You can see Taiwan’s main highlights in about 3 days, covering Taipei and a nearby natural spot. It’s enough for a quick taste of the city and nature. If you want a deeper experience, plan for at least 7 days. This gives you time to explore the three most popular cities, Taipei, Yilan, and Hualien (including Taroko Gorge).
With more days, you can slow down and discover more hidden gems, like Alishan (2 days), Sun Moon Lake (2 days), and Kenting (3 days). You could head to Penghu for beach time in summer or take on an adventure like hiking Yushan or exploring mountain trails.
Not sure how long you need to explore Taiwan's top attractions? This article will help you plan the perfect itinerary with plenty of ideas.
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- 7-Day Taiwan Major Highlights Tour
- Optional Extended Taiwan Destinations
- Private Customer-Designed Tours for Taiwan
7-Day Taiwan Major Highlights Tour
On your first two days, we recommend seeing Taipei. Then go to Yilan, Hualien incluing Taroko Gorge. Yilan is along the way to Hualien, so you can see two areas consecutively. This itinerary is very family friendly and good for kids and seniors.
Day 1: Arrive in Taipei
Arrive in Taipei. Meet your driver and guide at the airport or at your hotel.
Day 2: Taipei City Tour
On the second day, we suggest going out to these top attractions. Most attractions take about an hour to explore, except for Yangmingshan, which may take half a day. The driving time between each spot is usually within 30 minutes, making it easy to fit multiple stops into your day.
- Visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall for a dose of history, where the museum offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s past. Then stop by the Taipei Confucius Temple, a Qing Dynasty-era gem with ancient ceramics and treasures.
- For stunning city views, head to Taipei 101. Shop at its upscale mall, then enjoy the breathtaking view from the 508-meter (1,670-foot) observation deck. Don’t miss lunch at the Michelin-starred Din Tai Fung inside.
- In the afternoon, Yangmingshan National Park is worth spending half a day exploring for nature lovers. Stroll through the scenic Qingtiangang grassland or explore the charming Ba-Yien Village for a relaxing escape.
- In the evening, go to Shilin Night Market, one of Taipei’s most famous night markets, perfect for souvenirs and street food.
Taipei 101 and city skylineDay 3: Yehliu Geopark, Shifen, Jiufen
New Taipei City is adjacent to Taipei, just a 30-40 minute drive away, which has many famous attractions like Yehliu Geopark and Jiufen. You can spend an entire day exploring these spots.
- At Yehliu Geopark, take a photo with the famous Queen's Head and experience the wonders of nature.
- Head to Shifen by noon to release a sky lantern by the vintage train station, then visit Shifen Waterfall, known as the "Little Niagara of Taiwan".
- In the afternoon, visit Jiufen to enjoy street snacks like taro balls. Stay until evening when the red lanterns light up, creating a magical scene reminiscent of the world in the famous movie"Spirited Away".
Queen's head Stone in Yehliu GeoparkDay 4: Yilan
Depart from New Taipei to Yilan, a 45-minute drive away. Enjoy a mix of relaxation and cultural experiences.
- In Jiaoxi Hot Springs, you can soak in the soothing, mineral-rich waters that locals swear by for their health benefits.
- You could enjoy hands-on craft experiences or watch captivating local performances at the National Center for Traditional Arts.
- Wander through the scenic Dancewoods Hotels & Resorts, where a beautiful Japanese garden and tranquil atmosphere await.
- Visit a leisure farm, feed friendly animals or join a fun DIY farming activity—it’s a great way to experience Yilan’s rural charm.
Beautiful landscape and building around the National Center for Traditional ArtsDay 5: Hualien
Head to Hualien on Taiwan’s scenic east coast for a day of ocean fun and local flavors.
- Jump on a dolphin-watching boat tour and spot dolphins playing in the waves. If you're visiting between June and September, you might even see whales.
- In the evening, hit Dongdamen Night Market. Grab some aboriginal snacks, enjoy live music, and try your luck at the game booths—it’s a fun and tasty way to wrap up your day.
Cliffs on the east coast of HualienDay 6: Taroko Gorge
Drive 30 minutes from Hualien to Taroko Gorge, Taiwan’s most famous natural wonder. Be amazed by its towering cliffs, roaring rivers, and jaw-dropping scenery.
- Walk the Swallow Grotto Trail, a narrow path clinging to the cliffside with stunning views. Stop by the Eternal Spring Shrine, where a waterfall flows gracefully behind the temple—perfect for photos.
- For a deeper nature escape, stay overnight at a mountain lodge. Wake up to fresh air and peaceful forest views.
Swallow Grotto, Taroko GorgeDay 7: Relax & Return to Taipei
Enjoy a quiet morning in the mountains. Take a short walk or just soak in the scenery. In the afternoon, drive back to Taipei for your departure or more city adventures.
Optional Extended Taiwan Destinations
With more time, you can head to Taiwan’s other stunning but less accessible natural spots. With our private transport, getting there is easy and comfortable.
Sun Moon Lake (1-2 days): 4 Hours from Taroko Gorge
Sun Moon Lake needs a 4-hour drive through the mountains from Taroko Gorge. We would take you to this very popular area with breakfast along the way. In the Sun Moon Lake area, there are scenic views in every season. You could explore the bike paths and hiking trails and take a boat out. Also eat Thao aboriginal cuisine — this will be a meal to remember with native dishes hundreds or thousands of years old. Spend the night to see the stars.
Landscape of Sun Moon LakeAlishan (1-2 days): 2½ Hours from Sun Moon Lake
Alishan is a 2½ hours drive from Sun Moon Lake and five-hour from Taipei, so it's recommended to visit Alishan after exploring Sun Moon Lake. On the way to Alishan, you could Stop by Fenchihu, a charming mountain village, for lunch or tea. Soaking in Alishan’s serene mountain scenery. Depending on the season, you can admire cherry blossoms (March-April), dense forests (May-August), or colorful foliage (September-November). Spend the night in Alishan, so that you could watch the fireflies in the forest or stars at night.
Cherry Blossoms and mini-train in AlishanPenghu Islands or Kenting (2-3 days)
Penghu and Kenting both offer stunning Pacific Ocean views and beautiful beaches. The scenery and experiences are quite similar, but the sea in Kenting often looks bluer due to its more southern location.
Coastline of Kenting National ParkWhen choosing between them, consider transportation and the season.
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Kenting is located at the southern tip of Taiwan, about a 5-hour drive from Taipei or Hualien.Winter (December-January) is not ideal for visiting Kenting because there are very strong down-slope winds during this season.It's perfect as the last stop of your trip. Spend 2-3 days relaxing on the Pacific coast, and you can also ride a scooter to leisurely enjoy the sight of the blue Pacific waters lapping against the shores.
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The best way to get to Penghu Island is by taking a 50 minutes direct flight from Taipei or other major cities with airports. The island's airport only offers flights back to Taiwan cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Chiayi.A 2-day visit to Penghu in summer or early fall is a perfect way to unwind before heading home. The warm sea water is also great for swimming.
Private Customer-Designed Tours for Taiwan
Our Taiwan tours are fully customizable. If you want to go to other places in Taiwan that are not mentioned, please tell us. Our guide will take you to the places that suit your interests during your own personalized tour.
Our popular Taiwan tours may inspire you:
- 7-Day Classic Taiwan Tour
- The 4-Day Scenic Tour To Yilan and Hualien
- 9-Day Taipei, Jiufen, Taichung, Puli, Alishan, Chiayi, Taipei, Pingxi and Yangmingshan Tour
- More Taiwan Tour Packages
Or you could tell us your tour goals and interests by contacting us to inquire about a personalized itinerary.