Taipei is an exciting city that beautifully combines modern life with rich cultural traditions – this is our guide to spending 3 days in Taipei!
We visited Taipei, Taiwan’s capital and biggest city on a layover from our honeymoon in Africa back to our home in Queenstown, New Zealand. And I’ll be completely honest here, Taipei wasn’t on our radar. But, the flights were cheap so we decided to check it out. And boy, are we glad we decided to spend 3 days in Taipei. It turned out to be one of our favorite cities in Asia (together with Hong Kong) and we’re actually already planning a return trip with our two young daughters.
Anyway, you’ve clicked here in search of the best things to do in 3 days in Taipei and WE WILL deliver on that front. Below, I’ve highlighted the not-to-be-missed attractions in Taipei – places like the Taipei 101 Observatory, the Elephant Mountain hike, and the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall. But I’ve also included two day-trip suggestions in this 3 days in Taipei itinerary because we think it’s good to see a different side of Taipei while you’re here.
So, let’s take a look…
Is 3 days in Taipei enough?
Yes, 3 days is enough time to spend in Taipei. You can pack a lot into three days in Taipei! For example, you’ll get to see the city’s top sights like Liberty Square, Taipei 101 and Ximending Shopping District. In 3 days in Taipei, you’ll also be able to squeeze in a day trip to either Jiufen or Maokong. But not both. If you want to see both places you’ll need to extend your stay to 4 nights in Taipei.
If you’re short on time, then, two days in Taipei is the minimum amount of time we recommend allowing here!
Day One – Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Ximending Shopping District, Taipei 101
Morning – Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
Start your first day in Taipei with a visit to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, a must-visit landmark in Taipei! Also shortened to ‘CKS’ it’s dedicated to honoring the legacy of Chiang Kai-Shek, the former President of the Republic of China. And the great part is it’s free to visit!
This stunning monument was completed in 1980 and is located within the spacious Liberty Square, next to the National Theater and the National Concert Hall.
The architecture of the memorial hall is truly impressive, featuring a gleaming white marble exterior and a striking blue-tiled roof, all in an octagonal shape that symbolizes good fortune in Chinese culture. As you step inside, you’ll find fascinating exhibits that shed light on Chiang’s life and the history of Taiwan.
One of the highlights of a visit here (and the reason we came) is the hourly changing of the guard ceremony which happens from 9 am each day. During this 15-minute ceremony, you will watch the lead guard and two new guards coming out of the right-side elevator and marching toward the statue.
There’s also beautifully landscaped gardens (62 acres of them) surrounding the hall. We took a short stroll here after the changing of the guards.
Related Read: I’ve just written a blog post about spending a layover in Hong Kong, one of my other favorite Asian cities if you fancy checking it out!
Afternoon – Ximending Shopping District
Often called the “Harajuku of Taipei,” Ximending is a Taipei icon. This bustling district offers a delightful mix of fashion stores, street entertainers, and mouthwatering street food. It’s around a 30-minute walk to here from Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hal. Or you can get the metro to Ximen (which will take just 3 minutes!)
As you stroll through this lively, pedestrianized street, you’ll discover trendy boutiques alongside international brands. As well as quirky little shops filled with unique accessories and souvenirs that are just begging to be taken home. And let’s not forget about the food! Because it’s such a popular spot with both tourists and locals as you can imagine, there are heaps of street food stalls selling Taiwan’s most famous dishes like Flour Rice Noodle Soup and Deep Fried Sweet Potato Balls.
What I liked most about Ximending (was of course the streetfood) but also how it blends the old with the new effortlessly. On our stroll around the streets here, we saw quite a few traditional temples and Red House Theaters mixed in with modern storefronts.
Lunch at Modern Toilet Restaurant (It’s so quirky!)
If you’re not full after eating ALL of the amazing street food here, why not stop into the Modern Toilet Restaurant. It’s exactly what the name suggests – a quirky dining experience that has gained international attention for its unconventional theme.
Its bathroom decor is interesting, to say the least, with seats resembling toilet bowls and tables fashioned after bathtubs. The restaurant’s menu features a range of Taiwanese and Asian fusion dishes, cleverly presented in mini toilet bowls, urinals, and other bathroom-inspired serving ware.
You can also enjoy popular items like curry rice, hot pots, and desserts such as chocolate ice cream swirled to resemble a certain something (you can guess what!)
While the concept may seem bizarre to many (my husband was a little put off at first), I think it offers a light-hearted and memorable experience in Taipei.
Evening – Taipei 101 Observatory
End your first day in the city on a high (literally!) with a visit to the iconic Taipei 101 Observatory. This viewpoint is perched on the 89th floor of the former tallest building in the world. And from this prime vantage point, you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of Taipei’s skyline and the lush mountains that surround it.
Getting to the viewpoint is part of the fun, as you’ll ride one of the fastest elevators in the world. Once you arrive on the 89th floor, you’ll find a variety of interactive displays that delve into the fascinating engineering behind Taipei 101, which as I said, held the title of the world’s tallest building until 2010.
If you want an even better viewpoint you can pay extra to visit the outdoor deck on the 91st floor.
BOOK your tickets for the Taipei 101 here for as little as $30 USD per person!
Dinner at Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung is a globally renowned Taiwanese restaurant chain, originating here in Taipei. It’s best known for its yummy Xiao Long Bao or soup dumplings. And it’s where we recommend having dinner on your first night in Taipei!
Set up in 1958 as a cooking oil shop, it transitioned into a full-fledged restaurant in the 1970s, gaining international fame for its amazing dishes. The original location in Taipei on Xinyi Road is take-out only. But, if you want a sit-down meal we suggest their location inside the Taipei 101. It has an open kitchen, where skilled chefs deftly prepare each dumpling by hand, ensuring perfect pleats and a delicate balance of flavors.
Day 2 – Hike Elephant Mountain, National Palace Museum, Raohe Night Market
Morning – Hike up Elephant Mountain
Officially known as Xiangshan, hiking up Elephant Mountain is one of the most popular things to do in Taipei. And understandably so, as from the top you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the city skyline. Including the iconic Taipei 101 (where you were last night!).
There are three main trailheads to the summit, we did the Lingyun Temple Trailhead as it’s the easiest. Although it’s also the most popular so can be crowded at times. The hike is approximately 1.5 kilometers long and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the top, where you’ll find various viewing platforms to enjoy panoramic vistas.
Thankfully, the trail is well-maintained with stone steps and handrails, making it easy to navigate. It’s very popular to hike up here at sunset. But, personally, we recommend doing it in the morning to beat the crowds. It’s also cooler first thing in the morning – if you’re an early riser (I’m not!) you could hike it for sunrise.
Fun fact, this trail gets it’s name gets its name from the way it looks from afar, which is like a giant lying elephant
Afternoon – National Palace Museum
Your next stop this afternoon is the National Palace Museum in the Shilin District. It houses one of the world’s most extensive collections of Chinese art and artifacts.
The museum was set up in 1965, and its origins can be traced back to the Forbidden City in Beijing, from where a significant portion of its collection was relocated to Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War.
There are almost 700,000 art pieces housed here, spanning over 8,000 years of Chinese history, from ancient ceramics and jade to exquisite paintings and calligraphy. Among its most famous treasures are the jadeite cabbage and the meat-shaped stone.
Afterwards, why not make a beeline for Simple Kaffa Flagship in the Zhongzheng District? Which is regarded (and has been awarded) as on the best coffee shops in the world. It was opened by coffee champion Wu Zelin. We are big coffee fans and we really love the coffee here, the interior of the Cafe is also really modern and relaxing.
Evening – Raohe Street Night Market
Located in the Songshan District, Raohe Street market is one of the oldest in Taipei and stretches for about 600 meters. This is a super lively and energetic spot to grab some delicious street food this evening. Walking through here is like an assault on all your senses – in the best way possible. The street food there is out of this world—think stinky tofu, black pepper buns, bubble tea, and amazing shaved ice desserts!
You’ll find a mix of locals and tourists all enjoying the delicious food. But it’s not just about eating, there’s plenty of shopping too! You can grab some cool clothes, accessories, and unique souvenirs without breaking the bank. The whole vibe here is so vibrant, with delicious smells wafting through the air and people buzzing around.
Day 3 – Go on a Day Trip
For your third and final day in Taipei, we recommend going on a day trip to either Maokong or Jiufen. Which one you choose will depend on your personal preferences. But in short, Maokong is less-touristy and a little more authentic. And while Jiufen is wow-worthy it can get very crowded.
Maokong (Our recommendation)
Maokong is located just over 20 minutes from downtown Taipei, yet it feels a world away. The area used to be the biggest tea-growing area of Taipei. And you’ll see many connecting footpaths here that were used to transport tea back then. But, it’s perhaps most famous for being where the only gondola in Taipei is located.
Even though Maokong is incredibly popular you can still get that ‘hidden gem’ feel if you visit on a weekday or in the morning.
We took the brown line from our hotel to Taipei Zoo and then walked to the Maokong Gondola Station. The glass bottom gondola ride up to the top is insanely picturesque and when we got to the top we headed for Yao Yue Teahouse. Here you can watch them brew gongfu tea while looking out at the incredible view. They also serve food here if you’re hungry.
Later, we walked up to Zhinan Temple – which boasts an awesome view of Taipei. Unfortunately, we ran out of time but if you have enough time, you should head to Taipei Zoo which is located in Maokong. It’s a must-visit if you’re traveling with children.
If you love the ease of a guided tour, then why not book this private full-day tour to Maokong from Taipei. It includes return transfers so you don’t have to get the metro or walk and includes a visit to the Maokong tea plantations, the gondola ride, and some free time to explore Shenkeng Old Street. It costs from $184 USD per person.
You can BOOK this well-rated private tour to Maokong here!
Jiufen
Jiufen is a super-popular day trip from Taipei and it’s located around 40 minutes from downtown.
This decommissioned gold mining mountain town, originally built by the Japanese is known for its narrow alleyways, packed with teahouses and souvenir shops. It really is so photogenic, but it can get crowded and the narrow streets here can feel particularly claustrophobic on a busy day. Which is why we recommend visiting on a weekday and getting here as early as 8/9 am.
Skip the hassle of arranging transfers and entrance fees on this highly-rated private tour that transports you to Jiufen Village and your choice of national park with ease. Depending on your interests, you can customize your itinerary and choose between three different routes, which include Yehliu, Houtong, and Yangmingshan National Park.
If you opt for the most popular ‘classic route’, your itinerary will be as follows: start your day tour at Yehliu Geopark, the home to the numerous unique geological formations including the iconic “Queen’s Head”. From there you’ll head to Jiufen. And in the afternoon you’ll visit Shifen Waterfall (a huge 40-meter tall waterfall that creates a rainbow as it splashes into the lake. Lastly, you’ll stop by Shifen Old Street a famous sky lantern-releasing spot.
BOOK this tour to Jiufen and Shifen here, it has almost 60 5-star reviews and costs from $115 USD per person!
Where to Stay in Taipei
We spent 4 nights at The Grand Hotel, which as you can see from the photo is a show-stopper. It’s huge – with 500 rooms, 4 restaurants, an outdoor pool, fitness center and sauna. It’s located outside the city center, 10 minutes from Shilin Night Market but the hotel provides a free shuttle to MRT Yuanshan Station.
Some other highly recommended hotels in Taipei include:
MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel Taipei Zhongxiao – a 4-star property in the lovely Daan District. It’s modern, with large rooms and an on-site restaurant. Daan Park is a 1.7 km walk away.
Citizen M – In the Zhongzheng District is a very cool hotel that’s a 10-minute walk from the main station.
Thanks for Reading!
I hope you enjoyed reading my guide to 3 days in Taipei! 3 days is just enough time to scratch the surface of this vibrant city – there really is SO much to do here!
If you enjoyed this blog post, I also have lots of other blog posts on some of my favorite places in Asia including –
How to Spend 3 Days in Hanoi Vietnam
Two Weeks in Vietnam Itinerary (Perfect for Couples & Solo Travelers)
Two Weeks in Sri Lanka (The Perfect Backpacking Route)
The Ultimate Three Week Itinerary for Sri Lanka
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Last Updated on March 1, 2025 by snaphappytravel