The Ultimate Travel Itinerary: Taiwan in 2 Weeks

The small island nation of Taiwan has begun to leave a big imprint on people across the world. In the past, only the country’s capital received significant attention, though these days, international visitors are starting to look beyond Taipei’s mountainous borders.

The west coast of Taiwan offers a unique blend of modern cities, natural beauty, and cultural treasures beyond your imagination. From bustling metropolises and tranquil temples to serene lakes and breathtaking mountain ranges, Taiwan has it all!

So in that case, here is your ultimate 2-week itinerary for Taiwan.

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Table of Contents

Day 1-4: Taipei

Taipei’s Xinyi skyline. Photo by peellden, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Your adventure will likely begin in the same city that every visitor first arrives at – Taiwan’s booming capital! This is where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with the new world, making it the perfect place to start off your itinerary.

There’s no need to waste any time! For day 1, head to the biggest and best sites the capital has to offer. Start your day amongst the peaks of Maokong or Elephant Mountain for the very best views of Taipei 101. After that, you can make your way to the top of Taipei 101 itself for an even better view of the city before exploring its lively shopping district. To end the day, head towards Raohe Night Market for some pork pepper buns or, worse, stinky tofu! Add to that a visit to Songshan Ciyou Temple, and you’ve got yourself a perfect start to your trip.

For day 2, focus your attention on the northern edge of the city. This area includes some of the best natural wonders in the country, such as Yangmingshan National Park, home to an active volcano! That volcanic activity also presents itself in Beitou through its many natural hot springs. If you have enough time, you could even throw in a stop at Tamsui, the developed port area, before ending your night with one too many street snacks at Shilin Night Market.

Day 3 in the city can be focused on the Eastern side, home to the city’s oldest districts. Here you can enjoy more traditional sites such as Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple – the country’s most significant – and the Presidential Office Building, home to the country’s leader. Though Taipei certainly doesn’t wallow in the past, the streets of Ximending have become Taipei’s hippest shopping and entertainment district and an LGBT hotspot. If you’re feeling really feisty, you can even eat a snake in Snake Alley (Huaxi Market)!

For a more detailed itinerary for exploring Taipei, check out The Ultimate Travel Itinerary: Taipei in 4 Days.

Daytrip from Taipei

taiwan week itinerary — A-mei Teahouse, Jiufen

Though another day or two of your itinerary could easily be spent in the capital, you’d be doing Taiwan a disservice if you weren’t going to explore some of the incredible sites that surround the city.

There are numerous potential day trips which could keep you preoccupied. The most popular is visiting the lantern-loving train tracks of Shifen before advancing to the jaw-dropping mountainside town of Jiufen.

Alternatively, you could spend the day in the distant district of Wulai, home to vast valleys, indigenous tribes and turquoise blue water hot springs. Who can say no to that?

Day 5-6: Taichung

For the rest of this itinerary, you’ll be travelling down the entire Western coast of Taiwan while stopping off at the best spots along the way, including our next stop – Taichung.

Taiwan’s third-largest city is also a hotspot for art and culture, with plenty in and around the city to fill up 2 days.

Day 5 should be spent exploring the sites of the city itself, including the National Taichung Theater, Painted Animation Lane, Miyahara and Taichung Confucius Temple. Following that, you can wrap up your day at Fengjia Night Market, the largest in Taiwan.

Day 6 can be dedicated to exploring the sites on the outskirts of the city. This includes the spine-tingling 921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan, the tranquil Gaomei Wetlands, and best of all, the whimsical Rainbow Village, a small community brought to life by vibrant street art.

Day 7-8: Sun Moon Lake

Among Taiwanese natives, Sun Moon Lake is considered the pinnacle tourist destination. This vast lake and its protective mountain borders provide a stunning backdrop for some exploration.

Day 7 can be dedicated to exploring the northern half of the lake, including stops at Longfeng Temple, Wenwu Temple and a quick bite at Shuishe. From there, you can hop on a boat and make your way across the lake to the area’s main hub. To bring your night to an end, where else than at yet another night market – Ita Thao Shopping Street, which is also home to a vibrant Indigenous tribe.

Day 8 will take care of the rest, with sites such as Xuanguang Temple and Ci’en Pagoda well worth a stop. However, few will match the exhilaration of the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. To get to this unique theme park, you can ride the photogenic gondola to breeze over the peaks.

Day 9-10: Alishan

Next up on your Taiwan itinerary is the breathtaking Alishan mountain range, famous for its scenic views and tea plantations.

Day 9 can be spent exploring the best sites that surround the national park. That includes getting there in the first place! By hopping on the famous Alishan Forest Railway and arriving at the former logging town of Fenqihu, you’ll be arriving like decades of travellers before you. From here, you’ll also be able to explore the tea plantations of Suzhuo and even walk the picturesque Eryanping Trail.

Day 10 should be spent in the national park itself, where you’ll be able to walk the Sacred Tree Trail. Along here, you’ll come across the area’s best highlights, including Shouzhen Temple, the Sister Ponds, the Sacred, Xianglin and Three Generation Trees. End your day by enjoying the sunset fall over the Alishan mountain ranges.

Day 11-12: Kaohsiung

Your next stop is Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city, and for some, it’s the best of all! This southern hub is a rich mix of history, culture, and art that comes with a completely different vibe than the rest of the country.

Day 11 can be spent exploring some of the most jaw-dropping temples in the country. Start with Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum before making your way around the mighty structures of Lotus Pond. Here you can explore Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Spring and Autumn Pavilions and Zuoying Yuandi Temple.

Day 12 can have more of a creative flavour. Start on the right foot by going to the Pier-2 Art Center, a repurposed shipping pier now filled with contemporary art installations. Then, head to Cijin Island to enjoy some of the freshest seafood in the country before exploring relics such as Cijin Tunnel and Cihou Fort.

Day 13-14: Kenting

End your Taiwan itinerary in one of the most beautiful spots in the country – Kenting. This national park in the southern tip of Taiwan is renowned for its wind-swept beaches and stunning natural beauty.

On day 13, head straight to Kenting National Park for some hiking trails with stunning coastal views. Along the way, stop at Eluanbi Lighthouse, the southernmost point of Taiwan, and enjoy the sunset at Longpan Park.

Day 14 should all be about savouring your last day in the country. Spend a relaxing day at Baisha Beach or Nanwan Beach, both perfect spots for swimming and water sports. For your last evening, where else than Kenting Night Market? It’s the perfect place to grab some local delicacies and souvenirs before heading back to the airport.