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View of Taipei 101 skyscraper rising above the urban landscape of Taipei, Taiwan.

3-Day Relaxed Discovery and Foodie Journey in Taipei

⛰️Hiking & Outdoors🎒Budget Travel🏛️Culture & History🍽️Authentic FoodRelaxed Pace
3 daysspring

A balanced itinerary blending popular landmarks, nature, local food experiences and cultural insights, paced comfortably for relaxed sightseeing and budget-conscious travelers.

Our #1 travel tip

Before Day 1: Book a FREE walking tour

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

A local guide takes you around for 2-3 hours covering all the main sights and hidden gems. It's 100% tip-based. Guides only earn what you give them at the end, so they bring their absolute best every time. Passionate storytelling, insider tips, restaurant recommendations you won't find online.

Do this on your first day. You'll get your bearings, learn the history, and get personal recommendations from a local for the rest of your stay.

Browse FREE walking tours
Day 1City Highlights and Free Walking Tour
Morning
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Estimated time: 1.5h

Explore the grand plaza and memorial, try to catch the guard changing ceremony.

4.5(80,373 reviews)
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Late Morning
Free Walking Tour

Estimated time: 2h

Join a free walking tour to discover Taipei's history, culture, and local insights.

You'll typically wander lively neighborhoods, sample vibrant street food, and learn about the city's layered history and culture as you move between temples, markets, and modern districts. Local guides often point out customs, architectural details, and favorite food stalls, making the experience both educational and relaxed, and helping you feel like part of daily life.

Book FREE walking tour
Afternoon
National Palace Museum

Estimated time: 2h

See priceless Chinese artifacts; audio guides are helpful for context.

4.6(59,946 reviews)
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Late Afternoon
Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Estimated time: 1.5h

Visit galleries and enjoy street art, cafes, and shops in the creative hub.

4.5(72,908 reviews)
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Evening
Raohe Street Night Market

Estimated time: 2h

Taste local street foods like pepper buns and bubble tea.

4.3(78,891 reviews)
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Meals

LunchLocal street food snacks near National Palace Museum3-5 USD
DinnerRaohe street market food stalls4-6 USD
Use Taipei MRT for efficient travel between sites; day pass recommended.
Day 2Nature, Scenic Walks, and Local Eats
Morning
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) Hike

Estimated time: 2h

Easy hike with great views of Taipei 101; start early to avoid heat.

4.7(1,396 reviews)
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Late Morning
Tamsui Old Street and Fort San Domingo

Estimated time: 2h

Walk the historic street, try local snacks like fish ball soup.

Afternoon
Beitou Hot Springs and Public Library

Estimated time: 2h

Relax in thermal valley area, visit eco-friendly library.

4.5(11,410 reviews)
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Evening
Shilin Night Market

Estimated time: 2h

Large night market with diverse food options, try oyster omelet.

4.1(19,874 reviews)
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Meals

LunchLocal eateries in Tamsui Old Street5-7 USD
DinnerStreet food at Shilin Night Market4-6 USD
MRT to Xiangshan, then MRT and bus to Tamsui; YouBike for local rides.
Day 3Cultural Immersion and Food Experience
Morning
Longshan Temple

Estimated time: 1h

Visit one of Taipei's oldest temples, observe local prayers and architecture.

4.5(48,319 reviews)
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Late Morning
Cooking Class

Estimated time: 3h

Learn to cook authentic Taiwanese dishes with a local chef.

You'll typically learn hands-on techniques for preparing popular local dishes while sampling fresh ingredients and street-food influences. Local guides often explain culinary history and cultural context, making the experience both fun and educational. Most classes include tasting sessions and recipes to take home, so you leave confident cooking the flavors you've just experienced.

Afternoon
National Taiwan Science Education Center

Estimated time: 1.5h

Interactive exhibits ideal for learning about science and tech.

4.3(8,945 reviews)
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Late Afternoon
Coffee at a Local Cafe

Estimated time: 1h

Relax and enjoy specialty coffee in a cozy atmosphere.

You'll typically find a relaxed rhythm, with aromatic brews, friendly conversation, and a focus on carefully roasted beans and attentive brewing, offering a pleasant break between exploring neighborhoods or catching up on work. Local guides often highlight how the city's vibrant cafe culture blends traditional tastes with modern specialty techniques, so sampling different cafés becomes an easy and enjoyable way to connect with daily life and local flavors.

Evening
Yangmingshan National Park

Estimated time: 2h

Evening walk to enjoy hot springs and cherry blossoms if in bloom.

4.5(25,642 reviews)
DirectionsBook tours & tickets

Meals

LunchHome-cooked meal from cooking classIncluded in class fee
DinnerSmall local restaurant near Yangmingshan or hostel area5-7 USD
Use MRT and bus to reach Yangmingshan; YouBike near city for cafes.

Additional popular things to do in Taipei, Taiwan

Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers

Budget Breakdown

Accommodation / night$30
Food / day$10
Transport / day$3
Activities / day$5
Daily total$48
Trip total$144

Budget hostel, street food meals, MRT day pass, free walking tour and affordable museum entry

Pre-Trip Checklist

Documents

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