Hidden gems, underrated spots and thrilling day journeys on your subsequent Taipei itinerary!
The odor of smelly tofu, the style of braised pork rice, the push of a bustling metropolitan metropolis, and the tranquillity of its outskirts — Taipei has the whole lot we miss as travellers.
We final visited Taiwan greater than three years in the past and have been thrilled to rediscover its capital metropolis and past! Our previous itineraries included many standard sights in Taipei, so this journey was all about uncovering the lesser-known issues to eat, see and do within the metropolis and its environment.
This time, we spent a day in Taipei earlier than heading to Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu to take a look at what’s modified since our final go to. We additionally explored Keelung for the primary time and found a hidden gem within the standard tea area of Shiding.
If you miss Taiwan too, listed below are hidden gems and underrated spots price trying out whenever you’re planning your subsequent Taipei itinerary.
Day 1: Taipei | Day 2: Yehliu, Golden Waterfall, Jiufen, Shifen | Day 3: Keelung |
Day 4: Pinglin, Shiding
Pre-trip Essentials
Transport in Taipei and SIM Card: We pre-ordered an EasyCard (~S$26) that comes pre-loaded with NT$200 Deposit and a 5-day limitless 4G SIM Card. Both may be collected from the Ezfly service counter at Terminal 1 or 2 at Taoyuan International Airport.
Travel insurance coverage: We obtained the group Essential Plan from MSIG Insurance (inclusive of as much as S$150,000 Covid-19 abroad medical protection)
Covid guidelines: Masks are required on public transport and in hospitals (correct as of 20 February 2023. Pre-departure and on-arrival exams are usually not required since 7 February 2023.
Day 1: Taipei
10AM: Breakfast at Sihai Soy Milk King
A standard Taiwanese breakfast at Sihai Soy Milk King was what we would have liked to begin the day after a sleep-deprived in a single day flight into Taipei.
The queue was lengthy however strikes impressively rapidly — 5 minutes was all we needed to look forward to a desk.
Famous dishes right here just like the glutinous rice roll (NT$30), the xiao lengthy bao (NT$45) and soy milk (NT$20) have been scrumptious. But our favorite was the crispy and flavourful egg pancakes (NT$28)!
Cost: From NT$20 (~S$1)
Opening hours: 6AM – 9 PM (Mon – Sat), 6AM – 1 PM (Sun)
Address: No. 29, Chang’an West Road, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103
11:30AM: Gaki Hip: Taiwan’s First IG Museum
From boba tea to phone cubicles, and big claw machines, the interactive nature of Taiwan’s first IG museum — Gaki Hip — allowed us to find out about Taiwanese tradition in document time.
An attention-grabbing exhibit here’s a stranger observe exchanger. Drop a handwritten observe right into a machine and get one other in alternate from a stranger.
We acquired a friendship-themed card from a card dispenser earlier within the exhibition, so we wrote in regards to the significance of treasuring friendships. In return, we acquired a courage-themed card with a observe that translated to one thing alongside the strains of taking the street much less travelled is the hallmark of our technology — one thing we resonate with!
The common ticket contains entry to 5 fundamental exhibitions, however a VIP ticket is required for particular exhibitions just like the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival show.
*Note: Gaki Hip is simply open until 12 May 2023, so verify this web page for particulars of future exhibitions. For related options in Taipei, try the Taipei Astronomical Museum.
Entrance charge: ~S$16 for a daily grownup ticket
Opening hours: 11:30AM – 8 PM
Address: 13F, No. 66, Section 1, Zhongxiao West Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, 100
1PM: Lunch at Haoji Dumpling Specialty Store
Haoji Dumpling Specialty Store is a well-liked hideout amongst locals.
Located in an inconspicuous alley simply not far away from Taipei Main Station (Exit M7), this restaurant has the whole lot we have been on the lookout for in a eating spot — low-cost, scrumptious and handy.
Two bowls of zha jia mian (NT$50), a bowl of sizzling and bitter soup (NT$35) and a plate of 10 prawn dumplings (NT$90) have been good for a bunch of 4 to share. Our favorite was the luxurious prawn dumplings.
We waited about 10 minutes for a desk because the 30-seater restaurant was full of locals at 1PM. And we heard from locals that it will get crowded throughout mealtimes.
*Pro-tip: Avoid mealtimes in the event you don’t need to wait too lengthy for a seat!
Cost: From NT$50/most important (~S$2.50)
Opening hours: 10:30AM – 8PM (Mon – Sat), closed on Sun
Address: No. 1, Lane 29, Section 1, Zhongxiao West Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
3:30PM: Jinmianshan Hiking Trail
When daylight shines on the face of Jinmianshan, the sunshine that’s mirrored makes the mountain appear as if a “Gold Face Mountain”, which was how the mountain obtained its identify.
The slopes are steep however the mesmerising view at its peak made this a worthwhile journey.
Even in the event you’re not a seasoned hiker, ropes alongside the path make it extra manageable to overcome the 258m peak. All you want is a bit willpower!
We took an hour to hike from base to peak, the place gusts of robust winds greeted our arrival. Don’t let our brilliant smiles idiot you, it was extraordinarily chilly!
This path within the north of Taipei wasn’t full of hikers, making it a beautiful various to the favored Elephant Mountain for any Taipei itinerary.
*Pro-tip: Bring a torchlight in the event you’re planning to descend the mountain previous sundown as there aren’t any lights alongside the path.
Cost: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
How to get there: Walk 11 minutes from Xihu Station to trailhead, then hike 1hr to peak
7:30PM: Ningxia Night Market
The ultimate cease on our day one itinerary was a visit to one of many oldest evening markets in Taipei — Ningxia Night Market.
Other evening markets like Shilin Night Market usually see a combination of meals and non-food stalls, however Ningxia Night Market is primarily a foodie paradise that specialises in Taiwanese meals.
We tried a range, however the massive sesame mochi (NT$50 for 2, stall #97), and the mouth-watering cheese corn canine (NT$65, stall #47) have been our favourites!
The place was packed however not cramped to the brim — excellent for many who take pleasure in an evening out on the town however are cautious of enormous crowds!
Opening hours: 5PM – 1AM
How to get there: Walk 9 minutes from Zhongshan Station
Day 2: Day Trip to Yehliu, Golden Waterfall, Jiufen and Shifen
We have been intrigued to find what has modified in Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen since our final go to, so we went on a day journey from Taipei to discover these sights on the second day of our itinerary.
We booked the Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall Day Tour (~S$45/pax), which included round-trip shuttle bus transport from Taipei Main Station and an English-speaking native information. The tour additionally stopped by Shifen Waterfall.
9:45AM: Yehliu Geopark
The first cease was Yehliu Geopark, a 1.7km lengthy cape that’s dwelling to quite a few rock formations formed by pure erosion.
We have been lucky to beat the gang to a photograph alternative with the enduring Queen’s Head, which resembles the late Queen Elizabeth from sure angles.
Amongst the three zones right here — our favorite was zone two — the place standard rock formations such because the Queen’s Head, Elephant Rock and Fairy Shoe are discovered. The Mushroom Rock and Cute Princess Head headline zone one, whereas zone three is used for discipline analysis.
Nothing a lot has modified since our final go to. But the Cute Princess Head — which resembles a woman with a ponytail — has been earmarked because the Queen’s Head successor because it’ll inevitably collapse sooner or later.
*Pro-tip: Get there as soon as the geopark opens to keep away from massive crowds, particularly if you wish to get a photograph with the Queen’s Head!
Entrance charge: ~S$5.50
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM
How to get there: Drive 45 minutes from Taipei Main Station
12PM: Golden Waterfall
The Golden Waterfall obtained its identify from the golden-orange colored water that flows down the cascade, which occurs when rainwater comes into contact with pyrite and sulphur-copper ore within the mining city of Jinguashi.
During our 15-minute cease, the mesmerising waterfall was flowing in abundance attributable to rainfall within the space — a silver lining of our rain-filled day tour!
Entrance charge: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
How to get there: Drive 40 minutes from Yehliu Geopark
1PM: Jiufen Old Street
As true foodies, we have been delighted to seize lunch at Jiufen Old Street — a slim alleyway well-known for its meals stalls, memento retailers and tea homes.
We tried quite a lot of meals in the course of the 2-hour cease and listed below are our high three picks!
First up, A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll (NT$50) — a skinny crepe with two scoops of peanut ice cream. The snack was scrumptious — refreshing but not too heavy. The distinction between the crunchy peanuts and creamy ice cream was an ideal match!
Next up, the braised pork rice (NT$40) from Zhang Ji Traditional Fishballs was tasty and bang for the buck for its beneficiant portion!
We needed to strive the taro ball soup (NT$40) from Lai Ah Po Taro Balls, well-known for the proper texture of its taro balls. The dessert lived as much as expectations and the recent model was good for the wet day we had (though iced variations can be found too).
Opening hours: 8AM – 7PM (Mon – Thu), 8AM – 10PM (Fri – Sun)
How to get there: Drive 10 minutes from Golden Waterfall
3:45PM: Shifen Waterfall
Dubbed Taiwan’s personal Niagara Falls, Shifen Waterfall had rather a lot to reside as much as. The waterfall appeared good in pictures, however nothing beats seeing it in particular person — soaking in its magnificence was extraordinarily refreshing for the soul.
Our information shared that the waterfall usually delights guests with a rainbow on sunny days, though we weren’t blessed with such luck.
The waterfall is situated simply 5 minutes by automobile from Shifen Old Street, making it cease earlier than heading there.
Entrance charge: Free
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM
Address: No. 10, Gankeng Road, Nanshan Village, Pingxi District, New Taipei, Taiwan 226
4:15PM: Shifen Old Street
Ever since watching the 2011 rom-com “You Are The Apple Of My Eye“, releasing a sky lantern in Shifen Old Street has been one thing I’ve been trying ahead to do! It felt surreal to lastly accomplish that greater than a decade later!
Pingxi, the place Shifen is situated, was a harmful area prior to now. So employees used sky lanterns as a sign to tell their households that they have been secure. Nowadays, releasing sky lanterns with handwritten needs is seen as a manner of passing them to the gods above.
Our pleasure obtained the higher of us, to the purpose the place our needs on the lantern didn’t make any sense. For starters, we’ll depart you to resolve what world peace has to do with being Chiong Party winners. Spoiler alert: we didn’t win.
For context: Chiong Party is a TTI custom the place we’re given 12 hours to finish our assigned article or video (not an precise social gathering, thoughts you), often accomplished by way of the wee hours of the evening.
Adding insult to harm, we launched the lantern earlier than we might get a full workforce picture as a result of a prepare was approaching. We simply hope for higher luck with our different needs!
Our information really useful a well-liked bubble tea (NT$60). The woman working the stall kindly added grass jelly to all our drinks free of charge! We actually appreciated the mixture of boba, grass jelly and milk tea — it wasn’t too candy for our liking both.
Nothing a lot has modified alongside the quaint previous avenue of Shifen, however releasing a sky lantern right here by no means will get previous!
Opening hours: 24 hours
Address: No. 81, Shifen Street, Pingxi District, New Taipei, Taiwan 226
Read additionally: All the Must-Eat-See-Dos at Shifen & Jiufen
Day 3: Day Trip to Keelung
Located simply 40 minutes by automobile from Taipei, we’ve surprisingly by no means explored Keelung. We employed a Private Car Charter (~S$283/automobile for 8 hours) for comfort and ease of getting across the port metropolis.
Our personal driver picked us up from our resort at 9AM and drove an hour to our first cease, Heping Island Park.
10AM: Heping Island Park
Formerly a buying and selling hub in the course of the Spanish Occupation, Heping Island Park is now a well-liked vacationer attraction. The coastal park was comparatively empty after we arrived, doubtless attributable to rain earlier that morning.
We loved a peaceable 30-minute (round-trip) hike on the Huanshan path to Hepingdao Lookout Point whereas taking within the lovely sight of enormous waves crashing in opposition to the shoreline.
The vacationer centre in the midst of the park additionally sells meals and drinks in the event you want refreshments after the hike.
There are cabin homes, a seaside pool and a seaside on the island, making it a well-liked recreation spot amongst locals in the course of the summer season from May to November.
Entrance charge: ~S$5
Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM
Address: No. 360, Pingyi Road, Zhongzheng District, Keelung, Taiwan 202
12:30PM: Lunch at Shang Deng Beef Noodle Restaurant
On a wet day, the perfect place for lunch is on the locally-approved Shang Deng Beef Noodle Restaurant, only a 10-minute drive from Heping Island.
We advocate including the tofu and century egg (NT$45) to the pipping sizzling bowl of beef noodle soup.
*Pro-tip: Order the small bowl in the event you’re not an enormous eater — the common serving is big!
Cost: From NT$40 (~S$2)
Opening hours: 12PM – 7:30PM
Address: No. 341, Beining Road, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan 202
2PM: Wangyou Valley
Wangyou Valley actually means the valley of forgetting worries in Chinese. And we certain forgot ours whereas laughing unrestrainedly at a teammate who slipped and rolled on the pavement whereas mountain climbing.
(I swear it appeared funnier than it sounds — she’s alright).
We had the place to ourselves for the 40-minute scenic coastal hike! There was a path that led from the cliff to the ocean, however we skipped that because it was drizzling and obtained slippery.
To be trustworthy, I nonetheless can’t resolve if the spotlight of this hike was the magical sea view or watching my teammate roll!
*Pro-tip: Check the climate earlier than heading there as the trail will get fairly slippery on wet days!
Entrance charge: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
How to get there: Drive 5 minutes from Shang Deng Beef Noodle Restaurant
4:30PM: Zhengbin Port Color Houses
Zhengbin Port Colour Houses is without doubt one of the most recognisable and IG-worthy landmarks in Keelung.
Built by the Japanese in 1934, Zhengbin Port was one of many largest ports in Taiwan in the course of the Japanese Occupation. While it’s not the bustling port it as soon as was, the 16 multi-coloured homes have now been taken over by cafes and dessert eating places.
Entrance charge: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
Address: No. 72, Zhengbin Road, Zhongzheng District, Keelung City, Taiwan 202
5PM: Khóo Tsú-Song Old Mansion
A heavy downpour wasn’t going to cease us from exploring the deserted Khóo Tsú-Song Old Mansion. This 93-year-old mansion was named after its proprietor Khóo Tsú-song, who was accountable for Keelung in the course of the Japanese occupation.
We sought cowl in one of many homes for 10 minutes however as soon as the skies cleared, we realised that the mansion was the proper backdrop for taking IG-worthy pictures.
The mansion is situated in a busy neighbourhood, so it didn’t really feel eerie all through the 20 minutes we spent there. There was even a panoramic view of town from its exterior!
It’s an excellent place to go to earlier than heading to Keelung Night Market, which is only a 4-minute stroll away.
Cost: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
Address: No. 15, Lane 2, Aisi Road, Ren’ai District, Keelung City, Taiwan 200
6:30PM: Dinner at Keelung Night Market
Every stall at Keelung Night Market is numbered and named in English, Japanese and Mandarin — one thing unusual for Taiwan evening markets. True hallmark of a vacationer attraction I assume!
We tried quite a lot of meals and two stood out for us!
You may name us bizarre, however we love having a chilly dessert on a cold day. The Pao Pao Ice (NT$50, stall #41) is basically Taiwanese shaved ice with substances combined in it. We had the egg-milk flavour and appreciated its lingering candy style — the portion was good for 2.
I questioned what the hype was about Nutritious Sandwiches (NT$60, stall #58) when locals really useful it, however let’s simply say I’ve turn out to be a fan after making an attempt one. It is basically fried dough bread stuffed with braised egg, cucumber, tomato, and meat topped with candy mayonnaise.
Don’t be fooled by its identify, these sandwiches are something however nutritious. They are excessive in energy, which some locals would argue are a part of diet — therefore giving it its identify. We’ll allow you to resolve what to make of that rationalization!
Opening hours: 12PM – 12 AM (Mon – Sat), 8AM – 12 AM (Sun)
Address: No. 20, Aisi Rd, Ren’ai District, Keelung City, Taiwan 200
Day 4: Half-day Tour to Shiding and Pinglin
The view of Thousand Island Lake is well worth the day journey!
Shiding and Pinglin are well-known for being the place the award-winning baozhong oolong tea is grown and produced, respectively. So we booked a Shiding Tea Township Half-Day Tour from Taipei (~S$66/pax) to discover these townships on the ultimate day of our Taipei itinerary.
10:30AM: Brunch at Yong He Soy Milk King
With time to spare within the morning, we slept in earlier than grabbing brunch at Yong He Soy Milk King — situated a brief 3-minute stroll from our resort.
There have been no seats within the eatery, so we needed to make do with takeaway. We appreciated the tasty egg pancakes (NT$25), and the eatery was additionally extraordinarily beneficiant with the filling of the pink bean cake (NT$20)!
Cost: From NT$20 (~S$1)
Opening hours: 6 AM – 4PM (Mon – Fri), 6AM – 11AM (Sat – Sun)
Address: No. 1, Hengyang Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
2PM: Shiding Tea Township and Thousand Island Lake
The first cease of our half-day tour was the Bagua Tea Plantation in Shiding, which overlooks the serene and picturesque Thousand Island Lake.
Baozhong oolong tea, a well-liked tea in Taiwan, is grown right here. The tea is claimed to have well being advantages, with analysis suggesting that it has thrice extra antioxidants than black tea.
Fun reality: Swimming, fishing or boating are strictly prohibited in Thousand Island Lake because the water is supposed for consumption in Taipei.
Our information introduced us to 2 viewpoints and left us to wander for about 20 minutes at every. The views have been breathtaking each step alongside the way in which.
There have been barely any vacationers and we cherished how peaceable it was. If you’re planning day journeys from Taipei, we reckon it’s best to embrace this hidden gem in your itinerary!
Entrance charge: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
How to get there: Drive 50 minutes from Zhongxiao Xinsheng Station
3:30PM: Pinglin Tea Museum
Next cease, Pinglin Tea Museum.
While right here, we learnt in regards to the historical past and enjoyable information of Taiwanese tea tradition. Did you understand that tea plantation employees keep awake for the complete three days and three nights in the course of the harvest season?
We spent half-hour studying about Taiwanese tea tradition with the interactive parts within the museum, together with a station the place we might odor several types of tea.
Cost: From NT$80 (~S$4)
Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM (Mon – Fri), 9AM – 5:30PM (Sat – Sun)
Address: No. 19-1, Shuisongqikeng Road, Pinglin District, New Taipei City
5PM: Shiding Old Street Tea Tasting
The tour ends with a tea-tasting expertise on the Xuanziwu in Shiding Old Street.
The 45-minute session is hosted by a tea grasp, who taught us about Taiwanese tea tradition — together with attention-grabbing tea ceremony customs and the optimum technique of brewing totally different teas.
Fun reality: You thank the particular person serving tea by tapping the desk thrice together with your index and center fingers.
We tried baozhong oolong tea, honey-scented grasshopper black tea and tung ting oolong tea. And my favorite was the regionally produced grasshopper black tea attributable to its distinguished honey aroma. It tasted so good we bought some to carry dwelling!
Cost: Included in tour
Opening hours: 9AM – 8PM
Address: No. 31, Pinglin St, Pinglin District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 23241
Accommodation in Taipei
Photo credit score: Klook
For our journey, it was vital that we have been inside strolling distance of Taipei Main Station since we had many day journeys. We ended up at Finders Hotel which was a 6-minute stroll away.
The customary double room we stayed in was clear and had all fundamental facilities together with a quick WiFi connection! There was additionally ample house to maneuver round after opening our baggage.
Free meals comparable to cup noodles, tea and biscuits have been out there within the foyer, together with video games like darts and a foosball desk.
Cost: ~S$72/evening by way of Klook
Address: No. 86, Section 1, Chongqing South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
How to get there: Walk 6mins from Taipei Main Station (Exit Z10)
Transport for Taipei Day Trips
While it’s attainable to utilise public transport for day journeys out of Taipei, we discovered the next association a greater expertise:
– Day tour to Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu
– Half-day tour to Shiding
– Private constitution to get round Keelung
In hindsight, having our transport sorted for day journeys saved us a lot of time and power. The drivers and guides have been additionally very beneficiant with options of local-approved eateries.
If you solely have a couple of days to discover Taiwan, reserving a tour or personal constitution is unquestionably probably the most handy and environment friendly method to cowl many sights!
If you intend to go to different elements of Taiwan, try these guides:
– 8D Eastern Taiwan Itinerary: The Gateway to Nature’s Best Adventures (Taipei, Yilan, Hualien, Taitung and Kenting)
– 25 Unique Things To Do In Taiwan Besides Visiting Night Markets
– The Ultimate THSR Taiwan Food Guide: 25 Must-eats in Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung
– Top 7 issues to do in and round Kaohsiung — Gateway to Taiwan’s laid again South
Are there another lesser-known spots you’d add to this Taipei and surrounds itinerary? Let us know within the feedback under!