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Looking for a Taiwan itinerary that includes cities, street art, hiking, food markets and culture? Whether you’re browsing for a potential future trip or already have it booked, I’m extremely jealous.
My 2 weeks in Taiwan were spectacular: full of hiking, eating and culture. In fact, Taiwan was favourite new destination of 2019 and it had South Korea, Romania, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic to compete with.
Not only is Taiwan colourful, friendly and extremely beautiful, but it’s also very affordable. Oh, and Taiwanese food is to die for!
In this guide, I’m going to share my Taiwan itinerary including the best destinations around the island. I’ll tell you what to see, do and eat in each place and share my transport tips for getting around, as well as general Taiwan tips and inspo.
Check out my other 2 week Asia itineraries to Malaysia, Vietnam, Bali and South Korea.
Taiwan map
Planning your Taiwan itinerary
As you can see from the map, the majority of the popular locations are on the coast. For that reason, I’d recommend travelling around Taiwan in a circular direction.
I flew into and out of Taipei, visiting the attractions on the east coast first, reaching Kaohsiung (Taiwan’s second-biggest city) in the south midway through my trip, and finally seeing the west coast attractions en route back to Taipei.
Another option is starting in Taipei and leaving from Kaohsiung, or vice versa.
TAIWAN ESSENTIALS
Accommodation – Booking.com / Hostelworld
Getting around – car hire / bus / train (12Go)
Activities: GetYourGuide / Viator
Guidebook: Lonely Planet Taiwan
Staying connected: Taiwan e-SIM card / Asia e-SIM (inc Taiwan)
How long to spend in Taiwan?
With two major cities, several historic smaller cities, beaches and hiking opportunities aplenty, I’d suggest spending 2 weeks in Taiwan to see a bit of everything. If you have less time, it’s probably better to base in Taiwan then Kaohsiung and take day trips to the other destinations mentioned.
2 week Taiwan itinerary overview
- Days 1-5 – Taipei
- Days 6-7 – Hualien and Taroko National Park
- Days 8-9 – Kaohsiung
- Dys 10-11 – Kenting National Park OR Tainan
- Days 12-14 – Taichung.
How to get around Taiwan
When spending 2 weeks in Taiwan, you’ll
You can book regular trains on the Taiwan Railways website but
High-Speed Trains in Taiwan are more expensive but faster. Unlike regular trains, these can easily be booked online using 12Go, my favourite website for Asia travel.
As of 2024, Klook also have 30% discount voucher on fast trains!
How to get around cities
Metro: the MRT is the best way to get around Taipei. There are 6 lines servicing 83 stops. Journeys cost between 20 and 65 NT$, payable by cash or card at ticket machines. You’ll receive a blue token to access the barriers. Alternatively, you can get multi-day Taiwan metro passes or an EasyCard to reduce the hassle of buying a ticket each time.
Bus: this is another convenient way to explore Taiwanese cities especially outside of Taipei where there’s no Metro system.
Taxi: these are readily available in Taiwanese cities and not overly expensive, although certainly more than public transport. You can go to an ibon machine in any 7-11 store to order one.
Tip – get an EasyCard before you begin your Taiwan itinerary. You’ll get a discount on MRT, bus and ferry journeys plus you can pre-load credit to save time on buying individual tickets. Buy yours now to pick up at the airport.
Stay connected with a Taiwan SIM card
Especially as a solo traveller in Taiwan, you may want to stay connected. I recommend an Airalo e-SIM that you can download to connect as soon as you land. Browse packages from 7-30 days from $4.50 or, if you’re visiting other countries on your trip, check out Airalo’s Asialink card covering 18 countries including Taiwan.
Days 1-5: Taipei
If you’re tight on time, I’d recommend tours with GetYourGuide or Viator as you can visit several places during one day. The same places will take multiple days to explore via public transport.
Where to stay in Taipei
- Hostel: For a top-rated hostel in Taipei centre, it doesn’t get much better than Flip Flop Hostel Garden. This spacious hostel is filled with natural light and includes a shared lounge, sun terrace, tour desk and kitchenette. Check availability from $21.
- Budget hotel: for a clean and conveniently located budget hotel in the heart of Taipei, stay at Iff In. Rooms come with daily housekeeping, coffee makers, a desk and a TV. Check availability from US$45.
- Mid-range: Just 5 minutes from Taipei Main Station and the Artist Village, K Hotel Tianjin features air-conditioned rooms, a 24-hour front desk, delicious breakfast, and facilities for disabled guests. Check availability from US$72.
- Splash-out: With a fabulous outdoor pool, lounge area, fitness centre, terrace, bar, and restaurant, the views alone make a stay at Hilton Taipei Sinban worth it. Each modern room has a city view and includes an abundant buffet breakfast. Check availability from US$222.
Taipei is such a
Exploring the gaming arcades and quirky cafes of Ximending couldn’t be more different
Foodies will also be impressed by the number of night markets, authentic Taiwanese restaurants and modern, hipster cafes. I could easily imagine living in Taipei and not running out of things to do.
Getting to Taipei
Fly into Taoyuan International Airport. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights.
From the airport to the city, catch the Taoyuan Airport MRT (6am-11pm) to Taipei Main Station on the purple Jichang Line (40 minutes) for NT$160. Alternatively, take the 1968 or 1962 bus for NT$120 (up to 1 hour 20 minutes) or the 1819 night bus.
This is how I would recommend spending the first 5 days of your Taiwan itinerary…
Day 1 – explore Taipei
- Take a free walking tour with Tour Me Away to learn about Taiwan’s rich history. Before this informative tour, I had no idea that Taiwan had been ruled by China, Japan and briefly Holland.
- Wander quirky Ximending neighbourhood often called the Harajuku of Taiwan, alive with street performers, boutiques, street food and neon billboards. It feels quirky and high-tech all at once.
- Visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Longshan Temple, two of Taipei’s most famous temples. Longshan Temple is a traditional folk temple where you’ll see locals at worship.
- Eat at Huaxi Night Market for dinner, also known as Snake Alley after the famous dish served there. If you don’t fancy trying reptile, there are plenty of other tasty Taiwanese street foods to sample instead!
- Head up Taipei 101 for cityscape views. Entrance is NT$ 600 ($20) so a little steep. To reduce queuing, get a ticket in advance.
- If you’d rather save your money, head for a free skyline view by hiking Elephant Mountain for sunset. This isn’t a hard hike however it’s very busy and crowded at this time of day.
Day 2 – Jiufen Village
Visit Jiufen Village, an iconic village dating back to the gold mining days of Japanese rule. Not only is the quaint village fun to explore with a fantastic food market, but it’s surrounded by mountains and beautiful countryside not far from the coast.
If you have time, explore the surroundings including Jinguashi known for its geopark and shrine, or hike up Teapot Mountain if you’re feeling energetic. Factor in lunch at Jiufen Market; I can personally vouch for the bubble tea, peanut ice cream rolls and taro ball dessert.
It’s easy to take a day trip to Jiufen by bus from Taipei from NT$90 each way, book a private transfer for US$30 or opt for a guided tour visiting Jiufen and the northeast coast highlights inc Jinguashi (great for meeting other travellers and learning from your local guide).
Alternative option – take a guided tour visiting Jiufen, Pingxi and Yehliu Geopark (below, days 3 and 5) for just US$35. Although you’ll have limited time in each place, you’ll free up two days to do extra things such as visit Tainan city later in this Taiwan itinerary.
Another variation is to visit both Jiufen and the Pinxi Line (inc Houtong & Shifen) during one day by public transport rather than spreading them across two days.
Read next: my Taipei to Jiufen and Shifen day trip
Day 3 – Pingxi Line
An adventure along the Pingxi Line is recommended while spending 2 weeks in Taiwan. The penultimate stop is Shifen, a village set along a railway line where people release colourful lanterns and make wishes. Take a walk or e-bike ride to Shifen Waterfall.
On the way to Shifen, you can stop at Houtong Cat Village which is exactly what it says on the tin: a village where cats rule the roost!
Afterwards, you can continue further to Pingxi Village. Make it back to Taipei in time for sunset and hike Elephant Mountain or check out another food market.
Related activity: Pingxi sky lantern & Shifen Waterfall tour from Taipei
Day 4 – Yangmingshan & Beitou
Get lost in nature at Yangmingshan National Park north of Taipei by hiring a car or taking a day tour. Highlights of the park include exploring Qingtiangang grasslands, Lenshuikeng Hot Spring and climbing Mt Datun.
To relax on the way home, swing by Beitou Hot Springs on the outskirts of Taipei. Relax in the hot pools, learn about the region’s history at the neighbouring museum and marvel at the Thermal Valley.
When back in Taipei, stop for dinner at Shilin Night Market. This is a modern and vibey night market where you can try everything from noodles to bubble tea and the national dish of stinky tofu (I’m not a fan).
Day 5 – Yehliu Geopark
Take a half-day trip to Yehliu Geopark, an amazing area of natural geology where the rock formations look like something from a different planet.
There are lots of fun rock sculptures including one named The Queen’s Head due to its resemblance to a women’s side profile wearing a crown. It’s easy to catch a bus to Yehliu or take a day tour.
In the afternoon or evening, you could catch a 2-hour train to Hualien. Since the journeys are so short in Taiwan, it makes sense to save yourself a day and travel after sightseeing.
Food experiences in Taipei
The food in Taipei is fantastic and there are so many affordable, world-class food markets like Raohe, Shilin, Linjiang and Jingmei. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are countless food experiences run by local guides.
Here are a few of the best:
Read next: the best Taiwanese foods to try
Day 6-7: Hualian & Taroko National Park
To experience Taiwan’s nature, you need to add Taroko National Park to your Taiwan itinerary. Before my trip, I had no idea it was so beautiful and untouched. Now when I think of the most naturally beautiful places in Asia, one of the first places that
There’s nowhere to stay in Taroko National Park so I would suggest spending two nights in Hualien city with a day to go hiking in the middle.
Where to stay in Hualien
- Hostel: For a convenient base right beside the train station and the bus stop for Taroko, you can’t do better than the On My Way Hostel. The staff are so kind and friendly (even walking me to the train station with a hostel umbrella when it was raining) and host evening movie nights in the common area. Check availability from US$15.
- Budget hotel: Most air-conditioned rooms at Fly House have a sea view and balcony. This cosy homestay is just moments away from the beach and Dongdamen Night Market. Check availability from US$36.
- Mid-range: Each spotless room at Near B&B has a city or mountain view. The homestay is spacious and conveniently located, with a shared lounge and kitchen. Check availability from US$60.
- Splash-out: Hualien isn’t known for its luxury hotels, but you’ll find space to unwind in a deluxe room with a garden, river and mountain view at Happiness is Coming. The property has a barbecue, sun terrace, and bike rental available. Check availability from US$163.
In a rush? Take a guided day trip to Taroko from Taipei rather than staying overnight
Getting to Hualien
Take a Taiwan Railways train in 2-3 hours from Taipei Main Station. There’s no fast train yet but watch this space. Tickets cost between NT$250 and 500. For a cheaper, slower way to travel (3.5 hours), you can also take a bus from Nangang Bus Station.
Day 6 – Taroko Gorge
Head off hiking in Taroko National Park. It’s easy to catch a shuttle bus from Hualien into the park and back. Alternatively, you could drive or take an organised day tour with a guide.
Add an extra day if you’re a big hiking fan. I spent one day hiking in the park which was enough for me but I spoke to a guy who’d spent more than a week travelling to Taroko each day for hiking!
Read next? my guide to visiting Taroko National Park
For the evening you can head to Dongdamen Market which is a lively night market in Hualien. It’s enormous with several alleyways of stalls serving everything from noodles to sushi to stinky tofu.
The highlight was a Taiwanese delicacy called coffin toast. This is a deep-fried sandwich stuffed with meaty curry. It was delicious and, better yet, the prices were super low, probably due to the lack of foreign tourists.
Day 7 – travel day
Your longest travel journey during this 2 week itinerary in Taiwan will be from Hualien down south. It takes 6 hours by train to Kaohsiung or 8 hours to Kenting on the bottom tip of the island. Pack a good book and spend the day soaking up Taiwan’s impressive scenery.
Days 8-9: Kaohsiung
For such an awesome city, Kaohsiung is relatively unknown. That’s generally the case with much of Taiwan but I can’t imagine it staying that way for long.
Kaohsiung was one of my favourite places during my 2 weeks in Taiwan. The second-largest city in Taiwan will impress art and culture lovers with its vibrant pagodas, quirky outdoor galleries and colourful street art.
Where to stay in Kaohsiung
- Hostel: I enjoyed my stay at Dreamwell Hostel. Not only are there comfy double rooms if you don’t fancy a dorm, there are also language exchange evenings that help you get to know the locals. Check availability from US$12.
- Budget hotel: The Cloud Hotel is an excellent option in the city centre for simple but elegant accommodation with a buffet breakfast. Air-conditioned rooms include a TV and minibar. Check availability from US$36.
- Mid-range: For a centrally located 4* hotel which doesn’t break the bank, Harbour 10 Hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, fitness centre, modern rooms, and restaurant with a delicious breakfast. Check availability from US$68.
- Splash-out: Book a stylish room with a view at Silks Club. This 5* hotel features an infinity pool, gourmet restaurant, SPA and wellness centre, and a gym with a dedicated personal trainer. Rooms include a capsule coffee machine, motorised electric curtains and luxurious bedding. Check availability from US$235.
Read next: Things to do in Kaohsiung
Getting to Kaohsiung
Arrive into Kaohsiung Main Station via Taiwan Railways or Zuoying Station by High-Speed Railway train. If you’re travelling on a budget, there are also buses which are slower and cheaper than the train. As of 2023, Klook are offering 30% off HS trains from Kaohsiung; grab your voucher here.
Day 8 – Kaohsiung
Spend a day exploring the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas which, unsurprisingly, are a set of two twin pagodas, one shaped like a dragon and one like a tiger. For good luck, you must enter via the dragon’s mouth and exit through the tiger’s. You can also climb to the top of the pagoda and look out over the peaceful lily pad lake.
If you have time during your Taiwan itinerary, another option in Kaohsiung is visiting Fo Guang Shan Temple and Buddha Museum. This Buddhist cultural centre and museum is 30km from Kaohsiung and takes 45 minutes to reach by bus. The 36-metre Buddha statue at the centre is one of the largest in Taiwan.
Don’t miss Ruifeng Night Market one evening while visiting Kaohsiung. This atmospheric street market is visited by young Taiwanese people as well as whole families. Here I tried scallion pancakes, seafood takoyaki balls and waffles.
Day 9 – Cijin Island
Spend the morning visiting Cijin Island which is connected to Kaohsiung by boat and bridge. I caught the bus there as it was cheaper and quicker, then caught the ferry home.
Cijin Island is best known for the Rainbow Church, a colourful art installation that’s become popular on Instagram. Nearby are a few other installations like the giant shell beside the Cijin Shell Museum.
Pier 2 Art Center: The benefit of catching the ferry back to the mainland is that you’ll arrive near Pier 2 Art Center, one of the most colourful places in Kaohsiung. Unlike most galleries, the art isn’t on the walls but all through the streets.
Grab a map at the tourist office then spend a couple of hours wandering the neighbourhood where you’ll see giant modern art sculptures as well as urban murals and hidden details.
Linya Street Art Village: Stop here before the end of the day. Again, this isn’t a specific location but a whole neighbourhood full of art. Even if you’re not a street art fan, it’s very impressive. Catch the orange metro line to Weiwuying Station and you’ll find the art as soon as you exit.
Alternative option – combine your preferred Kaohsiung attractions into 1 day and visit Tainan, the ancient capital, on day 9.
Days 10-11: Kenting National Park
Beautiful beaches in Taiwan? This really is the island that has everything.
In Kenting National Park you can expect palm trees, sunshine and sea views. If you’re in need of some beach chills during your 2 week Taiwan itinerary, this is the place.
The best place to stay in Kenting National Park is Hengchun which is a pleasant town with four well-preserved city gates. However, it’s more of a place to stay while exploring the national park. As well as scenic lakes, you can relax on one of the many beautiful beaches in Kenting.
After a day of exploring, have dinner at Hengchun Night Market. Of course it wouldn’t be Taiwan without a night market!
Getting to Kenting
Most travellers come from Kaohsiung on the Kenting Express bus. Board it from Kaohsiung Main Station (where regular trains arrive) or Zuoying Station (where the High-Speed Railway arrives).
If coming from Hualien, get off the train after 4 hours in Fangliao rather than staying on ’til Kaohsiung. Walk a block to the bus station and catch a 1-hour bus to Kenting. Buses take 2-3 hours and leave every 30 minutes.
Alternative day 10-11 – Tainan
Taiwan’s oldest city is full of cultural treasures dating back to its days as the Qing dynasty capital from 1683–1887. Temples and fortresses – most of which can be seen during a day – make it worth a visit.
Where to stay in Tainan
- Budget hotel: At Home In Tainan, guests love the bright and clean interior, cute indoor plants, friendly host, and convenient location just moments from Tainan Central. There is a shared lounge and kitchen onsite. Check availability from US$34.
- Mid-range: If you’re looking for a 4* hotel, Fushin Hotel Tainan includes a restaurant, fitness centre, 24-hour front desk, and top-rated breakfast. Rooms have a city view, TV, desk, sofa and complimentary toiletries. Check availability from US$78.
- Splash-out: Located in downtown Tainan, Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel is a 5* hotel with two swimming pools, a fitness centre, a sauna, a hot tub, and four different food and bar options ranging from cosy to elegant. Choose your own pillow before winding down in a spacious room with Asian-inspired decor. Check availability from US$129.
Things to do in Tainan include:
- Marvel at Amping Treehouse near the small, historic town of Anping. This abandoned warehouse overgrown with banyan tree roots will remind you of Angkor Wat! Nearby, soak up views from Anping Fort.
- Visit Luermen Mazu Temple – this shrine dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea holds great significance to Taiwanese people, dating back 300 years. It can be reached by train from Tainan South Station. Free entry.
- Seek out quirky shops, street art and sculptures at Blueprint Creative Park. This is a fun and colourful stop.
Note – if you spent 3 days in Taipei rather than 5, you may be able to squeeze in Kenting AND Tainan.
Getting to Tainan
Catch a 1-hour Taiwan Railways train from Kaohsiung Main Station to Tainan Railway Station or a High-Speed Trains in just 15 minutes(!) from Kaohsiung Zuoying. Book on 12go or use Klook’s 30% discount voucher.
Day 12-13: Taichung
My final stop during 2 weeks in Taiwan was Taichung, an awesome city on the west coast of Taiwan, around 3 hours from Taipei. The colourful Rainbow Village has put it on the map but there are a couple of other things to do including day trips to scenic Sun Moon Lake.
If you like Instagrammable spots, Taichung is well worth adding to your Taiwan itinerary. Even if you don’t, Taichung is worth a quick visit.
Where to stay in Taichung
- Hostel: For cosy private pods and a stylish bistro area to relax in, I would recommend Getcha Hostel & Bistro. If you don’t want bistro food, it’s near to one of the city’s biggest and most atmospheric night markets, Yizhong Street Market, as well as the bus stop to the Rainbow Village. Check availability from US$12.
- Budget hotel: Conveniently located within walking distance to the downtown train station, stays at Sparrow Hotel also include room service and a helpful 24-hour front desk. Rooms have air-con, complimentary toiletries, a TV, and a refrigerator. Check availability from US$32.
- Mid-range: Just 0.8km from Taichung Train Station, Holiday Inn Express Taichung Park is a comfortable and contemporary hotel featuring a fitness centre and 24-hour front desk. The onsite restaurant serves local cuisines and a buffet breakfast. Modern rooms highlight the views over Taichung Park with floor-to-ceiling windows. Check availability from US$69.
- Splash-out: For a stylish 5* hotel in the centre of Taichung, you won’t find better than Le Méridien Taichung. The hotel offers a 24-hour gym, bar, onsite ATM and tour desk. Guests love the comfortable dining space at breakfast, executive lounge, huge windows with an excellent view, and modern design. Check availability from US$222.
Day 12 – Rainbow Village
Explore the Rainbow Village of Taichung. Rather than an intended urban art gallery like those in Kaohsiung, this wasn’t invented as a photo opportunity but by a local man trying to see his home from demolition.
The heartwarming story of the Rainbow Grandpa will tell you all you need to know about Taiwanese people. He began drawing on walls of the village after demolition was planned, hoping to cheer up local children. Some local artists heard his story and helped decorate the village with colourful murals which eventually ended up saving the village.
If you’re very lucky, you might visit the Rainbow Grandpa as he still lives nearby!
This should take half a day so why not head into town afterwards and sample local food and the original bubble tea cafe? Check out my guide to the best food in Taichung which includes Instagrammable ice creams at Miyahara.
For the rest of the day, you can wander the shops and parks of Taichung before the day at Yizhong Street Market. Here I tried stinky tofu and, while I never will again, I loved this busy and bustling market.
Getting to Taichung
Taichung Station serves Taiwan Rail services while Taichung HSR station serves High-Speed trains. Whether you’re coming from Tainan, Kaohsiung or Taipei, it’s easy to catch a train to Taichung. Book on 12go if getting the High-Speed train.
Day 13 – Sun Moon Lake
Take a day trip to Sun Moon Lake to end your Taiwan itinerary. I had to miss this due to terrible weather but it looks gorgeous. It takes 2 hours each way to get to Sun Moon Lake from Taipei so I would recommend setting off as early as possible so you can spend a whole day there.
You can board the Sun Moon Lake Shuttle Boat and explore the island at the heart of the lake. You can also swoop over it upon a cableway or admire the scenery by cycling around the 12km bike path running around the lake.
Day 14: Head back to Taipei and fly away!
Leaving was a sad day for me because I’d had the best 2 weeks
I know I’ll be back someday to eat more dumplings and take more photos of the colourful street art.
Best season to visit Taiwan
Spring and autumn (March-April and October-November) are great times for your Taiwan itinerary with pleasant weather and little rain.
Summer (June-August) is hot and humid while rainy season from May-September sees strong showers. However, Taiwan is a year-round destination and, even though I visited in May, I managed to avoid rain for the most part or at least plan my activities around it.
Winter (December-February) may be low season but it’s never freezing so you can take advantage of the cheaper prices and lack of crowds. Just pack warm clothes.
Tips for visiting Taiwan
- It can be a tough country for vegetarians but look out for cheap & cheerful buffet restaurants where you can fill your plate with veggies.
- Although tap water is technically ok to drink, it’s better to be safe. Bring a reusable water bottle that you can replenish with filtered water at your accommodation.
- Many younger people and those working in tourism speak English. However, there will be times when no one does… So have the Google translate app to hand or pack a Mandarin dictionary.
- Read all my Taiwan travel tips!
Is Taiwan worth visiting?
Absolutely! Taiwan is worth visiting for the nature, hiking, cool cities, colourful temples, vibrant night markets and xiao long bao (soup dumplings) to name just a few things. It’s one of my favourite places I’ve travelled and I’d certainly recommend visiting sooner rather than later.
How much to budget for 2 weeks in Taiwan?
Taiwan is certainly an affordable destination. Accommodation is more expensive than other Asian destinations like Taiwan and Vietnam but cheaper than South Korea and Japan. Luckily, transport and food is VERY affordable; on a parr with Southeast Asia. You can get a fantastic meal for a couple of dollars especially if you eat at night markets!
Read next: complete guide to Taiwan budget travel
During two weeks in Taiwan I spent $400 USD or $30 USD a day! This was a hostel, street food and public transport budget so increase it to stay in hotels, eat at nice restaurants and take taxis.
Average prices:
- Accommodation: hostels dorms from US$15, hostel private rooms from US$35, hotel rooms from US$40
- Food and drink: street food meals for around US$2.50, sit-down restaurant meals for US$5, bubble tea & coffees for US$2.50
- Public transport journeys: 20-80 NT$ ($1) for Metro journeys, 15 NT$ (50 cents) for bus journeys, 300-700 NT$ ($10-25) for inter-country train journeys.
Taiwan essentials
- Copy of Lonely Planet Taiwan
- A Lonely Planet Mandarin phrasebook
- A power bank to keep your devices alive
- Sustainability: stainless steel reusable water bottle to reduce the use of plastic bottles
- Alternatively, a filtering water bottle that allows you to safely drink tap water.
Thanks for reading Taiwan itinerary
Check out some of my other Taiwan posts:
- 17 Taiwan tips for travellers
- Solo female travel in Taiwan
- Complete Taiwan budget guide & spending tips
- How to spend 5 days in
Taipei - The best Taiwanese foods to try
- Things to do in Jiufen and Shifen
- How to visit the Rainbow Village, Taichung
- How to get to Yehliu Geopark from Taipei
- Taichung food guide
- 10 fun facts about Taiwan
See you next time for more adventures,
Rose
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Ps. Liked my 2 week Taiwan itinerary? Pin this for later!
TAIWAN QUICK LINKS
Getting there – it’s easy to arrive by flight. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates.
To stay connected, buy an e-SIM with Airalo and use data as normal. Browse their Korea SIM packages.
In my opinion, Lonely Planet offer the best guidebooks. Get the latest Lonely Planet Taiwan.
Car hire – I recommend RentalCars.com for car hire in Taiwan and around the world.
For Taiwan High Speed Trains, use 12Go. The search feature allows you to compare prices and durations.
I use Booking.com for accommodation. They have the best range of hotels and self-catering apartments, plus you can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.
To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters, a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets.
For activities, I use GetYourGuide and Viator as they both have a huge range of affordable tours.
Need travel insurance? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote.
For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing.
Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!
This sounds like a fab itinerary! The day at Yangmingshan National Park and Beitou Hot Springs sounds especially awesome, but I would love all those hikes and natural areas.
I already wanted to visit to Taiwan for the food, but it sounds like there is sooo much more that I would love!
I really want to visit Taiwan one day. It wasn’t on the top of my list (I really wanted to check out more of Europe) but your images definitely just moved it up A LOT. It looks gorgeous there.
Taiwan seems to be an awesome country. It has everything: beautiful cities, awesome nature and even great street art. Thank you for great tips and tempting itinerary.