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Day 1 · From Taoyuan Airport into the city + Xinyi night views.To get into Taipei from Taoyuan International Airport, the easiest to navigate is the Taoyuan Airport MRT; the express train takes about 35 minutes from the airport to Taipei Main Station, while the commuter train is slower but stops at more stations; basic fares and last-train times are subject to the Taoyuan Metro official website. After reaching Taipei Main Station, transfer to the Taipei Metro or a taxi to your hotel. Once you've dropped off your luggage, head straight to the Xinyi District: in the evening, first grab a meal and shop near Taipei 101, then head up to the 89th-floor observation deck for the night views—the observation deck is open roughly 10:00 to 21:00, with last admission about before closing; actual opening hours and ticket prices are subject to the Taipei 101 official website. To save time buying tickets, you can book a fast-pass ticket online in advance.
View Taipei 101 Observatory tickets
Day 2 · A classic day in Taipei.In the morning, first go to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall to watch the changing of the guard on the hour, then take the metro to Longshan Temple to feel the most lively, down-to-earth old Taipei, with the nearby Bopiliao and Bangka great for wandering. In the afternoon, move on to Ximending—youthful, great for shopping and eating; in the evening, pick a night market to wrap up. For a first visit I recommend the Raohe Street Night Market (moderate in size, easy to browse) or the Shilin Night Market (the biggest, the most touristy). Night markets almost all use cash or EasyCard, so remember to keep some small change. For more complete city planning, see Taipeicategory and Taiwan Food Guide.
Day 3 · A suburban day trip, choose one of two.If you want a mountain-town old street and lantern atmosphere, choose Jiufen—you can take the train from Taipei to Ruifang and then transfer to a bus, or join a day tour to skip the transfers; pairing it with releasing sky lanterns on the Pingxi Line (Shifen) is a classic combination, suited to those who like a slow pace and taking photos. If you want to see the sea and unusual rock formations, choose the north coast: the Queen's Head at Yehliu Geopark, then linked with Jinshan Old Street; this route flows most smoothly by self-drive or day tour. Both options take up most of a day; those who dislike hassle and lots of transfers should just book a day tour to keep it simplest, and for transport and guiding details you can refer toTransport Guide.
View Jiufen, Yehliu and Shifen day tours
Day 4 · Take the HSR down to Taichung, swapping to a different Taiwan within an hour
On the fourth day, change the pace and head south to Taichung by HSR. Taipei to Taichung by HSR is under about 1 hour at the fastest—a short ride with frequent departures. Taipei to Zuoying in a standard-car reserved seat for the full journey is about NT$1,490, while Taipei to Taichung is a shorter segment with a lower fare; exact fares and schedules are subject to the Taiwan High Speed Rail official website or booking system. Once at Taichung HSR Station, transfer to the TRA or a bus into the city center.
| Route | Transportation | Approximate time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taipei → Taichung | HSR standard car | Under about 1 hour | Fares per the HSR official website |
| HSR Taichung Station → city center | Transfer at TRA Xinwuri Station | About 10–20 min | Transfer to TRA or bus |
Taichung's classic route is: during the day go to Gaomei Wetlands to see the sunset boardwalk, in the afternoon stroll around Shen-Ji New Village and the Green Ray Project to take photos and drink coffee, and in the evening wrap up with a big feast at the Fengjia Night Market. If you don't want to drag your luggage, you can keep your Taipei hotel and make it a day trip; if you want to explore in depth, stay a night in Taichung and take the HSR back to Taipei the next morning to connect with airport transport. For how to enjoy Taichung and where to stay, you can further read TaichungCategorized. Don't over-pack day five. In the morning, stock up on souvenirs near your hotel or around the Taipei Main Station shopping district: pineapple cakes, tea, and nougat are all popular choices. Afterward, take the Taoyuan Airport MRT from Taipei Main Station back to the airport; the express train takes about 35 minutes. Remember to leave time for check-in and security, and it's recommended to arrive early for international flights. If you have a lot of luggage, you might also consider an airport transfer or taxi.
The rough five-day costs fall into four main categories: accommodation, transportation, admission tickets, and food. Below are conceptual ranges, meant only for budget estimation; actual prices depend on quotes at the time. If you want to book accommodation and inter-city transport all at once, you can compare the deals on online platforms.
| Item | Notes | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City transport | Take the MRT and buses with an EasyCard | Charged by distance; official rates apply |
| HSR from Taipei to Taichung | One-way, standard car | Fares per the HSR official website |
| Attraction tickets | Taipei 101 and more | Rates per each attraction's official website |
| eSIM data | Depends on the number of days in your plan | Provider's plan rates apply |
View Taipei accommodation options
Frequently Asked Questions
For five days in Taiwan, should I use an EasyCard or just take taxis everywhere?
In the city, the EasyCard is definitely the way to go. Taipei's MRT network is dense with frequent service, and paired with buses and YouBike it can get you to most attractions at low cost. Save taxis or ride-hailing for late nights, traveling in a group, or when you have large luggage.
With only five days, is Taichung worth a dedicated trip?
It's worth it, but it depends on your preferences. The HSR from Taipei to Taichung takes under an hour at its fastest, so a day trip is doable. If you love sea views, sunsets, and hip little cafes, you'll enjoy Taichung. But if you'd rather explore Taipei and its surroundings in depth, you could swap Day 4 for Maokong, Tamsui, or the Beitou hot springs instead.
Do I need to book HSR tickets in advance?
For peak times (weekends and holidays), it's best to book ahead on the official Taiwan High Speed Rail website or app, where you may also find early-bird discounts. On weekday off-peak hours you can usually buy at the counter and still get a seat, but booking ahead gives you peace of mind. Actual fares and discounts are subject to the official website.
How long can I stay in Taiwan visa-free?
It depends on your nationality. Travelers from many countries can stay visa-free for up to 90 days, while some get 14 to 30 days, and the rules can change. Before you depart, check the Bureau of Consular Affairs (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) website for your nationality and the latest rules, and make sure your passport has enough validity.
What's the fastest way to get online after landing?
The easiest option is to buy an eSIM before you leave; just connect once you land and you're good to go, with no need to queue for a card at the airport. You can also get a physical SIM at an airport counter or rent a Wi-Fi device, depending on how many people are traveling and how much data you need.
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