My Taiwan Travel Itinerary: How I Spent Amazing 2 Weeks in Taiwan (+10 Day Itinerary Taiwan)

I have to say, visiting Taiwan in 2025 was definitely not on my bingo card. My original plan was to keep exploring Southeast Asia, but then I spotted a cheap flight from the Philippines to Taiwan and thought, why not? In my head, Taiwan always felt different and cool, not as crowded with tourists as Thailand or Vietnam, so I figured it was the perfect place to visit.

Turns out, Taiwan ended up being one of my favorite countries I’ve ever visited. The mix of culture, food, landscapes, and just the whole vibe completely won me over. I knew Southeast Asia pretty well at this point, but Taiwan is much closer to Chinese culture, so everything from the language to the food felt new and exciting to me.

In this travel guide on my Taiwan travel itinerary, I’ll share exactly how I spent 2 weeks in Taiwan. I’ll break it down into a full 2 week itinerary Taiwan and a 10 day itinerary Taiwan, with all my favorite cities, things to do, where to stay, and plenty of personal tips. Let’s get into it.

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My Taiwan Travel Itinerary: How I Spent Amazing 2 Weeks in Taiwan (+10 Day Itinerary Taiwan)

Taiwan Travel Itinerary – My Experience

I pretty much tried to squeeze in as much as possible during my time in Taiwan. In reality, I had a bit more than two weeks since I was working on my laptop here and there, but for simplicity, let’s just say I had two full weeks, because no one cares about the days where I was glued to my desk.

I started in Taipei, which ended up being my favorite city in Taiwan. Total culture shock in the best way, every sign and menu in Chinese, barely anyone speaking English, and I had no clue where to go or what to do. I loved that feeling. It finally felt like a real adventure again.

From Taipei (where I basically just ate non-stop), I did a couple of day trips before heading south through the Alishan forest, then down to Tainan, Taiwan’s former capital and food heaven and finally all the way down to Kaohsiung is South Taiwan.

I loved the mix of big buzzing cities, smaller mountain towns, misty forests, and coastal cities. It felt like the perfect way to see a bit of everything.

I honestly think Taiwan is going to blow up in the next few years when it comes to tourism. It’s different, exciting, super modern, and so easy to navigate with its great public transport. So yeah, I’d say book your trip now like I did, before Taiwan ends up on everyone’s radar.

Mini Taiwan Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Taiwan

Public transport in Taiwan: The public transport here is honestly amazing. Super reliable, clean, and easy to use. Definitely get yourself an EasyCard, which you can grab at any 7-Eleven. You’ll use it for MRT, buses, and even in some shops.
Google Translate app: Download it before you arrive and make sure to use the photo feature, absolute lifesaver for reading menus or signs since pretty much everything is in Chinese.
Taiwan weather: Taiwan can get insanely hot, especially in summer. Even when I was there in April, it was 35°C (95°F). Pack light clothes and always carry water.
English level: Most locals don’t speak much English, but everyone I met was super helpful and patient. Just smile and point, it somehow always works.
Taiwan the Lucky Land lottery: Join this online, 1 week before you arrive. You can literally win free stuff, from cash vouchers to transport passes. It’s definitely worth a shot!
Try all the food: Taiwan is a food heaven. When in doubt, just book a food tour. I did and it was the best decision ever. Night markets, street snacks, weird drinks, I had so much fun trying all those different things.
Currency & payments: Most places (especially restaurants, shops, and hotels) take cards, but at night markets and smaller stalls, you’ll need cash. I always kept some New Taiwan Dollars (NTD) on me just in case.
THSR (High-Speed Rail): Even though it sounds cool, it doesn’t always make sense in this itinerary for Taiwan. The normal trains are way cheaper and honestly not that much slower. The biggest reason is that the High Speed Rail is very expensive and the High Speed Rail stations are not the same as normal train stations, they’re usually located far outside the main city centers.
Internet & SIM cards: You can get a local SIM card at the airport. Super cheap and good coverage everywhere, even in the mountains. I 100% recommend getting one, mainly for navigation and translation.
Trash & recycling: Taiwan is big on waste separation. You won’t find many public trash cans, so be prepared to carry your rubbish around until you find one.
Safety: Taiwan is one of the safest places I’ve ever been. I never felt unsafe, even at night wandering around random alleys.

My Taiwan Travel Itinerary

Alright, let’s get into my actual Taiwan travel itinerary. Just so we’re all on the same page: I’ll break it down into a 10 day Taiwan itinerary first, and then extend it to a 2 week Taiwan itinerary.

The itineraries are basically the same, but if you’ve got a bit more time (lucky you), I added a few extra days in Kaohsiung which is a super fun coastal city down south that’s 100% worth checking out. If you only have 10 days in Taiwan though then you can totally skip Kaohsiung and still have an amazing trip.

10 Day Itinerary Taiwan

Day 1: Arrive in Taipei – First Impressions & Night Markets

When I first landed in Taipei, I honestly didn’t really know what I was getting myself into. I just knew it would be different, and it was. The moment I arrived, I felt that rush you get when you finally step into a place that feels totally new. Every sign is in Chinese, no one really speaks English, and the city just feels alive everywhere you look.

On my first day in any new place, I like to keep it easy. No packed itinerary, just wandering around and letting the city surprise me.

In Taipei, I started with Ximending, this busy walking district that’s full of food stalls, shops, and random little side streets to get lost in. I love grabbing a few small bites here and there and just seeing what happens. My two absolute favorite things to eat here are the Milk Donuts at Crispy Milk Donut and the fried Dumplings next door at Chef Yu Fried Bun.

Later on, I headed over to Taipei 101. Even if you don’t go up to the observation deck right away, just being in that area is great. Lots of good spots for coffee or a quick snack, and it’s a good way to get your bearings. Also btw I totally think that going up to the observation deck is worth it!

In the evening, it’s all about the night markets here in Taiwan and especially in Taipei. My favorite is Raohe Night Market, it’s a bit smaller and less chaotic than Shilin, and the food is just so good. Make sure to try the pepper pork buns at the entrance. Yes, there’s always a line, but they’re totally worth the wait.

Best Hotel in Taipei: MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel

Taipei Hotel Guide: Where to Stay in Taipei

Day 2: Explore Taipei – CKS Memorial, Lungshan Temple, National Palace Museum & Elephant Mountain

On my second day in Taipei, I wanted to tick off some of the big sights but still keep the day feeling relaxed enough. I started the morning at the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall (CKS Memorial), which is easy to get to, just take the red MRT line and get off at the station with the same name.

From there, I walked over to Lungshan Temple, one of my favorite temples in Taipei. It’s an active temple, so you’ll see locals burning incense and making offerings. Even if you’re not big on temples, it’s worth stopping by just to feel the atmosphere.

After all that exploring, I definitely needed a coffee break. My favorite spot is Summer Savage, a super cozy cafe with great flat whites.

Around midday, I headed to the National Palace Museum. It’s full of Chinese imperial artifacts and really impressive to see. Not going to lie though, I found it a little boring after a while, but that might just be me. If you’re into history and art, you’ll probably love it.

In the afternoon, I made my way to Elephant Mountain for a little sunset hike. It only takes about 15 minutes to get to the top, and the views over Taipei (especially with Taipei 101 in the background) are incredible.

And to wrap up the day, dinner has to be at Din Tai Fung. You have to try the xiao long bao (soup dumplings), they’re so delicious. When I went, I drew a number and the wait time was showing two hours (insane, right?), but luckily an older couple ended up giving me their ticket because they had to leave so I only waited about 30 minutes.

Day 3: Day Trip to Jiufen

On day 3, I headed out to Jiufen which is probably the most famous day trip from Taipei. Jiufen is a little mountain town about an hour away, known for its narrow alleyways, tea houses, endless stairs, and those red lanterns everywhere. It’s said to have inspired Spirited Away, and honestly, it really does feel like that.

I took the bus from Taipei (super easy), but you can also take a train to Ruifang and then a short bus or taxi up. I’d definitely recommend going early to beat the big tour crowds.

When you’re there, grab a tea at one of the traditional tea houses overlooking the hills, the views are amazing. I also loved wandering through the old street and trying random snacks. The taro balls are a must-try (even if they look weird at first).

If you want to stretch your legs a bit, you can also do the quick hike up to Teapot Mountain nearby, the views back down to the coast are stunning and the hike itself was so much fun, I’ll make sure to include some pictures down below.

I stayed overnight to see Jiufen lit up at night, which felt extra magical, but if you’re short on time, it works perfectly as a day trip too.

Best Hotel in Jiufen: Jiufen The Dragon B&B

Jiufen Hotel Guide: Where to Stay in Jiufen

Day 4: Day Trip to Taroko Gorge (This can be a hassle so I have an alternative)

Taroko Gorge is one of Taiwan’s most famous nature highlights, it’s a massive marble canyon with stunning cliffs, turquoise rivers, and tons of hiking trails. It’s honestly one of the most beautiful places in Taiwan, and if you love nature, I definitely think it’s worth the effort.

If you’re keen (and don’t mind a big driving day), you can do it as a day trip from Taipei but you can also stay a night in Hualien. Rent a car, leave around 5 or 6 am, and drive about 3 hours to Hualien. Once there, you can explore some of the easier and most beautiful spots like the Shakadang Trail (super chill, runs along a bright blue river), the Eternal Spring Shrine, and a few quick viewpoints. Just know you’ll have to drive back in the evening, so it’s a long day for sure.

Alternative option if you want to take it easier:

Spend the morning exploring more of Taipei. You could check out Huashan 1914 Creative Park (a cool old factory area with art exhibits and shops), grab another round of cafe hopping (Summer Savage or Simple Kaffa are both great), or visit a smaller museum like the Museum of Contemporary Art. Then in the afternoon, head down to Sun Moon Lake and settle in for the night so you’re not wiped out.

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Day 5: Sun Moon Lake

From Taipei, I took a train to Taichung (which was super easy), then hopped on the direct bus from Taichung Station straight to Sun Moon Lake.

Once you’re there, it’s hard not to fall in love guys. The lake is stunning with calm blue water framed by green mountains, with small villages scattered around.

Rent an e-bike if you can; biking around the lake is the perfect way to explore. Along the route, stop by Wenwu Temple for some great views over the lake, and don’t miss boarding the ferry to discover different sides of the water.

Day 6: Alishan National Forest – Travel & Explore

On day 6, it’s time to leave Sun Moon Lake and head into the mountains. You have two options: you can either go straight from Sun Moon Lake to Alishan by bus, or you can take the scenic Alishan Forest Railway from Chiayi.

The Alishan Forest Railway is an experience on its own, a beautiful, winding ride up through the mountains and forests. Getting tickets can be a bit tricky, so if you want to do this, I’d actually recommend spending a night in Chiayi beforehand and skipping a night at Sun Moon Lake. It’s worth it if you’re into unique train rides and don’t mind a bit of planning.

Alishan (officially Alishan National Forest Recreation Area) is a misty mountain forest filled with giant cedar trees and endless hiking trails. I absolutely loved it here. The forest feels magical, with fog drifting between the trees and all these small, peaceful paths to explore. It was such a nice change of pace after all the city hopping, and a perfect way to see a different side of Taiwan.

Btw: It’s not proper hiking here, so it’s definitely doable for any type of fitness level!

Best Hotel in Alishan: Alishan Hotel

Alishan Travel Guide: My Full Alishan Travel Guide

Day 7: Sunrise & Hiking in Alishan

Day 7 starts early, really early. One of the best things to do in Alishan is to take the sunrise train up to one of the main viewpoints. Seeing the sun come up over the mountains and light up the sea of clouds below is something I’ll never forget. It’s a bit touristy, but still totally worth it.

After sunrise, spend the rest of the morning wandering around the forest trails. There are plenty of easy walks that take you past giant ancient cedars (some are over 2,000 years old!), small temples, and little ponds hidden in the fog. My favorite places to visit were Sister Pond, Shuishan Giant Tree and the three generation tree.

By the afternoon, it’s time to head back down to Chiayi. From there, you can grab a train and continue your journey, or just enjoy a slow evening in the city before moving on. I personally stayed the night in Chiayi and moved on to Tainan the next morning. Alishan was definitely one of my favorite stops on this whole itinerary, and I felt like it showed me a completely different side of Taiwan.

Day 8: Head to Tainan – Food Tour & Night Markets

I arrived in Tainan in the morning, and before we even get into day 8 of my Taiwan travel itinerary, I need to say: I loved Tainan. After Taipei, it’s my favorite city in Taiwan.

I took the train down from Chiayi (where I stayed after Alishan), and it was super easy and quick. Tainan used to be the capital of Taiwan, so the city feels much older and more traditional compared to Taipei. You’ll find tons of little alleyways, hidden markets, older buildings, and so many temples.

On my first day, I did a food tour I booked through my hotel, and it was seriously so much fun. We explored a few different markets in the late afternoon and evening, and I think I tried at least ten things I’d never even heard of before.

In the end, I was somehow still hungry, so I decided to check out a night market. The most famous one in Tainan is the Garden Night Market, and it’s huge, a bit different from Taipei’s since it’s set up in a big parking lot rather than narrow streets. The food here was incredible, maybe even better than in Taipei. I had loads of dumplings, peanut ice cream rolls, chicken katsu curry, and of course finished it all off with some bubble tea.

Best Hotel in Tainan: Lakeshore Hotel Tainan

Tainan Hotel Guide: Where to Stay in Tainan

Day 9: Explore Tainan – Temples & Old Streets

On day 9 of my 10 days in Taiwan itinerary, I started with an amazing breakfast/brunch, but Taiwanese-style. I went to a place called Ding Fu Fa, which is a super simple restaurant but really popular (we actually had to wait in line). They’re famous for their pork lard mixed rice, which comes with an egg yolk on top, as well as pork and fish ball soup. I know it might sound a bit off-putting, but honestly, it was one of my favorite meals in Taiwan.

Afterwards, I headed out to explore the city and stopped by the Tainan Confucius Temple. Fun fact: it’s the oldest Confucian temple in Taiwan, originally built in 1665 during the Ming dynasty era, and it served as a school for scholars. Most of the grounds are free to enter, and it’s really peaceful,definitely worth a stroll.

Then I grabbed a coffee at one of my favorite cafes in Tainan: IBT Coffee. The space is beautiful, and it’s a nice spot to cool down and just relax for a bit. Also, where I escaped the heat, I try to take AC breaks now and then.

In the evening, make sure to head to Shennong Street. It’s probably the most popular street in Tainan at night, full of small shops, restaurants, and little alleyways to explore. There’s also a night market nearby, so it’s the perfect area to wander around after sunset and get some dinner or snacks.

Day 10: More Tainan – Anping Old Street

On the last day of my 10 day itinerary Taiwan, I explored the old town of Tainan: the Anping district. This area actually has Dutch roots, it was a Dutch settlement in the 1600s. You can visit the Anping Tree House, which is an old warehouse that’s been taken over by giant banyan trees (super cool), and Fort Zeelandia, a fort built by the Dutch East India Company.

These days, Anping is also famous for its street food. You’ll find tons of stalls selling everything from shrimp rolls to oyster omelets and Taiwanese-style shaved ice, it’s such a fun place to spend an afternoon. It’s a bit outside the city center, so you’ll need to take a bus or do what I did: just grab an Uber.

Depending on where your flight out of Taiwan is from, you can take the high-speed train from Tainan back to Taipei in the evening. It only takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, so you can easily spend your last night in Taipei. Most international flights leave from Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), so it’s nice to be back in the city and not have to stress before flying out the next morning.

My 2 Week Itinerary Taiwan

Ok, so now that I’ve finished my 10 day Taiwan itinerary, I’ll add four more days to make this a full 14 day Taiwan itinerary.

And this is pretty much exactly what I did when I was in Taiwan: after Tainan, I took the train to Kaohsiung, an amazing harbor city with a great art scene and some beautiful national parks nearby. It’s super fun to explore, and I think it’s the perfect way to wrap up the trip.

Day 11: Travel to Kaohsiung – Cijin Island & Waterfront

Getting to Kaohsiung was super easy, it’s basically right next to Tainan, and the train ride didn’t even take an hour. So I arrived pretty early in the morning, ready to explore.

On my first morning, I felt the need to escape the city a bit, so I headed straight to Cijin Island. It’s a small island just off Kaohsiung, and you can easily get there by taking a quick ferry (you can even use your EasyCard which is super convenient).

Once there, you can rent a bicycle and ride around, check out the art installations, and eat super fresh seafood. It’s not the most “exciting” activity, but I loved the slower pace and getting some sea air.

In the afternoon and evening, I explored my favorite part of Kaohsiung: the waterfront and harbor area.

This is where you’ll find the Pier-2 Art Center, full of quirky outdoor art, creative spaces, and tons of bars and restaurants. It’s such a fun place to hang out, grab a drink, and just enjoy the atmosphere. I actually treated myself to a fancy dinner at a place called Yongshin Foodopia, where I had grilled octopus and some good wine which was such a nice way to end the day.

Best Hotel in Kaohsiung: Fullon Hotel Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung Hotel Guide: Where to Stay in Kaohsiung

Day 12: Explore Kaohsiung – Sunfong Temple & Dragon And Tiger Pagodas

Day 12 of my 2 week Taiwan itinerary is very much about temples, pagodas, and of course… more food.

I started at the Sunfong Temple, which was hands down the most beautiful temple I saw in Taiwan. Covered in red lanterns and full of the classic Chinese-style architecture, it just felt so special. I absolutely recommend making time for it.

After that, I went to the famous Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond. You might have seen photos of these before, you enter through the dragon’s mouth and exit through the tiger for good luck. There are a few other small temples and statues around the pond, so I wandered there for a while too.

At night, I had to wrap things up with a night market visit. In Kaohsiung, my favorite was Ruifeng Night Market. It’s a bit outside the city center but close to Lotus Pond, so it makes sense to combine it. I’ll be honest, the night market scene in Kaohsiung didn’t blow me away compared to Taipei or Tainan, but Ruifeng is definitely the best one here.

Day 13: Day Trip to Kenting National Park

If you feel like seeing more of Taiwan’s nature, I highly recommend making the trip down to Kenting National Park. It’s at the southern tip of Taiwan and is known for its beaches, stunning coastal cliffs, and more laid-back vibe.

You can either rent a car and drive down yourself (about two hours one way), or join a day tour if you don’t feel like driving, both options work fine.

Once there, you’ll find beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise water, and some great viewpoints. Even though Taiwan isn’t really known as a classic beach destination, Kenting gives you a totally different side of the country and feels almost like a mini tropical getaway.

If you’re into water activities, there’s snorkeling, surfing, and plenty of spots to just chill out with a coconut. Scuba diving fans will love it here. I know I didn’t think there was good scuba diving in Taiwan but apparently it’s amazing.

Day 14: Last Day in Kaohsiung – Relax & Wrap Up

On your last day in Kaohsiung (and the final day of my 2 week Taiwan itinerary), I recommend taking it easy and doing anything you might have missed during the first few days.

Kaohsiung actually has a great art and museum scene, so if you have time, check out the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts or some of the smaller local galleries. Another must-see is the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, it’s massive, with a huge Buddha statue that’s super impressive in person.

Of course, I also made sure to squeeze in one last coffee stop. One of my favorite spots was Ruh Café No. 1 with really good coffee, cozy atmosphere, and a nice way to chill before heading home.

Taiwan’s coffee scene in general surprised me (in the best way). Pretty much every day, I made time for at least one proper coffee break, and it always felt like a treat.

Ok, so when it comes to leaving Taiwan, there’s actually an international airport right in Kaohsiung. If you haven’t booked your flights yet, it might be worth checking if you can fly out from there, it would make things a lot easier.

Alternatively, you can easily take the high-speed rail from Kaohsiung city center to Taipei Main Station in just about 1.5 to 2 hours, and then head to the airport even on the same day.

FAQs About My Taiwan Travel Itinerary

What is the best Taiwan Itinerary 10 Days?

In my opinion, the best 10 day Taiwan itinerary is the one I shared above, starting in Taipei, doing a couple of day trips, heading to Sun Moon Lake, exploring Alishan, and then finishing in Tainan.

Do You Have a full Taiwan Travel Guide?

Yes! This entire article pretty much works as a full Taiwan travel guide. However I do have a full Taiwan Travel Guide as well with way more information in it.

Is Taiwan Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Taiwan is hands down one of my favorite countries I’ve visited so far. It’s super underrated, incredibly safe, packed with amazing food, and the mix of modern cities and beautiful nature is hard to beat.

What about Backpacking Taiwan?

Taiwan is a fantastic country for backpacking. It’s surprisingly budget-friendly, public transport is excellent, and it’s easy to get around.

Is Taiwan safe?

Yes, Taiwan is one of the safest countries I’ve ever traveled to. I felt completely comfortable walking around alone at night, taking public transport, and exploring random side streets. Just use normal common sense and you’ll be totally fine.

Final Thoughts on my 2 Week Taiwan Itinerary & 10 Day Itinerary Taiwan

I had no idea what to expect when I booked my flight to Taiwan, but it turned out to be one of the best travel decisions I’ve made. The country is such a good mix of old and new, and you get chaotic night markets one moment and peaceful forest hikes the next.

Whether you have 10 days or two full weeks, Taiwan gives you so much variety without needing to travel huge distances. You’ll eat some of the best food of your life, meet friendly locals, and come back with way more stories than you expected.

To me it feels like Taiwan isn’t really on everyone’s radar yet so now might be the best time to book a trip. I personally loved Taiwan also for the reason that not everyone else has been there yet. I loved the temples, the monuments and definitely the food the most. If you’re looking for something completely different then this Taiwan Travel itinerary is probably perfect for you.