After delving into the vibrant array of things to do in Taipei, from marveling at the architectural wonder of Taipei 101 to soaking in the Beitou Hot Springs, travelers may find themselves eager to explore beyond the city’s dynamic boundaries. Day trips from Taipei present an excellent opportunity to experience the diverse beauty and cultural richness of Taiwan, ranging from the serene landscapes of Yangmingshan National Park to the historic streets of Jiufen.
Venturing out from Taipei, you’re introduced to a wider breadth of activities across Taiwan, like hiking the scenic trails of Taroko Gorge or exploring the traditional markets of Tainan. These journeys offer a deeper appreciation for Taiwan’s natural wonders and its cultural heritage, enriching your travel experience beyond the urban excitement of Taipei.
Selecting where to stay in Taipei is essential for those looking to seamlessly blend urban exploration with the tranquility of nature. A well-chosen base in Taipei not only provides access to the city’s top attractions but also positions you perfectly for embarking on memorable day trips, ensuring your stay is as comfortable as it is adventurous.
Discover Best Day Trips from Taipei, Taiwan
1. Jiufen, Taiwan
Jiufen is a charming mountain village famous for its narrow alleyways, tea houses, and stunning views of the East China Sea. It takes about an hour to reach Jiufen from Taipei by car or bus.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by car or bus
Transportation: Bus (Busbud), Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Narrow alleyways, tea houses, views of the East China Sea
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees: Free
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Jiufen Old Street, Tea Houses with Sea Views, Keelung Mountain
Travel Tip: Visit the Jiufen Old Street to experience traditional Taiwanese snacks and shop for unique souvenirs.
2. Yehliu Geopark, Taiwan
Yehliu Geopark is renowned for its extraordinary geological formations, including the iconic “Queen’s Head”. Travel time from Taipei is roughly an hour by bus or car.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour by bus or car
Transportation: Bus (Busbud), Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Extraordinary geological formations, “Queen’s Head”
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Geopark Entrance: $3
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Coastal Views, Geological Formations, Queen’s Head Rock
Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the park and arrive early to avoid crowds.
3. Beitou Hot Springs, Taiwan
Beitou, located within Taipei City, is famous for its natural hot springs and lush green setting. It’s easily accessible by the Taipei MRT system, taking about 30 minutes.
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Travel Time: Around 30 minutes by MRT
Transportation: MRT
Main Attractions: Natural hot springs, lush green setting
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Public Hot Spring: $2-$5
- Private Hot Spring: $20-$50
Budget: Approximately $20-$70 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Thermal Valley, Beitou Hot Spring Museum, Beitou Park
Travel Tip: Don’t forget to visit the Beitou Hot Spring Museum to learn about the area’s hot spring culture.
4. Pingxi, Taiwan
Pingxi is well known for its sky lantern festival and picturesque rural landscapes. It can be reached in about an hour and a half by train from Taipei.
Distance: Approximately 30 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Sky lantern festival, picturesque rural landscapes
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Sky Lantern: $3-$5
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Shifen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, Jingtong Railway Station
Travel Tip: Release a sky lantern with your wishes written on it for a memorable experience.
5. Wulai, Taiwan
Wulai is a small town famous for its hot springs, waterfalls, and the indigenous Atayal culture. The town is about an hour’s drive from Taipei.
Distance: Approximately 25 km
Travel Time: Around 1 hour by car or bus
Transportation: Bus (Busbud), Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Hot springs, waterfalls, indigenous Atayal culture
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Hot Spring: $5-$10
- Scenic Train: $2
Budget: Approximately $20-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Wulai Falls, Atayal Museum, Wulai Scenic Train
Travel Tip: Take the Wulai Scenic Train to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding nature.
6. Tamsui, Taiwan
Tamsui, located at the northern tip of Taipei, offers beautiful sunset views, a riverside promenade, and historic sites. It’s easily accessible by the Taipei MRT system, about 40 minutes from central Taipei.
Distance: Approximately 20 km
Travel Time: Approximately 40 minutes by MRT
Transportation: MRT
Main Attractions: Sunset views, riverside promenade, historic sites
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees: Free
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Tamsui Old Street, Fort San Domingo, Fisherman’s Wharf
Travel Tip: Try the local street food like A-gei and fish ball soup at the Tamsui Old Street.
7. Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan
Yangmingshan National Park is known for its hot springs, hiking trails, and diverse flora and fauna. It takes about an hour to reach by bus from Taipei.
Distance: Approximately 25 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by bus
Transportation: Bus (Busbud)
Main Attractions: Hot springs, hiking trails, diverse flora and fauna
Best Time to Visit: Spring (for cherry blossoms)
Entrance Fees: Free
Budget: Approximately $10-$30 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Flower Clock, Xiaoyoukeng, Qingtiangang Grassland
Travel Tip: Visit during the spring to see the beautiful cherry blossoms and azaleas in bloom.
8. Shifen, Taiwan
Shifen is famous for the Shifen Waterfall and its old street where you can release sky lanterns. It’s about an hour and a half away from Taipei by train.
Distance: Approximately 30 km
Travel Time: Roughly 1.5 hours by train
Transportation: Train
Main Attractions: Shifen Waterfall, old street, sky lanterns
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees: Free (Sky Lanterns: $3-$5)
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Shifen Waterfall, Shifen Old Street, Jingan Suspension Bridge
Travel Tip: Visit the Shifen Waterfall, often referred to as Taiwan’s Niagara Falls, for a stunning natural spectacle.
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Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/taipei-city-l190?activity_type=dayTrip
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