TRAVEL GUIDE: Taiwan in four days for first-timers

Filipinos don't just visit Taiwan for leisure. According to the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, in 2024, over 200,000 Filipinos live in the East Asian nation, with 170,000 of them workers. There's even a Little Manila in Taipei, where Pinoys have created their own community on the island, bringing popular dishes from home through restaurants like Wow Litson & Manok Inasal.

Even though the Philippines is around eight times larger than Taiwan, the island offers innumerable beautiful spots to explore—from the colorful streets of Taipei to the artistic sights in Taichung. A week isn't enough to squeeze it all in, especially if you're visiting for the first time for a limited period, but fret not: You have ample time to tick some destinations off your Taiwan bucket list.

To help you plan your maiden jaunt to "Formosa," here's a guide on how to explore Taiwan in four days for first-timers.

Day 1: Easy breezy

Taipei Cinema Park

After spending most of the day at the airport, you'll want to take it easy on your first day. If you're looking for activities beyond shopping in Ximending, visit Taipei Cinema Park for a breath of fresh air from the busy hub. The neighborhood's largest park, this spot used to be where the Taiwan Gas Company stood since 1934. After lying unused for 34 years, it was turned into a park where art and culture shine.

On occasion, Taipei Cinema Park hosts art markets, outdoor movie showings, and performances, mostly attended by the youth. On other days, a few Gen Z locals sit around the park, chatting and chilling on the bench.

Even without the activities, the park is still worth a visit, as there are graffiti and murals by different artists across the walls and up buildings. A few quirky cafés, clothing stores, and bars surround the area.

GETTING THERE: Take Ximen Station Exit 7 and walk down Hanzhong St., turn left and walk along Emei St., then take a right on Kangding Rd.

PRO TIP: Check out Taipei Cinema Park's Instagram page to see any upcoming activities.

Wulao 

There's no better way to cap off a tiring day of flying than by warming up with some authentic hotpot at Wulao, where "eating is priority," as its website states.

This restaurant in Ximending features a village-esque vibe and peaceful ambiance with wooden interiors. The highlight, of course, is the hotpot dishes, which can come with a layered tofu and spicy Wulao broth. 

A wide selection of meats and seafood can be added to the broth, including beef short rib, pork belly, shrimp, squid balls, scallop paste, and more.

The layered tofu hotpot tastes fresh and light, a perfect contrast to the rich rolls and meats you'll add to the broth. Those who want a touch of spice can create their own sauce at a dedicated station.

GETTING THERE: From Ximen Station, take exit 5. Enter PARTYWORLD ZhongHua and go up the second floor.

PRO TIP: Book a reservation online so you won't have to wait in line.

unDer lab

Still have enough energy for a nightcap? In Da'an district, nightlife comes alive with trendy bars with unique takes on cocktails. One such joint is unDer lab.

Ranked 73rd in the 2025 Asia's Best Bars, unDer lab is a hidden gem. A ticket booth greets you when you open the door, but the real bar sits a flight of stairs below. unDer lab offers an intimate setting, with guests sitting around a rectangular counter evoking a science lab. The bar has chill, speakeasy vibes, with lo-fi music thumping, setting the mood.

Honoring its Taiwan roots, unDer lab's menu features original tea-inspired drinks made with locally sourced ingredients, as well as more experimental cocktails they call "cuisine art." Ever tried beef or ham with your drink?

Moreover, the menu includes tea flavors you can mix with spirits of your choice. Like Matcha and gin fizz, anyone?

GETTING THERE: From Taipei Main Station, take the Bannan Line to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station. From Exit 2, walk towards Lane 308, Guangfu S Rd.

PRO TIP: Make a reservation online so you won't have to wait for a seat.

Day 2: Escape to Taichung

Zhongshe Flower Market

About two hours away from Taipei by car (one hour by High Speed Rail) is the colorful city of Taichung. Taiwan's second-largest city is sprinkled with modern, urban spaces and historic corners that keep the "chessboard" street plan from the Japanese occupation.

In the northern part of the city—the more rural parts—sits a haven for anthophiles. The facade for Zhongshe Flower Market is unassuming, as you're first greeted by rows of flowers that appear to be on sale and small patches of tilled soil. When you go deeper inside, a six-hectare farm with blooms in every color brings a breath of fresh air.

Our tour guide Carol told us that Zhongshe Flower Market was a popular venue for couples taking pre-nuptial and wedding photos. And indeed it is, as dreamy rows of water lilies, sunflowers, lavenders, and tulips danced to the winter wind. It was like stepping into the flower fields of Wicked.

Filled with tourists—mostly Filipinos—snapping pictures, the flower market has several photo spots and statues for every vibe. There's a grand white piano in the middle of a lavender field for those romantic shots and a colorful house perfect for family pictures.

GETTING THERE: From Taipei Main Station, take the Taiwan High Speed Rail to Taichung Station (NTD700 or P1,300 for an adult ticket in a standard car). Walk towards Xinwuri Station and ride the train to Tai'an Station. From there, you can take a cab to Zhongshe Flower Market.

PRO TIP: Wear sunscreen and your best 'fits for photos.

Chun Shui Tang

When in Taichung, don't miss out on trying milk tea from where it was first invented in 1987: Chun Shui Tang. Initially named "Yangxian Tea Shop," the establishment sold cold tea drinks.

Now, the original store in the west-central city serves different flavors of milk tea and hearty dishes like dongpo rou (braised pork belly).

Their OG drink blends both milk and tea flavors well. It's not as sweet and creamy as the famous bubble tea chain Xin Fu Tang, but it still has a bit of sugary taste to it. 

GETTING THERE: From HSR Taichung Station, take the 6333D Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Jiji Line and get off at Taichung Station (Minzu Rd. Intersection. Walk along Jianguo Rd and turn right on Minsheng Rd. Take a left on Fuhou St and a right on Siwei St.

PRO TIP: Be patient, as there may be a line to get into the shop.

Miyahara

Also located in Taichung, Miyahara is known for its ice cream and interiors that evoke Harry Potter's Hogwarts. But before it served sweets, the building used to be the largest ophthalmology clinic in the city.

The shop has two buildings: one selling pastries and chocolates, including its famous pineapple cakes, and the ice cream parlor.

You have the option of getting their soft serve in flavors ranging from classic chocolate and vanilla to tea, cheese, fruits, and more. It can be served on a cone, a waffle bowl, or a sundae.

If you book a Taichung tour via Klook, you'll get a free single scoop of Miyahara ice cream in a cone.

GETTING THERE: From the HSR Taichung Station, ride the train at Xinwuri Station to Taichung Station. Walk for 11 minutes towards Minquan Rd and take a right onto Luchuan E St. Turn right on Zhongshan Rd.

PRO TIP: There's bound to be a line at the ice cream parlor, so be patient! 

Rainbow Village

Nearer to the heart of Taichung is Rainbow Village in Nantun. Before it was filled with murals like it is now, this area used to be a military housing provision. But as plans for the demolition of the settlement loomed, Huang Yung-Fu, a former soldier, began painting his home and those around it in September 2008, giving new life to the community.

And because of this, he was dubbed "Grandpa Rainbow," and the city government deemed his artwork worthy to preserve.

Stepping into the village transports you to a different world. It may be a small corner, but it stands out with the houses all featuring Huang's funky drawings of people, animals, and other whimsical shapes—every part is Instagram-worthy! There's also a corner where you can hang up your written wishes.

Overall, this cozy village is a refreshing site to visit for those looking to appreciate history and art and take nice photos for social media.

GETTING THERE: From Taichung Station, head to the Renyou parking lot and take the GR1 bus. Get off at the Rainbow Village (Lindong S. Rd.) stop and walk to the colorful tourist destination.

PRO TIP: Bring a notebook! There's a nook where you can collect stamps.

Gaomei Wetlands

There's no better way to end the day than with a stunning sunset view, and this is what's in store at Gaomei Wetlands. Northwest of Taichung, near the coast of Taiwan, is a 700-hectare wetland with a view of windmills and the sea.

Here, there's a long wooden boardwalk where you can take strolls with the mudflats and marshes meeting the sea as your backdrop. But before your walk, there's a stone statue of a stone frog at the entrance that you must stroke for good fortune.

The highlight of this destination, of course, is the scenery. As the sun sets, it illuminates the windmills and mudflats, making for a gorgeous picture.

You can book a tour to Zhongshe Flower Market, Rainbow Village, and Gaomei Wetlands for P2,191 per person via Klook.

GETTING THERE: From Xinwuri Station, take the train to Chungua Station, and another train to Taichung Port Station. From there, take the 679 Sub Line going to the Taichung International Airport and get off at No. 18 Windmill. Ride the 179 via Sanmei Rd. to Gaomei Wetlands.

PRO TIP: In the winter, strong winds will accompany you during your stroll at Gaomei Wetlands. Make sure to keep your feet firm on the ground while you take steps and your valuables safe in your bag.

Day 3: Nature in Taipei

Yangmingshan National Park

A mountainous island, Taiwan is home to several national parks that offer an escape from the bustling metro. Yangmingshan National Park is one of the closest respites, as it's less than an hour away from Ximending by car.

This park was known as Caoshan or "grass mountain" during the Japanese occupation, as it was rarely visited. According to the Taiwan tourism site, the government renamed the area to Yangmingshan and built a park after World War II. 

Now, a trip here will treat you to breathtaking natural landmarks. Qingtiangang Grassland, although a popular hiking destination, is a haven for those who want to just sit back and enjoy the view. You'll walk through a ranch-like area where a couple of water buffalo will say hello. There are open spaces, too, where you can lay out a blanket and maybe have a picnic—just make sure the grass isn't wet! And did you know that IV of Spades shot their music video for Aura here?

A few minutes from the grassland is the Lengshuikeng-Qingtiangang Trail, a 1.6-kilometer-long path that takes about one hour to walk. This area, which features a dense broadleaf forest, is also a popular photography spot for wedding pictures, as we passed by a couple in a white gown and tuxedo posing lovingly. You'll start to smell boiled eggs while on the trail, which is brought about by the sulfur deposits. There's a small body of water near the entrance that has turned milky white due to sulfur.

The natural wonders don't end there, as Yangmingshan National Park is also home to Xiaoyukeng, a scenic area known for its "landslide terrain" and other volcanic features like fumaroles that reach temperatures too hot to touch. The steam emanating from the fumaroles and the terrain is a one-of-a-kind view that you just have to see in person.

If you're going on a day tour of Yangmingshan, you'll also get to see other spots like the Yangmingshan Flower Clock, which is situated in a park with cherry blossoms. It may also include a stop at a foot-dipping pool where you can relax and rejuvenate.

GETTING THERE: From Taipei Main Station, take the red line to Jiantan Station. Get off the train and take the S15 bus to Qingtiangang. The stops are a few minutes away, so it's best to go with a tour package for a hassle-free visit.

PRO TIP: To make your trip around the national park easier, you can book a tour via Klook. It already includes a stop at the Beitou Thermal Valley.

Beitou Thermal Valley

At the foot of Yangmingshan National Park sits the small town of Beitou, Taipei's hot spring capital. This cozy destination features cultural spots—from Taiwan's first green-built library to museums showcasing the rich history of hot springs.

One of the sources of the hot springs is Thermal Valley, which locals also refer to as Hell Valley and "Ghost Lake," as the sulfuric steam enveloping the area has a scary quality to it. During the Japanese occupation, this spot was considered one of the "12 great sights of Taiwan," according to the nation's tourism site.

Temperatures of the Thermal Valley hot spring reach over 90 degrees Celsius, the highest of any hot spring in the Tatun Volcano group. While people once boiled eggs here, the practice was eventually banned due to safety concerns and its negative impact on water quality. Still, it remains a must-see landscape for its jade green springs.

GETTING THERE: From Taipei Main Station, ride the Tamsui-Xinyi line and get off at Beitou Station. Transfer to the Xinbeitou line and get off at Xinbeitou. Walk for 16 minutes along Zhongshan Rd to get to Thermal Valley.

PRO TIP: Visit nearby sites to learn more about the area's history, like the Beitou Hot Spring Museum and Beitou Library.

Sunrise Breeze

Sunrise Breeze offers an elevated buffet experience in Taipei. The restaurant recently opened in May as part of Xuji Sunrise, a popular buffet chain with five other branches. Located in Breeze Center, Taipei's first American-style shopping mall, Sunrise features Japanese-style dishes in a chic, luxurious space that can accommodate up to 286 diners.

The kitchens and dishes are lined up around the dining hall, making them easy to navigate. It's separated into different sections for sushi and other seafood dishes, meats, grilled items, and desserts.

At the seafood line, expect sashimi and handrolls, oysters, shrimp, and snow king crab legs to satiate your hunger. Meanwhile, the meat station has in store a delectable bite-sized wagyu and cheese hamburg steak and melt-in-your-mouth roast beef.

The dessert station is just as big as the other food lines, and you can expect a wide variety of dishes: from ice cream and sorbet you can scoop yourself, Basque cheesecake, chocolate cakes, custard-filled pastries in the shape of a Daruma doll, and more.

GETTING THERE: From Taipei Main Station, ride the Bannan Line to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station. Take exit 5, turn right, and walk along Section 1, Fuxing S Rd. Turn right on Alley 9, Lane 346, Section 2, Bade Rd to arrive at Breeze Center.

PRO TIP: Take note of dining hours. You can book a table in advance, too, via Klook. Rates start at P3,201 for lunch, P2,511 for afternoon meal time, and P3,892 for dinner.

Day 4: Art appreciation

Songshan Cultural and Creative Park

For your last day in Taiwan, spend some time immersing yourself in the art scene of the island. One destination to do just that is Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, which, similar to Taipei Cinema Park, was vastly different in the 1930s from what it is today. It used to be a tobacco factory until it ceased production in 1998 as demand for cigarettes declined. In 2011, it was turned into Taipei's "hub for originality," where exhibits are held highlighting art and innovation.

Inside the Taiwan Design Museum in SCCP, the buildings retain the industrial vibe of the old factory with exposed piping in the ceiling and gray and white interiors. However, the quirky shops selling wares ranging from cameras, pet accessories, and jewelry brought life to the old factory.

Some halls were turned into bigger markets offering artworks, clothes, fragrances, wine, and more.

In the middle, there's an open area with a big fountain where you can sit around and people-watch. You can catch some people painting scenery on small canvases.

The SCCP also houses the Not Just Library, an 83-year-old bathhouse turned into a space for reading.

GETTING THERE: From the Taipei Main Station, ride the Bannan Line and get off at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station via exit 5.

PRO TIP: If you want to visit certain exhibits like the Not Just Library, you can purchase your tickets online through its website.

Zhongshan

Each street in the Zhongshan district has a story to tell. This trendy neighborhood used to be a US military station in the 1950s, and now, it's lined with hip shops where Gen Z—decked in the most stylish 'fits—are looking for their next great find.

Wandering through the lanes, you'll find different kinds of stores with their distinct aesthetics: a street-side coffee shop, a fashion brand only selling black garments, colorful salons, and more.

You can comb through the streets for anik-aniks and vintage film cameras, and explore the Underground Book Street, an air-conditioned tunnel with creative shops for books, music, stationery, and other collectibles.

GETTING THERE: From Taipei Main Station, take the Tamsui-Xinyi Line and get off at Zhongshan Station.

PRO TIP: Keep cash on hand to spend on shopping and snacks.

Kakuya Oden

Taipei's Da'an district is a culinary hotspot—it's home to Michelin-starred restaurants and the Gongguan and Linjiang night markets. If you're looking for a hidden gem for a hearty meal back in the capital after strolling in Taichung, there's no need to look any further than this tiny Japanese eatery along Da'an Rd.

Located in the corner of an alley, Kakuya Oden serves the typical Japanese fare—noodles, tofu, rolls, and Chinese yams with mentaiko. If you sit by the cashier, you'll get an up-close look at how your dish is made. 

Their noodle dish was affordable, and the strands had a nice bite. They can refill the broth for free, too, which will warm up your belly during the winter.

GETTING THERE: Ride the Tamsui-Xinyi line and get off at Daan station. Take Exit 4 and walk eastward along Xinyi Rd, and turn right at Section 2, Daan Rd. Turn left at Lane 131, Section 2, Daan Rd.

PRO TIP: Have Google Translate handy because the staff may not be able to speak English fully.

Where to stay: The highly accessible Ximending

Ximending is a popular tourist hub for a reason. It has everything you would need, from food stalls selling popular dishes like pancake scallions and milk donuts to cosmetics stores and foot massage spots. The fact that it's close to the train station and it has many affordable accommodation options also makes it a favorite among foreign tourists, according to the Taipei Department of Information and Tourism. It's no surprise that the district saw 20.21 million visitors from January to August 2024.

Before it was swarming with tourists, the Ximen district was lined with theaters, with the first one, Tokyo Pavilion, established in 1896. Decades later, in 1949, more businesses like department stores and malls popped up in the area, turning it into the lively hub it is now.

Moreover, hotels across different price ranges opened in Ximending, mostly more affordable stays for those just looking for somewhere to rest in between tours. One of the more high-end and trendy accommodations in this area is Hotel Papa Whale, a 4-star hotel easily accessible by public transportation.

The hotel oozes modern vibes with paintings of whales across the exteriors of the building. The lobby comes with an industrial aesthetic with retro decor like a colorful phone booth, a classic film camera, and an old school cash register.

This also translates to the rooms. Instead of the typical white and beige colors, Hotel Papa Whale's suites feature a more rustic look with gray curtains, a checkered blanket, and black tiles for the bathroom floor. A double room sleeps two and has a desk where you can work or do your makeup, and a mini-fridge to store the complimentary water. There's also an open cabinet where you can hang your clothes. One downside, though, is that there aren't any windows, but if you're just staying at the hotel for resting and showering, this might not be too big of a deal.

Apart from the double room, the hotel offers a triple room that sleeps three, a superior twin with two double beds, as well as more upscale options with more space, like the SOHO elegant double, SOHO superior twin, and deluxe loft 6 room.

The bathroom is separated into three spaces for the sink, toilet, and shower. It's complete with amenities like towels, shampoo, and shower gel. If you're bunking with a buddy and want some privacy while using the loo, you can simply shut the doors for each section and the curtains.

Hotel Papa Whale also offers complimentary breakfast at its neighboring restaurant, TAKAO1972. Each guest gets their own stove on their table, where they can heat their hotpot broth, noodles, balls, and other toppings. Apart from this, the food spot serves Western food like nuggets and sausages, and Japanese classics like curry and rice.

The price for a double room with breakfast, taxes, and fees included ranges from P3,400 to P4,000 per night. You can book your stay via their website or through Klook.

Getting around

Taking the train is one of the easiest ways to get around Taipei. Popular landmarks like Taipei 101, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, and Chang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, as well as other destinations mentioned in this guide, like Zhongshan, Beitou, and Taichung, are easily accessible via the Mass Rapid Transit. To easily navigate the different stations, you can download the Go! Taipei Metro app.

Don't forget to get an EasyCard, a stored value card that you can use not only for train rides, but for buses and convenience stores—it'll take the hassle out of buying tickets for different stations and save you time. You can reload your EasyCard at train stations and convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Family Mart.

If you're planning on going on different stops and checking out museums along the way, you can opt for the Taiwan FunPass, which gives you unlimited train and bus rides and free admission to attractions like Taipei 101 Observatory, Maokong Gondola, Miniature Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei, Taipei Zoo, Yehliu Geopark, and more.

It's also best to carry around cash during your trip to pay for snacks and other meals (as of writing, 1 NTD = P1.84). There are ATMs at the train station where you can get cash—you can even use your GoTyme Bank card to enjoy zero withdrawal fees at visa-accepting ATMs. 

Best time to go

The best time to go to Taiwan will depend on your preferences. If you want to experience winter abroad, book your flights from December to March—but take note that this season will probably be busy. Those who want to avoid crowds, consider visiting during spring (March to May), but expect occasional rain. For those looking to hike on their trip, plan a vacation for autumn (October to November), as typhoon season is typically over. Taiwan may also get busy during festivals like the Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival in February.

We also suggest you take the flights via Clark International Airport for a more efficient trip.

Travel to CRK typically takes about two hours or less via car from Manila, and the biggest upside here is that it's not as crowded as the airports in the city. Apart from the facilities, the Clark airport has restaurants like Tom N Toms Coffee, Bluesmith, and more, as well as a Klook Lounge where you can book tours or rides to your destination.

Disclaimer: The trip was made possible through the support of our partners Klook and GoTyme Bank.