3 Nights 4 Days in Taipei: Practical Guide Using Asiana Star Alliance
If you’re planning an overseas trip, there’s a city that satisfies all three: accessibility, food, and cost. Yes, it’s Taipei. In this post, we’ll help you navigate efficiently using the Asiana Star Alliance network and plan a succinct itinerary to cover Taipei’s major spots in 3 nights and 4 days. We’ll also cover transportation, accommodation choices, realistic budgeting, and discount tips. Included are links for flight tickets, airport transfers, and local activity bookings for easy reference during your planning.
Using Asiana Star Alliance comes with many benefits, such as mileage accumulation and redemption, access to partner lounges (if you hold the relevant status), and baggage interlining. This post will guide you on how to make the most of these benefits smartly.
Preparation
Taipei is an ideal introductory international destination due to its moderate seasonal differences, extensive public transportation, and the city’s central concentration of night markets, cafes, and walking trails. With just the right preparations beforehand, your trip is 70% of the success. Recommended items include a multi-adapter (Taiwan voltage 110V, plug type A/B), a portable charger, a light umbrella, comfortable walking shoes, basic medication, and a small wallet for storing your transport card. Since you’ll spend a lot of time walking in the city and it rains often, a thin, waterproof windbreaker can be quite handy.
Here’s a simple checklist for pre-departure:
- Check passport validity (recommended 6 months or more from the date of entry)
- Prepare for roaming or eSIM (you can also collect it at the airport on arrival)
- Get travel insurance (ensure it covers emergency medical/hospitalization and baggage delay)
- Local payment methods (a small amount of cash + a card that offers good exchange rates)
- Review the list of travel essentials
Check out this link to compare prices and pre-purchase must-have travel items like multi-adapters, pouches, and lightweight umbrellas, saving you time locally.
Tip
Check your airline’s cabin baggage policy (weight and size) in advance. Luggage tends to increase with snacks and souvenirs on your return trip, so consider bringing a foldable tote bag or leave some luggage space.
Transportation
The direct flight from Incheon to Taipei (Taoyuan) takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours, making it relatively short. By flying with Asiana Airlines, you can leverage the Asiana Star Alliance for benefits like accumulating and using miles with partner airlines and integrated check-in procedures. For example, you can mix and match flights with fellow Asiana Star Alliance members (like EVA Air) and develop a mileage strategy within the alliance. Holders of Star Alliance Gold status can also enjoy access to partner lounges, significantly reducing travel fatigue.
When searching for reasonable fares, broaden your search range. Even slight adjustments to departure and arrival times can lead to large price differences. Compare fares using the link below.
Book your flights at the best price
Recommendation
If you’re using Asiana Star Alliance, consider consolidating your bookings within the same reservation to accumulate miles in one place. It is advantageous to reconfirm your seats 48 to 72 hours before departure, and check for preferred seats (aisle/window) and meal options onboard (on routes where available).
Note
Baggage rules vary by airline and fare type. When using Asiana Star Alliance partner flights to form your journey, the free baggage allowance may differ by segment. Make sure to check the baggage allowance on your ticket booking page and boarding pass.
Airport
Upon arrival at Taoyuan International Airport, the airport MRT (Express) connects directly to the city center. It takes approximately 35-40 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station, with a one-way fare roughly in the range of 6,000-7,000 KRW at current exchange rates. If you’re traveling in a group of 3-4, calling an airport pickup (private car) can be cost-effective per person, and it offers the convenience of drop-off right at your accommodation.
You can also collect your SIM/eSIM and buy and recharge your EasyCard at the telecom counters inside the airport. The EasyCard requires a deposit and can be widely used after recharging for MRT/buses/convenience store payments.
Accommodation
We recommend first-time visitors consider staying in one of these three areas:
- Ximending: A hub for shopping and nightlife, lively even late at night. Great night market and metro access.
- Zhongshan: Rich with cafes and restaurants, it balances a quiet neighborhood vibe with transport convenience.
- Da’an/Dongmen: Close to Taipei 101 and Yongkang Street, with plenty of parks and local eateries.
For mid-range hotels, expect to pay around 100,000-180,000 KRW per night. You can find reasonably-priced business hotels or guesthouses from 70,000-120,000 KRW (prices may rise during peak season/weekends). Be sure to check room sizes, whether there are windows, soundproofing, and if the bathroom is dry/wet. Having your accommodation within a 5-minute walk to a metro station is convenient for your itinerary.
Note
Given the nature of a city, buildings are close together and alleyways can be lively, leading to noise. If you’re sensitive, request a room on a higher floor and facing away from the street. Be sure also to ask about check-in times (generally around 15:00) and early check-in policies in advance.
Ximending
This vibrant area in Taipei is dotted with pedestrian streets, a variety of character shops, independent bookstores, theaters, and large drugstores. As you stroll amidst the neon signs and busking sounds in the evening, you may get enough street food to forego a special trip to a night market. Common treats like chicken cutlets, giant squid fries, and sweet bubble tea typically cost around 3,000-6,000 KRW.
Location: MRT Blue/Green Line Ximen Station. Easily walkable.
Tip
Beauty/drug stores often have similar prices chainwide, but if you compare 2-3 places, slight differences may be found. Look for stores offering tax-free/instant discounts with passport presentation before checkout.
Longshan Temple
This temple, imbued with the daily life and faith of the locals, adds a calming rhythm to your journey. Open to everyone, you can roam its grounds fairly freely. Instead of rushing through for photos, take a moment to enjoy the scent of incense and sound of bells.
Location: Near MRT Blue Line Longshan Temple Station
Admission: Free (donations accepted)
Note
Inside the temple, remember to remove hats/sunglasses and refrain from using flash photography. During peak times, walk quietly and follow the direction of foot traffic.
Taipei 101
The Taipei 101 observatory, a city icon, is best enjoyed when the weather is clear. The period from sunset to night view is especially popular, so it’s recommended to book in advance to minimize wait times. A nearby trail on Elephant Mountain offers a light trek to capture great night view photos.
Location: MRT Red Line Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station
Estimated cost: Observatory admission approximately 25,000 KRW (subject to exchange rate and promotions)
Recommendation
If value is your priority, consider enjoying the night view from Elephant Mountain and visiting the observatory during the day on the next day. If you’ve been saving Asiana Star Alliance partner miles, you can lower cash spending on flights and splurge on paid attractions instead.
Jiufen
The mountain village of Jiufen, famed for its red lanterns, features a walking course filled with alleys, tea houses, and snack shops. It’s most atmospheric around dusk to early evening, but also crowded then. Avoid weekends/holidays or plan to arrive in the early afternoon to stay leisurely.
Getting there: Transit via MRT-bus or train-bus from Taipei Station. Total public transport one-way fare is about 3,000-5,000 KRW. Consider a vehicle tour if traveling with 3-4 people.
Snack budget: Peanut ice cream, taro balls, fish cake skewers, etc. range from 3,000-7,000 KRW
Note
There are numerous stone steps and slopes, so be cautious of slipping. Since it often rains, shoes with good grip are recommended, and during crowded times, keep your valuables securely out of sight.
Shifen
Often paired with Jiufen, Shifen is known for the experience of lighting sky lanterns on the railroad. It’s also fascinating to watch how quickly storefronts pack up when a train briefly passes by. Write your wishes on a lantern, and then unwind by visiting nearby waterfalls or cafes for a fulfilling half-day venture.
Getting there: Transfer at Ruifang to the Pingxi Line. Train one-way fare is around 1,500-2,500 KRW
Lantern experience: Costs approximately 10,000-20,000 KRW depending on color and size
Tip
Prepare a transparent raincoat if the forecast predicts rain. It makes for cleaner photos, but be sure to follow store guidelines and maintain a safe distance, especially on windy days.
Dihua Street
Dihua Street is a row of shops featuring ancient architecture that offers tea, dried fruits/snacks, herbs, fabric, and trinkets. It’s designed for optimal gift shopping where you can compare stores, taste-test, and decide your purchases. Also, check out the nearby Yongle Market for local food and craft shops.
Estimated cost: Small tea sets 10,000-30,000 KRW, snack gift sets 5,000-20,000 KRW
Note
Confirm which food items can be imported back home. Stick to sealed items with ingredient labels for smoother customs clearance.
Night Markets
Taipei hosts various night markets like Raohe, Shilin, and Ningxia. For convenience and ease of routing, Ningxia Night Market serves as a compact yet jam-packed eatery location, uncomplicated for first-timers. You can try everything from oyster omelets, fried treats, to desserts.
Estimated cost: snacks 3,000-6,000 KRW each, a meal costs 8,000-15,000 KRW
Tip
Communal tables have a quick turnover, so it’s courteous to vacate your seat swiftly. Waste separation is strictly observed, so please follow store guides.
Transportation
The MRT connects almost all major attractions, and clear transfer signage allows for easy navigation using only public transport. With an EasyCard, you can recharge and use it for MRT, buses, convenience stores, and even bike rentals. A daily transportation budget of 6,000-12,000 KRW is ample, though this may vary depending on your travel amount.
- EasyCard deposit and recharging is possible at airports, stations, and convenience stores
- Map apps: Utilize real-time stop and schedule check features
- Escalator etiquette: Stand on the right, walk on the left
- Priority seats: Try to avoid using them even if empty
Recommendation
Expect to walk over 10,000 steps on many days of your itinerary. Comfortable shoes and odor-absorbing insoles reduce foot fatigue significantly. If you’re accumulating Asiana Star Alliance miles, save by relying on public/daily transport and allocate your budget towards flight seat upgrades or extra baggage on your return journey.
Budget
Here’s a rough budget guide for one person over 3 nights and 4 days. Note that it can vary depending on exchange rates, seasons, and travel style, so confirm the latest rates before booking.
- Flights: Off-season round trip 200,000-450,000 KRW (varies by promotions and times)
- Accommodation: Mid-range hotel for 3 nights 300,000-540,000 KRW
- Meals: 30,000-60,000 KRW per day (leaning on night markets could save more)
- Transportation: 6,000-12,000 KRW per day
- Entry and activities: 10,000-30,000 KRW per day
Tip
Packages combining entry tickets, transport passes, and local tours often offer better value than on-the-ground purchases. Check out seasonal promotions on the pages below.
An Asiana Star Alliance mileage strategy is also key to budget management. You can credit your Asiana flights and those on Star Alliance partners to Asiana miles, taking advantage of short-haul discounts or seat upgrade options to reduce perceived costs. However, the mileage validity and rules vary by airline, so check in advance.
Itinerary
A recommended 3-night 4-day itinerary is as follows:
- Day 1: Arrive at the airport → Check into accommodation → Stroll and snack in Ximending → Longshan Temple
- Day 2: Taipei 101 observatory → Elephant Mountain hike → Dine out in Yongkang Street
- Day 3: Full-day Jiufen/Shifen trip (lantern experience included) → Return to the city
- Day 4: Shop at Dihua Street → Lunch (or early dinner) at Ningxia Night Market → Airport transfer
This plan blends key highlights without missing any essentials, keeping travel routes naturally flowing. Consider weather conditions and travel times for each day: on rainy days, plan more indoor activities, and for sunny days, visit outdoor viewpoints (Elephant Mountain, Taipei 101).
Meals
Taipei offers a wide range of local eateries and cafes. Signature dishes like beef noodles, xiaolongbao, braised pork rice, and pepper cakes are typically priced between 6,000-12,000 KRW. Some popular spots may have wait times over 30 minutes, so try visiting during opening hours or at off-peak times (3-5 PM).
Recommendation
Local chain stores also offer a high standard. Thanks to their clean environments and consistent menu offerings, there’s a low chance of disappointment. Before ordering, confirm with staff about spice levels and coriander additions.
Safety
touristy areas are generally safe, but avoid desolate alleys late at night and comply with pedestrian signals while walking. It’s recommended to carry only a small amount of cash and mainly use cards/mobile payments for major transactions.
Note
Umbrellas, portable chargers, and charging cables are frequently misplaced items. Establish a fixed location in your bag for them when leaving the accommodation to minimize loss.
Asiana
Traveling to Taipei using Asiana Star Alliance expands options and enhances travel efficiency. Partner flight combinations within the same alliance, mileage accrual and redemption, and partner lounge access (if you hold relevant status) provide significant perceived value, even on short trips. If you can access a lounge at the airport on your return day, it’s a great way to refresh with a shower and a light meal before boarding, significantly lessening post-trip fatigue. Baggage interlining with Asiana Star Alliance partners is particularly useful when your journey is segmented, so confirm interlining at the counter during check-in.
Summary
This guide compiles essential information for traveling to Taipei with Asiana Star Alliance, paving the way to seamlessly incorporate it into your plans. Travel starts with good preparation. Thoroughly review your flights, accommodations, airport transit, local activities, and discount benefits. It’s recommended to book in the following order. Links provided below for your convenience.
- Flights: Utilize Asiana Star Alliance network, compare schedules and baggage policies
- Accommodation: Less than 5-minute walk from MRT station, check noise, windows, and size
- Airport Transfer: Choose MRT or Pickup considering arrival time and baggage
- Local Activities: Consider 101 observatory, Jiufen/Shifen, transportation and entry bundles
- Discount Codes: Seasonal extra savings
- Travel Essentials: Multi-adapters, portable chargers, waterproof outerwear, etc.
Travel is ultimately about enjoying your time in a way that’s comfortable for you. Use Asiana Star Alliance smartly to reduce travel fatigue and slowly savor Taipei’s life and flavors. Once you’ve completed the necessary bookings and preparations, your journey has already begun. Wishing everyone a delightful start to their first page of travel.