A chill trip for the not-so-young solo traveler!
City Tour
You can stroll around the city in bus or train. Mostly for sight-seeing, picture taking and brace yourself for long walks.
1. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial hall.
- Experience: A must-see grand and big memorial halls in the center of Taipei, covering 2 blocks of Zhongzheng district. Have your 360 degrees video shoot, an instagrammable scenes with the Liberty Square Arch as your background. You can check the military exercise during the switching of the guards, every hour of the day in the memorial hall.
- Getting here: It is accessible via subway, just stop at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial hall station from the 2 main lines.
2. Elephant Mountain.
- Experience: If you are up for a hike and looking for a scenic view of Taipei City, this is the place. Be ready for the ascending climb to the mountain for the panoramic view of the city, including the towering Taipei 101. Find a good photo spot on the Six Boulders Observation deck.
- Getting here: The easiest way to get here by public transport is to take the MRT to Xiangshan station and then walk through Xiangshan Park to the trailhead.
3. Taipei 101.
- What it is: It is the highest iconic building in Taiwan, a luxury shopping mall and its observatory to view the Taipei landscapes. The entrance fee of 600NT, and additional fee depends on the event, and the floors you would like to see.
- Getting here: Take the subway from Taipei Main Station to Taipei 101 World Trade Center Red.
- What it is: Dive into a thrill and fun, riding the Maokong Gondola. You will oversee the city skyscrapers, but the biggest highlight is the panoramic view of the Taipei Zoo.
- Getting here: You can go here by riding a bus via the Roosevelt main road, or take the Wenhu line, and stop on Taipei Zoo station.
5. Night Markets. Taipei is famous for a wide range of night markets in the area. Each night market is famous for selling type of goods such as electronic or gadget, clothing, jewelry and accessories. But all of them displays variety of street food where Taiwan is famous for.
- Experience: It's the most famous shopping district in Taipei with various branded stores of clothes, shoes and cosmetics. It has a youthful vibe, bright lights and good bites until the wee hours of night. It's a very crowded place, don't forget to walk into the bright Rainbow 6 along the Hanzhong street and broken the road to two paths of shopping galore. It is actually open 24 hours, but you will see the vibrant atmosphere best in the evening.
- Getting here: You can take a bus. Or take the metro and ride to Bannan line (blue line) or the Zhongshang-Xindian line (green line). Either way, you can drop-off in Ximen Station and exits from station to the center of the busy center of the shopping area.
- What it is: If you opt for more shopping, Shilin Market is another traditional night market with an array stalls of street food, clothing and apparels, and jewelries. It is open from 4pm to 12 midnight.
- Getting here: You can get easily in Shilin Market via subway in Tamsui-Xinyi line. You should get off in Jiantan station (not Shilin station). From Jiantan station, you just have to cross the street.
- What it is: If you crave for more variety of street foods and cheaper goods. It is near Keelung River, where you can walk few steps from the market and see view of the river under the Rainbow bridge.
- Getting here: From Taipei main station, you can take the local train to Songshan station. Or take the subway via the Zhongshang-Xindian line (green line) and get off in Songshan station.
Discover Outside Taipei
Looking to escape the hustle busy city? Try the Taiwan's most breathaking sights in the north coast. Getting there is easy whether you prefer the convenieunce of tour packages available in Klook of the freedome of a DIY adventure using private rental cars or public transport.
I’ve visited this route three times, and it still manages to amaze me! This tour combines incredible natural wonders, charming old towns, and unique cultural experiences. All stops are must-visits for sightseeing, shopping, and one-of-a-kind memories.
What it is: A globally-recognized natural park in Yehliu Town, famous for its preserved and bizarre rock formations sculpted by sea erosion and wind.
- Why you should visit: It's a photographer's dream! Get close to the iconic 'Queen's Head' and other unique shapes. Prepare for a wonderfully windy and sandy atmosphere right by the ocean.
Visitor Info: There is an entrance fee. Inside the park, you’ll find stalls, restaurants, and shops where you can try fresh seafood for a meal and buy local souvenirs.
What it is: A historic, winding mountain town in northern Taipei that has been transformed into a vibrant gallery of traditional stores, teahouses, and restaurants.
Why you should visit: It’s a beautifully cozy, windy, and incredibly 'Instagrammable' spot (especially at dusk when the red lanterns light up!). Explore the narrow alleyways for fascinating local goods—often at a more affordable price than the tourist shops in Ximending.
This dual-attraction spot offers both a cultural thrill and a refreshing nature experience.
Sky Lantern Experience: Shifen’s old town is most famous for the tradition of lighting and flying a sky lantern right over the active train tracks!
The Experience: For around NT$200 (Note: prices can change), you select the colors (each representing different wishes like health or wealth), write your prayers and dreams on the sides, and then watch it ascend into the sky. Locals will help you with the process and even take great pictures and videos for you!
Shifen Waterfall: If you’re still up for more exploration, take a short hike to the majestic Shifen Waterfall.
The View: Often called the "Little Niagara of Taiwan," this is a perfect spot for a refreshing and scenic view of a broad, powerful cascade. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking, including stairs, to get the best viewing angles.
Here are two of the most popular and picturesque spots in the Taichung area, perfect for a relaxed day trip.
Forget just "flower farm"—this location is a vibrant, rainbow-colored wonderland!
- What it is: A vast, richly cultivated garden featuring seasonal fields of diverse, colorful flowers (like tulips, lilies, and sunflowers), and iconic, cute structural backdrops.
- Why you should visit: It's a photographer's dream! Pose with the whimsical props, including a large windmill, a charming barn, a picturesque piano in the field, and quaint gazebos.
- Visitor Tip: This spot is designed for relaxing. You are welcome to bring your own food and use the provided chairs and tables for a pleasant picnic meal amidst the blooms.
- Time Allotment: Plan to spend about 1 to 2 hours here enjoying the scenery and taking photos.
The Greenland Forest - Popular for its romantic, storybook atmosphere, this is where the magic happens.
- What it is: A scenic park known for its meticulously designed, 'fantasy' settings that look straight out of a European fairytale.
- Why you should visit: It is an Instagrammer’s paradise and one of the most famous locations for pre-nuptial wedding photoshoots in Taiwan. If you enjoy charming, highly-curated, and romantic scenery, this spot is a must-see.
- Time Allotment: Allocate another 1 to 2 hours to explore this beautiful area.
Taichung is highly accessible from Taipei. You have the choice between a convenient package tour or a cost-effective DIY adventure.
Check platforms like Klook for packaged tours (Get discounts on your first booking.)These often include private shuttle service and all necessary entrance tickets for a smooth, worry-free experience at good rates.
The total journey from Taipei is approximately 2 hours one way.
- From Taipei: Go to Taipei Main Station.
- Take the Bus: Look for the dedicated bus station area and board Bus No. 6606.
- Drop Off: The bus has an hourly schedule. After about 5 stops, alight at the Zhongshe (or ZongShe) Bus Stop. The Flower Market is right there!
- Walk to Train Station: Walk about 15 minutes to the nearest train station, Tai'an Station.
- Take the Train: Board a train going North.
- Drop Off: Get off after 2 stops at Tongluo Train Station.
- Take the Bus: Walk to the local bus station and take Bus No. 5814.
- Final Walk: After getting off the bus, it's about a 15-minute walk to reach the entrance of the Green Fantasy Forest.
Nantou County proudly holds the title of the "Heart of Taiwan," as it is the only county entirely landlocked, boasting no coastline. This geographical feature makes it intensely mountainous, creating the stunning, cool-climate scenery that draws countless tourists to its themed parks, beautiful gardens, and lush forests.
Here is a peek into my memorable trip to the mountainous heart of Taiwan, featuring two must-see attractions:
What it is: A high-altitude farm famous for its rolling green hills, refreshing air, and stunning views.
Why you should visit: The farm is home to the Green Green Grasslands, where sheep and other livestock roam freely. Watching the sheep-shearing show is a popular highlight. The alpine environment makes for picturesque walks and incredible photo opportunities.
My experience: The drive up to Cingjing is an attraction in itself. Our journey involved winding uphill roads, offering spectacular sightseeing of the dramatic mountainous landscape. We visited in February, and I can attest—it was bone-chillingly cold! We even spotted remains of snow clinging to the side of the road. While the views were worth the trip, the cold was fierce! I had to retreat into the van to warm up after a short while.
Travel Tip: Pack layers and heavy-duty winter gear if visiting between December and March.
What it is: Located near Cingjing Farm, this is a luxurious, Tudor-style manor designed to look exactly like a grand English estate. It operates as a high-end hotel and restaurant.
Why you should visit: Even if you aren't staying overnight, the Manor's architecture and grounds are an incredible sight. It's a prime spot for photography.