Day 1 on our Taiwan Itinerary was to explore Taipei City. Taipei is a culture shock for most visitors; an amazingly good culture shock and one that is sure not to disappoint any expectations and leave you wanting more at every juncture. It’s a little crazy, very busy and intense at times but the people are so friendly and there’s so much to do that it takes no timed lap it all up and love it.
There never seems enough time but make sure to try and spend at least 5 days in Taipei as it has so, so much to offer from the bizarre but delicious street food to fascinating history and culture to beautiful city parks and gardens, and that’s just the start – zoo, tea fields, mountains, unusual themed cafés, shopping etc, etc, – believe me, even 5 days ain’t enough!
Our post on traveling in Taiwan gives loads more detail and it is really easy to get around with a simple metro system, lots of signs in English and also plenty of bus routes that are user-friendly. Another handy feature of the city is that if you look even the slightest bit lost or confused, the super friendly locals come to the rescue and set you back on course. This happened every single time we felt the slightest bit lost and completely restored our faith in humanity. We seriously can’t emphasize enough how amazingly friendly people are in Taiwan.
Pre-booked Tours
It’s better to plan your travel so you don’t have to waste hours in thinking if a place to go when you are there. Instead, write it down on a paper/notebook or type it down on your phone. Plus book your activities online beforehand as its way cheaper than buying it when you get there.
Where to get cheaper tours?
Based on our personal experiences, Klook Are a great company for discounted tours for your trip to Taiwan and we took the following from KLOOK
Places We Visited
A memorial built in 1972 as a tribute to the founder of the Republic of China, Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Aside from the fact that it houses the accomplishments of Dr. Sun, the place has now become a ground for educational and cultural activities. The hall is surrounded by Zhongshan park that features a beautiful garden, histories carved in walls and a lake or most known as the Emerald Pond. From here, you can already see the beauty of once known as the tallest building in the world, the Taipei 101.
Park Address:No. 505, Sec. 4, Ren-ai Rd., Xinyi Dist., Taipei City Taiwan, R.O.C
Entrance Fee: No Entrance Fee
Opening Hours: 9:00am ~ 18:00pm
How to get there:
Option 1: 
From our hotel, We walked going to Sun Yat-sen that took us 17 mins. Another option is Youbike for 10 mins.
Option 2:
| By MRT: | Take the MRT Blue Line 5 to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station “S.Y.S. Memorial Hall.” |
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
The most well-known historical landmark in Taiwan is the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. It was built in memory of the late President of the Republic of China, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek. Alongside in the square is the National Concert hall and the National Theater.
The Gate of Great Centrality and Perfect Uprightness
A panorama of Memorial Hall Square, with the National Concert Hall (left) and the National Theater (right) Source: Wikipedia
Park Address: No. 21, Zhongshan S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City Taiwan, R.O.C
Entrance Fee: No Entrance Fee
Opening Hours: 9:00am ~ 18:00pm
How to get there:
Option 1:
From Sun Yat-sen Station, Take Blue Line (to Far Eastern Hospital/ to Dingpu) get off at Shandao Temple Station then walk going to Chiang Kai-shek.
Option 2:
| By Bus: | Bus route 15, 18, 20, 22, 37, 204, 208, 214, 236, 248, 249, 251, 252, 261, 263, 270, 297, 621, 623, 630, 65, exit Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall station(中正紀念堂站) or Nanmen market station(南門市場站). |
| By MRT: | Take Red Line 2 or Green Line 3 to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (C.K.S. Memorial Hall). |
Presidential Office Building
This is the place for you if you want to learn more about Taiwan’s colonial past and cultural heritage over the past fifty years. It is considered as one of the most recognizable buildings in Taiwan and is a good addition to a city tour since the place is located near the National Taiwan Museum and Taipei Main Station.
Park Address: No.122,Zhongshan District,Taipei City,Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Entrance Fee: No Entrance Fee
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday (except holidays): 09:00am – 12:00pm
How to get there?
Option 1:
If you are coming from Chiang Kai-shek, you can just walk from there.
Option 2:
| From Taipei Main Station: | walk towards Zhongxiao West Road and turn left onto Chongqing South Road, walk for around 10 minutes. |
| By MRT: | 1. Take MRT Bannan Line, exit Ximen Station exit No.3, walk towards Far East Department Store to reach the building.
2. Take MRT Danshui Line and get off at Taipei National University Hospital Station. Get out at Hospital No.1 or 228 Park exits, follow Ketagalan Boulevard to reach the building. |
228 Peace Memorial Park & National Taiwan Museum
A park erected for the victims of the February 28 Incident (1947) in Taiwan history. This is near the Presidential Office Building and within the park is the National Taiwan Museum that stands at the north entrance of the park.
The National Taiwan Museum is located inside the park and is the oldest museum in Taiwan established back in 1908. It features the indigenous natural history and biodiversity of Taiwan. It is open from 9:30AM to 5:00PM
Park Address: 103, Huaining Road, Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City Taiwan, R.O.C
Entrance Fee: No Entrance Fee
Opening Hours: 10:00am – 17:00pm, Closed on Mondays
How to get there?
Option 1:
In our case, we just walked going to National Taiwan Museum, beside it is 228 Peace Memorial Park, since it is near the Presidential Office Building.
Option 2:
| By Bus: | Take bus route 15, 18, 22, 220, 247, 257, 276, 287, 3, 621, 640 to 228 Peace Memorial Park Station(二二八紀念公園站) directly |
| By MRT: | Take MRT Danshui line to Take the Red Line 2 to NTU Hospital station, Exit 4 to reach the park. |
Lin Family Mansion and Garden
The Lin Family Mansion and Garden was a residence built by the Lin Ben-Yuan family in late 1840’s. It is a prominent destination in Taiwan because it is the sole surviving complete example of a traditional Chinese garden. The place covers an area of about 20,000 square meters and is subdivided into nine (9) beautiful gardens and three (3) courtyard mansion.
NOTE: You can visit the place from 9AM-5PM every day except for the first Monday of each month and during Chinese New Year’s Eve and Day with an entrance fee of 80NTD.
Park Address: 9, Xiamen Street, Banqiao Dist., New Taipei City Taiwan, R.O.C
Entrance Fee: NTD $80
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00
How to get there?
Option 1:
From National Taiwan Museum, walk towards NTU Hospital Station (Tamsui-Xinyi Line (to Beitou/ to Tamsui) => Taipei Main Station => Transfer to Bannan Line (to Far Eastern Hospital/ to Dingpu) => Fuzhong Station, then use your google map to locate Lin Family Mansion and Garden.
Option 2:
| By MRT: | Take MRT Blue Line and get off at Fuzhong Station, Exit 1. If you have mobile data, use your maps as the street is a bit confusing. Otherwise, follow the Fuzhong road until you reach the intersection with a temple gate. Pass through this until you reach the intersection road Fuzhong Road-Wenchang Street. Follow Wenchang street and in about 150 meters you will see the place. |
Dahu Park
Located at the base of Bailushan, Dahu Park is best known for its large scenic lake. The 13-hectare lake is crossed by the Jindai Bridge. There is also a picturesque lake pavilion, which like the bridge, is built in a traditional Chinese style.
The park is also a popular spot for weekend fishing, picnics, and strolls in the scenic setting. Walking along the lake, one can enjoy the rippling light on the lakes and the flight of the egrets. Apart from the greenery and trails, there is a heated swimming pool, steam room, sauna, water slide, and other recreational facilities to enjoy.
Park Address: No. 31, Sec. 5, Chenggong Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei City Taiwan, R.O.C
Entrance Fee: No Entrance Fee
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00
How to get there?
Option 1:
From Lin Family Garden, go back to Fuzhong Station (Blue Line) then transfer to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station (Brown Line) and get off at Dahu Park Station.
Option 2:
| By Bus: | Take bus route Red 2(紅2), 247, 284, 617, 620 or 630 to Dahu Park stop (大湖站). |
| By MRT: | Take Taipei MRT-Wenhu Line to MRT Dahu Park Station. |
Taipei Zoo
After your Gondola experience, you should visit Taipei Zoo, considered as the largest zoo in Asia. Entrance fee is 60NTD and is open from 9AM to 5PM all year round except on Chinese New Year.
Park Address: No.30,Sec. 2,Xinguang Road,Taipei City,Taiwan (R.O.C.)
Entrance Fee: Adult – NTD $60 / Child – NTD $30
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00
How to get there?
Option 1:
Take Wenhu Line (to Taipei Zoo) from Dahu Park Station => Taipei Zoo Station. Then walk for about 3 mins going to Taipei Zoo. (Right side)
Option 2:
| By Bus: | 1. Take bus route 236, 237, 282, 294, 295, 611, 611, mini 12(小12), brown 11(棕11), brown 15(棕15), brown 3(棕3), brown 6(棕6), green 1(綠1) to Taipei City Zoo Station directly. |
| By MRT: | 1. Take MRT Wenhu line to Taipei City Zoo Station directly. |
Maokong Village and Gondola Experience
Maokong Village is located on top of a mountain overlooking Taipei City. It is the village known as the most scenic spot in Taipei to enjoy a sip of locally produced tea. The best and fastest way to reach this place is to take the Maokong Gondola, a 4.3 KM cable car ride!
NOTE: Maokong Gondola opens at 8:30AM to 9:00PM (10:00PM for Friday and Saturday). Ride fee is 120NTD for Adults, 50NTD for children ages 6-12 yrs old and Senior over 65 yrs. A discount of 20% for Easycard users are given during weekdays and another 20NTD discount if you will enter the Zoo.
Park Address:, Wenshan Dist., Taipei City Taiwan, R.O.C
Entrance Fee: Adult – NTD $120 / Child – NTD $50 Opening Hours:Monday: Closed Tuesday to Thursday: 09:00~21:00 Friday and the day before a national holiday: 09:00 ~ 22:00 Saturday and national holidays: 08:30 ~ 22:00
Sunday and the last day of national holidays: 08:30~21:00
How to get there?
Option 1:
From Taipei Zoo, Have 8 minutes walk going to Maokong Gondola Entrance Ride Side of Taipei Zoo Station.
Option 2:
| By Bus: | Going back to Taipei Zoo MRT Station can be done through riding on Maokong Gondola again or you can take a bus for a cheaper fare. If you opt for a bus, ride a pink bus numbered 15. |
| By MRT: | Ride on MRT Brown Line 1 and get off at the last station, Taipei Zoo Station. Transfer to the Maokong Gondola, a cable-car service that climbs up the mountain to the peak at Maokong, just 100 meters away from Taipei Zoo MRT Station. |
Taipei 101 and Observatory
Taipei 101 is a well-engineered building that can withstand typhoons and earthquakes considered to be the icon of modern Taiwan. It is once known as the tallest building in the world (2004-2010) until Burj Khalifa had been fully erected; and not until 2016, it held the record of fastest elevator in the world traveling at 60.6km/h and can transport people from the 5th floor to 89th floor for just merely 37 seconds.
The base of the building is composed of grandiose shopping mall and restaurants. On the fifth floor is the entrance going to Taipei 101 Observatory. Tickets can be acquired online or you can ask your booked hotels if they offer tickets for a discounted price.
In our case, we already booked a ticket prior to our arrival in Taiwan and we got it for 800+ pesos each. We scheduled our visit at Taipei 101 at 4PM but unfortunately, we were not able to attend it. However, what is good about it is that for every ticket purchased, you are entitled to reschedule your time of visit that is why we were able to adjust our schedule to 7PM and truth be told, it was a blessing in disguise to be at the observatory during this hour because the Taipei’s city lights is truly breathtaking.
The tune map damper that stabilizes the building against movements caused by strong winds.
Park Address: No. 45, City Hall Rd., Xinyi Dist., Taipei City Taiwan, R.O.C
Entrance Fee: Adult – NT$600 / Child – Free for children under the height of 115 cm
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 10:00pm (On 12/31 service ends at 9:00pm)
Book Discounted Taipei 101 Ticket Here
How to get there?
Option 1:
From Maokong Gondola Station, Take Bus 15 going back to Taipei Zoo. Then take Wenhu Line (to Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center) from Taipei Zoo Station => Daan Station => Transfer to Tamsui-Xinyi Line (to Xiangshan) => Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station then walk going to Taipei 101 Observatory.
Option 2:
| By Car: | Take Highway no.3 Exit on Muzha Interchange Take expressway to Xinhai Rd. Sec.3 Take Keelung Rd. Sec.2 head north to Keelung Rd. Reach Taipei 101 when you meet Xinyi Rd. |
| By MRT: | Take the MRT to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station or Take MRT to Taipei City Hall Station and take a shuttle bus to Taipei 101. |
Taipei Travel Vlog
Best Budget Hotels in Taipei City
Top Hotels in Taipei City
| ITINERARY – Taipei City Tourist Spots | |
| 7:30 AM | Sun Yat-Sen Memorial |
| Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial | |
| Presidential Office Building | |
| 228 Peace Memorial Park | |
| National Taiwan Museum | |
| Lin Family Mansion & Garden | |
| Taipei Zoo | |
| Maokong Gondola | |
| End of Tour | Taipei 101 Observatory |
| EXPENSES – Taipei City Tourist Spots | ||
| SOLO | 2 PAX | |
| Breakfast | 64.5 | 129 |
| Sun Yat Sen to Shan Dao Temple | 16 | 32 |
| NTU to Fungzhao | 24 | 48 |
| Lin Family Mansion | 80 | 160 |
| Fungzhao to Taipei Zoo | 36 | 72 |
| Squid /Strawberry 70 / Lunch 130 | 100 | 200 |
| Maokong Station to MRT Taipei Zoo | 15 | 30 |
| Taiper Zoo Station to Daan Station to Taipei 101 | 16 | 32 |
| Ubike | 15 | 30 |
| Dinner | 57 | 114 |
| TOTAL | NT$423.5 | NT$847 |
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