Discover Taiwan's incredible diversity with our carefully crafted week-long journey through the island's most captivating destinations.
Taiwan offers an extraordinary blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity, stunning natural landscapes and vibrant urban experiences. This comprehensive seven-day itinerary guides you through the island's most compelling destinations, ensuring you experience the full spectrum of Taiwan's cultural richness and natural beauty.
From the bustling streets of Taipei to the historic charm of Tainan, from mountain peaks to coastal wonders, this carefully planned journey maximises your time whilst allowing for spontaneous discoveries that make travel truly memorable. Each day balances must-see attractions with authentic local experiences, providing insights into Taiwan's unique identity and warm hospitality.
Detailed daily plans with attractions, activities, dining, and transportation guidance.
Discover Taiwan's vibrant capital city
Take the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station (35 minutes, NT$160). The efficient rail connection provides your first glimpse of Taiwan's excellent public transportation system.
Settle into your accommodation and head to the iconic Taipei 101. Visit the observation deck for panoramic city views and explore the luxury shopping mall at the base.
Experience world-famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at the original Din Tai Fung location. This culinary institution represents Taiwan's dedication to culinary excellence.
Explore one of the world's finest collections of Chinese art and artifacts. The museum houses treasures spanning 5,000 years of Chinese cultural history.
Visit the former residence of Chiang Kai-shek, featuring beautiful gardens and historical exhibitions that provide insight into Taiwan's modern political history.
Immerse yourself in Taiwan's famous night market culture. Sample local street food including stinky tofu, beef noodle soup, and bubble tea whilst experiencing the vibrant atmosphere.
Traditional temples and modern districts
Begin with Taiwan's most famous temple, dedicated to Guanyin. Experience traditional Buddhist and Taoist practices whilst admiring intricate architectural details and wood carvings.
Explore preserved Qing Dynasty architecture and learn about Taipei's historical development through interactive exhibitions and traditional shophouse displays.
Walk through the famous Snake Alley during daylight hours to appreciate the traditional architecture and prepare for evening culinary adventures.
Sample traditional Taiwanese cuisine in one of Taipei's oldest districts, known for authentic flavours and family-run establishments.
Visit this iconic landmark featuring impressive architecture, ceremonial changing of the guard, and exhibitions about Taiwan's democratic transition.
Explore the expansive square and admire traditional Chinese architecture of the National Theater and Concert Hall, symbols of Taiwan's cultural sophistication.
Experience Taipei's youth culture hub with trendy shops, street performers, and modern entertainment venues that showcase contemporary Taiwanese lifestyle.
Explore this traditional night market known for pepper buns, medicinal herbs, and fortune telling, offering a more local atmosphere than tourist-focused markets.
Mountain landscapes and thermal relaxation
Take bus 260 from Taipei Main Station to explore Taiwan's premier national park. Visit volcanic landscapes, sulfur springs, and seasonal flower displays that showcase the island's geological diversity.
Witness active volcanic activity with steaming sulfur vents and unique geological formations. The area provides excellent views of Taipei Basin on clear days.
Enjoy hiking trails around a volcanic crater lake with opportunities to observe local flora and fauna in their natural habitat.
Enjoy local mountain cuisine featuring fresh vegetables and traditional preparations that highlight Taiwan's agricultural heritage.
Walk across expansive grasslands with panoramic mountain views and occasional water buffalo sightings, offering a peaceful contrast to urban Taipei.
Descend to the famous hot spring district via public transportation, transitioning from mountain wilderness to therapeutic relaxation.
Experience Taiwan's renowned hot spring culture at public baths or private facilities. The therapeutic waters provide perfect relaxation after a day of hiking.
Learn about the area's hot spring history and Japanese colonial influence on Taiwan's bathing culture through well-preserved historical exhibits.
Visit the source of Beitou's hot springs, where steam rises dramatically from naturally heated pools, creating an otherworldly atmosphere.
High-speed rail and cultural exploration
Experience Taiwan's engineering marvel with a 1-hour journey reaching speeds of 300 km/h. The efficient service demonstrates Taiwan's technological advancement and infrastructure quality.
Check into accommodation and explore Taichung's city center, known for its pleasant climate and relaxed atmosphere compared to Taipei's intensity.
Visit the city's historic heart featuring a beautiful lake, traditional pavilions, and the iconic Huxin Pavilion that symbolises Taichung's cultural heritage.
Sample Taichung's famous sun cakes and other local specialties at traditional markets that showcase central Taiwan's culinary traditions.
Explore this remarkable community art project where one man's paintings saved an entire military dependents' village from demolition, creating a vibrant cultural landmark.
Rest and prepare for evening market exploration, one of Taiwan's largest and most diverse night markets.
Experience Taiwan's largest night market with over 1,000 stalls offering innovative street food, trendy fashion, and entertainment that attracts both locals and visitors.
Taiwan's cultural and historical heart
Continue south to Taiwan's ancient capital, a city that preserves 400 years of history and serves as the island's cultural and spiritual center.
Explore this Dutch colonial fortress from 1653, now a symbol of Tainan featuring traditional Chinese architecture built upon European foundations.
Visit Taiwan's first Confucius Temple, established in 1665, representing the introduction of formal education and Chinese scholarly traditions to Taiwan.
Experience Tainan's renowned culinary heritage with dan zai noodles, coffin bread, and other local specialties that reflect the city's multicultural history.
Explore Taiwan's oldest settlement with narrow alleys, traditional shophouses, and historical sites that tell the story of early Chinese immigration and Dutch colonisation.
Witness nature reclaiming architecture at this former warehouse where banyan trees have grown through and around the building, creating a unique fusion of nature and history.
Visit this coastal fortress built during the Qing Dynasty to defend against foreign invasion, offering insights into Taiwan's strategic military history.
Experience authentic local night market culture with traditional snacks and local atmosphere that differs significantly from tourist-oriented markets in larger cities.
Modern port city and cultural attractions
Take the train to Taiwan's largest southern city, known for its major port, heavy industry, and recent urban renewal projects that have transformed the cityscape.
Visit Lotus Pond's most famous landmarks, where visitors enter through the dragon's mouth and exit through the tiger's mouth for good fortune, following traditional Chinese beliefs.
Explore the collection of colorful temples surrounding the pond, each representing different aspects of Chinese folk religion and architectural styles.
Sample southern Taiwan cuisine known for its sweeter flavors and fresh seafood, reflecting the region's coastal location and agricultural abundance.
Visit one of Taiwan's most significant Buddhist sites featuring the world's largest bronze sitting Buddha statue and comprehensive exhibitions on Buddhist culture and philosophy.
Explore this creative hub in converted warehouses showcasing contemporary Taiwanese art, installations, and cultural events that represent the city's artistic renaissance.
Take an evening boat ride along the transformed Love River, once polluted but now a symbol of Kaohsiung's environmental restoration and urban renewal efforts.
Experience Kaohsiung's premier night market known for seafood specialties and southern Taiwan delicacies in a lively atmosphere that showcases local culture.
Last-minute shopping and departure
Return to Taipei via high-speed rail, reflecting on the diverse experiences and cultural insights gained throughout your Taiwan journey.
Explore the underground shopping complex for last-minute souvenirs, local products, and gifts that represent Taiwan's craftsmanship and creativity.
Enjoy a farewell meal featuring your favorite Taiwanese dishes discovered during the week, perhaps returning to a memorable restaurant or trying something new.
Visit this historic commercial street for traditional Chinese medicine, dried goods, and textiles that showcase Taiwan's trading heritage and traditional crafts.
Walk along the Tamsui River and reflect on Taiwan's maritime history while enjoying views of the city skyline and modern development.
Take the Airport MRT to Taoyuan International Airport, allowing sufficient time for check-in and departure procedures while carrying memories of Taiwan's warmth and beauty.
Practical advice to enhance your Taiwan travel experience.