Prepare for Your Taipei Adventure: Realistic 4-Day Travel Guide
Looking to enjoy both the warmth of a city and the tranquility of nature? Then Taipei, with its convenient transportation and diverse food options, is the place for you. In this post, we’ll walk you through a relaxed 4-day itinerary to explore Taipei, including flights, airport transfers, local transportation, accommodation, and budgeting tips. Plus, we’ve included a strategy on using the “SkyPass Lotte” card for booking flights and hotels. We’ll provide practical, on-the-ground information without any exaggerated expressions.
Travel Preparations
Good preparation can make all the difference to your travel satisfaction. Let’s start with a basic checklist.
- Check passport validity: Recommended at least 6 months from the return date
- Communication: Prepare an eSIM or local SIM card
- Payments: Use a combination of transportation card (EasyCard) and credit card, along with some cash
- Travel Insurance: Check coverage for hospital visits and delays
Prepare your travel pouch, multi-adapter (Taiwan uses Type A plugs), and portable battery in advance so you won’t be scrambling at the airport. It’s best to buy these online at reasonable prices. If needed, use the link below.
For flight tickets and accommodation payments, consider using a mileage partnership card like the “SkyPass Lotte” to accumulate points, which can help reduce costs for future flight purchases. However, remember that the accumulation rate, annual fee, and overseas usage fees may vary by card issuer, so check the latest terms on the official “SkyPass Lotte” card page before issuing it.
Transportation
Numerous flights operate daily from major airports like Incheon, Gimpo, and Busan to Taipei. Avoid peak seasons and book 6-8 weeks in advance to find more stable fares. Compare different airlines and times at once using the link below.
Using the “SkyPass Lotte” for flight payments allows you to accumulate miles, which is beneficial in the long run. However, additional benefits such as seat upgrades or lounge access depend on card tier and events, so be sure to verify their availability.
Airport Transfers
The easiest way to reach the city from Taoyuan International Airport is via the airport MRT, taking about 35-45 minutes to downtown (Taipei Main Station) with a fare of about 6,000 to 7,000 won depending on the exchange rate and route. If you have heavy luggage or your accommodation is far from the station, a pickup vehicle can save you time and energy. For travel with 2-4 family members or friends, the cost-effectiveness is favorable.
Whether choosing the airport railroad, taxi, or pickup, using the “SkyPass Lotte” for payments can help convert travel expenses into miles, thus reducing future flight costs.
Day 1: Ximending – Longshan Temple – Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
On the first day, start in the city where walking is easy, considering the fatigue of your flight.
- Ximending: A hub for shopping and street food crowded with young locals. With many clothing, sneaker, and character shops, it’s a good place for gift shopping.
- Longshan Temple: The most accessible temple in the city. Visit by evening for a serene atmosphere. No admission fee.
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: A landmark with beautiful squares, ponds, and gardens. The guard changing ceremony is a spectacle. No admission fee.
Start your meal with simple choices like beef noodles, Taiwanese sausage, and bubble tea in Ximending. Expect to spend around 10,000 to 15,000 won per person.
Tip
You can reduce small cash expenditures by using a Taiwanese transportation card (EasyCard) for MRT, buses, and convenience store payments. Rechargeable within stations or at convenience stores, it’s recommended to use a combination of transportation cards and credit cards. Note that some recharges may only accept cash, so prepare small cash amounts.
Recommendation
If you’re staying near Ximending, an evening stroll around the old Red House Theater area offers a pleasant walk. It’s comparably busy until night, so solo travelers can feel more comfortable.
Note
Weekend evenings in Ximending can be crowded. Keep your belongings in front of you and watch out for electric scooters and motorcycles in alleyways.
Day 2: Jiufen – Shifen Day Trip
On the second day, venture out to the suburbs near Taipei to visit Jiufen, with its views of the sea and mountains, and Shifen, famous for sky lanterns.
- Travel Method: Take a train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang (one-way fare 2,500 – 4,000 won), then transfer to a bus to Jiufen (around 1,000 won). You can reach Shifen by taxi or transfer via bus/train.
- Jiufen Old Street: With many teahouses and scenic cafes, it’s great for a leisurely walk.
- Shifen Old Street: Experience sky lanterns at shops beside the railway (around 10,000 to 20,000 won depending on size and inscription options).
If public transportation transfers seem cumbersome, consider using day tours or private vehicle passes to reduce travel stress. Compare and book local tours and tickets at once.
With significant expenses for transportation, snacks, and souvenirs on active days, manage your spending with a single payment method. Using an overseas-compatible card like “SkyPass Lotte” can simplify expenses and facilitate post-trip statements and mileage accumulation. Check the conditions of the “SkyPass Lotte” card, as overseas usage fees vary by card issuer and product.
Tip
Jiufen becomes crowded in the afternoon. Depart in the morning or check return transportation (bus/taxi) if you plan to stay until dusk.
Recommendation
At teahouses with great views, there may be a wait for window seats. Leave your name and stroll through the alleys, getting a notification message when it’s your turn.
Note
The stairs and paths in Jiufen can be slippery when wet, so bring non-slip shoes and a light raincoat.
Day 3: Taipei 101 – Elephant Mountain – Yongkang Street
On the third day, enjoy the skyline of Taipei.
- Taipei 101: Pre-book observation deck tickets to reduce wait times, usually 25,000 to 35,000 won for adults (varies by promotion/exchange rate).
- Elephant Mountain Night View: A 20-30 minute stair climb leads to the closest view of Taipei 101’s night scenery.
- Yongkang Street & Din Tai Fung: A convenient route to enjoy xiaolongbao, noodles, and mango shaved ice. Typically 15,000 to 25,000 won per person is sufficient.
Popular experiences like observation decks, cable cars, and museums may have long lines if purchased on-site; prepare in advance with mobile vouchers if possible. Check for discount codes to save more.
Check Klook’s Monthly Discount Codes
On days like these with consecutive payments for entrance tickets, meals, and cafes, it’s convenient to consolidate payments with the “SkyPass Lotte” to manage spending. The accumulated mileage can be used for future flight tickets or seat upgrades, so check the mileage use terms of the “SkyPass Lotte” card in advance.
Tip
Photos of Elephant Mountain are most stable right after sunset to full dark. The best spots at the top are small, so avoid prolonged occupation for safety, and consider the surroundings before using a tripod.
Recommendation
The food court in the large mall near Taipei 101 offers clean and varied menu choices, perfect for meals even on rainy days.
Note
Confirm the last shuttle/taxi back home after a night walk. Pre-install a shuttle/taxi call app to easily handle emergencies.
Day 4: Beitou – Tamsui
Conclude your last day with a relaxing hot spring and riverside walk.
- Beitou Hot Spring Zone: Public outdoor baths are around 5,000 to 10,000 won per person, while private hotel/resort hot springs range from 30,000 to 60,000 won (time-based).
- Thermal Valley: A walking course along a sulfur-smelling hot spring source. It’s free to visit, making it a nice short stop.
- Tamsui Old Street & Fishermen’s Wharf: A riverside path with beautiful sunsets. Snacks like fish cakes, fried dumplings, and ice cream range from 5,000 to 10,000 won.
Utilize an MRT Day Pass (approximately 5,000 to 7,000 won) for affordable public hot springs and round trips to Tamsui. Store your luggage at your accommodation’s front desk for a lighter return trip to coincide with your departure time.
Tip
For hot springs, many places require swimwear and swimming caps. If you haven’t packed any, check if rentals or purchases are available on-site.
Recommendation
In Tamsui, rent a shared bike for a light ride along the river. It requires card registration, so have your passport, phone, and payment card ready.
Note
Metal accessories can discolor in hot spring areas. Store valuables in the safe at your accommodation.
Accommodation
Knowing the characteristics of different regions can help reduce the odds of dissatisfaction.
- Ximending: Ideal for late-night snacks, shopping, and night walks. Can be a bit noisy on weekends.
- Taipei Main Station: Convenient for airport MRT, train, and subway transfers. Recommended for travel with many transit routes.
- Daan/Xinyi: Many clean business and boutique hotels, with evenly good cafes and restaurants.
During peak seasons (holidays and vacations), 3-star hotels range from 100,000 to 150,000 won per night, and 4-star hotels from 150,000 to 250,000 won. Even within the same star rating, perceived differences can be significant based on location and room condition, so check photos, reviews, and maps before deciding. Compare prices easily below.
Using the “SkyPass Lotte” for accommodation payments can help systematically reduce travel costs. By pre-paying with the “SkyPass Lotte” card and primarily using transportation cards and cash for small local payments, you can keep things tidy.
Budget & Tips
- Average Daily Budget (per person): Food 30,000 to 45,000 won, Transportation 6,000 to 10,000 won, Cafe/Snacks 10,000 to 20,000 won, Admission/Activities 10,000 to 40,000 won. Total 60,000 to 110,000 won per day (excluding accommodation, varies by exchange rate and choices).
- Data: Buy an eSIM ahead of time to activate via QR code without airport pick-up. Costs range from 5,000 to 20,000 won for 1-5 days.
- Local Payments: Transportation card recharge units can be large, so recharge small amounts mid-journey to lessen refund stress.
- Admission/Tours: Mobile vouchers are most convenient. They help you avoid on-site queues and cash payments.
Check Klook’s Monthly Discount Codes
For comfortable booking of guided tours and local experiences in Korean, domestic platforms are useful. Coupons and promotions are updated frequently, so check before departure.
Check MyRealTrip Discount Codes
For organized savings, accumulate expenses like flights, hotel, and local payments with the “SkyPass Lotte” card and consistently earn miles. However, note that mileage conversion, expiration, and bonus seat use rules differ by airline and card policy. Stay updated with the latest information via official notifications. Even in the case of the “SkyPass Lotte” card, event-based additional savings or affiliated use locations may change, so it’s advisable to double-check before departure.
Tip
Prepare for rainy days by planning an indoor itinerary (museums, large malls, cafes) for one day, preventing schedule disruptions. Given Taipei’s frequent rains, a lightweight raincoat and waterproof bag cover can be surprisingly handy.
Note
Some small shops have a minimum credit card payment amount for foreign card use. If you have no cash at all, it can be inconvenient, so carry at least some cash.
Transport Tips
- MRT/Bus: Use Google Maps/local map apps for easy transfers. Choose a 1-day, 48-hour, or 72-hour pass according to your schedule.
- Taxi/Ride: Short distances have a noticeable base fare impact. It’s efficient for moving 2-3 people or night travel.
- Airport Transfer: Aim to arrive at the airport 3 hours before your departure. Exit inspections can get crowded.
If you have plenty of luggage, using a pickup/drop-off service for airport returns can save you fatigue.
Culinary Notes
- Beef Noodles: Rich broth and broad noodles. 10,000 to 15,000 won.
- Xiaolongbao: Expected wait times at popular spots. 15,000 to 25,000 won per person.
- Night Market Snacks: Intestine noodles, Jipai (fried chicken steak), mango shaved ice. Each costs around 5,000 to 10,000 won.
Although individual food payments aren’t large, they can add up. Consolidating small payments with the “SkyPass Lotte” card helps with mileage accumulation. Check “SkyPass Lotte” card notices and the app frequently for special benefits (additional accumulation, affiliate discounts, etc.).
Safety & Convenience
- Security: Pay attention to belongings in crowded tourist areas. Use hip bags or crossbody bags.
- Health: The temperature difference between indoors and outdoors can be significant, so prepare a light outer layer for hot weather.
- Communication: Data stability is crucial as QR vouchers, maps, and messaging use are high.
Tip
Local outlets are typically flat type A. Carrying a multi-strip reduces charging waiting times in your room. A high-speed charger with at least two ports is recommended.
Sample Itinerary
- Day 1: Airport → City → Ximending → Longshan Temple → Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
- Day 2: Jiufen → Shifen (Sky Lantern) → Return to the city
- Day 3: Taipei 101 → Elephant Mountain → Yongkang Street
- Day 4: Beitou Hot Springs → Tamsui → Airport
The above itinerary is organized to distribute walking within a manageable scope. If it rains, consider moving the observation deck and indoor shopping from Day 3 to Day 1 for flexibility.
Final Steps: Booking & Preparation Checklist
Once you’re prepared, all that’s left is to go. Check the links below at once to calmly book what you need according to your schedule. These are reliable reservation channels, making schedule changes and voucher use on-site relatively easy.
- Book the Lowest Airfare Here
- Compare Hotel Prices and Book
- Reserve Airport Pickup
- Book Activities and Tours
- Check Klook’s Monthly Discount Codes
- Check MyRealTrip Discount Codes
- Prepare Travel Essentials
Consolidate payments for large expenses like flights, hotels, and activities with the “SkyPass Lotte” card, and mix transport cards, cash, and credit appropriately on-site. Since the accumulation rate, conversion rules, and events for the “SkyPass Lotte” can change, check the latest notices before departure.
We recommend booking flights, accommodations, airport transfers, and local activities in advance. Check out the links below comfortably.