🧋The best first-timer itinerary for 3 days in Taipei

I’ve Visited Taipei 20+ Times. Here is the Perfect 3-Day Itinerary.

Planning a quick trip to Taiwan’s vibrant capital? This 72-hour Taipei itinerary maximizes your time with carefully curated experiences including iconic night markets, historic temples, modern landmarks, and authentic local cuisine. Perfect for first-time visitors seeking the essential Taipei experience in just three days.

My credentials? It’s essentially my second hometown (I plan to live there someday!) But having been there so often (it is but an hour away from Hong Kong), I have long exhausted the touristy stuff and when I am no longer rushing to stuff my face with every famous street food down or rushing to squeeze 10 neighbourhoods in one day, I got the chance to truly experience this dynamic city for what it is.

I love Taiwan. It is the first country I’ve ever travelled solo to, and it is safe, clean and always full of surprises. I was off to a very good start and my great time travelling alone in Taiwan for a week paved the way for many many more solo adventures in the years to come (which I am very excited to share in upcoming posts). But do I consider myself somewhat of a Taiwan expert? Judging by the comments from my friends and family when I bring them around (I am a pseudo-local) my recommendations have never disappointed.

And having visited Taipei at least once a year since I was 17, seeing how the city changed also evoked a sense of nostalgia in me. And of course, those hole in the wall eateries which are still standing strong against the test of time must mean something, right?

I have put together some must-see places and revealed some of my hidden spots, essentially what I would recommend a friend to do if they are visiting Taiwan’s capital for the first time.

Day 1: Beyond the Guidebook

After touching down at Taoyuan Airport, skip the expensive taxi and hop on the MRT directly to Taipei Main Station—it’s efficient, affordable, and your first taste of Taiwan’s impressive public transport system. From here, the real adventure begins.

Check out my post on Where to stay in Taipei

Forget the queues at Din Tai Fung for now. Instead, make your way to Shengyuan Xiao Long Bao, where locals line up for soup dumplings that rival the famous chain at a fraction of the price and wait time. The delicate parcels burst with rich broth, setting the perfect tone for your Taipei culinary journey.

With a satisfied stomach, head to Dadaocheng and Dihua Street, where old Taipei comes alive. This historic district feels worlds away from the modern metropolis. Wander through Yongle Market, where Lin He Fa serves legendary rice dishes that have fed generations of Taipei residents.

Don’t miss the seasonal strawberry daifuku—delicate mochi wrapped around fresh strawberries and sweet red bean paste. The old street’s colonial architecture and traditional herbal medicine shops tell stories of Taiwan’s trading past, but the neighborhood has evolved beautifully.

Duck into Luguo Cafe, one of my absolute favorite coffee spots in the city. Their selection of beans is impressive, and the atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between reverent coffee culture and relaxed Taiwan hospitality.

As afternoon arrives, shift gears to Chifeng Street, the current epicenter of Taipei’s youth culture. This area pulses with creativity—independent boutiques, experimental eateries, and that ineffable energy that makes you want to explore every corner. When you need a sweet break, stop by Ron Museum for traditional Taiwanese desserts reimagined with contemporary flair. Their shaved ice and taro creations honor heritage while pushing boundaries.

As the sun begins its descent, here’s where you make a choice that separates you from typical tourists: skip Taipei 101’s observation deck (it’s impressive, but crowded and expensive) and instead hike up Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain). Time it for sunset, when the city transitions from daylight to its glittering night persona.

The trail is steep but manageable, and your reward is a sweeping panorama of the city with Taipei 101 as part of the view—far more dramatic than looking down from the tower itself. As I always say, you can’t see the 101 if you are in the 101. Same goes for the Empire State Building which is why I always go to the Rockerfeller Tower. But I will save my New York City guide for another time.

After descending, your evening path depends on your vibe. If nightlife calls to you, head to Fake Sober for craft cocktails with a speakeasy atmosphere, or venture into Xinyi District’s club scene where Taipei’s party crowd congregates until dawn.

If you prefer something more low-key and authentic, Tonghua Night Market is your answer. Unlike its famous siblings, this market remains predominantly local territory—you’ll find the same incredible street food without shouldering through tourist crowds, from crispy oyster omelets to grilled squid and sweet peanut ice cream rolls.

Day 2: Spirited Away in Jiufen (九份)

Yes, Jiufen is touristy. Yes, I’m recommending it anyway. Having visited Taiwan over twenty times and Jiufen four times—most recently last year—I can confirm that this charming mountain town retains its magic despite the crowds. The narrow alleyways, red lanterns, and misty mountain views that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away still enchant if you approach it right.

The secret is wandering beyond the main commercial street. Step into the smaller alleys, where the tourist tide thins and you’ll discover the quietness that once defined this former gold mining town. The mountain fog rolling through creates an otherworldly atmosphere, especially beautiful during spring’s rainy days when everything glistens with moisture. Tea houses perch on hillsides, offering respite and views that make you understand why artists and filmmakers fall in love with this place.

If you return to Taipei with energy remaining, explore Dongqu nearZhongxiao Dunhua MRT station, another hipster haven where tiny bistros hide in alleyways waiting to be discovered.

Wander until something catches your eye, or head to my tried-and-true recommendations: Victory Yoshoku 勝利洋食 for yoshoku-style comfort food with a Taiwanese twist, or Butanchu Ramen for soul-warming noodles that hit perfectly after a day of mountain exploration.

Day 3: Nature and Night Markets

Begin your final day in Yangmingshan, Taipei’s backyard garden. Head to Qingtiangang, where rolling grasslands create an unexpected pastoral scene just kilometers from the urban center. The hiking trails here vary in difficulty, but even a simple walk offers volcanic landscapes, hot springs vents, and if you’re lucky, grazing water buffalo.

Descend to Xin Beitou, where volcanic activity creates natural hot springs that have drawn bathers for over a century. While luxury resorts charge premium prices, you can enjoy a free public foot soak that’s surprisingly rejuvenating after hiking. The sulfuric smell is strong but becomes part of the experience.

Continue to Tamsui Old Town as afternoon arrives. This riverside district offers a different flavor of Taipei—laid-back, waterfront, with Spanish colonial remnants and fresh seafood vendors. Time your visit for sunset, when locals and visitors alike gather along the water to watch the sky transform into brilliant oranges and pinks over the Taiwan Strait.

Cap off your 72 hours at Shilin Night Market, Taipei’s largest and most famous. Remember to get off at Jiantan station, not Shilin! By now you’ve experienced smaller, local markets, so you can navigate Shilin with perspective—yes, it’s crowded and commercialized, but the scale and variety remain impressive. From the underground food court’s oyster vermicelli to XXL fried chicken and fresh fruit juices, it’s a fitting finale to your Taipei eating marathon.

Three days barely scratches the surface of this dynamic city, but these experiences—mixing well-known highlights with local secrets—offer something deeper than typical tourist itineraries. You’ll leave with full stomachs, sore feet, and already planning your return. There’s a reason why I have been here for 20 times. Taipei is simply amazing.