Asia
Day Trips from Taipei: nearest, best, and hidden gems
Jul
Looking for day trips from Taipei? I was too and there are endless things to do around Taipei. Taipei city center itself is interesting enough as it is, but there are so many day trip options from Taipei that you would need to pick and choose what you like.
I have grouped the day trip options under similar categories for easier browsing and included general travel time from Taipei.
> See the full Taiwan guide here
Table of Contents
Day Trips from Taipei Essential Information
Before you head off on a day trip from Taipei, here is some information that would hopefully be helpful:
Day tours are the best to hit multiple spots in one day
You can book day trips from Taipei through platforms such as Klook or GetYourGuide which would allow you to hit multiple attractions in one day. These are great if you’re short on time. For example, we did the Yehliu, Jiufen, and Shifen in one day through this GetYourGuide tour.
Can I DIY day trips from Taipei?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, if you drive it would be more convenient for some locations. There are also public transport options, but some only run during public holidays or weekends. I’ll do my best to note down the public transport options available for each or they’ll be in a separate guide.
How much is a Day Trip from Taipei?
If you are taking public transport, it can be very affordable to travel to your destination:
- Bus tickets can is generally under 100 TWD, usually only around 30 TWD
- Trains are slightly more expensive and depend on speed class and distance
- Day trips start around 40 USD (300 HKD) upwards depending on group size and duration. It might be worth price comparing on platforms like Klook and GetYourGuide
What should I expect on a day trip from Taipei?
- If you are driving or taking a bus on day tours, you might want to budget for traffic jam, especially on the way back!
- Rain – Taipei and its surrounding is quite rainy, and it’s wise to bring an umbrella and flip-flops (I wish we did) if you’re going on a long day trip.
- Bring cash – Taiwan is still a cash-based destination, and it’s best to have cash on you to buy food and snacks
The Most Popular Day Trips from Taipei
Out of all the day trip options from Taipei, these are arguably the most popular. Jiufen, Shifen, and Yehliu are all-day trip candidates on their own, but you can also combine them if you’re out of time – that is what we did as well!
Jiufen
Jiufen is a charming mountain town located within an hour’s drive from Taipei. The town is known for its narrow alleys, teahouses, and amazing food. It inspired the famous animated movie Spirited Away.
A visit to this town is more like a step back in time with its old-fashioned style buildings, traditional market stalls, and amazing views of the mountains and the sea, one can spend hours wandering the streets. Be sure to try some of the famous taro balls when you visit.
See my detailed guide to Jiufen here or check out the list of Jiufen day trips available.
How to get there: take the bus 965 (I got on at Beimen station – last stop before it goes directly to Rifang) or take the train to Rifang Station and take a taxi/bus
Time from Taipei: roughly 1 hour
Pros: a gorgeous former mining town on the mountainside
Cons: everyone is there, literally everyone. And it’s also likely to be raining
Shifen
If you’re looking for a unique destination, Shifen, a small town located in New Taipei City, is a must-visit. One of the town’s main features is the Shifen Waterfall, known as the “Niagara Falls of Taiwan.”
Another must-see attraction is the old railway track that runs through the town. Visitors can also write their wishes on a sky lantern and send it up into the sky. The town also has an abundance of food vendors selling delicious street food and cute cafes.
See Shifen day trip options here
How to get there: For Shifen Old Street you can take the train, but Shifen Waterfall is more difficult and the whole trip is more convenient if you join a day tour
Time from Taipei: 1 hour
Pros: beautiful nature and you get to see the sky lanterns
Cons: if you want to hit all the spots then you should join a day tour. Both locations are also very crowded most of the time.
Yehliu
Yehliu is a coastal nature reserve that’s known for its unique geological formations. The reserve is home to the iconic rock formations, known as the Queen’s Head and the Dragon’s Head. It is often quite rainy though…
See a list of Yehliu day trip options here
How to get there: You can take a bus from Taipei Main Station or Taipei City Hall Station to Yehliu Geopark, or join a day tour that combines Yehliu with other attractions such as Jiufen and Shifen.
Time Taken: 1.5 hours
Pros: Unique rock formations and scenic views of the coast
Cons: Very crowded and touristy, especially on weekends and holidays
Nearest Day Trips from Taipei
If you’re looking for a short journey or even a half-day trip from Taipei, then these are for you! Most of them are technically still within Taipei or just in the New Taipei district.
Maokong
Maokong is a stunning mountainous area located in the south of Taipei. The area is known for its tea plantations, and visitors can take a gondola ride up the mountain to enjoy the views and try some of the local tea. The area is also home to many hiking trails and temples.
Gondola station Yinhe Cave
You can prebook your Maokong Gondola ticket here or join a day trip to learn about the tea culture here.
How to get there: You can take the MRT to Taipei Zoo Station and then take the Maokong Gondola to the top of the mountain, or take a bus from various locations in Taipei.
Time from Taipei: 30 minutes
Pros: Relaxing tea culture and panoramic views of Taipei
Cons: The gondola may be closed due to weather conditions or maintenance
Tam Shui
Tam Shui is a popular seaside town known for its famous Fisherman’s Wharf, a bustling harbor with an array of seafood restaurants and shops. Visitors can take a sunset stroll along the boardwalk or go on a riverboat ride for excellent views of the sunset. The town also has a historical fort that visitors can explore.
How to get there: You can take the MRT to Tam Shui Station and then walk or take a bus to the attractions along the river, such as Tam Shui Old Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Fort San Domingo.
Time from Taipei: 40 minutes
Pros: Historical and cultural sites, street food, and sunset views
Cons: Can be very crowded and noisy during peak hours
Beitou Hot Spring
Beitou is a hot spring town located in northern Taipei. The town is known for its hot springs, public baths, and the Beitou Thermal Valley, a geothermal valley with hot pot holes and bubbling mud pools. Beitou is also home to the Beitou Museum, which showcases the town’s history and culture.
Read more about what to do in Beitou here or see available hot spring resorts here.
How to get there: You can take the MRT to Xinbeitou Station and then walk to the hot spring area, where you can find public baths, private hotels, and museums.
Time from Taipei: 30 minutes
Pros: Relaxing and therapeutic hot springs, rich history and culture, and natural scenery
Cons: Some hot springs may have a strong sulfur smell or require reservations
Offbeat Day Trips from Taipei
Want to go somewhere that not everyone is going? Then these are probably the ones for you!
Jinguashi
Jinguashi is an old mining town located in the mountains of Taiwan. The town’s most popular attraction is the Golden Waterfall, a stunning natural phenomenon caused by the rich minerals in the mountains. Another popular attraction is the abandoned mining tunnels which is now a mining museum. You can explore the tunnels and learn about the town’s history. The town also has a vibrant art scene with many galleries and installations throughout the area.
If you like hiking, you can combine it with a hike up Teapot Mountain!
Note: it is a few bus stops away from Jiufen and you can combine the two trips or stay overnight at Jiufen.
How to get there: You can also take the bus 965 or the train to Rifang Station and take a taxi/bus to Jinguashi.
Time Taken: 1 hour
Pros: great museum and also a nice hike, a low-cost trip
Cons: not much! One of my favourite day trips
Keelung
Keelung is a harbor city located on the northeast coast of Taiwan and only a short train ride from Taipei. The city is known for its vibrant night markets and spectacular views of the ocean. Visitors can explore the famous Keelung night market or visit the Miaokou food market to try some of the city’s specialties like seafood and stinky tofu.
How to get there: You can take a train from Taipei Main Station or Songshan Station to Keelung Station, or join a day tour that combines Keelung with other attractions such as Yehliu and Jiufen.
Time from Taipei: 1 hour
Pros: Bustling port city with a famous night market, seafood, and temples
Cons: Not very attractive or clean compared to other cities
Houtong Cat Village
Houtong Cat Village is just about 30 kilometers outside of Taipei and can be reached via train or bus. The village is home to a large population of cats, and visitors can stroll through the narrow streets, meet and feed the cats, and learn about the village’s mining history.
How to get there: You can take a train from Taipei Main Station or Songshan Station to Houtong Station, or join a day tour that combines Houtong with other attractions such as Jiufen and Shifen.
Time from Taipei: 1 hour
Pros: Cute and friendly cats everywhere, cat-themed shops and cafes, and a mining museum
Cons: Not much else to do besides seeing cats, maybe boring for non-cat lovers
Yilan
Yilan is a popular tourist destination just a few hours’ drive or train ride from Taipei. Known for its natural beauty, visitors can explore the Dongshan River Water Park, Lanyang Museum, and Jiaoxi Hot Springs.
How to get there: You can take a bus from Taipei City Hall Station or Nangang Station to Yilan Station, or join a day tour that combines Yilan with other attractions such as Jiaoxi Hot Spring and Luodong Night Market.
Time from Taipei: 1.5 hours
Pros: Beautiful countryside with farms, mountains, and waterfalls, rich Hakka culture and cuisine, and family-friendly activities
Cons: Not very convenient to get around without a car or a tour guide
Nature Day Trips from Taipei
For nature lovers, these are the top day trips from Taipei you should go. Taiwan has spectacular mountains and coastlines, so it depends on your preference. Some locations are better if you drive, so that might be an option.
Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan National Park can be accessed via bus or taxi from Taipei and is known for its natural beauty. The area is home to several hiking trails, hot springs, and the famous Flower Clock.
See day trip options for Yangmingshan here.
How to get there: You can take a bus from Taipei City Hall Station or Nangang Station to Yilan Station, or join a day tour that combines Yilan with other attractions such as Jiaoxi Hot Spring and Luodong Night Market.
Time from Taipei: 1.5 hours
Pros: Beautiful countryside with farms, mountains, and waterfalls, rich Hakka culture and cuisine, and family-friendly activities
Cons: Not very convenient to get around without a car or a tour guide
Alishan
Alishan is located about three hours from Taipei by car or train and is known for its stunning mountain scenery, sunrise views, and vast tea plantations. Visitors can take a scenic train ride or hike to the top for breathtaking views.
Note: it is best as a day trip from Chiayi or Taichung.
You can prebook tickets for Alishan National Forest Recreational Area here
How to get there: You can take a high-speed rail from Taipei Main Station or Nangang Station to Chiayi Station, and then take a bus or taxi to Alishan Forest Recreation Area, or join a day tour that includes accommodation and transportation.
Time from Taipei: 4 hours
Pros: Breathtaking sunrise and sunset views over the mountains, ancient forest railway, cherry blossoms in spring, and tea culture
Cons: Very far from Taipei and requires an overnight stay, may be crowded during peak seasons
Wulai
Wulai is a small town located just an hour’s drive outside of Taipei and is known for its hot springs, waterfall, and aboriginal culture. Visitors can take a scenic cable car ride to the top of the waterfall or soak in the hot springs.
How to get there: You can take the MRT to Xindian Station and then take a bus to Wulai Old Street, or join a day tour that combines Wulai with other attractions such as Pinglin Tea Museum and Yingge Pottery Town.
Time from Taipei: 1 hour
Pros: Charming aboriginal village with hot springs, waterfalls, cable cars, and cultural shows
Cons: The road to Wulai may be closed due to landslides because of landslides or typhoons
Pinglin
Pinglin is just an hour’s drive from Taipei and is known for its beautiful tea plantations and the Pinglin Tea Museum. Visitors can enjoy a cup of tea while taking in the scenery or hike the surrounding trails.
How to get there: You can take a bus from Xindian Station or Taipei City Hall Station to Pinglin, or join a day tour that combines Pinglin with other attractions such as Wulai and Yingge.
Time from Taipei: 1 hour
Pros: Tranquil rural town with tea plantations, tea museum, and tea tasting
Cons: Not much else to do besides tea-related activities, may be boring for non-tea lovers
Bitou Cape, Luodong, and Nanya
Bitou Cape, Luodong, and Nanya are a great way to explore Taiwan’s northeast coast. Visitors can hike along the coast, explore the cliffs, and visit the picturesque traditional fishing village.
How to get there: You can take a train from Taipei Main Station or Songshan Station to Ruifang Station, and then take a bus to Bitou Cape, or join a day tour that combines Bitou Cape with other attractions such as Jiufen and Shifen.
Time from Taipei: 2 hours
Pros: Scenic coastal views with cliffs, rocks, and lighthouse, and a hiking trail along the cape
Cons: The trail may be closed due to weather conditions or maintenance
Taroko National Park
Taroko National Park is located about three hours by car or train from Taipei and is home to some of Taiwan’s most iconic natural landmarks, including the Taroko Gorge, Eternal Spring Shrine, and Swallow Grotto.
Note: Taroko is better as a day trip from Hualien – which makes for a great weekend getaway.
How to get there: You can take a train from Taipei Main Station or Songshan Station to Hualien Station, and then take a bus or taxi to Taroko National Park, or join a day tour that includes transportation and a guide.
Time from Taipei: 3 hours
Pros: Spectacular gorge with marble cliffs, waterfalls, bridges, and tunnels, and various hiking trails for different levels
Cons: Very far from Taipei and involves long transfer hours
Turtle Island
Turtle Island is a small island off the northeast coast of Taiwan only accessible by ferry. Visitors can explore the island’s unique wildlife, crystal clear waters, and lava rock formations.
How to get there: You can take a train from Taipei Main Station or Songshan Station to Toucheng Station, and then take a bus or taxi to Wushi Harbor, where you can book a boat tour to Turtle Island, or join a day tour that includes transportation and tickets.
Time from Taipei: 2 hours
Pros: Unique island shaped like a turtle with volcanic features, wildlife, and ocean views
Cons: The boat tour may be cancelled due to weather conditions or limited availability
Laomei Green Reef
Laomei Green Reef is just an hour’s drive from Taipei and is known for its natural rock formations and green seaweed reef. The area offers great hiking and coastal views.
How to get there: You can take a train from Taipei Main Station or Songshan Station to Tamsui Station, and then take a bus or taxi to Laomei Green Reef, or join a day tour that combines Laomei Green Reef with other attractions such as Yehliu and Jiufen.
Time from Taipei: 1.5 hours
Pros: Fascinating rock formations covered with green algae in spring
Cons: The green reef is only visible in April and May, and may be damaged by tourists or typhoons
swimming and surfing
City break day trips from Taipei
Chiayi City
Chiayi City is known for its traditional Taiwanese culture and can be accessed via train or bus from Taipei. Visitors can explore the city’s temples, markets, and historic landmarks like the Alishan Forest Railway.
How to get there: You can take a high-speed rail from Taipei Main Station or Nangang Station to Chiayi Station, where you can explore the city by bus, bike, or taxi, or join a day tour that covers the main attractions in Chiayi.
Time from Taipei: 1.5 hours
Pros: Historic city with cultural and religious sites, such as the Alishan Forest Railway Garage Park, the Hinoki Village, the Chiayi Tower, and the Wenhua Road Night Market
Cons: Not very popular or well-known compared to other cities, may not have many activities or events
Taichung
Taichung is a modern city just a few hours’ drive or train ride from Taipei. Visitors can visit the famous Rainbow Village, explore the art galleries, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
How to get there: You can take a high-speed rail from Taipei Main Station or Nangang Station to Taichung Station, where you can explore the city by bus, bike, taxi, or metro (under construction), or join a day tour that covers the main attractions in Taichung.
Time from Taipei: 1 hour
Pros: Vibrant city with art and culture, such as the Rainbow Village, the National Taichung Theater, the Calligraphy Greenway, and the Fengjia Night Market
Cons: The traffic can be congested and chaotic, and some attractions may be far from each other
