Planning a trip to Taiwan and only have five days? No stress — this Taiwan itinerary covers the best of the island, from bustling night markets to serene temples, dramatic gorges and quirky old towns.
In just five days, you’ll taste incredible food, soak up culture, explore historic streets and see the highlights.
Taiwan is compact, easy to get around and endlessly photogenic. Taipei is modern and creative. Tainan oozes history and calm. Taichung is a vibrant hub full of street art, night markets and coffee culture.
Even short High-Speed Rail rides connect the cities in under two hours – perfect for a 5-day itinerary.
The food alone is reason enough to visit.
From street snacks to night market staples and local dishes like beef noodle soup, oyster omelettes and bubble tea, your taste buds will never be bored.
Every town has a personality, from lantern-lit streets in Jiufen to banyan-covered warehouses in Tainan.
If you want a taste of Taiwan’s wilder side, like festivals most tourists never hear about, check out my post on one of the most dangerous festivals in the world.
I’ve broken each day down into morning, lunch, afternoon and evening so you can follow along easily.
Before diving into this Taiwan itinerary, I’ve added some handy tips to make planning easier – from costs to the best time to visit.
How Much Does 5 Days in Taiwan Cost?
Taiwan is affordable and costs depend on your style. Rough guide per person (excluding flights):
1. Accommodation: £30–£200 per night
- Budget: £30–£50
- Boutique: £70–£120
- Luxury: £150–£200+
2. Food: £10–£40 per day
- Night market snacks: £3–£6
- Casual restaurants: £6–£12
- High-end dining: £20–£40+
3. Transport: £40–£120
- EasyCard top-ups for MRT/buses: £40 for 5 days
- High-Speed Rail (HSR) for Tainan, Taichung, Taipei: £60–£80
- Taxis/Uber: £1–£10 per ride
4. Attractions: £10–£20 per site
- Temples: usually free
- Museums / observation decks: £10–£15
- Taroko Gorge tours: £15–£30
Total for 5 days: £350–£450 for budget/mid-range, £500+ for luxury.
Best Time to Visit Taiwan / Weather
Spring (Mar–May): Mild, flowers bloom, perfect for city walks and nature.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Comfortable, fewer tourists, clear skies.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot, humid, typhoon season – plan indoor activities.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Cooler, great for city exploration; north can be damp. February is great for festivals like the Lantern Festival and Beehive Fireworks Festival.
What to Eat in Taiwan
Taiwan is a food paradise. You’ll want to eat constantly.
- Night Market Staples: Oyster omelettes, stinky tofu, scallion pancakes, fried chicken, bubble tea.
- Traditional Dishes: Beef noodle soup, gua bao (pork buns), Danzai noodles.
- Desserts & Snacks: Taro balls, candied fruit, pineapple cakes, mochi.
- Drinks: Taiwanese tea, soy milk, local craft beers.
Top Highlights in Taiwan
- Taipei 101 — iconic skyscraper with observation deck
- Taroko Gorge — marble cliffs, turquoise rivers, hiking trails
- Jiufen Old Street — lantern-lit streets, tea houses
- Shifen — sky lanterns, Shifen Waterfall
- Tainan Temples — centuries-old architecture
- Anping Tree House — banyan-covered warehouse
- Fengjia Night Market — largest night market in Taichung
- Elephant Mountain — short hike with Taipei 101 views
- Gaomei Wetlands — boardwalks and sunset
- Bubble tea — original Taiwanese drink
Best Tours in Taiwan
- Taroko Gorge Day Trip — marble cliffs and hiking trails from Hualien
- Jiufen & Shifen Tour — old streets, lanterns, and local snacks
- Taipei Night Market Food Tour — taste the best street food
- Taipei City Highlights Tour — Chiang Kai-shek Memorial, Longshan Temple, Elephant Mountain
- Bubble Tea & Snacks Experience — hands-on and delicious
Day 1: Exploring Tainan
So, let’s get into the Taiwan itinerary.
Morning
Start your 5 days in Taiwan in Tainan, the island’s oldest city. Visit Tainan Confucius Temple, a peaceful spot with beautiful architecture. Then head to Chihkan Tower, a Dutch-era fort surrounded by gardens. The mix of old bricks, koi ponds, and carved woodwork makes it photogenic and fascinating.
Lunch
Stop at Narrow Door Coffee, a tiny café with a narrow entrance that’s half the fun. Inside, it’s cosy, quirky, and the coffee is excellent. Grab a pastry or snack before heading out to explore more.
Afternoon
Wander Anping Old Street, sampling oyster rolls and candied fruit. Don’t miss the Anping Tree House, a warehouse overtaken by banyan roots — eerie, photogenic, and fascinating to explore. Take your time discovering hidden corners.
Evening
Sample Tainan street food — beef soup, oyster omelettes, and Danzai noodles. Walk the lantern-lit streets, soak in the atmosphere, and let the day wind down naturally.
Where to Stay in Tainan
Budget: Hope Hotel — simple, clean, and perfectly located for exploring Tainan’s historic streets.
Boutique: UIJ Hotel & Hostel — stylish, quirky, private rooms
Luxury: Crowne Plaza Tainan — spacious rooms, rooftop pool
Day 2: Exploring Taichung
Morning
Take the HSR to Taichung (~50 minutes). Drop your bags at Le Méridien Taichung, a sleek hotel with big rooms and great service. Start at Chun Shui Tang Teahouse, the birthplace of bubble tea.
Stroll around the historic Taichung Old Train Station for a glimpse of the city’s past.
For a deeper dive and hidden gems, see my full guide on how to spend an epic day in Taichung.
Lunch
Enjoy a modern, creative meal at Yabi Kitchen, known for fresh, stylish dishes.
Afternoon
Explore Shen Ji New Village, full of indie shops, murals, and cafés. Then stop at Miyahara, a dessert wonderland in a former eye hospital, famous for ice cream and chocolates. If you still have room, check out Fourth Credit Union for more sweet treats.
Evening
Dive into Fengjia Night Market, one of Taiwan’s largest. Try grilled squid, stinky tofu, fried chicken cutlets, and local desserts.
Where to Stay in Taichung
Budget: Mini Hotels Taichung — central, modern
Boutique: RedDot Hotel — quirky, Instagram-worthy
Luxury: Le Méridien Taichung – sleek rooms, top service, and a great base for exploring.
Day 3: Exploring Taipei
Morning
Continue your Taiwan itinerary by taking the HSR to Taipei (about an hour). Start at the National Palace Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese art. Even if you’re not a museum fan, it’s impressive.
Lunch
Head to Din Tai Fung for world-famous soup dumplings. Watching chefs fold dumplings is almost as fun as eating them.
Afternoon
Explore the Dadaocheng area, full of heritage buildings, tea shops, and boutiques. Stop by Rainbow Six, a rainbow-coloured landmark at Ximen MRT, then stroll Dadaocheng Wharf along the river.
Evening
Dinner at Yache Restaurant, which puts a modern twist on Taiwanese classics. End the night at Ningxia Night Market to sample oyster omelettes and taro balls.
Where to Stay in Taipei
Budget: OwlStay Flip Flop Hostel Garden — central, clean
Boutique: Hotel Proverbs Taipei — stylish, comfortable
Luxury: Palais De Chine – five-star service with a boutique feel (I stayed here – read my full review)
Day 4: Continuing in Taipei
Morning
Start at Daan Forest Park, Taipei’s ‘Central Park’ with trails, ponds, and open space.
Lunch
Grab a light bite at a café in Dadaocheng.
Afternoon
Hike Elephant Mountain for stunning views of Taipei 101. Or explore Longshan Temple, or enjoy a tea session in a historic tea house. For more ideas, see my guide on 17 exciting things to do in Taipei for first-timers.
Evening
If markets are still calling, head to Shilin Night Market, Taipei’s largest. Or enjoy a sit-down hotpot dinner to round off the day.
Day 5: Taipei/Departure
Morning
Wrap up your Taiwan itinerary with a morning adventure.
If you’re visiting in February, check out the Taiwan Lantern Festival, where giant lanterns and traditional performances light up the city.
At other times of year, explore Taipei’s highlights, like a stroll through Daan Forest Park or a last wander around heritage streets.
Lunch and Afternoon
Head to Ximending, Taipei’s youthful shopping district. Grab last-minute snacks, pick up souvenirs, or simply soak in the lively streets before heading to the airport.
Evening
Return to your hotel to collect your bags, or squeeze in one final night market visit for a last taste of Taiwanese street food.
Taiwan Itinerary FAQs
Is 5 days enough?
Five days covers Taipei, Taichung, and Tainan, but you’ll be moving fast. Ideally, 1–2 weeks lets you see Sun Moon Lake, Kaohsiung, southern beaches, and smaller towns.
Extra days allow more night markets, hikes, and hidden gems.
Getting to Taiwan from the UK
Flights depart from London Heathrow to Taoyuan International Airport on China Airlines (~14 hours). EVA Air and Cathay Pacific also offer non-stop options.
Do I need a visa?
UK passport holders don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for six months beyond your travel dates and have a return or onward ticket.
Do people speak English?
Yes — signs, menus, and public transport info are mostly in English. Young locals often speak basic English. Google Translate is handy in smaller towns.
Is Taiwan safe?
Very safe — petty crime is rare, streets are well-lit, and locals are friendly. Standard travel caution applies, especially in crowded areas.
Good for families, solo travellers, or couples?
All of the above. Transport is reliable, attractions are easy to navigate, and there’s something for everyone — temples, markets, hikes, and foodie experiences.
Cash or card?
Bring cash for markets and smaller vendors. Cards work in most restaurants and hotels. Grab an EasyCard for MRT, buses, and convenience stores.
Staying Connected
Wi-Fi is widely available, but if you want seamless data on the go, pick up an airalo eSIM before you travel. It’s a hassle-free way to stay connected from the moment you land.
Health & Safety tips for Taiwan
- Tap water isn’t recommended; bottled water is cheap and widely available.
- Sunscreen, hats, and comfy shoes are a must — you’ll walk a lot.
- Taiwan’s weather can flip fast; carry a light raincoat or umbrella.
- Mosquito repellent is handy, especially in summer and rural areas.
- Earthquakes do happen — follow local guidance and stay calm if you feel one.
- Typhoon season runs June–October; check forecasts before travelling.
- Pharmacies are everywhere and well-stocked if you need basics.
- Traffic can be hectic; watch out when crossing roads or renting scooters.
- Travel insurance is always a good idea, especially if you’re heading to Taroko Gorge or hiking.
Five days in Taiwan gives you just enough time to see the island’s best bits.
From temple hopping and street food in Tainan, to Taichung’s creative corners and Taipei’s energy-packed mix of modern and traditional, this trip shows you the heart of Taiwan in a short time.
Would I go back for longer? Absolutely. With one or two weeks, you could add Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake or even head further south to Kaohsiung and the beaches.
But if time is tight, this Taiwan itinerary squeezes in the highlights without feeling rushed – the perfect introduction to one of Asia’s most exciting destinations.
