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Why 3 Days Works for Taiwan
Yes, you can have a great trip in Taiwan in just three days. It is a perfect amount of time for a short adventure. You get a wonderful taste of the island. It will make you want to come back for more.
The secret to a good 3-day plan is simple: Do not try to see everything. Taiwan is a big island. You must choose one area to explore. The most important decision for a 3-day trip is choosing your destination.
For First-Time Visitors: Most people choose Taipei. The capital city is full of famous sights, amazing food, and is very easy to get around. It is the classic introduction to Taiwan.
For Nature Lovers: If you love beautiful scenery, you can go to Sun Moon Lake. It is a famous and beautiful lake area.
A Different Starting Point: You can also start in Kaohsiung. This city is in the south. Many flights from Southeast Asia land here.
Best Entry Points (Taipei vs. Kaohsiung)
Taipei (TPE): This is the main international gateway. Fly into Taipei if you plan to visit the city itself. It is also the best starting point for a nature trip to Sun Moon Lake or the nearby mountains. The High Speed Rail makes it easy to travel from here.
Kaohsiung (KHH): This is Taiwan's second-largest city. Choose Kaohsiung if you want to explore the south. It is closer to the old capital of Tainan or the beaches of Kenting.
3 Days Itinerary in Taiwan (Option 1 & 2): The Taipei Basecamp - Most Popular
Honestly, for a first-timer with only 3 days, choosing Taipei is the smartest and easiest option. Here’s why.
First, you will probably land at the main airport (TPE), which is very close to Taipei. You won't waste precious time traveling to another city.
Second, Taipei’s subway system (we call it the MRT) is amazing. It's clean, fast, and can take you almost anywhere you need to go. You can explore the entire city without stress.
The real magic of Taipei is that it has everything. In just one city, you get modern skyscrapers, ancient temples, incredible food, and even beautiful nature just a short bus ride away.
So, how do you plan your 3 days here? It's simple. Don't rush around randomly. My best advice is to group your days by location and theme.
- Spend one day on the "modern" east side of the city. This is where you'll find Taipei 101, big shopping malls, and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. These places are all close together.
- Spend another day on the historic attractions. From National Palace Museum to beautiful old temples like Longshan Temple and the lively, youthful area of Ximending.
- Use your evenings for the best part: food! Each area has its own famous night market.
Below are two different ways to use this idea, based on what you love most.
Itinerary 1: Classic Taipei 3 Days Itinerary
This is the perfect plan if you want a little bit of everything. It’s a classic for a reason! It’s great for everyone, including families with kids, because it mixes culture, history, and nature at a comfortable pace.
| Day | Attractions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival |
| 2 | National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Dadaocheng and Dihua Street, Ningxia Night Market |
| 3 | Longshan Temple, Yangmingshan National Park |
Day 1-2: Arrival & Taipei’s History and Culture
Attractions: National Palace Museum, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Dadaocheng and Dihua Street, Ningxia Night Market
Start at the National Palace Museum. My advice: don't try to see everything, it's huge! Just pick one or two floors. Make sure you see the famous "Jadeite Cabbage" and "Meat-Shaped Stone.
Visit the giant Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The main reason to go is to see the impressive changing of the guard ceremony.
After that, we'll step back in time at Dadaocheng and Dihua Street, an old part of Taipei with traditional shops selling tea and herbs. If you still have energy, you can visit Ningxia Night Market for dinner. It's famous for classic Taiwanese snacks.
Day 3: Temples & Nature
Attactions: Longshan Temple, Yangmingshan National Park
See how diverse Taipei is. Start the morning at Longshan Temple, a beautiful and very active temple. Escape the city and go up to Yangmingshan National Park. Go to Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf for a beautiful sunset view.
Itinerary 2: Taipei’s Best Night Markets Journey
This itinerary is for the food lovers! If your main goal is to eat as much amazing Taiwanese street food as possible, this is the plan for you.
Food is the star; you use evenings to hunt snacks while days stay light and flexible. he route pairs one daytime sight with one market, saving energy for the feast. You finish the trip knowing what “real Taiwanese flavor” means—no menu needed. For a guided culinary adventure, join the Taiwan Food Tour from Asia Odyssey Travel.
| Day | Attractions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival and Longshan Temple, Ximending, Shilin Night Market |
| 2 | National Palace Museum, Dadaocheng, Raohe Night Market, Ningxia Night Market |
| 3 | Dongmen Morning Market, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei 101 |
Day 1: Taipei culture attraction + night market
Attractions: Longshan Temple, Ximending, Shilin Night Market
Visit Longshan Temple and Ximending. And visit two famous night markets. First, a quick look at the smaller night market in Ximending, then we head to the king of all markets: Shilin Night Market.
Day 2: Culture and More Food Adventures
Attractions: National Palace Museum, Dadaocheng, Raohe Night Market, Ningxia Night Market
Learn the history at the National Palace Museum and then walk the charming old streets of Dadaocheng. Night is all about night markets. At Raohe Night Market. You must try the Black Pepper Bun at the entrance. Ningxia Night Market, which is loved by locals for its traditional flavors.
Day 3: Morning Market and a Modern Taipei
Attractions: Dongmen Morning Market, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei 101
See a different kind of market. At Dongmen Morning Market to see how locals shop for fresh food. It's a great spot for a traditional breakfast. Visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and get a great photo of Taipei 101.
20 Must Do in Taipei: Top Things to Do & Non-Touristy Spots
How Many Days in Taipei: Itinerary for Taipei [1,2,3,4 & 5 Days]
Taiwan Itinerary for 3 Days (Option 3): Based in Kaohsiung (The Southern Culture Trip )
You don't have to fly into Taipei. For a trip focused on culture, food, and sunshine, flying directly into southern Taiwan is often the best choice.
Kaohsiung has its own international airport (KHH), with direct flights from many major cities in Asia like Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, and Singapore.
two cities for the price of one. Kaohsiung and Tainan are only forty minutes apart by train.
So, why base yourself in Kaohsiung? Kaohsiung is open-air art, bike paths, salty wind from the port. But here is the real secret to this plan's success: two cities for the price of one. Kaohsiung and Tainan are only 15-40 minutes apart by train.
Tainan is Taiwan's oldest city, its original capital with narrow lanes, shrine. And it’s a paradise for anyone who loves history and food. The food stalls that have stayed in the same spot for a hundred years.
Itinerary 3: Kaohsiung & Tainan
| Day | City | Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaohsiung | Lotus Pond, Pier-2 art zone, Cijin Island |
| 2 | Tainan | Anping Fort, Anping Tree House, Chihkan Tower, Grand Mazu Temple, Tainan Confucius Temple |
| 3 | Kaohsiung | Fo Guang Shan |
Day 1: The Best of Kaohsiung
Lotus Pond gives you temples with dragon mouths you can walk through. The Pier-2 art zone lets you see giant steel whales and street murals. Hop a ferry to Cijin, grab squid on a stick, watch the sun drop into the sea.
Kaohsiung’s night markets are small but loud—Ruifeng is my go-to. Cheap, close, fun.
Day 2: Tainan Time
Take a quick train to Tainan, Taiwan's old capital. In the Anping district, your focus is the historic heart: Anping Fort, the oldest on the island. See the Anping Tree House, a warehouse eaten by a tree, and find snacks on the Old Street.
At city center, explore Chihkan Tower and the quiet cafes around the Confucius Temple. For night market, Garden Night Market is the most popular. Warning: Tainan's night markets rotate, so check which is open.
Day 3: Kaohsiung
is the cool-down. Pack, check out, toss your bag in a locker, then ride out to Fo Guang Shan. Tall buddhas, soft chants, clean air. You end calm, not rushed. From there the airport is less than an hour away.
Best Things to Do in Kaohsiung, 2025 Attractions Guide
Kaohsiung Itinerary: 6 Routes for 1,2,3 Days in Kaohsiung
Taiwan in 3 Days (Option 4 & 5): Is It Enough to Explore Sun Moon? (Central Taiwan's Wonders)
You have three days in Taiwan. It feels logical to just stay in Taipei. But doing that means you will miss the island's most iconic postcard scene.
Sun Moon Lake has been Taiwan's most famous natural attraction. Its lakeside bike path is so spectacular that CNN named it one of the "Top 10 Most Beautiful Cycling Routes in the World."
More importantly, this lake has a soul. It is the sacred ancestral home of the Thao tribe, one of Taiwan's indigenous peoples. The small island in the center, Lalu Island, is their most sacred ground.
And if you can handle a fast-paced schedule, you can even visit Taiwan's other great natural icon after Sun Moon Lake: Alishan.
Travel from Taipei to Sun Moon Lake (back): 4 Day Trip Routes | 2025
Itinerary 4: The Relaxed Pace - Sun Moon Lake Deep Dive
| Day | Destinations | Attractions & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taipei | Arrival |
| 2 | Sun Moon Lake | Boat Tour |
| 3 | Taichung | Cingjing Farm, Rainbow Village, Gaomei Wetlands |
Day 1: Arrival in Taipei
Day 2: The Heart of Sun Moon Lake
Head straight to Sun Moon Lake. Take the classic boat tour, stopping at the key piers: Shuishe, Xuanguang Temple, and Ita Thao. This gives you a perfect overview of the lake's culture and views.
You'll also get a chance to experience the famous bike path. And stay the night at the lake.
Day 3: Taichung
Instead of just going back to a city, you can explore more of Central Taiwan. It takes a short 1.2-hour drive up to Cingjing Farm. It feels like a piece of Switzerland, with green fields and a famous sheep show. You can also walk the Skywalk for incredible mountain views.
Head to Taichung to see two unique spots: the colorful Rainbow Village and the beautiful Gaomei Wetlands.
Itinerary 5: The Epic Journey - Sun Moon Lake + Alishan Sunrise
This is not a relaxing plan. This is an adventure. It's for the friend who wants to see two of Taiwan's most legendary natural wonders in a very short time. It is fast, but it is epic.
Day 1: Arrive in Taipei
Day 2: Sun Moon Lake Essentials
Day 3: Alishan
It's a 2.5-hour drive to the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. Alishan is famous for its giant, ancient trees and misty forests.
Choose a half-day tour on one of the main walking routes (A or B line) to see the highlights, like the Giant Trees Trail. This plan gets you a powerful taste of Alishan's magic.
How Much Does It Cost for 3 Days in Taiwan?
A 3-day trip to Taiwan can cost between $150 USD and $500+ USD per person. Your total cost depends on your travel style. Here is a simple breakdown.
Accommodation ($60 - $300 total)
Budget: Hostels are cheap. Expect to pay $20 - $50 per night.
Mid-Range: A nice hotel room costs more. Plan for $60 - $100+ per night.
Food & Drink ($45 - $90 total)
Food in Taiwan is cheap and delicious. You can eat very well at night markets. A food budget of $15 - $30 per day is easy.
Transport & Activities ($45 - $150+ total)
In Taipei, the MRT is easy and cheap. A trip to Sun Moon Lake or Alishan costs more. This will be your biggest transport cost. Many temples and parks are free to enter. Plan for $15 - $50 per day for this category.
Taiwan Itineraries: How to Spend 1-2 Weeks in Taiwan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is 3 days enough for Taiwan?
Three days is perfect for one city. You can see all of Taipei. If you want to see more of Taiwan, like Sun Moon Lake, your trip will be very busy. It is a good start.
2. What to do in Taiwan for 3 days?
Focus on one main area. Most visitors choose Taipei. You can visit Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, and a night market. You can also plan a trip to southern cities like Kaohsiung & Tainan. For nature lover, Sun Moon Lake is a good choice.
3. Which itinerary is better for a first-time visitor?
It depends on your travel style. The "Option 4 & 5 " itinerary is better if you want to enjoy nature without rushing. For most first-time visitors, the "Option 1 & 3" is a more comfortable choice.
Plan Taiwan Itinerary & Tours with Your Local Guide - Asia Odyssey Travel
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Taiwan Itinerary: Ideas for 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, or 2 weeks.
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