If you only have 1 week in Taiwan, consider this the ultimate 7 days Taiwan itinerary that will immerse you into the best of the country, including historic destinations, foodie havens, and natural wonders.
As someone who lived in Taiwan for two years and explored most of it, I’m sharing my personal travel experiences, including tips on how to get around, where to go, and even where to eat!
Because while it looks like a tiny island, it’s easy to jam-pack a 7 day itinerary in Taiwan. Regardless, if you only have a week, this guide will ensure you have one amazing trip!
In this guide, we’ll cover general tips about traveling in Taiwan, the best areas to stay in, and the top activities to do in each location.
Useful Information For 1 Week in Taiwan
EasyCard/iPass:
First things first, get an EasyCard or iPass.
It’s what you’ll need to take local transport, including buses and the metro. And if you enjoy city biking, you can use it to register for YouBike, Taiwan’s public bike share system.
You can buy one at the airport, but they come in a huge variety. I suggest waiting to get into the city and check out 7/11 or Family Mart to find a unique and cute card.
SIM Card:
Having a data connection is SO useful while you’re out and about and perhaps need to check transit times, etc. All plans in Taiwan have unlimited data, and you can buy a package at the Taoyuan airport.
Get your SIM at the airport because the prices you pay are the same as you would pay at the store. Plus, while you can get a SIM in the city, it’s inconvenient to have to find a store.
Taiwan does super well with its public bike sharing, especially in cities like Taipei, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. When you get your SIM, you’ll have a phone number that you can use to activate your YouBike membership.
It’s worth mentioning I’ve had issues registering before, as my phone number wouldn’t work. It was strange as I’ve never had the issue before.
Anyways, whatever you do, try to sign up for YouBike as it’s such a convenient way to get around and enjoy Taiwan.
How to Get Around During Your 7 Days Taiwan Itinerary:
You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn Taiwan is very convenient with nationwide transportation.
Whether you plan to rent a car or solely rely on public transportation, you can get almost anywhere you need in Taiwan.
From personal experience, I suggest using public transport (especially trains), for the majority of traveling around Taiwan. In the cities, having a car is a burden when it comes to traffic and parking. Plus, public transit in the cities is much cheaper!
As for destinations in nature and along the East Coast, while I’ve only traveled there by public transit, I suggest a car if you do want more freedom and ease of movement.
How to Take the Train in Taiwan & What to Know
If you romanticize traveling beautiful scenery, peering out the window from a cozy train seat, then Taiwan is the place to make that happen!
I’ve traveled around the country by train, and the views around Taiwan never disappoint, from the massive mountains to flowing rivers.
Plus, taking the train in Taiwan is easy! Let’s cover the two types of trains and how to plan your route.
Taiwan Rail (Slower & Cheaper)
The Taiwan Rail is for those who want to sit back and enjoy the ride (& travel the East Coast of Taiwan).
To plan your trip with the Taiwan Rail, you can use Google and the official website to plan your trip.
I usually start with Google Maps and take note of the train stops provided by Google, as you’ll need to know them for booking your tickets. From here, go to the official website and use the search to look up the route as it will show all the times available.
In order to purchase the ticket, you can reserve it online (& pay for and pick it up at 7/11). It’s that easy!
You can also use the 7/11 kiosk to book your train tickets, but there isn’t English available on the Kiosk.
Taiwan High-Speed Rail (Faster & More Expensive)
While tickets for the high-speed rail are more costly than the regular train in Taiwan, the high-speed rail is a great choice for traveling the West Coast, connecting cities including Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and all the way to Kaohsiung.
In order to book your tickets for the high speed rail, download the app where you can search dates and times.
Once again, like the regular train, you can reserve your ticket, pay for it, and receive it at 7/11 or pick it up at the train station.
Renting a Car in Taiwan
If you plan to travel to the East Coast of Taiwan or want to visit any parts of Taiwan that are truly off the path of public transit, renting a car can give you a lot more control and freedom.
For this guide, though, we’ll be sticking to destinations accessible by public transit, although when a car is more useful, we’ll mention it!
Taking the Bus in Taiwan
When traveling from city to city in Taiwan (for example, Taipei to Taichung), I wouldn’t recommend a bus. But if you happen to be visiting places such as Alishan National Park, then a bus is ideal as there’s no train that will take you there.
Luckily, it’s easy to discover bus routes using Google Maps search.
You can also check out the official Tourist Shuttle website for route and time information in regards to reaching popular tourist destinations in Taiwan by this tourist service.
Days 1-3 of 7 Days Taiwan Itinerary: Taipei & Surrounding Areas
Where to Stay in Taipei:
My favorite area to stay in is Ximen, as it’s loaded with hotels and hostels and is close to public transit as well as Taipei Main Station. Plus, the area has lots to do and plenty of food to eat!
Budget Option: ColorMix Hotel & Hostel
Mid-Range Option: Art’otel Ximending Taipei
Splurge Option: citizenM Taipei North Gate
Day 1: Arrival in Taipei
Woohoo! We’ve arrived in Taiwan. For the first day, we’ll keep it short in case you arrive on Day 1 and are settling in, or still adapting to the new time zone.
Wander Around Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is one of the must-visit places in Taipei during your 7 days in Taiwan to learn about the founding of Taiwan. Chiang Kai-Shek, former president of Taiwan, is the man the monument was constructed to honor.
It’s free to explore the grounds and museum, and you’ll learn not just about him and the birth of Taiwan but also how Taiwan has grown through time into the democracy it is today!
Eat & Play at Night Markets: Shilin or Raohe
Taiwan is a foodie heaven! This means there’s no better way to kick off your trip with a visit to the night market! There are loads of night markets throughout the city but I’m going to share two of my favorites (that also happen to be touristy).
Or, you can dive in deep into night market scene and sign up for a night market tour with a knowledgeable guide!
Shilin:
Located in the North of Taipei off Jiantan Station, the Shilin Night Market boast games, food, claw games, and shopping. If you come to this market, one of the most famous foods to try is the grilled king oyster mushrooms!
Be sure to enjoy some night market games here as well, as this night market seems to have one of the largest selections I’ve seen in Taipei.
Raohe:
Located off Songshan Station, Raohe night market is one of my favorites for the food! It’s touristy, but you’ll find some delicious gems here. Be sure to try the pork pepper buns (located on the East end of the market).
Day 2: A Day Exploring Taipei City
Now that we’ve acclimated ourselves to some of the food and history of Taiwan, it’s time to explore Taipei! On day 2 of this 7 days Taiwan Itinerary we will discover Taipei’s best natural scenery, cultural sites, and more food!
I suggest setting up an account to rent a YouBike because while you can use the MRT to travel long distances, some of the locations below are within walkable and/or bikeable distances.
Morning Hike at Elephant Mountain
If you love a good hike, start your day at Elephant Mountain. While not a long hike (it takes maybe 20 minutes to reach the viewpoint), it’s quite steep, so be prepared to work those legs!
Offering amazing views over the city skyline, Elephant Mountain is just off Xiangshan Station and the perfect way to start your day looking out over the city.
Check Out Taipei 101
After you’ve descended Elephant Mountain, take a stroll over to Taipei 101, a tall skyscraper in the city. After seeing a viewpoint in nature, head up to the 89th floor of Taipei 101 to the observation deck to get another viewpoint surrounded by the sprawling city. Grab your e-ticket in advance online.
Visit Sun Yat-Sen Commemorative Hall
Zhongshan Park and the Sun Yat-Sen Commemorative Hall are lovely places to visit after Taipei 101, and only about a 15-minute walk from Taipei 101.
The gardens are pristine for wandering, and the Sun Yat-Sen Commemorative Hall is one unique building to admire. On top of the overall ambiance, every hour, there is a changing of the guards that guests can witness.
Admire Longshan Temple
After spending the morning/afternoon in the Xinyi area of Taipei, it’s time to head to the west of the city, near Ximen. By now, you’ve likely seen the majestic and intricate temples around Taipei, but Longshan Temple is a must-visit.
Located off Longshan Station, this massive temple was built in 1738 by settlers from Fujian province, China.
Today, practitioners of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism all actively practice here, making this a unique stop not only to appreciate the intricate architecture but also to see how locals practice their beliefs.
Take a Photo at the North Gate
After spending time at Longshan Temple, it’s time to check out another historic place in Taipei: the North Gate. To get here, you can catch a bus, the train, or ride a YouBike.
There are a total of five gates around Taipei, but this one is the best preserved. Plus, with its cool architecture, it’s a great photo op!
Enjoy the Evening at Ximending/The Red House
From the North Gate, it’s easy to wander on over to Ximending and the Red House area.
On Ximending Walking Street, you can enjoy a variety of street foods, catch street performances, shop, and immerse yourself in the overall energetic ambiance.
Just above the walking street is Red House, where you can check out cool bars to finish the night, and sometimes there are festivals and vendors set up here.
Day 3: Take a Day Trip from Taipei (Two Options)
For day 3 of our 1 week Taiwan itinerary, I recommend a day trip from Taiwan. I have two favorite options for you to choose from below:
Day Trip Option 1: Jiufen and/or Houtong Cat Village
Our first day trip option takes us East of Taipei to two iconic towns: Jiufen and Houtong. Located near each other, you can use public transit to get between these small towns, or you can sign up for a whole-day tour that visits these two towns as well as Shifen, Shifen Waterfall, and YehLiu Geopark.
If you opt for public transport, be sure to use Google maps to plan your route and check other information such as the TRA online schedule.
Jiufen: Lantern-Lined Former Mining Town
Jiufen is a classic destination on any 7 days in Taiwan itinerary. This old gold mining town was revived by tourism, and visitors are drawn here for the ‘Spirited Away’ appearance as red lanterns line the alleys and stairways.
Be sure to stop at a tea shop here for mountain and ocean views.
Jiufen Travel tip:
If you plan to go to Hualien from here, you can take the train to Ruifeng Station (just outside Jiufen), and store your luggage before taking the bus to Jiufen.
If you plan to return to Taipei, it’s faster to take the 1062 bus from Taipei to Jiufen.
I recommend arriving past 10 AM. I arrived too early, and while it was nice and quiet, shops didn’t open up fully until around 11 or so. Or simply sign up for the tour, which will plan timings well.
Houtong Cat Village
From Jiufen, you can take the the local bus and train to reach Houtong. It will take about 40 minutes assuming your transfer goes quickly.
If you’re a cat lover, you’ve got to visit Houtong! This town, just like Jiufen, was once a mining town revived by tourism.
In this case, the story is that a woman was documenting the local stray cat population in Houtong, which garnered online attention.
Today, the town and cats are supported by those who come to visit. You’ll see plenty of cats, there’s cat themed souvenirs, and shops and cafes.
End of Day: Head to Hualien or Return to Taipei
At the end of the day, I recommend you head to Hualien.
This means you can return to Taipei at the end of the day and catch train out, or if you stored your luggage at Ruifeng Station, you can catch a train to Hualien from there.
You can also return for the night to Taipei and catch an early train to Hualien.
Day Trip Option 2: Beitou Hot Springs
Beitou Hot Springs
If you’re seeking a relaxing day surrounded by greenery, a visit to the Beitou Hot Springs is just what you need!
In the district, you can visit the museum, eat, and, of course, enjoy the hot springs! Located just an hour North of Taipei, it’s easy to reach by MRT, bus, or day tour that will also take you to 7-8 more awesome stops in the area. Needless to say, we recommend the day tour below!
End of Day: Head to Hualien or Return to Taipei
Since Beitou is on the North West Side of Taipei, you have to return to Taipei before moving onwards. With this, you can return to Taipei and stay the night or return to Taipei and catch a late train to Hualien.
If you want to catch a train to Hualien that night, you can store your luggage at Taipei Main or Songshan station in the morning, so you can easily grab your luggage and catch your train.
Day 4 of 7 Day Taiwan Itinerary: Taroko Gorge & Qing Shui Cliffs
The East Coast of Taiwan is a gem and worth visiting for the incredible nature and culture. Depending on your route around Taiwan, here’s a few suggestions on how to visit Taroko Gorge and Qing Shui Cliffs below.
Best Areas to Stay In Hualien:
If you’ll stay overnight in Hualien, anywhere near the Hualien Train Station is a good choice for the easiest travel.
Budget Option: KID Hualien Hostel or Light Hostel Hualien (also has affordable private rooms)
Mid-Range: Kindness Hotel
Splurge Option: W House
Explore the Taroko Gorge
The Taroko Gorge is one of the most popular natural beauties to visit in Taiwan. The canyon is home to hiking trails and epic natural scenery, attracting visitors from around the globe.
Below are some ideas on how to navigate your Taroko Gorge visit.
If you arrive in Hualien the night before:
If you decided to travel to Hualien the night before this day, we suggest you rent a car, take the tourist shuttle bus (the cheapest option), or go on a guided tour from Hualien.
If you leave Taipei in the morning to Hualien (Same Day):
If you decide to arrive in Hualien in the morning, even if you catch the earliest train, you might not arrive early enough to catch a tour from Hualien.
In this case, your best bet is to rent a car when you arrive in Hualien or use the tourist shuttle. If you rent a car, you can keep your luggage with you, and if you take the shuttle, you can store your luggage at the Hualian train station.
If you plan to come back to Taipei and travel to Taichung or Alishan:
Planning to visit places like Taichung or Sun Moon Lake on the West side of Taiwan? Then I recommend a Taroko Gorge day trip from Taipei. You can most easily do a day trip from Taipei on a guided tour and not have. toleave hote Taipei hotel for another day.
View the Qing Shui Cliffs
Another natural wonder in Taiwan is the Qing Shui Cliffs, located South of Taroko Gorge. They’re a must-see if you travel the East Coast!
If you take a guided tour, be sure to confirm you’ll get to visit the cliffs. If you’re driving or taking public transit, carve out time in your travel plans to stop by. They are a beautiful sight to see during your 7 days in Taiwan itinerary.
Head back to Hualien or Taipei
Tonight, you’ll either need to head back to Taipei, or stay the night in Hualien.
If you plan to visit destinations such as Taichung or Sun Moon Lake, catch the train back to Taipei (or if you took a guided tour from Taipei, they’ll just bring you back!)
If you want to visit cities like Kaohsiung and Tainan, stay in Hualien for the night.
Days 5-7 Taiwan Itinerary: Kaohsiung & Tainan (Option 1)
On your final few days of this 7 days Taiwan itinerary, here are the best ways to immerse yourself into two of Taiwan’s best cities (IMO). Option 1 involves more city and foodie adventures, and Option 2 leans more on the nature and mountains side. Check out both options and choose your favorite!
Day 5: Head to Kaohsiung, A Port City in the South
Best Areas to Stay In Kaohsiung:
When it comes to places to stay in Kaohsiung, there are lots of good areas to stay in, but because traveling by the MRT will be useful, it’s best to stay near one of the MRT stations.
Personally, I recommend staying near Central Park as a lot of attractions are easy to reach from here.
Budget Option: Papo’a Hotel – super cheap and cute!
Mid-Range Option: Fulton Poshtel
Splurge Option: Hotel Indigo Kaohsiung Central Park
Travel During the Day
Day 5 is a travel day! Be sure to check your accommodation location when booking your ticket, as you’ll have to take the local train to Kaohsiung, and there are stops throughout the city.
And while the train ride from Hualien to Kaohsiung does take a bit of time (about 4 hours, plus one transfer in Taitung), it’s one of the most gorgeous stretches along Taiwan.
If you plan to drive, I suggest stopping along the way to take in the coastal views and stop somewhere like this restaurant to enjoy aboriginal food.
Kaohsiung Night Market
Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, night markets await you to indulge. There are three night markets I suggest checking out.
Liuhe Night Market
Located steps away from Formosa Boulevard Station, the Liuhe night market is a small tourist night market serving the quintessential Taiwan night market foods. While not too big, it’s a great place to go if you’re staying nearby.
I recommend trying the Taiwanese hot dog here (it’s my favorite I’ve had in Taiwan!)
Ruifeng Night Market
Ruifeng, located in the North of Koahsiung is the largest tourist night market in Kaohsiung with food, games, and shopping. It’s the night market to go to if you want endless food options as there are aisles of stands.
It can be VERY busy, so I recommend visiting on a weekday. Also, if you head to this night market, you can easily walk over to the Tiger & Dragon Pagoda.
Lingya Night Market
The Lingya night market has a more local feeling than the two markets mentioned above. When I lived in Kaohsiung, sometimes I’d just stumble into this market, and I always enjoyed it.
The streets are hectic, there’s lots of great food, and it’s truly a gem to visit if you want an experience off the beaten path in Kaohsiung.
Day 6: Explore Kaohsiung City
Check out Formosa Boulevard Station
A train station might seem like a weird place to visit on an itinerary for 7 days in Taiwan, but this train station is unlike anything you’ve seen before. In Kaohsiung, the public transit takes its creativity seriously.
Their mascot is a cat, they have anime girl characters called the KRT girls, and do collaborations with other brands.
Around Formosa Boulevard Station, you’ll find themed photo booths, branded souvenirs, and the largest glass artwork in the world!
Bike Along the Arts District
Assuming you’ve set up a YouBike account, pick up a YouBike from nearby the Kaohsiung Music Center and cruise the Pier 2 Art District. There’s lots of amazing art, food, and shops along the area.
Plus you can lock your YouBike if you want to hop off for any stops.
Catch the Sunset at the Beach and Eat at the Cijin Island Night Market
As you cruise along on your YouBike, you’ll get closer to the Gushan Ferry Park. Here, you can park your YouBike and hop on the ferry to Cijin Island.
On Cijin Island, you can enjoy the beach (yes, you can swim here!) and enjoy lots of seafood. This is a great place to catch the sunset from, wander the street vendors, and grab a drink at one of the beach bars.
Day 7: Tainan
On your final day in Taiwan, it’s time to explore one of the most historic and charming cities ever: Tainan! For a day here, there’s lots to cover, and lots to eat!
Where to Stay in Tainan:
I always stay in the West Central District of Tainan near Hai’An Road. There’s plenty of cute hotels and hostels to stay at.
One of the best spots I recommend that works both as budget hostel and a cute boutique hotel is the U.I.J Hotel & Hostel – book a dorm on the cheap (which are super cool pods with curtains) or a private room for mid/splurge, and enjoy the amazing common areas.
It’s nearby lots of food-filled streets, cafes, and street art, and is very walkable. Oh yeah, and it’s not too far from Tainan Station.
Head to Tainan
Since Kaohsiung and Tainan are close, you can catch a morning train to Tainan.
From Xin Zouying (or another local train station near your accommodation), catch the local train to Tainan.
While the HSR does go to Tainan, you need to transfer to another train to reach the center of Tainan, ultimately taking you a bit more time.
Grab Lunch/Snack Your Way Through the GuoHua Street
Located a few blocks off of Hai’An Road is one of the most famous little streets with lots of food! Wander this street and try anything that tickles your fancy.
Aside from this street, the whole West Central area has lots of amazing food, so don’t be shy to wander.
Wander Anping District
The Anping District is full of history and food! Head there in the late afternoon (maybe around 3 PM) to visit attractions such as the Anping Fort and Anping Treehouse before they close.
Once dinner time hits, Anping Old Street is full of amazing food for you to indulge in. If you eat meat, then check out A-Cai which serves the most incredible beef soup.
For dessert, go here for the best tofu pudding topped with mung or red bean.
Shop at Shennong Street
I gotta say, I absolutely adore this street in Tainan! It’s touristy, but so charming with the artistic lanterns and old buildings.
There are lots of shops selling clothes and creative souvenirs, so if you’re looking for some unique Taiwan souvenirs, this is the place to get them!
Days 5-7 Taiwan Itinerary: Taichung & Sun Moon Lake (Option 2)
If you are more into smaller villages, mountains, and views than cities, markets, and foodie spots, you should choose option 2 to finish out your 7 days in Taiwan. OR, you can extend to 10 days in Taiwan and do it all!
Day 5: Taichung City
I’ll admit it; I’m not a huge fan of Taichung. I’ve only been a few times, and I always am relying on my friend with a car to get us around.
With that said, there are still some gems in Taichung to check out, so if you don’t mind taking Ubers or using public transit, you’ll get by just fine.
Where to Stay in Taichung
Since we’ll be passing through Taichung in our 7 days Taiwan itinerary, it’s ideal to find accommodation near the HSR Station.
Head to Taichung in the AM
First things first, leave Taipei and head on over to Taichung! You can take the HSR from Taipei and it takes about an hour.
You can also take a local train to save money but I recommend the HSR because it’s not only faster, but better to find accommodation near the HSR Station.
Explore the Rainbow Village
After storing your luggage at your accommodation (or at the HSR Station), you can take a bus to the Rainbow Village. Painted by one man, it’s a cute place to stop for photos, admire the artwork, and learn about a story of resilience in Taiwan.
Eat at Feng Chia Night Market
Located in the North of Taichung, save space in your stomach for dinner at the Feng Chia Night Market. This is the largest and most popular night market in Taichung.
Day 6-7: Sun Moon Lake
Where to Stay in Sun Moon Lake
There are two busy areas around Sun Moon Lake ideal to stay, including Shuishe and Ita Thao.
While I recommend one of these areas for ease of getting around, you can check out many unique accommodations around the lake.
Budget Option: 貓頭鷹旅店 – awesome hostel with King Bed Pods
Mid Range: Ace House or Sun Moon Lake Blue Sky Bay B&B
Splurge: The Richforest Hotel- Sun Moon Lake – AMAZING Lake Views
Sun Moon Lake Early Arrival
It’s time to head into the mountains of on this 7 days Taiwan itinerary and visit one of the most popular tourist destinations: Sun Moon Lake!
And luckily, it’s quite easy to get here by bus from Taichung as there are buses that leave from the Taichung HSR Station direct to Sun Moon Lake.
Check out this website for the bus timetable, and remember you can check Google maps for route information as it’s usually quite accurate. Head there early so you can enjoy all the things to do from the get go!
Sun Moon Lake Ropeway
Sun Moon Lake is an area with some epic views, and the best way to experience them is along the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway, providing panoramic views from the cable cars.
Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village
Once you reach the peak of the ropeway, you’ll arrive at the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, an amusement park with rides, food, and aspects of Taiwan’s aboriginal culture to appreciate and learn about.
The cost to enter is a bit pricey, but if you wanna let loose and have fun while still immersing yourself into a cultural experience, this is the place for it!
Try the Street Foods in Ita Thao
On the one side of the lake is Ita Thao (you might even be staying here!), and the street foods are a must-eat!
Sun Moon Lake is known for its black tea production, so you’ll find famous foods such as tea eggs boiled with locally grown tea leaves. There are also other treats to try, such as the taro balls.
Day 7: Head Back to Taichung
Reach the top of Ci’En Pagoda
If you’ve ever seen photos of Sun Moon Lake, there’s a chance you’ve seen this towering pagoda. If you come to Sun Moon Lake, it’s a must-visit.
While it’s a bit of a physically challenging hike to get there, it’s well worth making the trip to see this beautiful and detailed pagoda in person and say you’ve climbed to the top of it!
Take the Bus Back to Taichung:
It’s almost time to say goodbye to Taiwan! Take the bus back to Taichung, where you can take the HSR to the airport, or you can stay overnight and then take the HSR to the airport the next day.
Other Options (besides Sun Moon Lake):
Experience Magnificent Alishan:
In my opinion, Alishan Park, while pretty great, is a bit overrated. But if you’re determined to make it, an extra day in Taiwan is ideal.
It takes about 4 hours to get there from Taichung, including a train and bus ride. With this, it’s best to leave as early as possible from Taichung to explore the park, stay a night, and catch the sunrise.
After sunrise, you can then take the bus back if you need to catch your flight, or you can enjoy the park a bit more and leave when it’s convenient for you.
Finish Your 7 Days Taiwan Itinerary By Eating Your Way Through Tainan:
Tainan is one of the easiest places to visit after Taichung because you can take a train straight there.
I’ve already discussed Tainan in this article, so please refer to here for how to spend your last of your 7 days in Taiwan itinerary in the foodie capital of Taiwan.
That’s it for your 1 week in Taiwan (or have I convinced you to spend 10 days in Taiwan?) Let us know which options you chose in the comments below!
Read more:
