Shop Escapes · Taipei
Taipei surprised me. First solo city trip in about fifteen years — I expected a hard place. Instead: a clean MRT, help when I needed it, and the confidence to walk at night.
This is not a race through attractions. Hidden corners sit beside the must-sees: temples, tea hills, markets, coffee, ordinary streets worth photographing — and a pace that leaves room to feel the city.
Elephant Mountain
Taipei 101 from the first viewpoint, then 44 South Village.
Ancient temples sit alongside traditional shophouses, and quiet laneways lead to bustling markets.
Longshan Temple · Bopiliao Historic Block · Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall · Dihua Street + Cisheng Temple · Baoan + Confucius Temples · Ximending
Start your Taipei adventure at Longshan Temple, one of the city’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples. If you’re an early riser, arrive at the 6:00 am opening or 30–45 minutes before the 8:00 am morning chanting. Longshan Temple holds three daily chanting sessions, at 6:00 am, 8:00 am, and 4:00 pm.
Allow 45–60 min · Blue Line, Longshan Temple
Just a few minutes from Longshan Temple, Bopiliao Historic Block is a beautifully restored Qing Dynasty street lined with traditional red-brick buildings, wooden shopfronts and quiet alleyways. Far less crowded than many of Taipei’s attractions. Small exhibitions share the area’s history, but the architecture is the real highlight.
Allow 30–45 min · Blue Line, Longshan Temple
Many visitors come to watch the changing of the guard, but for me the real highlight was the impressive Liberty Square Arch. Walking through the enormous gate towards the memorial creates one of the city’s most iconic views and was one of my favourite photography spots in Taipei.
Allow 45–60 min · Green & Red Lines, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
One of my favourite areas in Taipei. Once a bustling trading hub, it’s now lined with beautifully preserved heritage buildings, tea merchants, boutique stores, cafés and traditional medicine shops. Take your time wandering — it’s one of the city’s most photogenic streets.
Allow 1.5–2 hours · Green Line, Beimen
Just a 5-minute walk from Dihua Street, this was one of my favourite discoveries in Taipei and a spot I wouldn’t miss. Grab lunch from one of the local food stalls and enjoy it under the huge banyan tree alongside locals.
Allow 45–60 min · Yellow Line, Daqiaotou
Two beautiful temples located directly opposite each other. Baoan Temple is known for its intricate carvings, colourful decorations and peaceful courtyards. Across the road, Taipei Confucius Temple offers a completely different atmosphere — elegant architecture, tranquil gardens and quiet courtyards. Short on time or templed out? Skip this pair together — they’re next to each other, so going for one usually means both.
Allow 1–1.25 hours · Red Line, Yuanshan
Finish your day in Ximending, Taipei’s vibrant entertainment district, famous for its neon lights, shopping streets, street performers and endless food options. Wander the lively side streets, including the colourful graffiti lane, grab dinner or street food, and soak up the atmosphere. It’s also one of the best spots in Taipei for night photography.
As long as you like · Blue & Green Lines, Ximen
Days 2–5 cover modern Taipei, Maokong tea country, the Yehliu / Jiufen / Shifen day trip, and Tamsui before a flight.
What’s inside
A complete self-guided itinerary written from my trip notes: day structure, MRT logic, food stops, photography tips, and honest “skip this if…” calls. Delivered as a digital PDF.
Taipei in 5 Days is a self-guided PDF — day structure, MRT logic, food, and the honest skips. US$19.99, instant download.
US$19.99 PDF · instant download
You keep the file. Updated editions for 12 months.
