Taipei & Jiufen, Taiwan

Taiwan offers a dynamic blend of vibrant city life and tranquil mountain towns. In Taipei, savor world-famous cuisine, vibrant night markets and traditional temples. Jiufen, a historic hilltop town, enchants with stunning views, nostalgic lanes, and cultural charm — all easily accessible from Taipei via train, bus or taxi.

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Central Taipei

Arrival Late Morning

• Take the express train directly to Taipei City and head straight to Din Tai Fung (Xinyi Road, Xinsheng Branch), one of Taiwan’s most iconic and internationally acclaimed restaurants. Grab a queue ticket upon arrival and enjoy a local craft beer at Learn Bar while you wait—track your spot via QR code (typical wait time is 30–40 minutes depending on the day and time). Once seated, feast on their signature dishes: xiao long bao (soup dumplings), peanut dan dan noodles, marinated cucumbers, and their famous pineapple cake for dessert

• Walk off the dumplings with a stroll through Yongkang Park and Rongjin Gorgeous Time creative village

• Visit the impressive Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall for a taste of Taiwanese history and national identity

• Unwind and wonder around Jieshou City Park

• Check into your hotel (consider staying centrally for ease of access to sights - recommend CHECKinn Taipei Main station or Humble Boutique Hotel)

  
  Evening

• Explore Lungshan Temple, a spiritual landmark with stunning architecture

• Dive into nightlife at Ximending Walking Street and The Red House arts complex

• Sample iconic Taiwanese street food: fried chicken, bubble tea and more

• End the night with crafted cocktails at Hanko 60, a speakeasy-style bar

Day 2: Culture, Relaxation & Night Market Dining

Morning

• Start with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast — try scallion pancakes, fried noodles with eggs or traditional toasts

• Take the MRT to Beitou District, famous for hot springs and Japanese-era bathhouses

• Walk through Thermal Valley, a surreal steamy landscape and enjoy free public foot baths

  
  Afternoon

• Lunch at Lei Hou Restaurant — go for the handmade noodles, dumplings and custard buns

• Cool off with a scoop from Snow King Ice Cream, known for unique flavors like wasabi or taroWatch the sunset unwind with a strolls along the river to Rainbow Bridge, a scenic spot over the Keelung River

  
  Evening

• Feast at Raohe Night Market — must-tries include chicken soup dumplings and Michelin-guide pork pepper buns

• Cap the evening with drinks and Taiwanese fried chicken at Public House, ranked in Asia's Top 50 bars

• If you're up for dancing, head to Revolver, a popular indie live music bar and nightclub

Day 3: Waterfalls & the Magic of Jiufen

Morning

• Take a taxi to Shifen Waterfall, one of Taiwan's largest and most picturesque

• Enjoy the nature trails and waterfall viewpoints

• Walk to Shifen Old Street; witness locals releasing sky lanterns along the railway tracks

• Continue to Jiufen, the charming hillside village that inspired Spirited Away.

  
  Afternoon

• Lunch with panoramic views at Xingyu Restaurant — try the peanut sesame noodles and a roselle juice

• Experience a traditional tea ceremony at Artist Teahouse, a cultural gem with panoramic views. Recommend the high-mountain oolong tea (高山烏龍茶), a semi-oxidised tea grown in Taiwan’s central mountain regions with a floral aroma, smooth body and lingering sweet aftertaste

  • Oolong tea is central to Taiwanese tea culture — symbolising hospitality, respect and a connection to nature

  • Pairing: The tea is typically served with matcha-based desserts such as green tea mochi, layered matcha cakes or sweet red bean confections

  
  Evening

• Meander through Jiufen's narrow alleys, lined with lantern-lit teahouses and souvenir shops

• Consider staying overnight in Jiufen for a quieter, more atmospheric experience (recommend a homestay with sea views)

Day 4: Return to Taipei & Urban Adventures

Morning

• Breakfast at Twilight Cafe — enjoy coffee, tea and fresh pastries in a beautiful greenhouse-style setting

• Before departing Jiufen, try the peanut ice cream rolls from A-Zhu Peanut, a beloved market treat

  
  Midday

• Take the bus or taxi back to Taipei (approx. 1.5 hours)

• Hike the Jiantanshan Trail, a moderate trail with rewarding views of Taipei city and Taipei 101

  
  Afternoon

• Finish the trail at Shilin Night Market — Taipei’s largest and most iconic night market

• Try cold sesame noodles at Good Friend and the XXL fried chicken at Hot Star

  
  Evening

• For a final nightcap, enjoy dumplings and whisky highballs at Hiboru, a cozy late-night bar

Day 5: Culture & Creative Exploration

Morning

• Start at the iconic Fu Hang Soy Milk (opens at 530am for the early rises), a must-visit for traditional Taiwanese breakfast: soy milk, egg crepes, and fried dough.

• Walk through Central Art Park, a modern green space filled with art installations and locals out for morning strolls.

  
  Late Morning / Afternoon

• Tour the Taipei Brewery (check opening and tour times) — taste local brews and learn about Taiwan’s beer history

• Explore Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, a repurposed tobacco factory now home to exhibitions, shops, and creative studios

  
  Optional:

• Hike the Elephant Mountain Trail (Xiangshan) - a short but steep hike leading to panoramic views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline—especially stunning at sunset or night. It's one of the best free viewpoints in Taipei, just minutes from the Xiangshan MRT station