Planning your first trip to Taiwan and feeling overwhelmed? We get it. With so many incredible places to visit, countless things to do, and information scattered across the internet, creating the perfect Taiwan itinerary can feel like a challenge. Whether you’re interested in breathtaking mountains, world-famous night markets, hidden gems, unique cities, rich history, or incredible food, Taiwan has something for every type of traveler.
After extensive research and two unforgettable weeks exploring the island ourselves, we’ve put together the ultimate 2-week Taiwan itinerary. Along the way, we discovered practical tips, travel hacks, and local insights that we wish we had known before visiting. In this Taiwan travel guide, we’ll share the perfect 14-day Taiwan itinerary to help you plan an unforgettable trip and make the most of your time on the island.
Other useful links for your trip:
Not sure when to visit? The Best Time to Visit Taiwan: A Month-by-Month Guide (2026–2027) breaks down the weather, festivals, crowds, and seasonal highlights to help you choose the perfect time for your trip.
Getting around a new country can be intimidating, especially when you don’t speak the local language. That’s why we created a simple and practical guide on How to get around in Taiwan: Train, HRS, Bus, Car, Scooter and more, covering everything from airports and high-speed rail to public transportation and local travel tips.
Wondering how much a trip to Taiwan costs? Check out our complete post on How Much Does a Trip to Taiwan Cost? Our Real 2026 Budget Breakdown, where we break down accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and the best ways to stay connected while traveling around the island.
Our 2-week Taiwan itinerary: from South to North and across the country
A little bit of geography: Taiwan is divided into 22 administrative regions, including counties, cities, and special municipalities. In this itinerary, you will often see references to counties, which can include multiple towns and cities. For example, Nantou County is home to iconic destinations such as Alishan and Sun Moon Lake. You will also see special municipalities, which are large urban regions that include several districts and cities, such as New Taipei City, where you’ll find Jiufen and the famous Ghibli-inspired town.
This itinerary is flexible and designed as a loop, meaning it can be adjusted based on your travel route. Whether you start in Taipei or Kaohsiung, you can follow it in either direction depending on your arrival and departure points. The first week of our itinerary starts in Kaohsiung, as we found the cheapest flights there, then continues through central Taiwan’s mountains, tea farms, and lakes before reaching Taipei. The second week begins in New Taipei City, continues along the east coast, explores the south of Taiwan, and ends back in Kaohsiung. We wanted to make the most of our trip, so we moved around frequently, and Taiwan’s efficient transportation system made this very easy.
There are many ways to get around Taiwan, but we mainly used trains, the high-speed rail, and carpooling. Once you get past the language barrier, transportation is straightforward, affordable, and very accessible.
Taiwan itinerary Week 1: Southern and Central Taiwan
Southern and Central Taiwan offer two completely different travel experiences. In southern Taiwan, you’ll discover cities rich in history and culture, such as Tainan, known for its incredible food scene, and Kaohsiung, a laid-back coastal city filled with impressive temples and some of the best night markets in the country.
Central Taiwan, on the other hand, is all about nature, calm, and scenic landscapes. From rolling tea plantations and misty forests to one of the most iconic train rides in the world and the stunning Sun Moon Lake region, this area feels truly magical and offers a peaceful escape from the cities.
Day 1: Kaohsiung
Highlights:
- Sunfong Palace
- Lotus lake walk
As the second-largest city in Taiwan, Kaohsiung’s laid-back atmosphere and sunny weather make it an ideal place to start your trip. While it may not be the most “all-in-one wow” city, it’s a great introduction to Taiwan, offering easy access to island hopping, rich Buddhist culture, and some of the best food in the country. We arrived quite late and had no trouble finding an Uber to our Airbnb. Uber in Kaohsiung is fast, reliable, affordable, and very safe. The airport is also conveniently close to the city, with most areas less than 30 minutes away. We were able to rest well and wake up ready for our first full day in Kaohsiung.
Taiwan has one of the highest densities of convenience stores in the world, surpassing even Japan, so you’re never far from a quick snack or breakfast—there’s always a 7-Eleven or FamilyMart around the corner. That said, Taiwan is also famous for its incredible breakfast culture, with local breakfast stalls opening around 5:30–6:00 a.m. and serving until mid-morning.
From there, you can head to one of the most impressive Buddhist sites in Taiwan, the Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center, or book a tour [LINK] for a more seamless experience. In that case, transportation is usually included, with pickup directly from your accommodation. The site is about 45 minutes from the city, and we recommend planning at least two hours to fully explore the vast complex and its adjoining museum.
After returning to the city, you can either visit Lotus Pond, known for its temples and pagodas, or head to Sanfeng Temple, one of our personal highlights. Although relatively small, it feels like stepping into a scene from Mulan, especially with its lantern-filled atmosphere. Entrance is free, and the temple is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., making it a great option to also visit after sunset.
Where to eat and shop:
- Grab one of the most iconic Taiwanese desserts, pineapple tarts, at Sunny Hills
- Drink and grab some tea at E-Lai, with one of the nicest owner I have ever met during my travels + enjoy a free tasting
- Grab a traditional breakfast at Xing Long Ju
Where to stay:
⭐ Inns Hotel
⭐⭐ Kung Shang Design Hotel
⭐⭐⭐ InterContinental Kaohsiung by IHG
Day 2 – Tainan
Highlights:
- Tainan food and historical tour
- Tainan Night Garden Market
Tainan used to be the historical capital of Taiwan, so for lovers of culture, history, and unique architecture, this city is a must-visit. It is also widely considered (by locals, at least!) the best food city in Taiwan.
On day two, we took the high-speed rail from Zuoying Station. Make sure to book a Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) ticket in advance if you have a preferred time departure. We explain how to get around Taiwan in more detail here [LINK]. The HSR station is located slightly outside of central Tainan, so from there you will need to take a taxi or Uber, which is fast and convenient. However, traveling from Kaohsiung to Tainan via the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) takes less than 15 minutes, meaning you only need to budget around 30 minutes in total for the full door-to-door journey.
Tainan feels like stepping back in time, with its many traditional temples, fewer high-rise buildings, and a more authentic, historic atmosphere. If you look at Google Maps and compare Tainan’s streets to Kaohsiung, you’ll notice far more narrow alleyways and less structured urban planning. One of the best places to explore is Anping Old Street, the oldest street in Taiwan, where you can wander through a maze of alleyways and local shops. Don’t forget to grab a bubble tea from Four Season Milk Tea during your walk, or join a walking historical tour.
Of course, we can’t talk about Tainan without mentioning food. It is widely regarded as the food capital of Taiwan, famous for dishes like beef soup, minced pork rice, sticky rice dumplings, and much more. If you’re planning a food tour, we highly recommend doing it in this city—whether during the day or at the highly rated Tainan Garden Night Market, one of the most popular night markets for both locals and visitors.
Where to stay:
⭐ SSS Life Hotel
⭐⭐ Stable Hotel
⭐⭐⭐ Crowne Plaza Tainan by IHG
Day 3-4: Nantou county -Alishan
Highlight:
- Forest walk
- Alishan Forest Railway
No 2-week Taiwan itinerary is complete without a visit to Alishan, one of the country’s most iconic mountain regions. Known for its tea plantations, ancient forests, scenic railway, and breathtaking sunrises, Alishan is a highlight of any Taiwan travel itinerary.
There are several ways to get to Alishan from Tainan. The most common route is to take the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (HSR) to Chiayi and then transfer to a bus heading into the mountains. However, since we wanted to avoid multiple transfers and the journey can take up to four hours, we opted for a carpool service instead. We recommend Tripool (they occasionally offer referral discounts). It is reliable, convenient, and relatively affordable at around USD $20 per person. The driver picks you up directly from your accommodation and drops you off at your destination, making it one of the easiest ways to travel to Alishan. We recommend booking at least two days in advance, although last-minute reservations are sometimes available for an additional fee.
The Alishan National Scenic Area is quite large, and transportation between villages can be limited. We chose to stay in Alishan Township, which provides the best access to the region’s main attractions. While accommodation tends to be more expensive and options are limited, staying here allows you to reach many hiking trails, viewpoints, restaurants, and transportation hubs on foot.
One of the top things to do in Alishan is ride the famous Alishan Forest Railway. This historic mountain railway is considered one of the most scenic train rides in Taiwan and winds through dense forests and mountain landscapes. We highly recommend booking tickets as soon as they become available, as they often sell out within hours. Tickets are released 14 days in advance on the official Alishan Forest Railway website at 6:00 a.m. Taiwan time. If possible, plan your visit during the week, as weekday departures are generally easier to book.
After exploring the area and enjoying the railway, get some rest—you’ll want an early start the next morning for one of the best sunrise experiences in Taiwan.
Travel tips: Due to its elevation, Alishan is typically around 10°C cooler than cities such as Taipei, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. Temperatures can feel especially chilly before sunrise, so be sure to pack a warm jacket and layers, even during spring and summer.
Watching the sunrise in Alishan is one of the most popular experiences in Taiwan. The most famous viewpoint is Zhushan, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the chance to witness the region’s famous sea of clouds.
Traditionally, visitors can either take the Alishan Sunrise Train or hike to the viewpoint. As of June 2026, the popular Zhushan Sunrise Trail is closed, meaning hikers must currently use an alternative route that includes approximately 5 km of steep uphill walking along a mountain road. Trail conditions and closures can change, so be sure to check the latest information before your visit.
If you’re looking for a hiking adventure, several alternative sunrise trails are available in the area . For a more relaxed experience, take the sunrise train or shuttle to Zhushan and enjoy one of the most iconic views in Taiwan without the pre-dawn climb.
Whether you come for the tea plantations, the ancient forests, the scenic railway, or the unforgettable sunrise, Alishan is one of the most memorable destinations in any Taiwan itinerary.
Where to stay:
⭐ Dafong hotel
⭐⭐ Chinshan Villa
⭐⭐⭐ Alishan Hotel
Day 4-6: Nantou county – Sun Moon Lake
Highlights:
- Cycling around Sun Moon Lake – recognized by CNN as one of the world’s top 10 most beautiful bike trails
- Tea Farm visit
After Alishan, we headed to Yuchi Township, one of the main towns surrounding Sun Moon Lake. We found the easiest way to travel between the two destinations was by booking a Tripool. While shuttle buses are available, we felt the small price difference was worth the added convenience. Since some mountain roads between the two regions are only open during specific hours, we had to leave before 4:00 p.m. The journey took approximately 2.5 hours, allowing us to arrive in time to relax and enjoy dinner by the lake.
Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan’s most beautiful natural attractions and a must-visit destination on any Taiwan itinerary. The area is famous for its stunning scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and one of the most scenic cycling routes in the world.
The full cycling loop around Sun Moon Lake is approximately 27 km long and includes several climbs and descents. If you’re an experienced cyclist, you’ll find plenty of rental shops offering high-quality Giant road bikes. However, to fully enjoy the views and avoid worrying about the elevation, we recommend renting an e-bike. It allows you to explore at a relaxed pace while still covering the entire lake.
The cycling path is well-maintained and clearly marked, taking you past lakeside temples, traditional pagodas, forested sections, and beautiful viewpoints. During our ride, we even spotted a family of monkeys in the trees, although they moved too quickly for us to get a good photo. Every turn seemed to reveal another postcard-worthy view.
Cycling isn’t the only reason to visit Sun Moon Lake. The region also offers numerous hiking trails, boat rides, cultural attractions, and the famous Sun Moon Lake Ropeway, which provides spectacular panoramic views over the lake and surrounding mountains. If you’re looking for a slower pace, you’ll also find several hotels and resorts with spas, making Sun Moon Lake the perfect place to relax during your 2-week Taiwan itinerary.
Between the cycling, hiking, mountain views, and lakeside scenery, Sun Moon Lake is one of the most memorable destinations in central Taiwan and a perfect contrast to the country’s bustling cities.
Where to stay:
⭐ Owl Hostel
⭐⭐ Deer Forest Bed & Breakfast – 逐鹿森林民宿-無電梯
⭐⭐⭐ Ming Yue Hu Hotel
Week 2 – Northern, Eastern and Southern Taiwan
Day 6 – 10: Taipei and Taipei New City
Check out our post on Where to Stay in Taipei: Best Neighbourhoods & Hotels (2026), where we’ve compiled the best neighbourhoods & hotels depending on what vibe you’re looking for, from calm and trendy to high-end luxury.
Highights:
- Elephant mountain
- Jiufen and Shifen day and night tour
- Raohe Night Market
After several days exploring southern and central Taiwan, it’s time to experience the country’s vibrant capital. Taipei and New Taipei City offer an entirely different side of Taiwan, blending modern skyscrapers, historic temples, mountain landscapes, and some of the best food in Asia.
Since the drive from Sun Moon Lake to Taipei is relatively long, we chose a faster and more convenient option by combining a private transfer with Taiwan’s High Speed Rail (HSR). We booked a Tripool transfer from our accommodation to Taichung HSR Station, then took the HSR directly to Taipei Main Station.
Alternatively, you can take the 6670D bus via National Expressway No. 6 from Shuishe to Taichung Station before continuing your journey. However, keep in mind that this bus operates on a limited and somewhat irregular schedule, so it’s important to check departure times in advance.
We recommend spending at least four full days in the region. While Taipei is famous for landmarks such as Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and the city’s incredible night markets, some of the most memorable experiences are actually found in neighboring New Taipei City.
One of the highlights of our Taiwan itinerary was a one-day tour to Jiufen and Shifen, two of the country’s most popular day trip destinations. Combining the charming lantern-filled streets of Jiufen with the famous sky lantern experience in Shifen made for an unforgettable day outside Taipei.
One of our favorite activities in Taipei was hiking Elephant Mountain. The trail is short but steep, and the reward is one of the best panoramic views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. If you’re looking for nature without leaving the city, this is a must-do.
Another highlight was spending a day exploring Yangmingshan National Park. Located just outside Taipei, the park offers beautiful hiking trails, volcanic landscapes, hot springs, waterfalls, and incredible viewpoints over northern Taiwan.
For food lovers, we highly recommend starting at least one morning at Fu Hang Soy Milk. It was genuinely one of the best breakfasts we had during our entire trip to Taiwan. Expect a line, but it moves quickly and is absolutely worth the wait.
With its unique combination of food, culture, history, and outdoor adventures, Taipei is often the highlight of a first trip to Taiwan.
Where to stay:
⭐ BV Taipei Da’an C&D
⭐⭐ Check Inn Taipei
⭐⭐⭐ Jolley Hotel
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Madison Taipei
Day 10 – 11: Hualien
After exploring Taipei, take the train to Hualien and experience one of Taiwan’s most scenic journeys. Since there is no High Speed Rail (HSR) service to Hualien, you’ll travel on a Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) express train, either the Puyuma Express (the fastest option) or the Tze-Chiang Limited Express.
Don’t worry about the longer journey—the Taipei to Hualien train ride is considered an attraction in itself. The railway follows Taiwan’s stunning northeast coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and lush mountains along the way.
Because this is one of the most popular train routes in Taiwan, tickets often sell out quickly, especially on weekends and public holidays. We recommend booking your tickets in advance through the official TRA website, at any TRA station, or using the ticket kiosks found in convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart.
At the time of our visit, many attractions around Taroko Gorge remained closed or had limited access, making it more difficult to explore the area than in previous years. If you’re short on time, Hualien is probably the easiest destination in this itinerary to skip.
That being said, we still really enjoyed our time there. Hualien itself is a pleasant and relaxed city with a fantastic food scene. The night market was one of our favorites in Taiwan, offering a great mix of local specialties and a more local atmosphere than some of the larger city markets.
One of the best things we did was rent bicycles and ride along the city’s coastal boardwalk. The route offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and is an easy, relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
The real highlight, however, was the journey south. We highly recommend taking the train from Hualien to Fangliao, which is widely considered one of the most scenic train rides in Taiwan. The railway hugs the coastline for much of the journey while mountains rise dramatically in the background. If you want the best mountain views, try to sit on the left side of the train. From Fangliao, you can easily continue by bus to Hengchun and Kenting.
Where to stay:
⭐ Owl Stay The Salt
⭐⭐ Axin Cultural Tour – 亞馨文旅 近東大門夜市 有免費停車場 可自助入住 訂房請加官方
⭐⭐⭐ OLAH Poshtel
Day 11 – 13: Kenting
From Fangliao, you can either rent a car or scooter in the small town, or take the 9188 bus to Hengchun, which runs approximately every 15 minutes. Tickets can be purchased directly at the station when you exit.
Since Kenting is a large coastal region made up of several small, separated towns, getting around can be a bit more challenging. For this reason, we chose to rent a car in Hengchun, which made exploring the area much easier and more flexible.
We did not need to present an international driving permit in our case, but we strongly recommend bringing one just in case. Driving in this region is generally relaxed and straightforward, making it an easy way to explore Kenting at your own pace.
Located at the southern tip of Taiwan, Kenting offers a completely different atmosphere from the rest of the country. With tropical scenery, dramatic coastlines, and beautiful beaches, it feels more like a Southeast Asian beach destination than a typical Taiwanese city.
However, timing matters. We would not necessarily recommend visiting Kenting between October and March unless you’re specifically interested in surfing or windsurfing. During these months, strong seasonal winds arrive, many businesses reduce their hours, and the town feels much quieter than during the rest of the year.
That said, the beaches remain accessible year-round, and there is still plenty to do outdoors. One of our favorite experiences was exploring Kenting National Forest Recreation Area. Whether by bicycle, scooter, or motorcycle, the roads and trails wind through lush forests, limestone formations, and spectacular viewpoints overlooking the coast.
Kenting is less about major attractions and more about enjoying the scenery, slowing down, and experiencing a different side of Taiwan. After days spent exploring cities, mountains, and lakes, it provides a welcome change of pace before heading back to Kaohsiung.
Where to stay:
⭐ Playful House
⭐⭐ FFF Hotel
⭐⭐⭐ SkyeBay Club
Day 13 – 14: Kaohsiung
Your final stop brings you back to Kaohsiung, where your Taiwan itinerary comes full circle.
From Kenting, make your way back from Hengchun to Fangliao Station using either the 9188 or 9117 bus, then continue your journey north by taking the Puyuma Express (TRA) to Kaohsiung. Alternatively, you can stay on the 9188 bus for the entire route if you prefer a simpler transfer-free option.
The overall travel time is roughly similar, but keep in mind that bus schedules can be affected by traffic conditions. In addition, some buses may not always have air conditioning, which can make the ride less comfortable for some travelers.
If you didn’t have enough time during your first visit, this is a great opportunity to explore any attractions you may have missed. We particularly recommend spending time around Pier-2 Art Center, a creative district filled with street art, exhibitions, cafés, and waterfront views.
For one last memorable evening in Taiwan, head to Liuhe Night Market or take a stroll along the Love River. If your flight schedule allows, consider visiting Cijin Island, a short ferry ride from downtown Kaohsiung known for its beaches, seafood, and lighthouse views.
Kaohsiung is often overlooked compared to Taipei, but its relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals, and excellent food scene make it the perfect place to end a two-week journey around Taiwan.
After 14 days exploring mountains, tea plantations, lakes, historic cities, bustling night markets, dramatic coastlines, and tropical beaches, you’ll quickly understand why Taiwan has become one of our favorite destinations in Asia.
