A Weekend in Taiwan

Day 1: Exploring Jiufen, Shifen & Yehliu Geopark

Start your journey with a guided tour, making it easy to navigate Taiwan’s stunning northern coast. Begin in Jiufen, a charming hillside town with lantern-lit alleyways and bustling Old Street, where you can sample local specialties like taro balls and peanut ice cream rolls. Next, head to Shifen, where you can release a sky lantern with personal wishes and watch it drift into the sky — a truly unforgettable experience. Continue to Yehliu Geopark, home to striking rock formations shaped by nature over time, including the famous "Queen’s Head."

Stepping into a scene straight out of Spirited Away

After a day of exploring, end the evening at one of Taipei’s night markets for a taste of Taiwan’s legendary street food scene. Ningxia Night Market is a great choice for visitors, offering a mix of classic Taiwanese snacks like oyster omelets, grilled squid and mochi. Don’t forget to grab a boba tea (bubble tea)—Taiwan’s most famous drink — available at many stalls, with flavors ranging from classic milk tea to taro and brown sugar, fresh milk.

Lantern-lit alleys and timeless charm—Jiufen Old Street feels like a dream

Sending wishes into the sky at Shifen—a magical moment filled with hope and tradition

Day 2: City views, history & foodie finds

Start the morning with a hike up Elephant Mountain, where a short but steep climb rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. After taking in the sights, visit Bopiliao Historical Block. This is a beautifully preserved street showcasing Qing Dynasty architecture, followed by a stop at Lungshan Temple, one of Taipei’s most famous and spiritual temples.

Shifen’s lively streets run right along the train tracks

Wind and waves have sculpted stunning rock formations over time at Yehliu Geopark

Spend the afternoon exploring Dihua Street, a historic area known for its traditional shops, tea houses and herbal medicine stores. Then, head to Yongkang Street, one of Taipei’s top foodie destinations. Indulge in world-famous soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung. Grab a crispy, flavorful scallion pancake from a street vendor — two must-try eats before wrapping up your Taipei adventure. Before you leave, make sure to enjoy one more boba tea from one of Taipei’s top bubble tea shops, like Chen San Ding for brown sugar boba or 50 Lan for a classic milk tea.

Flavors of Taiwan come alive at Ningxia Night Market

Din Tai Fung’s famous soup dumplings are a bite of perfection

Endless delicious bites from street food vendors in Taipai

• Cash is king: Many restaurants, small shops, and night market vendors do not accept credit cards, so always carry cash for convenience.

• Dress for the climate: Taiwan is hot and humid year-round, even in winter, so wear light, breathable clothing and stay hydrated. A small umbrella or rain jacket is also handy, as sudden rain showers are common.

• Book day excursions in advance: Popular destinations like Jiufen, Shifen, and Yehliu Geopark can get crowded, so securing your spot ahead of time ensures a smoother experience.

• Stay alert at Shifen: The train runs right through the middle of town, so be mindful of the tracks while exploring or releasing sky lanterns.

• Use EasyCard for transportation: The EasyCard is a rechargeable transit card that works on MRT, buses, and even some convenience stores, making travel more convenient.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Taiwan page.