5 days in Taiwan itinerary: What to do in Taiwan for 5 days?

August 7, 2025

raohe night market taipei taiwan — Raohe night market, Taipei

Let’s immerse ourselves in the 5-day 4-night journey to explore Taipei, where you will fully experience the famous landscapes, rich cuisine and unique culture of the city.

Jiufen, Taiwan | Taipei 5-Day 4-Night Travel Itinerary for Independent Travelers

Yong-Kang-Street, Taipei. source: wefuntaiwan.com | 5 days in Taiwan itinerary

Taipei night market | 5 days in Taiwan itinerary

Afternoons in Taipei always have a very strange energy: both vibrant and gentle, as if the city is inviting you to get lost in a maze of colors, scents and sounds. On one side are bustling night markets with long rows of bustling food stalls, on the other side are ancient temples nestled under the green canopy in the heart of the city. In 5 days and 4 nights, this journey will take you through that rhythm of life.

Yangmingshan national park | 5 days in Taiwan itinerary

The schedule sent to you by Living Nomads below is carefully planned and economical, so you can rest assured to enjoy every moment in one of the most charming cities in Asia.

5 days in Taiwan itinerary — Day 1: Immerse Yourself in the Vibrant Street Life and Street Food

On your first day in Taipei, immerse yourself in the youthful, modern atmosphere and explore the street food paradise. From bustling shopping districts to long-standing night markets, this day will bring you authentic and colorful experiences of local culture.

Ximending Street and Bustling Night Market

Start your journey in this famous pedestrian street. Ximending, known as the “Shibuya of Taipei,” is a center of shopping, entertainment and youth culture. You can spend the afternoon browsing fashion stores, watching street performances and enjoying delicious snacks such as giant fried chicken, milk tea or char siu noodles.

ximending bubble tea — Ximending bubble tea | 5 days in Taiwan itinerary

Ximending Food Taipei — | 5 days in Taiwan itinerary

Ximending, Taipei | 5 days in Taiwan itinerary

Yangmingshan & Beitou Day Tour (Depart from Ximending)

Raohe Night Market

In the evening, visit Raohe Night Market. This is one of the oldest and busiest night markets in Taipei, famous for its beef dumplings (Hújiāo bǐng) baked in a traditional clay oven. In addition, you can also try many other specialties such as Chinese medicine rib soup, brown rice noodles, or fresh seafood.

Grilled king oyster mushrooms in the Raohe Night Market — Grilled king oyster mushrooms | 5 days in Taiwan itinerary

beef grilled raohe-night-market2 — Grilled beef at Raohe night market | 5 days in Taiwan itinerary

Raohe Road Night Market food — | 5 days in Taiwan itinerary

31-Raohe-Night-Market — Street food in Taipei | 5 days in Taiwan itinerary

Taipei Raohe Night Market Food Walking Tour

Day 2: Journey to History and Art

The second day is a harmonious combination of Taipei’s history, architecture and contemporary art. You will have the opportunity to admire the great works, explore a unique creative space and end by enjoying the cuisine at the city’s largest night market.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The magnificence of the memorial site @shutterstock | 5 days in Taiwan itinerary

National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall One Day Private Tour

Under the mossy green tile roof and pure white stone walls, Chiang Kai-shek Square appears majestically in the heart of Taipei. Every hour, the regular footsteps echo in the solemn changing of the guard ceremony, attracting the eyes of all visitors. Come early in the morning to feel the solemn atmosphere and easily capture beautiful frames. This is also an ideal place to learn more about Taiwan’s modern history.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (1) — | 5 days in Taiwan itinerary

National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall,best places to visit in taipei (1) — The huge statue of Chiang Kai-shek

Songshan Cultural and Creative Park

Songshan Creative Park,best places to go in taipei,where to go in taipei,best places to visit in taipei,top places to visit in taipei (1) — A different artistic space in the heart of the city.

Once a tobacco factory, this complex now has a new look as a creative arts center in the heart of Taipei. The green space leads through craft shops, unique galleries and a series of cafes with their own imprint. The exhibitions here often change with the seasons, creating a feeling of always being new. An ideal stop for those who love art and a relaxing space.

Songshan Culture and Creative Park Coffee&Souvenir Shop | 5 days in Taiwan itinerary

Taipei: Private Custom Taipei City Tour

Shilin Night Market

Shilin Night Market brings a bustling atmosphere and charming aromas spreading throughout the alleys. Each stall displays a variety of specialties such as crispy fried chicken, fatty oyster omelettes, fragrant pearl milk tea that anyone passing by will find hard to resist. Not only is it a culinary paradise, it is also an ideal stop for hunting for clothes and accessories at affordable prices. An evening in Shilin will awaken all the senses with excitement.

Shilin Night Market Food Walking Tour in Taipei

Day 3: Immerse Yourself in Nature and Cultural Treasures

The third day will take you from majestic natural beauty to precious cultural treasures. You will have the opportunity to explore Yangmingshan National Park with its poetic mountain scenery and then admire the huge collection of artifacts at the Palace Museum.

Yangmingshan National Park

Spending the morning in Yangmingshan is like opening up a peaceful world in the heart of Taipei. The trails wind through the forest, the white reeds sway in the autumn wind, and the thin mist across the mountainside make the scene so poetic that it is heartbreaking. After a few hours of gentle walking, there is nothing better than soaking in a natural hot spring, relaxing your body in a cool, quiet space.

Yangmingshan National Park & National Palace Museum Day Tour

National Palace Museum

Taipei’s National Palace Museum is a place that preserves the quintessence of Chinese culture throughout thousands of years of history. Stepping in here is like entering a treasure trove of ancient art, where masterpieces such as jade or the famous “braised meat” stone are displayed with light and solemn space.

The two most valuable artifacts of the museum

Not only impressing with the massive number of artifacts, the museum also leads viewers through each dynasty, from the Song to the Qing, with antiques, calligraphy, paintings, and ceramics of priceless value. This is an indispensable stop for those who love history, art and want to understand more deeply about the depth of Chinese culture.

The National Palace Museum of Korea inside — Interior

National Palace Museum of Korea — Many precious Korean artifacts are displayed in museums.

National Palace Museum Northern Branch Ticket in Taipei

Day 4: The Ancient Beauty of the Mountain Town and the Modernity of the City

The fourth day will be an impressive trip, combining the nostalgia of the mountain town and the modernity of the city. You will be lost in the ancient space of Jiufen in the morning and admire the panoramic view of the city from the tallest building in Taipei in the evening.

Jiufen Old Street

Jiufen Ancient Village | 5 days in Taiwan itinerary

Early in the morning, move to Jiufen Old Street, an ancient town located on the hillside with narrow alleys, bright red lanterns and traditional teahouses. This place brings a nostalgic feeling and is the inspiration for the famous animated film Spirited Away. Don’t forget to enjoy the famous taro cakes and taro jelly here.

Check out the beautiful ancient village @aiko_738 | 5 days in Taiwan itinerary

jiufen,best places to go in taipei,where to go in taipei,best places to visit in taipei,top places to visit in taipei (1) — Jiufen ancient village is as beautiful as in epic movies. | 5 days in Taiwan itinerary

Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and Golden Waterfall Day Tour

Taipei 101 Tower

In the evening, visit Taipei 101 Tower – a symbol of Taipei’s modernity and development. You can go to the observatory on the 89th floor to see the panoramic view of the city sparkling with lights. Experience the high-speed elevator and admire the giant pendulum used to stabilize the building.

Modern and airy | 5 days in Taiwan itinerary

Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket

Day 5: Relaxing Walk and Shopping

The last day in Taipei is the time for you to relax and buy souvenirs before leaving. You will have a peaceful morning in the park and then have the opportunity to shop in the central area, where you can find everything from specialties to unique gifts.

228 Peace Memorial Park

In the heart of the modern city, the memorial park appears with a clear lake, shady old trees and winding stone paths. This is not only a place to walk and relax in the morning but also a place to mark a painful period of Taiwan’s history through the 228 event. The memorial area and small museum inside the park bring quiet but profound stories.

Taipei Free Walking Tour Historic Route

Taipei Main Station Shopping Area

Affordable dorm hostel taipei — Taipei Main Station

If you have time, visit the area around Taipei Main Station to shop for souvenirs and specialties such as pineapple cakes, oolong tea or other unique products. Then, go to the airport to return to Vietnam.

Taipei 5 Days 4 Nights Travel Cost Reference

Taiwan, a beautiful island located in East Asia, always welcomes visitors with unique and impressive experiences. Below is a table of estimated costs for a 5-day, 4-night self-guided tour of Taipei.

Category	Detailed Description	Estimated Cost (USD/person)	Note
Round trip airfare	Hanoi/HCMC - Taipei	190.75 - 267.05	Depends on airline and time of booking.
Airport - downtown transfer	MRT or round trip bus	7.63 - 11.45	Fast and economical.
Getting around the city	Use Taipei Fun Pass (unlimited travel pass for 3-5 days).	17.17 - 34.34	Should buy to save costs.
Homestay/Budget Hotel	Double room, share cost if traveling with others.	114.45 - 228.90	Price for 1 person, room is about 1,000 - 2,000 TWD/night.
Taipei 101	Tickets to the observation deck.	17.17	Buy in advance to avoid queuing.
Maokong Cable Car	A round-trip ticket.	7.63	Experience the view from above.
Shifen/Jiufen Ancient Village	Day tour tickets or self-travel and ticket purchase.	28.61 - 41.97	You should join a day tour to save time and effort.
National Palace Museum	Admission ticket.	9.92	Visit historical artifacts.
Other attractions	Memorial, night market, temple,...	0 - 5.72	Most are free or very cheap.
Total food cost	Includes 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners and snacks.	72.49 - 114.45	Options to eat at restaurants or night markets, street food stalls.
Souvenir shopping	Pineapple cake, tea, souvenirs,...	15.26 - 57.23	Depending on personal needs and preferences.
Total		457.80 - 743.92	Price range is wide, depending on airfare and spending.

(*) Note: The cost below is for reference only and may change depending on your needs and travel time.

Taipei 5 Days 4 Nights Travel: What to Eat?

Taipei not only has beautiful scenery but is also a culinary paradise with countless delicious dishes, from traditional dishes to famous street foods. Here are some of the must-try specialties when you come to Taipei:

Xiao Long Bao

This is Taiwan’s most famous dish, with the most famous brand being Din Tai Fung. Xiao Long Bao is a steamed bun with a thin skin, filled with hot meat soup and rich pork filling. Served with shredded ginger and vinegar, this is a dish not to be missed.

Taiwanese Beef Noodles

Yong Kang beef noodles | 5 days in Taiwan itinerary

Taiwanese beef noodles have a distinctive flavor, the broth is simmered from beef bones for many hours, delicious and rich in flavor. The stewed beef is tender, the beef tendons are chewy and crunchy, served with large noodles and vegetables. This is a warming dish, very suitable for cold days in Taipei.

Taiwanese Stinky Tofu

Although it has a rather “distinctive” smell and is picky about who eats it, stinky tofu is an iconic street food of Taiwan. After being fermented, the tofu is fried until crispy, served with sweet and sour pickled cabbage, bringing a unique taste experience. Try it once to see why it is so popular!

Taiwanese Giant Fried Chicken

This is a “national” snack found in most night markets. The chicken is marinated with spices, then deep-fried until the crust is crispy and golden brown, while the meat inside is still soft and juicy. A giant piece of chicken is enough to fill your stomach.

Taiwanese Pineapple Cake

Pineapple cake is a popular gift and is chosen by many tourists. The cake has a crispy crust, fragrant with butter, and inside is a naturally sweet and sour pineapple filling. You can find pineapple cakes in gift shops or supermarkets, but the best is still to buy them at traditional bakeries.

fengjia night market taichung (1) — Incredible smell stinky tofu, must eat in Taiwan

Pearl Milk Tea

Taiwan is the homeland of pearl milk tea. You will find countless bubble tea shops with a variety of flavors and toppings. A cup of authentic bubble tea in Taipei with soft, chewy pearls, fragrant tea and rich milk will surely satisfy you.

Some Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling to Taipei 5 Days 4 Nights on Your Own

When is the best time to travel to Taipei?

You should visit Taipei in spring (March-April) or autumn (October-November). The weather is cool and pleasant at this time, very suitable for sightseeing and exploring the city.

Is it difficult to get around Taipei?

No, the public transportation system in Taipei is very modern and convenient. You can easily travel by subway (MRT) and bus. Buy an EasyCard for faster and more economical payment.

Should I exchange money in Vietnam in advance?

You should exchange some Taiwan Dollars (TWD) in Vietnam to use immediately upon arrival at the airport. For the most part, you can exchange money at banks or ATMs in Taiwan with better exchange rates.

Are hotels in Taipei expensive?

Hotel room prices in Taipei are quite diverse. You can find options from budget, homestay to luxury hotels. If you travel in a group, sharing a room will help save costs significantly.

Is a 5-day, 4-night itinerary enough time to explore?

This itinerary is enough for you to explore the highlights and essence of Taipei. However, if you want to explore more of Taichung or Kaohsiung, you may need more time. A Taipei-focused itinerary will help you have a complete and unhurried trip.

Experience Taipei 5 days 4 nights with an emotional journey, from modern skyscrapers to vibrant night markets, from attractive street food to majestic historical museums. This trip promises to bring you unforgettable memories of a dynamic city, diverse culture and friendly people.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Taipei you can refer to

Are you finding more top things to do in Taipei: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Taipei itinerary 4 days — How to spend 4 days in Taipei & what to do in Taipei for 4 days perfectly?