Taipei is one of those cities that keeps drawing travellers back with its vibrant food scene, charming old streets and easy day trips to scenic towns just outside the city. From nostalgic tea houses in the mountains to hip café districts and traditional markets, Taipei offers a mix of culture, history and modern lifestyle.
If you are planning a 5D4N Taipei itinerary, here is a suggested route that combines neighbourhood exploration with day trips to Jiufen, Shifen, Keelung and Shenkeng.
Read more: 5D4N Taipei Itinerary: Ximending, Jiufen, Shifen & Hidden Neighbourhoods To ExploreDay 1: Arrival In Taipei & Explore Zhongshan District
Start your Taipei adventure in Zhongshan District, one of the city’s most stylish neighbourhoods filled with cafés, boutiques and creative spaces.
The highlight here is Chifeng Street, a charming alley that has transformed from an old mechanical workshop area into a trendy café district. Today, it is filled with minimalist coffee shops, dessert cafés and independent boutiques. It is a great place to ease into Taipei’s relaxed lifestyle while enjoying the local café culture.
Things to do
- Café hop along Chifeng Street
- Explore independent lifestyle shops
- Try Taiwanese desserts and specialty coffee
Food & café spots
- Fika Fika Café – award-winning Nordic-style coffee
- Hoto Café – Japanese-style dessert café
- Double V – famous for unique ice cream flavours
Transport tip
Take the MRT Red Line to Zhongshan Station.
In the evening, head to Ximending, Taipei’s most energetic shopping and entertainment district. Often compared to Tokyo’s Shibuya or Harajuku, this pedestrian-friendly area is packed with street food, shopping and nightlife.
As night falls, the district lights up with neon signs, street performers and food stalls.
Things to do
- Watch street performers
- Shop for fashion and souvenirs
- Visit the historic Red House Theatre
What to eat
- Tian Tian Li (天天利美食坊) – braised pork rice
- Ah Chung Mian Xian (阿宗麵線) – vermicelli soup
- Crispy Donut (脆皮甜甜圈) – addictive street snack
- Xin Fu Tang (幸福堂) – brown sugar bubble milk
- Ruyi Sunny Cake (如邑堂) – free pastry tasting
Day 2: Explore Dihua Street & Dadaocheng
Spend the second day exploring Dihua Street, one of Taipei’s oldest and most historic streets located in the Dadaocheng district. Once a major trading hub during the Qing Dynasty, this area is now known for its preserved heritage shophouses selling tea, dried goods, traditional snacks and Chinese medicine herbs. Many of the buildings have also been restored into beautiful tea houses and cultural stores.
After exploring Dihua Street, you can take a short walk to Dadaocheng Wharf for a relaxing evening by the riverside. Once an important trading port during Taipei’s early development, the area has transformed into a scenic waterfront spot where locals gather to unwind.
As the sun begins to set, the wharf offers a peaceful atmosphere with views of the Tamsui River, making it a lovely place to slow down after a day of exploring the historic streets of Dadaocheng. Visitors can stroll along the cycling paths, enjoy street snacks from nearby stalls or simply sit by the river and watch the sunset. With the city skyline gradually lighting up and the river breeze setting in, Dadaocheng Wharf is a great place to chill and relax before heading back for dinner or continuing your evening in Taipei.
Things to do
- Visit traditional Taiwanese tea houses
- Shop for souvenirs and Taiwanese snacks
- Explore historic shophouses
Food & café spots
- ASW Tea House – modern tea bar with Taiwanese teas
- Jia Jia Peanut Candy – traditional peanut candy shop
- Summer Tree Sweet – famous pineapple cakes
Transport tip
Take the MRT Green Line to Beimen Station, then walk about 10 minutes.
Day 3: Jiufen & Shifen Day Trip
Take a scenic day trip to Jiufen and Shifen, two of the most popular destinations outside Taipei.
Jiufen is a charming mountain village famous for its lantern-lined streets, nostalgic tea houses and panoramic views of the sea. Walking through the narrow alleys feels like stepping into a different era.
After Jiufen, head to Shifen, where visitors release sky lanterns along the railway tracks. A tradition believed to carry wishes into the sky.
Highlights
- Jiufen Old Street snacks
- Traditional tea houses with mountain views
- Shifen Sky Lantern experience
- Shifen Waterfall nearby
Transport tip: Take a train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station, then bus or taxi to Jiufen.
Alternatively, you can book a tour to explore the place with transportation included.
Day 4: Shenkeng Old Street & Keelung Night Market
Head to Shenkeng Old Street, often called Taiwan’s “Tofu Street.” The area is famous for its tofu-based dishes such as braised tofu, grilled tofu and the iconic stinky tofu. The street is lively and filled with traditional snack stalls.
The area is famous for its tofu-based dishes such as braised tofu, grilled tofu and the iconic stinky tofu. The street is lively and filled with traditional snack stalls.
Spend the day exploring Keelung, a charming harbour city about 40 minutes from Taipei. Start at Zhengbin Fishing Harbor, a colourful fisherman village often compared to a mini Santorini, where waterfront cafés and vibrant houses create a picturesque setting for photos and a relaxing coffee break.
Next, head to Heping Island Park, known for its dramatic coastal rock formations and scenic ocean views. Visitors can stroll along the seaside trails, admire the unique geological landscape and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. You can pre-purchase the Heping Island Park e-ticket to explore the park.
End the day at Keelung Miaokou Night Market, one of Taiwan’s most famous night markets located near the harbour. The market is especially popular for its seafood dishes, with stalls serving local favourites such as crab soup, oyster omelette and Taiwanese tempura. It’s the perfect place to experience Keelung’s lively street food culture before returning to Taipei.
Must-try food
- Braised tofu in Shenkeng
- Stinky tofu
- Crab soup at Keelung Night Market
- Oyster omelette
- Fried tempura
Transport tip: Take the MRT Brown Line to Taipei Zoo Station, then bus to Shenkeng.
For Keelung, take a train from Taipei Main Station (40 minutes).
Day 5: Brunch & Café Hopping In Da’an
Spend your final morning exploring Da’an District, one of Taipei’s most pleasant neighbourhoods. Known for its tree-lined streets and relaxed vibe, the district is filled with stylish cafés and brunch spots. You can also visit Da’an Forest Park, often called the “Central Park of Taipei,” which offers a peaceful escape from the city.
Café recommendations
- Simple Kaffa – world-famous Taiwanese coffee
- Coffee Sind – minimalist specialty café
- Moonshine Coffee Roasters – great brunch spot
Transport tip: Take the MRT Red Line to Da’an Station.
A 5D4N Taipei trip offers the perfect balance of city exploration and nearby adventures. From café hopping in Zhongshan and Da’an to exploring historic streets like Dihua and scenic towns like Jiufen, Taipei offers an incredibly diverse travel experience.
Whether you are a food lover, café enthusiast or culture explorer, Taipei is a city that always has something new to discover.
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