Taipei 5-Day Urban Escape Itinerary

Kick off your second day with a serene visit to Longshan Temple, one of Taipei's oldest and most revered temples. Participate in Taipei Old Town - Taiwan Introduction Free Walking Tour to gain deeper insights into the temple's history and significance. For breakfast, try traditional Taiwanese breakfast fare at Fuhang Soy Milk, known for its freshly made soy milk and crispy sesame flatbreads.

After exploring Longshan Temple, head to Beitou district for a relaxing afternoon at Beitou Hot Spring. Enjoy soaking in the therapeutic hot springs while taking in the scenic surroundings. Don't miss visiting the nearby Beitou Hot Spring Museum to learn about the area's rich hot spring culture. For lunch, dine at Shaoshi Dama Dumpling House, which offers delicious handmade dumplings.

In the evening, make your way to Shilin Night Market, one of Taipei's largest and most famous night markets. Before diving into street food delights, stop by National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine en route for a glimpse into Taiwan's history. At Shilin Night Market, indulge in various local snacks such as stinky tofu, oyster omelets, and bubble tea from vendors like Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken. The lively atmosphere and diverse food options make it an unforgettable experience.

Begin your third day with a visit to Taipei Fine Arts Museum, which houses an impressive collection of contemporary art from Taiwan and around the world. After immersing yourself in art, enjoy breakfast at nearby café Café de LUGO, known for its cozy ambiance and excellent coffee.

Continue your artistic journey by heading to Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. Explore various exhibitions showcasing local creativity at this former tobacco factory turned cultural hub—Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. For lunch, savor Taiwanese fusion cuisine at Addiction Aquatic Development, where you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes in a modern setting.

Conclude your day with an adventure on Maokong Gondola—Maokong Gondola. This scenic cable car ride offers stunning views of Taipei’s skyline as you ascend towards Maokong Mountain. Once there, unwind with tea tasting sessions at one of Maokong’s traditional teahouses like Yao Yue Teahouse. As night falls over Maokong Mountain’s serene landscape dotted with tea plantations—it becomes an ideal spot for relaxation before heading back down via gondola.

Start your fourth day with a visit to the Presidential Office Building. This historical building offers guided tours that provide insights into Taiwan's political history and architecture. After the tour, head to Yong He Soy Milk King for a traditional Taiwanese breakfast of soy milk and you tiao (fried dough sticks).

In the afternoon, explore the cultural richness of Dadaocheng by visiting Dihua Street. This historic street is lined with shops selling traditional Chinese medicine, fabrics, and dried goods. Participate in Taipei Like a Local Customized Guided Tour to get personalized insights into this vibrant area. For lunch, stop by Lin Dong Fang Beef Noodles, renowned for its flavorful beef noodle soup.

As evening approaches, make your way to the serene Bao'an Temple. This beautifully decorated temple is dedicated to Baosheng Dadi, the god of medicine. Enjoy dinner at MKCR (Modern Toilet Restaurant), a quirky themed restaurant where dishes are served in toilet-shaped bowls. End your night with a visit to Ningxia Night Market—Ningxia Night Market—to sample more local street food delights.

Begin your final day with an early morning hike up Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan). The trail is relatively short but offers stunning panoramic views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. After your hike, enjoy breakfast at The Diner, known for its hearty Western-style breakfast options.

In the afternoon, take a trip to Yangmingshan National Park—Yangmingshan National Park. This expansive park is famous for its hot springs, hiking trails, and beautiful flower gardens. Participate in 9-Hour Tamsui Historic Site & Beitou Hot Spring Culture Tour which includes a visit to Tamsui's historic sites and Beitou's hot springs. For lunch, dine at Old Street Tofu Pudding, offering delicious tofu-based desserts.

Conclude your Taipei adventure with an evening visit to Raohe Street Night Market—Raohe Street Night Market. Before diving into street food delights, stop by Ciyou Temple located at the entrance of the market. At Raohe Night Market, indulge in various local snacks such as pepper buns and grilled squid from vendors like Fuzhou Shizu Pepper Cake. The lively atmosphere and diverse food options make it an unforgettable experience before heading back home.