Tainan, Taiwan’s fifth biggest city and former capital. Like many Taiwanese cities, the charms of Tainan may not immediately jump out at you. But with a little prodding, it might become one of your favourite stops during your 10 days in Taiwan.

If you’re a little crunched for time, stick to spending at least one day in Tainan. It’s enough time to get the main sites out of the way to get a taste for the city before moving onto the back half of your Taiwan itinerary.

What to do in Tainan

As the old Taiwanese capital, there are plenty of things to do in Tainan for the cultural explorer. Although Tainan’s a large city, you can fit in many of the highlights on a time crunch. Here are a few must-sees for your travel plans:

Get your Taiwanese food fix at Tainan Flower Night Market

It’s no Shilin Night Market or Fengjia Night Market, but in Tainan, Tainan Flower Night Market is the go-to venue for late-night street food. Unlike most night markets in Taiwan, Tainan Flower Night Market is only open three nights a week. If you want to visit, you’ll have to be in Tainan on a Thursday, Saturday, or Sunday night.

There are a few delectable treats to seek out in Tainan Flower Night Market. Look out for oyster pancakes, Korean-style fried chicken, and everyone’s favourite, bubble tea.

Dabble in Dutch colonial legacy at Anping Fort

Many people aren’t aware that for 40 years in the 17th century, the Dutch ruled Taiwan as “Dutch Formosa.” One of their most prized possessions on the island was Fort Zeelandia, now known as Anping Fort.

Wandering around Anping Fort these days is an interesting look back to these, perhaps not so popular, times. The road leading up to the main gate, Anping Old Street, is one of the better places to eat in Tainan. Grab a mid-day snack here to fuel up for your day.

Marvel in ancient Chinese architecture and traditions at Taiwan Confucian Temple

There’s no shortage of temples in Tainan. If you have to visit just one, Taiwan Confucian Temple is it. As the name implies, Taiwan Confucian Temple in Tainan is one of the most important centres of Confucian worship in Taiwan.

The temple has been preserved since 1666, despite being destroyed numerous times by war and natural disasters. It’s a testament to its importance within Taiwan’s Confucian community. Within Taiwan Confucian Temple, you’ll find plenty of well-preserved artifacts. They’ll help you better understand the impact Confucianism has had on the island.

Where to stay in Tainan

There’s a surprising selection of quality hotels in Tainan. Start your search with a couple of these best places in stay in Tainan:

Getting to Tainan

From Taichung to Tainan, bargain for between 2 and 2.5 hours on the train. The quickest trains cost NT$363. Slower trains can cost as little as NT$233 for anywhere from an extra 30 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes of travel time.

The HSR (high-speed) train zips between Taichung and Tainan in under an hour for NT$650. If you’re not on a tight budget, HSR is the way to go. Keep in mind: the HSR station is a little outside of town. You’ll need to grab a taxi or take public transportation to get into Tainan’s centre.

Kaohsiung

2 Days

The once bleak post-industrial Kaohsiung has done much to shed its “grey” reputation. Today, Taiwan’s second most populous city has become a worthy detour while travelling in Southern Taiwan.

Kaohsiung is second only to Taipei in its cosmopolitanism. There’s a lot to love in Kaohsiung. In fact, it might even be one of the most underrated and under-appreciated cities in the region!

Try to spend a least two days in Kaohsiung getting to know the city. If nothing else, you’ll at least leave well-rested. You’ll also get a more well-rounded appreciation for the country, its cities, its people, and its food. (Even if you can only manage one day in Kaohsiung, it makes for a worthwhile stop on your round-the-island Taiwan itinerary.)

What to do in Kaohsiung

Given the size of the city, there’s a large handful of things to do in Kaohsiung that travellers will dig. Get started with these gems:

Swing around the Lotus Pond

Most postcard photos of Kaohsiung feature the Lotus Pond. This interesting little attraction is located in the northern part of the city. Lotus Pond has been kickin’ around since the Qing Dynasty. And it’s dotted with several buildings to prove it.

The most famous tourist attractions along the Lotus Pond are the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas and the Spring and Autumn Pavillions. Even if you find them a little kitschy, it’s hard not to admire the remarkable details.

Eat your heart out at Liuhe Night Market

Some might argue that there are better Kaohsiung night markets. But Liuhe Night Market has one thing that many night markets in Taiwan lack: space. Unlike most Taiwanese night markets, Liuhe Night Market expands across an avenue rather than a narrow street.

That’s not to say it doesn’t get busy.

Aim to arrive shortly after 6 pm if you want to take advantage of that breathing room. Since Kaohsiung sits on the southern coast, it’s not surprising that Liuhe Night Market specializes in fresh seafood. The popular barbecued shrimp and fish soup are worth a try.

Evening gondola ride down the Love River

You don’t need to bring your significant other along to enjoy a night out on Love River. Not long ago, this river that runs north and south through Kaohsiung, was a complete wasteland. No one would have dreamed that it would soon become a major Kaohsiung tourist attraction.

Walking along the shore by day is worthwhile. Floating down the river at night, though, you’ll truly get to admire the impressive Kaohsiung skyline.

Walk down the Great Path to Buddhahood at Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center

The Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center sits among the most elite Buddhist architecture in East Asia. Like Tian Tan Buddha in Hong Kong or The Great Buddha of Kamakura, Fo Guang is show-stopping.

You can’t help but be amazed walking down the Great Path to Buddhahood. It’s lined by eight pagodas representing eight schools of Chinese Buddhism. Looming above, the world’s largest Fo Guang Shan Buddha statue guards the path. Best of all, Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center is free to visit.

Where to stay in Kaohsiung

If you’re figuring out where to stay in Kaohsiung, keep in mind that the most popular hotels pepper the area south of the main train station. They are also several options near Liuhe Night Market. This is a good place to start your accommodations search. Here are a few of the best hotels in Kaohsiung…

Getting to Kaohsiung

The train from Tainan to Kaohsiung is a quick one. Even with regular trains, you only need to carve less than an hour out of your day. Your wallet will only be NT$68 lighter.

For the high-speed trains, you’ll pay NT$130 and zoom between the two cities in less than 15 minutes. The only catch: the HSR train only takes you as far at Zuoying, a northern suburb of Kaohsiung. To get into Kaohsiung, you’ll need to hop on a train NT$15 to NT$23 for a 9- to 13-minute ride.

Hualien

3 Days

Mention to a Taiwanese person that you’re heading to Hualien, and you’re bound to face envy. In Eastern Taiwan, no destination is more popular among Taiwanese city dwellers hoping to escape their daily chaos.

The reason for its popularity among Taiwanese city folk isn’t surprising: Hualien is one of the best slices of nature in Taiwan.

Don’t attempt to jam everything into a long Hualien day trip from Taipei. Instead, spend two or more days here to allow yourself time for relaxation.

What to do in Hualien

Of the most recommended things to do in Hualien almost all involve getting outdoors. With beautiful lakes and mountain scenery at its doorstep, there’s plenty to see around here. It’ll open your eyes to the immense natural beauty of this treasured island.

As with many popular Taiwanese destinations, you’d best avoid weekends and holidays in Hualien as it’s a local hotspot. Split up your time up with the following:

Wander through canyons in Taroko National Park

Among most lists of things to do in Taiwan, Taroko National Park sits somewhere near the top. Taroko Gorge, stretching 36km through Taroko National Park, is the highlight here.

You’ll never tire of the area’s temples, canyons, rivers, and, especially, the hiking trails. The trails here offer some of the best hiking in Taiwan.

Relaxing at Liyu Lake

Spectacularly clear and surrounded by mountains, Liyu Lake is built for chillin’ out. Hanging out here, you’ll get to admire Taiwanese nature at its finest.

Several cycling and walking trails ring the lake. They give ample opportunity for leisurely trips along the shoreline. If you happen to be in Hualien in May, head over to Liyu Lake to take in its famous Dragon Boat Festival.

Finding Taiwanese food bliss at Rainbow Night Market

You might have noticed I can’t resist adding night markets at every point of the journey. It’s not just because I sport a massive appetite, but because I truly could never get enough of Taiwan’s night markets. Hualien’s answer to Shilin Night Market in Taipei is Rainbow Night Market.

Of course, it’s nowhere near as large or famous. The food offerings aren’t shocking for frequent visitors to Taiwanese night markets. Where Rainbow Night Market is unique is its family-friendly atmosphere. It offers activities like video game arcades and small carnival-type games for kids.

Where to stay in Hualien

The East Coast of Taiwan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Taiwan. You’re spoiled with choice for accommodations. Here are a few of the best hotels in Hualien…

Getting to Hualien

From Kaohsiung to Hualien, the regular Taiwan Railways trains take about 4.5 to over 5 hours. The fare is NT$705. Unless you love epic train trips, avoid the Chu-Kuang Express and Tze-Chiang Limited Express. Travelling via Chaozhou, these trains are more expensive, and the ride can take up to 11 hours.

More 10-day Taiwan itinerary ideas

• Need a little time on the coast? Head over to Kenting National Park for a relaxing vacation on the beaches of Southern Taiwan.
• Craving more amazing street eats? Add in a half-day trip from Taipei to Keelung. Visit Miaokou Night Market and sample its Taiwanese delights.
• Want a tighter connection with nature? Visit Alishan National Scenic Area to hike and drink tea among amazing Taiwanese woodlands.

Things to know before you go to Taiwan

When to go to Taiwan

The only thing certain about Taiwan’s weather is that it won’t always cooperate. The time of year you decide to visit Taiwan can make a huge difference on your trip.

The best time to visit Taiwan is either November or April. By November, the heat & humidity of summer is long gone, leaving dry days with warm to mild temperatures.

April is a close second when the island is in full bloom and spring is hitting full stride. Stick to early April if possible. The end of the month begins to see increasing rainfall.

Do I need travel insurance for Taiwan?

Even though I’ve yet to make a claim (knock on wood!), I never leave home without travel insurance.

Taiwan is a safe place with few hassles. But that doesn’t mean you should skip out on buying travel insurance. It’s a good idea to cover yourself for trip cancellation, medical care, and lost/stolen baggage. It’ll give you peace of mind that’ll outweigh the small cost of a travel insurance policy.

Getting connected in Taiwan

Finding an internet connection in Taiwan isn’t usually much of a problem. In the bigger cities, you’ll find free Wi-Fi hotspots in restaurants, cafés, malls, and even at MRT stations & major tourist sites.

However you decide to stay connected while visiting Taiwan (or anywhere for that matter!), it’s a great idea to use a travel VPN (virtual private network).

Although you won’t face the same restrictions in Taiwan as in mainland China, a virtual private network helps secure your data. It ensures your browsing and personal information stays private and safe.

Other Taiwan travel planning resources

• Guidebooks: As much as I rely on technology these days, I rarely travel without print guidebooks. Lonely Planet Taiwan provides one of the more comprehensive and up-to-date travel guides for Taiwan.
• Phrasebooks: Planning to travel outside the main cities of Taiwan? Expect a sizeable language barrier. Let the Lonely Planet China Phrasebook help. It includes phrases in Mandarin and Hakka and is good to have by your side in a pinch.