Complete guide to Taipei travel budget with tips

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Travel Expenses in Taipei: A Fun-Filled 3 Day Itinerary

Taipei is a city with diverse charm, offering a short flight, convenient public transportation, and a mix of night markets, temples, and observation decks. In this post, I’ll guide you through planning your travel expenses in Taipei as we explore the city, focusing on itinerary, transportation, accommodations, food, and admission fees. From choosing the right flights, the most efficient way to get from the airport to the city, using MRT, buses, or bikes, enjoying the popular attractions and night markets, to tips on booking accommodations and activities, everything is organized for you here.

Please note that the amounts converted from TWD to won are calculated at 1 TWD ≈ 43 KRW as of the writing date, and may vary depending on the actual exchange rate. Be sure to check the latest rates before making any payments.

Budget Overview

The starting point of travel preparation is to understand the overall budget. Although travel expenses in Taipei vary depending on your travel preferences, a typical cost estimate for a 3-day trip is as follows:

  • Airfare: Round trip between 200,000~400,000 KRW (high/low season, departure day affects pricing)
  • Accommodation: 70,000~150,000 KRW per night (based on 3-star to 4-star hotels in central locations)
  • Transportation: Total of 20,000~40,000 KRW for 3 days (includes MRT, buses, airport MRT, occasional taxis)
  • Food: 25,000~50,000 KRW per day (includes night markets, local restaurants, cafes)
  • Admission/Experience: 20,000~80,000 KRW depending on the itinerary (includes observation decks, museums, gondolas, day tours)

Your travel expenses in Taipei for a 3-day trip can start from around 700,000 KRW if you plan economically, or mid-to-late 1,000,000 KRW if you want to enjoy more. Now, let’s explore how to save costs in each section along with a detailed itinerary.

Preparation

Taipei involves a lot of walking and as you visit night markets and temples, you’ll frequently need your belongings. A lightweight umbrella, power bank, local eSIM or SIM card, local transportation card (EasyCard), and small cash are convenient to have.

Tip

Check essential items before your trip to save time purchasing them locally. Preparing items like simple pouches, compression bags, multi-adapters, and waterproof pouches in Korea offers a wider choice of price and quality. For those in need, check out ‘Prepare Travel Essentials’ through this link:
Prepare Travel Essentials

Flights

The flight time from Incheon/Gimpo to Taipei (Taoyuan) is about 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours. During high season, departing on weekdays has advantages, and the total cost varies depending on whether luggage is included, so be sure to check the baggage policies. Monitoring airfares 1-2 months in advance and being flexible with departure and return days can save a significant portion of your travel expenses in Taipei.

Recommendation

Due to frequent price changes, it’s recommended to use meta-search engines to compare multiple airlines simultaneously. Check the link below for the lowest prices, and set up alerts if necessary:
Book Low-Priced Flights

Getting to/from the Airport

The Airport MRT Express from Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei Main Station takes about 35 minutes, with an adult fare of around 6,900 KRW (160 TWD). The clear travel time and fare make it the most convenient method for first-time visitors. If you have a lot of luggage or arrive late at night, consider a taxi or pre-booked pickup. A taxi to the city generally costs around 43,000~51,000 KRW (1,000~1,200 TWD).

Tip

If you’re traveling with 3-4 people and have many suitcases, pre-booking a pickup vehicle ensures a direct transfer, making it efficient. If the cost isn’t significantly higher, it’s particularly useful for late-night or early morning arrivals, considering the travel expenses in Taipei.
Book Airport Pickup

Note

Check the last MRT schedule if arriving at night. Use official taxi stands or ride-sharing apps, and confirm cash/card payment options before taking a taxi.

City Transportation

Taipei has a well-connected MRT and bus system with convenient transfers. Station and stop instructions are clear, with English and Chinese signage, making navigation easy. Purchase and recharge an EasyCard at station booths or convenience stores to tap in and out for each ride conveniently. The card issuance fee is about 4,300 KRW (100 TWD).

  • MRT basic fare ranges from around 900~2,800 KRW (20~65 TWD) depending on the distance.
  • Bus: Tap in and out with the card, with fares mostly around 900~1,700 KRW (20~40 TWD).
  • YouBike (public bike): Register to use, costing about 400~900 KRW (10~20 TWD) per 30 minutes.
  • Taxi: Basic fare around 3,700 KRW (85 TWD) with late-night surcharges and additional distance/time charges.

Tip

If you plan to use the MRT several times a day, consider a 24/48/72-hour pass. Pre-planning your accommodation-restaurant-attraction route helps reduce travel expenses in Taipei with these time-based passes compared to single-ticket fares.

Day 1: Zhongzheng, Yongkang, 101

The first day is a light walking tour of iconic city spots. Even before checking in at the accommodation, using coin lockers at Main Station or luggage storage at your stay makes movement easier.

  • Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: Famous for its grand plaza and guard changing ceremony (on the hour). The plaza and exhibition areas are mostly free to enjoy. It’s a great spot for photo ops and learning about historical backgrounds at a leisurely pace.
  • Yongkang Street: A neighborhood packed with popular treats like mango shaved ice, beef noodles, and dim sum. Enjoy a satisfying meal for 6,000~15,000 KRW. The area has many cafes perfect for an afternoon tea break.
  • Taipei 101: A landmark with a mall and observatory. The observatory admission varies by time and seller, generally around 20,000~30,000 KRW. Visit during sunset for a view of the city lights.

Recommendation

If you love night photography, the “Elephant Mountain Trail (Xiangshan)” opposite to Taipei 101 is a 10-15 minute walk to the trailhead and a 20-30 minute climb to reach the viewpoint. It’s free with drinking water and decent lighting. A headlamp isn’t needed, but caution on slippery paths and wearing sneakers is advised.

Note

Xiangshan has steep sections. It can be slippery after rain or dew, so on rainy days, substitute the city night view with the 101 observatory to reduce wasteful travel expenses in Taipei.

Day 2: Palace Museum, Tamsui, Shilin

The second day combines culture, outdoor walks, and night markets.

  • National Palace Museum: Home to a world-renowned collection of Chinese relics. Admission is typically mid-to-high 10,000 KRW. Enhance your visit with a guide app or a Korean guided tour for higher satisfaction.
  • Tamsui: Easy MRT access and a delight for riverside walks with snacks like fish cakes and ice cream. Many cafes and sunset spots make late afternoon visits worthwhile.
  • Shilin Night Market: A representative night market offering pepper buns, large fried chicken, giant squid, and fruit juices, mostly priced between 2,000~5,000 KRW, offering a budget-friendly dinner.

Tip

The National Palace Museum is vast, so plan ahead for 2-3 hours of focused viewing before heading to Tamsui for a more satisfying travel time. Small cash is mostly used at night markets, but card and mobile payments are increasing.

Day 3: Jiufen and Shifen (Day Trip from Taipei)

Jiufen and Shifen are popular nearby day-trip spots from Taipei. While public transit is an option, time-conscious travelers might find shuttle tours more convenient for getting around and locating photo spots.

  • Jiufen: A hillside town with alleyways, red lanterns, and tea houses. Expect to spend 10,000~20,000 KRW per person for tea and snacks at a tea house.
  • Shifen: Known for waterfall walks and sky lantern experiences. Around 10,000~20,000 KRW with options for lantern color and message.

Note

Weekends and peak seasons see crowded Jiufen alleys. With many stairs, strollers and suitcases can be challenging, and it’s slippery when wet—sturdy footwear recommended. When booking tours, check included/excluded items (lantern cost, meals, etc.) to prevent exceeding your travel expenses in Taipei.

Local Experiences

To gain deeper insight into the city, consider small-group walking tours, night/multi-cuisine tours, or routes like Jiufen, Yehliu, and Shifen linked tours. Grouping one day in a tour reduces transport-related concerns and improves satisfaction through guided photo ops and explanations.

Recommendation

Pre-booking local tours/activities offers broader time options and often reduces waiting. Even with fluctuating prices, the bundle/pass configuration often results in saving on travel expenses in Taipei.
Book Activities at Destinations

Food and Cafes

Taipei has a wide range of street snacks, eateries, and cafes. At night markets, many items are 2,000~5,000 KRW, a local meal is 6,000~15,000 KRW, and drinks at a dessert cafe range from 3,000~6,000 KRW. Bubble tea costs 2,000~4,000 KRW (50~90 TWD), with toppings, remaining reasonable. This combination of three meals plus snacks per day can keep daily food expenses below 25,000~50,000 KRW.

Tip

Buy bottled water at convenience stores as Taipei’s tap water is typically boiled before drinking. Bringing a reusable bottle helps you get refills at cafes or keeps your purchased drinks cold longer, saving on travel expenses in Taipei.

Entry Fees, Views, Gondola

Mixing free and paid attractions makes budget balancing easier.

  • Longshan Temple: A major temple, free except for voluntary offerings. Explore the historical and community culture flow here.
  • Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: Plaza and main areas are free. Don’t miss the changing of the guard.
  • Taipei 101 Observation: Around 20,000~30,000 KRW. Visit at dusk.
  • Maokong Gondola: Round trip costs under 10,000 KRW (varies by line/type). The glass-bottom ‘Crystal Cabin’ has an extra charge.

Recommendation

Integrating free spots (Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Xiangshan) into your itinerary can cut entry fees by over 30,000~50,000 KRW. Instead, prioritizing a few paid attractions to truly enjoy maximizes satisfaction. This, in turn, optimizes cost-effectiveness of your travel expenses in Taipei.

Choosing a Place to Stay

First-time visitors should consider the Taipei Main Station, Ximending, and Zhongshan areas, offering easy MRT transfers and a vibrant walking life with conveniences like stores, restaurants, and cafes nearby. A 3-star room averages 70,000~120,000 KRW per night, while 4-star rooms vary by location and season from 100,000~180,000 KRW. Rates differ between weekdays and weekends, and breakfast inclusion affects pricing, so compare options carefully before booking.

Tip

Check if luggage storage is available before/after check-in, presence of communal washing machines, and room power outlet standards for higher satisfaction during your stay. Especially in summer, use coin laundries to pack fewer clothes, reducing hidden travel expenses in Taipei like extra luggage fees or taxi rides.
Compare Hotel Prices

Budget Tips

  • Transport Card Top-Up: Top up small amounts daily to reduce worries about leftover balances.
  • Mobile Payments: Some places only accept cash. Keep small cash (including coins) in a separate wallet section for quick transactions.
  • Data: eSIM/SIM cards for 3-5 days vary from 5,000~10,000 KRW. Online purchases offer broader choice compared to airport options.
  • Electricity: Taiwan uses type-A outlets (110V). Most Korean plugs fit, but be cautious of high-power devices.

Recommendation

Promotional codes are key for tickets and tours. Check for current month discounts and verify applicable items.
Check Klook’s Discounts of the Month

Tip

Compare local and domestic platforms for guided tours, airport pickups/drops, and suburban tours, as travel expenses in Taipei may vary based on currency, cancellation policies, and included items.
Check MyRealTrip Discount Codes

Sample Itinerary (3 Days)

  • Day 1: Airport MRT → Accommodation (luggage drop) → Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall → Yongkang Street (lunch/cafe) → Taipei 101/Elephant Mountain (night view) → Ximending walk
  • Day 2: National Palace Museum (morning) → Tamsui Riverside (walk/snacks) → Shilin Night Market (dinner)
  • Day 3: Jiufen, Shifen Day Trip (tour or public transportation) → Back to the city for last-minute shopping

This itinerary balances free/low-cost attractions with paid ones for high satisfaction relative to travel time. It’s MRT-centric, helping manage travel expenses in Taipei effectively.

Safety and Etiquette

  • Religious Sites: Take off hats and avoid loud calls/talks at temples. Be cautious around incense/candles.
  • Trash: Well-organized recycling. Carry a small bag for areas with few trash bins.
  • Traffic: Follow crosswalk signals and remember to tap in/out when on buses.

Note

In crowded places like night markets, prevent pickpocketing by zipping bags and wearing them in front. Distribute cash across several spots for easier dealing with possible events.

Bespoke Budget Planning

  • Economical (3 days): Airfare ~200,000 KRW, 2 nights accommodation ~160,000 KRW (1 night 80,000), transportation 30,000, food 80,000, admission/experience 40,000 = Total ~510,000 KRW (excluding shopping). Focus on night markets/free attractions, substituting 101 viewing with Elephant Mountain.
  • Standard (3 days): Airfare 250,000~350,000, 2 nights accommodation 220,000 (1 night 110,000), transportation 35,000, food 100,000, admission/experience 80,000 = Total 685,000~785,000 KRW. Choose 2 out of 101, Palace Museum, or Gondola.
  • Leisure (3 days): Airfare 350,000~450,000, 2 nights accommodation 300,000 (1 night 150,000), transportation 40,000, food 140,000, admission/experience 120,000 = Total 950,000~1,150,000 KRW. Includes observatory, museum, nearby tours, and cafe lounges.

The above examples are based on user experiences for practical insights. Tailor your travel expenses in Taipei by adjusting the balance of paid and free activities according to your interests.

Final Guide

We’ve explored Taipei’s key spots based on itinerary and how to optimize travel expenses in Taipei. Let’s end with a list of booking and confirmation steps you can take.

Travel is ultimately the art of ‘selection and focus’. By using public transportation and free attractions wisely and pre-booking experiences you truly desire, you’ll manage your travel expenses in Taipei while having a satisfying itinerary. If your itinerary is confirmed, it’s recommended to proceed with booking flights, accommodations, airport transport, and activities in that order. Feel free to check the links below for a seamless experience.

I hope this post provided practical help for your journey. Enjoy a safe and pleasant time in Taipei, being smart and thrifty. Remember, focusing your budget on experiences that matter to you most is the wisest way to manage your travel expenses in Taipei.