Taiwan’s landscapes, its cultural vibrancy, and a food culture that sees people travel from far and wide to sample its renowned cuisine make the island one of Asia’s best-kept secrets.
To really take it all in, you’re going to need an epic itinerary. Here, we present a 10-day journey designed to deliver the ultimate Taiwanese experience.
From night markets that stay open until you can no longer keep your eyes pried apart to secluded mountain retreats, I present the whole journey, just the way the dear reader experienced it on my own awe-inspiring adventures.
1. Considerations When Planning Your Taiwan Travel Route
There are, as always, a million and one things to consider when travelling. Fear not, however – here are a few tips to get you started.
Budget: What can you reasonably afford to spend on food, acommodation, and other outgoings?
Overnight Accommodation: From the plush hotels to budget friendly hostels, there’s a wide range of places to stay in Taiwan.
Time of Year: The weather can vary remarkably by season, so consider what you’ll be doing and pick an appropriate time of year.
Interest: Whether you want a hiking adventure, a cultural trip, a foodie’s paradise, or something else, factor your interests in to your planning.
Health & Safety: Check for any health advisories and make sure you get any required vaccinations well in advance.
Travel Bans & Visas: Don’t get caught out – check if there’s any travel bans or if you need a visa before you go.
2. Ultimate Taiwan 10-Day Travel Route
Ready for the exciting Taiwan adventure? Let’s go!
This action-packed tour covers the surreal sights of Hualien and takes in the cultural meccas of Taichung and Taipei, before wrapping up in the fish-scented haven of Keelung. In short, I squeeze the very best of Taiwan into ten short days, carefully curated to offer the most of everything.
Taiwan 10 Days Trip Table
Day | Destination | Recommended Activities |
1-3 | Hualien | Day 1: Arrival, Old Time BBQ and Wine, rest Day 2: Taroko Day Tour—Swallow's Mouth Trail, Shanyue Suspension Bridge, Qingshui Cliff, Qixingtan Day 3: East Coast Tour—Container Starbucks, Mountain Space, Shitiping, Dashibi Mountain Trail, Amei Mochi, Dongdamen Night Market |
4 | Taichung | Miyahara Eye Clinic, Wushan grilled fish, Short-legged Yalu Biscuits, Fengjia Night Market |
5 | Nantou | Cingjing Farm, Earth Mother Temple, 18°C Chocolate Workshop, Yizhong Business District |
6 | Taichung | Old Bones Rice Ball, Qinmei Eslite Green Parkway, Zhongshe Flower Sea, Gaomei Wetland, Terminal Night Market |
7-9 | Taipei | Day 7: Taipei 101, Monga Night Market, Longshan Temple <br> Day 8: Yonghe Soy Milk, Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Old Street, Raohe Night Market Day 9: Fuhang Soy Milk, Tamsui Old Street, Shilin Night Market |
10 | Keelung | Zhengbin Fishing Port Color House, Taipei Underground Street, Ximending |
Detailed Itinerary for Day 1 to Day 10
Day 1-3: Hualien
Start your jaunt in Hualien, a literal gateway to both the cultural island and its natural beauty. The delightful city will be your base for exploring all the different sides to Taiwan.
What to do Each Day
Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
Old Time BBQ and Wine: On your first day, I'll take you to Old Time BBQ and Wine, where you can try a range of barbecue dishes using local meats, paired with a glass of wine.
Day 2: Taroko Gorge Adventure
Swallow's Mouth Trail: This trail is known for the spectacular outlooks you will enjoy above the floor of the Taroko Gorge as you hike. It is the perfect destination for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Shanyue Suspension Bridge: Walking along the Shanyue Suspension Bridge is both exhilarating and lovely, with the verdant valley spread out below you.
Qingshui Cliff: The sheer Qingshui Cliff and the ocean beyond is a beautiful natural sight you won't want to miss. A perfect place to set up a camera and let beg the Almighty for a great sunset.
Qixingtan: The pebble-strewn beach and the quiet lap of waves at Qixingtan Beach are a tranquil end to a day out exploring.
Day 3: East Coast Exploration
Container Starbucks: Not a natural wonder nor a cultural site, but dang it, Hualien has a pretty cool Starbucks built out of shipping containers.
Mountain Space: Showcasing the ruggedness of Taiwan's coastline, Mountain Space will be ripe for a good photographer to show off.
Shitiping: The natural wonder of Shitiping's rocky terraces were formed when the pounding Pacific nearby shaved off chunks of land over the eons.
Dashibi Mountain Trail: A morning's tramping to be rewarded with some of the most striking views of the wide valley.
Amei Mochi: Taiwanese sweets might be an unexpected gastronomic exploration point, and that's why we'll be exploring Amei Mochi and Taiwan's sweet tooth.
Dongdamen Night Market: Shopping and dining combine at Dongdamen Night Market. Our choice is a selection of street fare – a few local delicacies among the fried bugs and stinky tofu.
Where to Stay: Opt for a beachfront hotel to enjoy beautiful sea views and easy access to local attractions.
Pack comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for varying weather conditions.
Day 4: Taichung
Taichung, the city many consider the heart of Taiwan, is a cultural hub with expansive night markets offering a taste of all that’s wonderful about the country.
What to Do Today
Miyahara Eye Clinic: No longer an actual eye clinic, Miyahara is now a delightful dessert shop with a fascinating history, an array of sweet treats, and a sumptuous interior.
Wushan Grilled Fish: A culinary experience as much as a meal, and one of the best things to go in Taichung for dinner. Short of flying to Hokkaido and eating the fish fresh-caught, in, say, Hakodate, you aren't going to get better grilled fish.
Short-leg Yalu Biscuits: A former Taichung-local favorite, the crunchy sweet biscuit can be bought to snack on as you stroll through Taichung.
Fengjia Night Market: Fengjia is the biggest of Taichung's legendary night markets, where you will find food, shopping, and fun all on offer in one Taichung must-do. Be sure to sample street food and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Where to Stay: Consider booking a room near Fengjia Night Market to have easy access to endless dining and shopping opportunities right at your doorstep.
Opt for comfortable footwear and attire as you'll spend the day walking and exploring all that Taichung has to offer.
Day 5: Nantou
Welcome to Nantou, a land of peace and serenity, where verdant landscapes and quirky points of interest combine to offer the perfect balance of escape and enlightenment
What to Do Today
Cingjing Farm: Wander the sprawling grasslands of Cingjing Farm and breathe in the clean mountain air that gives the place its reputation as an idyllic rural paradise. Get up close to some even more cuddly creatures and enjoy unparalleled views.
Earth Mother Temple: Scale back the excitement at this temple, and enjoy the tranquillity that comes with being slightly off the beaten track surrounding the temple. Arrange entry now for a nice spiritual recharge on your trip.
18℃ Chocolate Workshop: Dive into the delicious at the 18℃ Chocolate Workshop where all manner of cocoa treats are explored. Taste, learn – and of course, enjoy making and tasting – the art of chocolate in this delicious interactive space.
Yizhong Business District: The Yizhong Commercial District is central to life in Nantou and is home to a wide selection of retail and dining options. Sample some street food and take home a unique local souvenir.
Where to Stay: Opt for a countryside hotel nestled in the serene landscapes of Nantou, offering a peaceful retreat from the daily hustle and an authentic experience of rural tranquility.
Visiting Cingjing Farm earlier in the day can help you avoid the larger crowds, allowing for a more leisurely exploration of its beautiful grounds.
Day 6: Taichung
Stay cultured, stay natural. Here’s how David would spend the day in this city full of surprises.
What to Do Today
Old Bones Rice Ball: At Old Bones Rice Ball, rice balls aren’t just delicious – they’re a metaphor for everything wonderful about Taichung’s food scene. Have breakfast here before a busy day.
Qinmei Eslite Green Parkway: No matter whether you feel like a walk, a browse, or a quiet hour with a book, Qinmei Eslite Green Parkway, tree-lined and leafy, is the green lung you seek. Breathe in the city’s fresh air.
Zhongshe Flower Sea: The fields of flowers at Zhongshe Flower Sea are a riot of colors. And, yeah, you really should bring a camera. Drag family and friends to snap pictures amongst the blooms.
Gaomei Wetland: Beautiful, and with sunsets not to be missed, the Gaomei Wetland is teeming with life. Drop by for a sunset (or dawn, if you’re an early riser), and see local bird life in their habitat.
Terminal Night Market: Head out to Terminal Night Market as the sky darkens, and fill up on street food. This market is the culinary heart of Taichung, a crash course in Taiwanese street food.
Where to Stay: Opt for accommodation in central Taichung to stay close to the city’s main attractions and transport links, making travel convenient and efficient.
Don't forget your camera when visiting Gaomei Wetland, as the stunning sunsets and scenic views are truly worth capturing.
Day 7-9: Taipei
Discover the pulsing heart of Taipei – a city where the contemporary and the traditional shake hands without one shoving the other from the sandbox.
What to Do Each Day
Day 7:
Taipei 101: Towering monument and symbol of ambitious aspirations, the dazzling Taipei 101 Observatory offers a view of the city that feels unreal.
Monga Night Market: Street foods of Taiwan at their best, featuring finds like bubble tea and beef flame-torched before your eyes, all within a venue that hums with energy.
Longshan Temple: Peace and spirituality surround you the moment you step through the gate of the ornate, traditional Longshan Temple. The ordered chaos of the grounds and inner sanctum are a surprisingly relaxing place of contemplation.
Day 8:
Yonghe Soy Milk: Trust us and try a Taiwanese breakfast feast at Yong He Soy Milk, wolfing down breezy bowls of steaming hot soy milk, the city's namesake tofu treat poured in vast quantities.
Jiufen Old Street: Truly lose yourself in time wandering up Jiufen Old Street, lined with tea houses, incense shops and quirky little outlets.
Shifen Old Street: Close by, Shifen Old Street enjoys a similarly lo-fi traditional lantern charm, with visitors penning messages on the bobbing sky lanterns and releasing them for good luck and best wishes.
Raohe Night Market: One of Taipei's oldest night markets, Raohe features the famed "snake alley", as well as endless stalls hawking local fares to gorge upon.
Day 9:
Fuhang Soy Milk: Soy milk for breakfast - again. Why not, in this land of the breakfast bean bevvie? Fuhang Soy Milk is another shop dedicated to the stuff that you'll love.
Tamsui Old Street: Take a stroll along Tamsui Old Street, the shoreline street looking down the river, try some delicious, local street snacks and generally feast on all the quintessential Taiwanese food you can.
Shilin Night Market: Home to Taiwan's largest and best-known night market, Shilin has every street food Taipei can think of, plus wares ranging from absurd to exotic.
Where to Stay: Recommended to stay in central Taipei, the better to enjoy the city’s attractions without the need for long commutes or obscured access to the metro system.
Leverage Taipei’s efficient metro system to navigate the city swiftly and conveniently, avoiding traffic and enhancing your exploration experience.
Day 10: Keelung
End your voyage in the harborside town of Keelung, where the allure of the sea blends with lively streets, creating a lovely setting for the conclusion of your trip.
What to Do Today
Zhengbin Fishing Port Color House: The rainbow huts here are not just a great photo opportunity for the instagram feed, but also a backdrop that encapsulates Keelung’s breezy spirit.
Taiwan Zhengbin Fishing Port Color House
Taipei Underground Street: This subterranean shopper’s paradise is home to dozens of reputable businesses hawking everything from food to souvenirs - although the days and hours it operates are quite varied, so check in advance!
Ximending: Centre of Taipei’s youth culture, this neighbourhood is packed with trendy fashion and tasty treats - enjoy street performances in one of the few pedestrian zones in the city.
Where to Stay: For a memorable stay, consider accommodations near the port in Keelung, where the sound of the sea and the charm of the harbor enhance the experience.
Make sure to carve out time for last-minute shopping in Taipei’s diverse markets and allow yourself some moments of relaxation to reflect on your journey’s highlights.
Tips for Shortening/Lengthening the 10 Days Route
Shortening:
1. Skip a day in Hualien or Taichung to fit the trip into 7-8 days.
2. Focus only on Taipei and its surroundings for a shorter trip.
Lengthening:
1. Add a visit to Kaohsiung or Tainan for a more extensive Taiwan experience.
2. Include more in-depth explorations of Taipei’s districts.
3. Top 10 Taiwanese Food and Drink
Having taken in the sights of Taiwan's natural splendors and cultural delights, the next stop is its culinary scene. Renowned for its diverse range of ingredients, strong flavors, and perhaps most famously, an unmatched street food scene, you simply won’t go hungry island hopping in Taiwan.
1. Beef Noodle Soup:
Thick wheat noodles are served in a rich broth flavored with beef and spices. This is Taiwanese food in a bowl, and more than a few locals would argue the closest the island comes to a national dish.
2. Xiao Long Bao:
Originally a Shanghainese dish, these small dumplings are filled with pork and, critically, broth, an innovation that has seen them become nothing short of an obsession in Taiwan.
3. Oyster Omelette:
This night market staple sees eggs and a starchy batter pan fried with fresh oysters, then topped with a sweet and spicy sauce.
4. Lu Rou Fan:
A simple pork mince stewed in soy sauce and other aromatics, this satisfying comfort food, served atop a bowl of rice, is a favorite with everyone from Taipei tycoons to Yilan toddlers.
5. Stinky Tofu:
Love it or hate it, the deep fried version of stinky tofu is popular as a snack or street food, and typically served with pickled cabbage.
6. Bubble Tea:
This sickly sweet, ice cold tea-based drink, complete with chewy tapioca pearls, was born in Taiwan but went on to be an international phenomenon.
7. Pineapple Cake:
A rich, buttery pastry filled with a sticky pineapple jam made by simmering the fruit with sugar. A far cry from your typical fruit cake, the sharpness of the tropical fruit makes for a perfect gift or souvenir.
8. Taiwanese Fried Chicken:
Typically marinated in a mix of five-spice powder, pepper, and sweet basil, Taiwanese fried chicken is flavorul from skin to bone.
9. Iron Eggs:
Quail eggs are repeatedly rolled in a pot of boiling soy sauce, in a process more akin to braising than boiling, to give these chewy, savory eggs a dry, caramelized flavor. A unique snack.
10. Mochi:
These little squares of soft, glutinous rice cake are filled with a sweet paste—red bean, ground peanut, or sesame paste are common—before being dusted with sugar or toasted soy powder.
4. Additional Tips for Traveling in Taiwan
Packing Essentials
Pack light, loose clothing for the heat and a rainproof jacket or portable umbrella for sudden monsoon showers.
Never leave for a day of exploring without your walking shoes, a small phone charger, adapters for local power points, sunscreen, a hat, any medication, personal hygiene basics, and a reusable water bottle.
Cash and Local Apps
Though credit cards are widely accepted in Taiwan, cash comes in useful for rural areas or small purchases. You can easily withdraw New Taiwan Dollars from ATMs in the major cities.
Plan on using the EasyCard, iPASS, LINE Pay, and JKoPay apps for cashless transactions and paying for buses and trains.
Local Etiquette and Customs
Observing local traditions and social niceties is always a rewarding aspect of travel. Practice saying “Ni hao” (Hello) and “Xie xie” (Thank you) regularly.
Present gifts with both hands, or just your right hand if it’s inconvenient to use both. Be mindful of your dress, especially when entering temples, and wait for the host or elders to begin eating before you tuck in.
Transport Options
Taiwan’s public transport network is extensive and easy to navigate. The high-speed train (THSR) connects major cities, while taxis and city buses serve urban areas.
Bike lanes are common, and bike rental services make this a highly viable means of transport. Planning your transport is one of the least glamorous aspects of travel, but it can also be one of the most stress-relieving.
Renting a Car or Motorcycle
If you want the freedom to explore obscure corners of Taiwan, you may be better off renting a car or scooter.
You’ll need an International Driving Permit for either. Scooters are a blast to ride, but demanding of constant vigilance when on local roads – helmet use is mandatory.
Communication: Language Tips
Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but English is known in traveler-popular areas to varying degrees.
“I take,” “Thank you,” and “How much” is a good shop staff starter pack. For other needs, don’t be afraid to point or use Google Translate to communicate with food stall vendors.
Summary
And that’s it for our thrilling 10-day trip to Taiwan!
Whether you’re after the peace of Nantou’s natural environs or the organized chaos of Taipei’s streets, we hope we’ve given you everything you need to make your own visit as enchanting as possible.
Take our itinerary and our advice to heart, and you’ll get to sample the best of the country’s culture, food, and beauty.
Have a great trip, and we hope we’ve helped you make the most of it. Travel well, and make the most of every moment of your Taiwanese adventure!