Taipei 3-Day City Walk Guide
Schwarz
Taipei 3-Day City Walk Guide
Lonely Planet calls Taipei "a friendly city whose allure lies in its blend of Chinese culture with a curious fusion of Japanese, Southeast Asian and American influences." From the 508m Taipei 101 to Elephant Mountain sunsets, from Din Tai Fung's legendary xiao long bao to Ningxia Night Market — three days in the "Heart of Asia."
📅 Itinerary Overview
| Day | Theme | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | City Landmarks | CKS Memorial → Taipei 101 → Din Tai Fung → Elephant Mountain |
| Day 2 | Culture & Temples | Longshan Temple → National Palace Museum → Shilin Night Market |
| Day 3 | Nature & Tea | Maokong Gondola → Yangmingshan / Beitou → Ningxia Night Market |
🏙️ Day 1: City Landmarks
Morning: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
LP: "a national landmark." Hourly guard-changing ceremony. Liberty Square arch — Taipei's most classic photo spot.
Midday: Yong Kang Street & Din Tai Fung
LP: "You haven't tried xiao long bao unless you've sampled the ones at Din Tai Fung":
- Founded 1970s, Hong Kong branch earned a Michelin star in 2010
- LP tip: "The 101 branch has a glass-walled kitchen to watch chefs at work"
- Original xiao long bao + braised beef soup. NTD 400-600/person
Afternoon: Taipei 101
LP: "the world's tallest building from 2004 to 2009":
- 508m skyscraper, observation decks on levels 88/89/91 (NTD 600)
- LP: "level 88 showcases the world's largest and heaviest mass damper"
Evening: Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)
LP: "the most popular hiking route, nudging right up against the city center":
- 1-2 hour circular trail from Xiangshan MRT
- LP: "rewarded with breathtaking views over the city and Taipei 101"
- Best: arrive 1 hour before sunset
🏛️ Day 2: Culture & Temples
Morning: Longshan Temple & Bopiliao
Longshan Temple (1738) — LP: "some of Asia's most beautiful temples":
- Southern Chinese Qing Dynasty style (similar to Singapore)
- Blends Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism
Afternoon: National Palace Museum
LP: "700,000 ancient imperial artifacts":
- LP favorite: "the beautifully carved jade cabbage, complete with a locust hiding amongst its leaves"