Want to see Taiwan in two weeks? It’s super easy and fun! Taiwan has great cities, beautiful nature, and yummy food. Getting around is simple with their good transport system.
Getting Around
Taiwan has many ways to travel between places:
Fast Train (HSR): This train is super quick! It goes from north to south on the west side (like from Taipei to Kaohsiung). It’s comfy and fast for long trips. It’s smart to book tickets early, especially on holidays.
Regular Train (TRA): These trains go almost everywhere, even to places on the east side where the fast train doesn’t go. There are different types of trains, from local ones to quick express ones.
Buses: You can take buses to connect cities and towns, and also to places trains don’t reach (like Alishan or Sun Moon Lake).
City Trains (MRT): In big cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, these are the best way to get around inside the city.
EasyCard/iPASS: Get one of these smart cards when you arrive. You can put money on it and use it for city trains, local buses, and even some regular trains and shops. It makes traveling much easier!
Rent a Scooter or Car: If you want to go to more hidden spots, you can rent a scooter or car. But you’ll need a special international driver’s license.
Your 2-Week Taiwan Trip Idea
Here’s a good way to see Taiwan in two weeks, going around the island in a circle. You’ll see cities, nature, and cool old places.
Days 1-4: Taipei & North Taiwan
Taipei City:
Go up Taipei 101 for amazing views.
See the big Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the pretty Longshan Temple.
Eat lots of delicious food at the busy night markets (like Shilin or Raohe).
Check out Huashan 1914 Creative Park for art and shops.
Walk up Elephant Mountain to see the city lights at sunset.
Relax in the warm waters of Beitou Hot Springs.
Day Trips from Taipei:
Visit Jiufen Old Street, a cool old town, and see Shifen Waterfall. You can also send flying lanterns into the sky in Shifen.
Look at the funny-shaped rocks at Yehliu Geopark.
Hike in Yangmingshan National Park to see volcanoes and hot springs.
Days 5-6: Hualien & Taroko Gorge
Take a fast train from Taipei to Hualien.
Taroko Gorge National Park: You must see this! You can hire a taxi, go on a tour, or rent a scooter (if you’re a good rider) to explore the paths, tunnels, and temples. Don’t miss places like the Tunnel of Nine Turns or the Eternal Spring Shrine.
Explore Hualien city and its night market.
Days 7-8: Central Mountains (Alishan or Sun Moon Lake)
Travel from Hualien to Chiayi (for Alishan) or Taichung (for Sun Moon Lake) by train, then take a bus.
Choice 1: Alishan National Scenic Area:
Famous for its misty forests, old trees, and amazing sunrises over a “sea of clouds.”
Ride the old Alishan Forest Railway.
Stay the night in Alishan to see the sunrise.
Choice 2: Sun Moon Lake:
Taiwan’s biggest lake, known for being calm and pretty.
Bike around the lake, take a boat ride, and visit temples.
Maybe take a quick trip to Cingjing Farm for nice mountain views and sheep.
Days 9-11: South Taiwan (Tainan & Kaohsiung)
Travel south by fast train or regular train.
Tainan: This is Taiwan’s oldest city and used to be its capital.
It’s full of history, culture, and many people say it has the best food in Taiwan.
See old temples (like Confucius Temple), Anping Old Fort, and old streets like Shennong Street.
Try local foods like beef soup and oyster omelets.
Planning Your 2-Week Taiwan Trip: Essential Tips (approx. 200-300 words)
Ready to explore Taiwan? Here are some key tips to help you plan your two-week adventure.
The best times to visit
Taiwan are during autumn (October-November) and spring (March-May). The weather is lovely and mild then. Just keep in mind that typhoon season runs from June to October, which could cause some travel hiccups.
Getting around Taiwan is a breeze
The High-Speed Rail (HSR) is super fast and comfy for hopping between cities on the west coast. Book your tickets ahead of time for better prices.
For a slower, more scenic journey, or if you’re heading to the east coast, the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) trains are perfect as they circle the whole island. Within cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is your best friend.
Buses and taxis are also easy to find. Make sure to grab an EasyCard or iPASS when you arrive; it’s a must-have for paying for public transport smoothly.
If you’re keen to explore remote spots, renting a car or scooter gives you more freedom, but remember you’ll need an international driving permit.
For places to stay, Taiwan offers everything from cozy hostels to fancy luxury hotels, so you’ll find something that fits your budget.
Staying connected is easy too. Pick up a local SIM card or eSIM from providers like Chunghwa Telecom or Taiwan Mobile right when you land.
When it comes to budgeting, you can expect to spend around NT$2,000 – NT$4,000 per day for accommodation, food, transport, and activities, depending on your travel style.
While many people in tourist areas speak some English, knowing a few basic Mandarin phrases will definitely come in handy and locals will appreciate it. The local money is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD).
Finally, a quick note on cultural etiquette: when visiting temples, it’s polite to dress modestly and keep your voice down.
Your 2-Week Taiwan Itinerary: A Perfect Blend of Cities, Culture & Nature
In two weeks, you can discover so much of this amazing island, from buzzing city life to peaceful nature and rich history.
This itinerary offers a great mix, but remember, it’s your trip! Feel free to switch things around to fit what you love most.
We’ll suggest a counter-clockwise loop for this trip, which often works well with Taiwan’s train system.
This way, you start with the excitement of the capital and then smoothly move to stunning natural wonders and historic southern gems before heading back north.
Days 1-4/5: Taipei & Day Trips – City Fun, Food & Culture
You’ll start your adventure in Taipei, Taiwan’s vibrant capital. This city is a fantastic place to dive into Taiwanese culture, enjoy incredible food, and see modern wonders.
Taipei City
Taipei 101: Head up this iconic skyscraper for breathtaking views of the city. It’s especially beautiful around sunset.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: Explore this grand monument dedicated to Taiwan’s former leader. The changing of the guard ceremony is a must-see.
Longshan Temple: Step into one of Taipei’s most beautiful and important temples, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and intricate details.
Ximending: Dive into this lively area known for its shopping, street performers, and youthful vibe. It’s like Taiwan’s Harajuku!
Night Markets: No trip to Taipei is complete without feasting at its famous night markets. Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia Night Markets are packed with delicious street food. Just follow your nose!
National Palace Museum: Discover a vast collection of ancient Chinese artifacts, spanning thousands of years of history.
Daan Forest Park: Take a relaxing stroll or have a picnic in Taipei’s “lung,” a lovely green space in the heart of the city.
Day Trips from Taipei
Jiufen & Shifen: Take a bus or train to these charming spots. Jiufen is an old mining town with narrow, atmospheric streets, often said to resemble scenes from Studio Ghibli films.
In Shifen, you can release sky lanterns into the air with your wishes written on them, and see the picturesque Shifen Waterfall.
Yangmingshan National Park & Beitou Hot Springs: Escape to nature in Yangmingshan, a volcanic national park with hot springs, hiking trails, and beautiful scenery. Afterward, unwind in the relaxing hot spring baths of Beitou.
Yehliu Geopark: Head north of Taipei to see unique rock formations shaped by wind and sea over thousands of years. The “Queen’s Head” is the most famous!
Days 5/6-7: Hualien & Taroko Gorge – Nature & Adventure
Next, you’ll take a scenic TRA train ride from Taipei to Hualien (highly recommended for the coastal views!). Hualien is your gateway to the stunning Taroko Gorge National Park.
Taroko Gorge National Park: This is one of Taiwan’s natural wonders. You can hire a taxi for the day, join a local tour, or if you’re comfortable and have an international driving permit, rent a scooter to explore.
Walk along the Shakadang Trail with its clear turquoise river, or marvel at the marble cliffs of Swallow Grotto.
Drive through dramatic tunnels and see the Qingshui Cliffs towering over the Pacific Ocean.
Hualien City: In the evenings, explore Hualien and try local delicacies at the Dongdamen Night Market.
Days 8-9: South Taiwan – Culture, History & More Nature
From Hualien, you’ll travel south. You can take a train directly, or travel to Taipei first and then take the faster HSR down. For these two days, you have a choice, or you can try to squeeze in highlights from both!
Option A: Kaohsiung: Taiwan’s second-largest city, known for its harbor and modern attractions.
Visit the colorful Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond.
Explore the grand Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, a spiritual and architectural marvel.
Take a short ferry to Cijin Island for beaches, seafood, and a relaxed vibe.
Enjoy the lively atmosphere and tasty food at Ruifeng Night Market.
Option B: Tainan: Taiwan’s historic capital and oldest city, bursting with temples, traditional snacks, and a laid-back charm.
Wander through ancient temples like the Confucius Temple and Koxinga Shrine.
Visit the unique Anping Treehouse, an old warehouse reclaimed by banyan trees.
Indulge in Tainan’s famous traditional food – it’s a foodie paradise!
(Consider a day trip between Kaohsiung and Tainan if you base yourself in one city, as they are relatively close by HSR or TRA).
Days 10-11: Central Taiwan – Nature & Unique Landscapes
Now you head into Central Taiwan, known for its beautiful mountains and unique scenery. You’ll likely travel to Taichung or Chiayi as your base.
Option A: Alishan National Scenic Area: This is a magical place famous for its misty cypress forests, ancient trees, and breathtaking sunrises over a “sea of clouds.”
Take the charming Alishan Forest Railway through the mountains.
To truly experience the sunrise, it’s best to stay overnight in Alishan itself or in the nearby city of Chiayi.
Option B: Sun Moon Lake: Taiwan’s largest and most beautiful lake, offering a serene escape.
Rent a bike and cycle around the lake, or take a peaceful boat tour.
Visit Wenwu Temple for stunning views over the lake.
You can stay near the lake or use Taichung as a base, as it’s a major transport hub.
Taichung: Even if you pick Sun Moon Lake, Taichung is worth exploring.
See the quirky and colorful Rainbow Village.
Witness a spectacular sunset at Gaomei Wetlands.
Dive into the huge Fengjia Night Market for more incredible food.
Days 12-13: Return to Taipei or Explore Further
As your trip winds down, you have some flexibility for these last couple of days.
Return to Taipei: Many people choose to head back to Taipei. This gives you time for some last-minute souvenir shopping, revisiting a favorite night market, or exploring any spots you missed in the capital.
Explore Further: If you’re feeling adventurous and have specific interests, you could:
Head south to Kenting National Park for beautiful beaches and a relaxed, tropical vibe (though this might feel a bit rushed).
Take a cooking class in Taipei to learn how to make some of your favorite Taiwanese dishes.
Seek out a specific interest like hot springs in Yilan or hiking in another national park.
Day 14: Departure from Taipei
It’s time to say goodbye to beautiful Taiwan. From Taipei, you’ll easily be able to reach Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) for your flight home, filled with wonderful memories and a taste for more Taiwanese adventures!
Taiwan Travel Essentials & Packing Tips
Getting ready for your Taiwan adventure? Here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
What to Pack
Comfy Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, whether exploring city streets or hiking in national parks, so good, comfortable walking shoes are a must!
Layers of Clothing: Taiwan’s weather can change, so bring layers you can easily add or remove.
Rain Gear: Always pack a light rain jacket or a small umbrella, especially if you’re traveling during typhoon season (June-October) or visiting mountainous areas, as sudden showers can happen.
Reusable Water Bottle: Taiwan has excellent tap water that’s safe to drink, and you’ll find plenty of public refilling stations. Bring a reusable bottle to stay hydrated and be eco-friendly.
Power Bank: You’ll be using your phone for navigation, photos, and translations, so a power bank is super handy to keep it charged on the go.
Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.
Safety
Taiwan is a very safe country, and you’ll likely feel comfortable wherever you go. However, it’s always smart to follow standard travel precautions, like being aware of your surroundings and keeping an eye on your belongings.
Emergency Numbers
In case you ever need help, here are the important numbers:
Police: 110
Ambulance/Fire: 119
Conclusion
Taiwan truly offers a magical blend of vibrant cities, breathtaking nature, and mouth-watering food. With its super easy transportation and warm hospitality, it’s an incredible destination just waiting for you to explore. Start planning your adventure today!
What are your favorite Taiwan spots, or what are you most excited to see?
