5-Day Taiwan Itinerary: Taipei + One Extra Destination

With 5 days, you can easily add 2–3 nights outside Taipei and still have a relaxed trip. Choose one of these popular add-ons depending on what you love most: nature, food, mountains, or dramatic scenery.

Day 1 – Elephant Mountain Hike & Taipei 101

• Morning: Quick hike up Elephant Mountain (about 30 minutes). The trail is steep but short, with stunning panoramic views of Taipei 101 right below you.
• Late morning: Walk down and visit Taipei 101 – snap photos from the base or head up to the observation deck.
• Afternoon: Explore the Xinyi District – window-shop, people-watch, grab lunch at a food court (beef noodles or oyster omelette recommended).
• Evening: Shilin Night Market – try stinky tofu, oyster omelette, bubble tea, and more.

Day 2 – Culture & Old Streets

• Morning: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (watch the guard change) and Longshan Temple.
• Afternoon: National Palace Museum (world-class Chinese artifacts).
• Late afternoon: Bus to Jiufen old street (teahouses, lantern-lit alleys) and Shifen (release sky lanterns).
• Evening: Raohe Street Night Market or relax in Ximending.

Option A: Taipei + Sun Moon Lake (Best for Nature Lovers)

Beautiful lake surrounded by mountains – perfect for cycling, boat rides, and relaxing scenery.

• Day 3: High-speed rail to Taichung, then bus to Sun Moon Lake. Afternoon: rent a bike or scooter and cycle around the lake. Visit Wenwu Temple. Book a Sun Moon Lake guided tour here →
• Day 4: Boat tour on the lake, Ita Thao village (indigenous food & culture), Ci’en Pagoda viewpoint. Optional: cable car to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village.
• Day 5: Morning nature walk or tea tasting, then return to Taipei or head straight to Taoyuan Airport.

Option B: Taipei + Tainan (Best for Food Lovers)

Tainan is considered Taiwan’s food capital – ideal if you want to eat your way through historic streets.

• Day 3: High-speed rail to Tainan. Afternoon: Chihkan Tower, Anping Old Street, Anping Tree House.
• Day 4: Full food day – coffin bread, shrimp rolls, beef soup, danzai noodles, Garden Night Market. Explore Confucius Temple and historic lanes.
• Day 5: Morning visit to Hayashi Department Store (vintage building), then return to Taipei or head straight to Taoyuan Airport.

Option C: Taipei + Alishan (Best for Mountain Lovers)

Iconic sunrise over the sea of clouds, ancient cypress trees, and scenic train ride.

• Day 3: Travel to Alishan (train/bus combo or private transfer). Afternoon: forest trails and Giant Tree Trail. Book a guided Alishan tour here →
• Day 4: Early sunrise at Zhushan (train or shuttle). Morning hike, Sisters Ponds. Afternoon: Fenqihu old street (railway bento boxes).
• Day 5: Return to Taipei or head straight to Taoyuan Airport by midday/afternoon.

Option D: Taipei + Hualien (Best for Dramatic Nature)

Home to Taroko National Park – marble gorges, waterfalls, and coastal scenery. Taroko is my most recommended place in Taiwan – its dramatic scenery is truly unforgettable.

• Day 3: Train to Hualien. Afternoon: Qixingtan Beach or easy Taroko Gorge walk (if open). Book a guided Taroko tour here →
• Day 4:
  • If Taroko is open: Full day in Taroko National Park – Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow Grotto, Tunnel of Nine Turns, optional Baiyang Waterfall hike.
  • If Taroko is closed (due to typhoon damage as of December 2025): Explore more of Hualien – Liyu Lake, Pine Garden (historic Japanese building), or a coastal drive. Tip: Hualien has great seafood – try fresh catch at a seaside restaurant.
• Day 5: Morning visit to Liyu Lake or Seven Stars Beach, then return to Taipei or head straight to Taoyuan Airport.

Quick Tips for 5 Days

• Book high-speed rail tickets in advance (fast and comfortable).
• Pack layers – mountains and lakes can be cooler than Taipei.
• Download a translation app – English is limited outside Taipei.
• Check Taroko status regularly if planning Option D (many areas remain closed due to typhoon damage).

Which option sounds like you? Let me know in the comments, or book a personalized itinerary consultation if you want help customizing your trip!

Happy travels! 🌿