Your Best Taiwan Travel Itinerary & Insider Guide

If Taiwan isn’t on your radar yet, it should be.

Imagine sipping tea in lantern-lit Jiufen, slurping down steaming bowls of beef noodle soup, and hopping on one of the world’s fastest trains to zip between mountains, lakes, and night markets.

For first-time visitors, Taiwan is one of Asia’s easiest countries to travel, but only if you know a few tricks to get around smoothly.

That’s where this Taiwan travel itinerary and insider guide comes in. I’ll walk you through everything you need to plan your Taiwan trip: visas, apps, trains, food (of course), and exactly how to move from city to city without stress.

Think of this as a chat with a friend who’s just been and is sharing every shortcut they wish they knew earlier.

Let’s go!

Taiwan Travel Tips

Before you jet off, here are a few Taiwan travel tips that’ll make your trip smoother, cheaper, and way more fun.

Best Time To Travel Taiwan

Taiwan is a year-round destination, but some seasons really shine.

• Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms and flower festivals pop up across the island, perfect for photographers and romantics.
• Autumn (Sept–Nov): Crisp weather, gorgeous foliage, and fun cultural events like the Mid-Autumn Festival.
• Summer (June–Aug): Hot and humid, but great for beaches and summer festivals, just keep an eye on typhoon season.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Mild in the cities but chilly in the mountains, plus hot springs feel extra dreamy.

Don’t miss major festivals like the Lantern Festival, with glowing lanterns lighting up the sky (next year it’s in Chiayi), or the Dragon Boat Festival, where rivers come alive with colorful boat races, in 2026, the races will be at Liyu Lake in Hualien

Getting Around Taiwan

Taiwan’s transport system is so good it almost feels unfair.

A lot of people liken it to Japan. But in my opinion, it beats Japan’s system hands down.

It’s way easier to understand and navigate. And the distance between locations is much shorter and far cheaper.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

• High Speed Rail (HSR): Zips you between Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung in under two hours. It’s a little pricier, but perfect if you’re short on time. Book online or via Klook and use our discount code KLOOKGABTK for the best fares.
• TRA Trains: Slower but more scenic, especially on the east coast routes. Great if you’re not in a rush and want to soak up the views.
• Metro Systems: Taipei and Kaohsiung both have clean, efficient metros that are super easy to navigate.
• Buses & Intercity Travel: Ideal for spots the trains don’t quite reach, like Alishan or Sun Moon Lake.
• EasyCard & Travel Passes: Your golden ticket for convenience, tap it on metros, buses, even at 7-Eleven. Top it up once and you’re set.

Top Food Experiences in Taiwan

Food in Taiwan is not just a meal, it’s a full-on experience. Here are the bites you have to try:

• Night Markets: Taipei has the big hitters (Shilin for classics, Raohe for pepper buns, Ningxia for old-school vibes). In Taichung, Fengjia is massive, while Kaohsiung’s Liuhe keeps things laid-back but delicious.
• Dumplings & Soup Dumplings: Yes, you should line up for Din Tai Fung (or pre book and skip the line when you book on Klook with our 10% off code: KLOOKGABTK), but don’t stop there, local mom-and-pop dumpling joints often steal the show.
• Tea Houses: Sip oolong in Jiufen while watching the mountains fade into mist, or head to Pinglin for tea plantations and tastings straight from the source.
• Street Snacks & Drinks: Taiwan invented bubble tea, and it tastes even better here. Pair it with stinky tofu (don’t knock it till you try it), crispy scallion pancakes, or Taiwanese fried chicken.
• Pineapple Cakes & Souvenirs: Sweet, buttery, and the perfect edible souvenir. Pro tip: Grab them from a bakery rather than the airport.

Do You Need a Visa for Taiwan?

Good news for most travellers, Taiwan offers visa-free entry for many nationalities, including Australians, Americans, Canadians, and much of Europe.

You’ll usually get 90 days on arrival (double-check your country before you fly). If you’re coming from Southeast Asia, some visitors need to apply for an eVisa or travel authorisation, so it’s worth confirming on the Taiwan Immigration website.

Flights to Taiwan and Where to Land

Most first-timers will fly into Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). It’s the main international hub and only about 40 minutes by MRT into Taipei City.

• Kaohsiung International (KHH) is handy if you’re starting your trip in the south.
• Taichung Airport (RMQ) is smaller but can be useful if you snag a budget flight.

Money-saving tip: Use flight comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights, and check regional budget airlines (like Scoot or AirAsia) if you’re flying in from nearby countries.

Travel Insurance, Apps & eSIMs You’ll Actually Use

Trust me, Taiwan is safe, but travel insurance is always a must. Beyond that, these apps and tools will make your trip smoother:

• Google Translate: Lifesaver for menus and signs.
• Klook: For booking HSR passes, day trips, and entry tickets. (Use my code KLOOKGABTK for 10% off.)
• Line Taxi / Uber: For when you don’t feel like navigating buses.
• Taiwan Rail app: If you’re booking train tickets directly.

For staying connected:

• Airalo eSIM: The easiest way to get mobile data as soon as you land. No physical SIM cards, no fuss. Just install the app before you fly. Use my code TAMRA10 or TAMRA15 for 10–15% off.
• Pocket WiFi is an option too, but honestly, Airalo made it so simple for us.

Money in Taiwan: Currency, ATMs & Payment Tips

• The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD).
• Taiwan is still very cash-friendly, especially at night markets and smaller restaurants. Keep some 100 NTD notes handy.
• ATMs are everywhere (7-Eleven is your best friend).
• Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls, and major restaurants, just don’t expect them at the dumpling stall down the alley.
• Your EasyCard doubles as a transport card and a payment card for convenience stores, so top it up regularly.

Handy Mandarin Phrases for First-Timers

Even if you don’t speak Mandarin, a few words go a long way:

• Hello: Nǐ hǎo (Nee how)
• Thank you: Xièxiè (Shieh shieh)
• How much? Duō shǎo qián? (Dwuh shao chyen?)
• Delicious! Hǎo chī (How chir)

Locals really appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation is a little off.

Things To Do In Taiwan

Taiwan doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves, but trust me, it’s one of Asia’s most underrated gems.

Imagine slurping dumplings at a buzzing night market, waking up to sunrise over misty mountains, wandering through lantern-lit alleyways, and soaking up lakeside serenity all in one trip. That’s Taiwan.

It’s a fascinating mix of Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous influences, and you feel that blend everywhere, from the temples to the tea houses.

If it’s your first time visiting, you’re in for a treat.

This Taiwan travel itinerary takes you to four incredible spots – Taipei, Alishan, Jiufen, and Sun Moon Lake – so you’ll get a taste of the big city energy, the mountain magic, the charming old towns, and the peaceful lakeside views.

It’s the perfect mix of iconic sights and authentic Taiwanese culture, with plenty of chances to eat, explore, and fall in love with the island.

Taipei: The Heartbeat of Taiwan

Taiwan’s capital city is buzzing with energy, history, and some of the best street food in Asia.

It’s no joke when I say I came home a dumpling! And in my humble opinion, it really is the perfect place to start your journey.

Places To Visit in Taipei

• Taipei 101: Once the tallest building in the world, its observatory offers jaw-dropping views of the city.
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: A striking landmark with traditional architecture and an hourly guard-changing ceremony.
• Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan): A short hike with unbeatable views of Taipei’s skyline.
• National Palace Museum: Home to one of the largest collections of Chinese artifacts in the world.

Best Night Markets in Taipei

• Shilin Night Market: Iconic for oyster omelets, fried chicken steak, and stinky tofu (don’t knock it until you try it!)
• Raohe Street Night Market: Famous for Fuzhou black pepper buns baked in clay ovens. I can’t believe we missed this one! It’s right as you walk through the front entrance. Don’t be like me!
• Ningxia Night Market: Best for traditional Taiwanese snacks like oyster vermicelli and sweet taro balls.

Best Dumplings in Taipei

• Din Tai Fung (Xinyi Road): World-renowned for xiao long bao (soup dumplings). And from personal experience, you have to try the truffle dumpling. Skip the queue and book here, Use our code KLOOKGABTK to get 10% off too!
• Hangzhou Xiao Long Bao: A local favourite with cheaper prices but equally delicious dumplings.
• Jin Ji Yuan: Known for juicy steamed dumplings and pan-fried buns.

Alishan: Mountains and Misty Sunrises

Alishan is Taiwan’s most famous mountain retreat, offering magical sunrises, tea plantations, and ancient forests.

Getting to Alishan

Most people base themselves in Chiayi, a small city in southern Taiwan. That’s where the Alishan Forest Railway starts.

From Taipei to Chiayi:
Take the High-Speed Rail (HSR) it’s about 1.5 hours. Or, if you’re budget-conscious, the regular TRA train takes about 3 hours.

From Chiayi to Alishan:
You’ve got two options:

By bus (easy, about 2.5 hours, leaves from Chiayi HSR or TRA stations).

By train (the fun option, if you’ve got time).

Best Things to Do in Alishan

• Alishan National Forest: Alishan National Forest is a must-see if you love mountains, tea, and epic sunrises. We hopped on the old steam train from Alishan Station up to the forest, and you can even take a scenic ride all the way down to Chiayi — if you love trains, you’ll be in heaven
• Alishan Forest Railway: A nostalgic train ride through forests and misty mountain scenery.
• Alishan Sunrise at Zhushan: Wake up early to catch the iconic sunrise above a sea of clouds.
• Giant Tree Trail: A peaceful walk through thousand-year-old cypress trees.
• Alishan Tea Plantations: Taste high-mountain oolong tea grown in the crisp mountain air.

Best Markets in Alishan

• Alishan Farmer’s Market: Small but authentic, offering fresh produce, wild mountain vegetables, and tea.
• Fenqihu Old Street: Famous for its bento lunch boxes and mochi. You also have to stop in at the 100-year-old doughnut shop. I’ve never tasted anything quite like it! Locals will point you in the right direction.

Jiufen: Spirited Away

Jiufen is one of Taiwan’s most charming mountain towns, famous for its lantern-lit streets, teahouses, and old mining history. And you have to go!

It’s a super popular day trip from Taipei, but you can also spend a night there if you want to soak up the evening vibes. We stayed one night at the cutest hotel perched right at the top of Old Street so we could experience Jiufen without the crowds. I’d highly recommend it!

Getting to Jiufen

From Taipei to Jiufen:
There are a few ways to get there, depending on how much time, energy, and comfort you want:

By bus: The easiest option. Take the Keelung-bound buses (like Keelung Bus 788 or 1062) from Taipei Main Station or MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing. It takes around 1–1.5 hours, depending on traffic, and costs roughly NT$100–120 (USD $3–4).

Take a tour:

By train + bus: Take the TRA train to Ruifang Station (about 40 minutes from Taipei) and then hop on a local bus up to Jiufen (about 15–20 minutes, NT$15–30). This option is great if you want a scenic train ride.

By private car or taxi: More expensive, but faster and super convenient if you’re traveling with a group or just want to skip transfers.

Best Things to Do in Jiufen

• Jiufen Old Street: Wander narrow lanes filled with snacks, souvenirs, and tea shops.
• A-Mei Tea House: The most iconic teahouse in Jiufen, perfect for tea with a view.
• Jiufen Gold Mine Museum: Learn about the town’s gold rush history.
• Hike to Keelung Mountain: For panoramic views of Jiufen and the coast.

Best Night Markets Near Jiufen

Jiufen doesn’t have a traditional night market, but nearby:

• Ruifang Night Market: A small but lively market just 10 minutes from Jiufen.
• Keelung Miaokou Night Market: One of Taiwan’s most famous seafood markets, 30 minutes away.

Shifen: Waterfalls & Sky Lanterns

Shifen is the perfect day trip from Taipei if you want a mix of nature and fun traditions. Famous for its waterfalls and sky lanterns, it’s another really beautiful spot and another popular day trip.

Getting there:

• Take the TRA train from Taipei to Ruifang Station, then switch to the local train to Shifen, around 1.5 hours total from Taipei.
• You can also join a tour that takes in Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall all in one day or hire a car in Taipei if you like to explore at your own pace.

Top Things to Do:

• Shifen Waterfall: A beautiful cascade framed by lush greenery.
• Sky Lanterns: Write your wishes on a lantern and release it on the old railway tracks.
• Old Street: Cute shops, local snacks, and a chance to watch lanterns float by.

Shifen is easy to combine with a visit to Jiufen, making it a perfect North Taiwan adventure in one day.

Sun Moon Lake: Lakeside Views & Cycling Adventures

Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s biggest and most beautiful natural lake, and honestly, it feels like hitting the pause button.

The mountains wrapped around it make every view look like a painting, and there’s so much to do, ride a bike along the water, hop on a boat to explore hidden corners, or climb the cutest pagoda I have ever seen.

It’s the perfect spot to slow down which is why we suggest making it the final leg of your journey.

Best Things to Do in Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan

• Take a Boat Tour: Hop between Ita Thao, Xuanguang Temple Pier, and Shuishe Pier.
• Ride the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway: Enjoy a cable car ride with sweeping views of the lake.
• Wenwu Temple: A majestic temple overlooking the lake.
• Ci’en Pagoda: Climb up this iconic pagoda for panoramic views of the lake and mountains, perfect just before sunset. Be aware the pagoda opening hours are 9-5pm.
• Cycling Path: The lake is considered one of the most scenic bike routes in the world. There are stacks of bike hire shops. Or, if you want to make life even easier, plenty of B&B’s like the one we stayed at here includes bike hire, so you can just roll out the door and start exploring without worrying about rental.

Best Night Markets in Sun Moon Lake

• Ita Thao Night Market: The main market by the lake, offering aboriginal specialties like wild boar sausage, millet wine, and sticky rice cakes.

Other Top Spots To Visit

Okay, so we’ve covered Taipei, Alishan, Jiufen, Shifen, and Sun Moon Lake, but Taiwan has so much more up its sleeve. From historic streets to buzzing harbours and jaw-dropping scenery, there are plenty of other spots you won’t want to miss. Let’s check them out!

Tainan: Temples, Street Food & Tradition

Tainan is Taiwan’s oldest city and full of character. It’s perfect if you love exploring temples, sampling traditional snacks, and wandering through streets that feel like stepping back in time.

Getting there:

• Take the HSR from Taipei to Tainan (about 1.5–2 hours) for speed.
• Budget-friendly? Hop on the TRA train, which takes around 4-5 hours but offers a slower, scenic ride.

Top Things to Do in Tainan:

• Chihkan Tower & Anping Fort: History with a side of great photo ops.
• Temple hopping: Confucius Temple, Koxinga Shrine, and more.
• Street food: Don’t miss coffin bread, oyster omelets, and local snacks at Tainan’s night markets.

Tainan is perfect for 1-2 days if you want history, culture, and seriously good food.

Kaohsiung: Art, Temples & Night Markets

Kaohsiung has a laid-back harbor vibe and plenty of things to keep you entertained. It’s easy to get around thanks to the MRT, making it perfect for a short city stay.

Getting there:

• Take the HSR from Taipei (about 1.5 hours) or TRA trains for a longer but scenic ride.

Top Things to Do in Kaohsiung

• Pier-2 Art Center: Quirky, creative spaces for art lovers.
• Lotus Pond Temples: Beautiful lakeside temples with giant dragon statues.
• Liuhe Night Market: Seafood, fried snacks, and bubble tea heaven.

Kaohsiung is easy to explore in 1-2 days, especially if you love a mix of culture, art, and city vibes.

Hualien & Taroko Gorge: Mountains, Marble & Adventure

Hualien is your gateway to one of Taiwan’s most breathtaking natural wonders, Taroko Gorge. Think marble cliffs, gorges, and hiking trails that will make your jaw drop.

Getting there:

• Take the scenic TRA train from Taipei to Hualien (about 2-3.5 hours) trust me, the views along the coast are stunning.
• From Hualien, you can either join a tour to Taroko Gorge or go DIY with buses and short hikes.

Top Things to Do in Hualien and Taroko Gorge

• Taroko Gorge trails: Shakadang Trail, Swallow Grotto, and Eternal Spring Shrine are musts.
• Hualien Old Street: Grab local snacks like mochi or dumplings after a day of exploring.
• Scenic drives & photography: The gorge is packed with epic viewpoints.

Plan at least 1-2 days here if you want to soak in the mountains and dramatic landscapes.

Taiwan Travel Itinerary

If you only have 7-9 days in Taiwan, don’t try to cram everything into one trip, it’ll just be exhausting.

Pick 3 main spots, settle in, and really soak them up.

Here’s a simple way to structure your trip so you get the perfect mix of sights, culture, and food without feeling rushed:

Day 1-3: Taipei

• Explore Taipei 101, night markets, and day trips to Yehliu Geopark or Beitou Hot Springs. Or take a day trip to Shifen. Book lunch or dinner at Din Tai Fung.

Day 4-5: Jiufen

• Stay overnight to enjoy Jiufen after the day-trippers leave. Visit Old Street and nearby Keelung Night Market. Have tea at A-Mei Tea House or Skyline Tea House

Day 6-7: Alishan
Take the old steam train up to Alishan National Forest from Alishan Station. Catch the early morning sunrise train to Zhushan for epic views above the clouds. Wander the cypress forests, then hop on the Formosensis train back to Chiayi for a scenic end to your mountain adventure.

Day 8-9: Sun Moon Lake

• Relax with boat tours, bike rides, and delicious street food at Ita Thao Night Market.

Day 10: Return to Taipei

• Wrap up with last-minute shopping at Ximending before flying out.

Travel Tips for First-Timers in Taiwan

• EasyCard is a must: Buy it from a Family Mart or 711. Use it for trains, buses, and even some convenience stores.
• Public transport is excellent: Trains are punctual, clean, and affordable. Don’t be late! (although buses in some spots are a lot less reliable)
• Stay connected: Pocket Wi-Fi or eSIMs (like Airalo) make navigating and translating easy.
• Cash is handy: Night markets and small towns still rely heavily on cash.

Taiwan Travel FAQ‘s

Is it safe to go to Taiwan right now?
Yes! Taiwan is considered very safe for travellers. Violent crime is rare, and locals are friendly and helpful. Just use the usual travel smarts like keeping an eye on your belongings.

Do Australians need a visa to visit Taiwan?
No visa is needed for short stays under 90 days for Australian passport holders. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.

What is the best month to go to Taiwan?
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the sweet spots. You’ll get pleasant weather, blooming flowers in spring, and colourful festivals in autumn. Try to avoid the typhoon season in summer (June-August).

Do and don’ts for tourists in Taiwan

• Do: Be polite, use both hands when giving or receiving something, and follow public transport rules.
• Don’t: Don’t touch someone’s head, point at people, or litter in public spaces.

Is it rude to tip in Taiwan?
Tipping isn’t expected in Taiwan, but leaving a small amount in restaurants or for exceptional service is appreciated.

Do I need cash in Taiwan?
Yes, while credit cards are accepted in many places, cash is king at night markets, local eateries, and small shops. Carry some NT$ with you.

Taiwan Food Guide: Best Food and Where to Find It

Get ready to fall in love with the food in Taiwan! In all honesty, where and what you eat should absolutely be at the top of your research list.

And because we wasted so much time madly Googling all the best places to eat, we thought we’d save you the hassle and put them all in one place below.

Enjoy!

Best Night Markets

Taipei:

• Shilin Night Market — Iconic for oyster omelets, fried chicken, stinky tofu
• Raohe Street Night Market — Famous for pepper buns and grilled squid
• Ningxia Night Market — Known for traditional Taiwanese snacks

Alishan:

• Alishan Farmer’s Market — Small local market with fresh mountain produce and local snacks

Jiufen:

• Jiufen Old Street Night Market — Sweet potato balls, taro snacks, herbal teas

Sun Moon Lake:

• Ita Thao Night Market — Lakeside market selling indigenous snacks and grilled local fish

Best Dumplings

Taipei

• Din Tai Fung — Iconic xiao long bao (soup dumplings)
• Jin Feng Lu Rou Fan & Dumplings — Local favorite

Alishan

• Alishan Guesthouse Dumpling Stall — Mountain-style dumplings

Jiufen

• Ah Lan Dumplings — Handmade traditional dumplings

Sun Moon Lake

• Ita Thao Dumpling & Snack Stall — Indigenous-style dumplings

Best Bubble Tea Shops

Taipei:

• Chun Shui Tang — Originator of bubble tea
• Tiger Sugar — Famous for brown sugar boba
• 50 Lan — Classic bubble tea spot
• Xing Fu Tang – Viral bubble tea shop with Dinosaur heads

Alishan:

• Alishan Tea House
  • Zhuqi Tea Farm

Jiufen:

• A-Mei Tea House
• Jiufen Old Street Stalls

Sun Moon Lake:

• Sun Moon Lake Tea Shop
• Ming Tea Co.

Best Taiwanese Desserts & Snacks

Taipei:

• Ice Monster — Mango shaved ice
• Smoothie House — Tofu pudding

Alishan:

• Alishan Sweet Potato Store

Jiufen:

• Ah Gan Taro Balls

Sun Moon Lake:

• Sun Moon Lake Cake Shop

Best Tea Houses

Taipei:

• Wistaria Tea House
• Lin Hua Tai

Alishan:

• Alishan High-Mountain Tea Farm
• Zhuqi Tea Farm
• A-Mei Tea House

Sun Moon Lake:

• Sun Moon Lake Tea Plantations
• Ming Tea Co.

Jiufen:

• A-Mei Tea House
• Skyline Tea Hous

Best Traditional Taiwanese Foods

Taipei:

• Yongkang Beef Noodle
• Tonghua Night Market
• Chia Te Bakery

Alishan:

• Alishan House Restaurant
• Alishan Tea Factory Restaurant

Jiufen:

• Ah Gan Taro Balls
• A-Mei Tea House

Sun Moon Lake:

• Chuan Mei Restaurant
• Sun Moon Lake President Fish Restaurant
• Ita Thao Village Shops

Taiwan Travel Guide: Final Thoughts

Taiwan is the kind of place that sneaks into your heart.

You’ll come for the dumplings and night markets, but I promise you will fall head over heels in love with the misty mountains, tea fields, and stunning lakes.

This Taiwan travel guide and itinerary through Taipei, Alishan, Jiufen, and Sun Moon Lake gives you the perfect mix of food, culture, and nature, making it the ultimate introduction to Taiwan.

We hope you fall in love with this gorgeous country as much as we have!