HazelDiary

Discovering the hidden gems of Keelung on a day trip from Taipei is recommended to any frequent travelers in Taiwan. Situated northeast of Taipei along the picturesque north coast, Keelung is referred to as the “Port of Taipei” offers a blend of cultural experiences, culinary delights, and scenic landscapes that are sure to captivate your interest.  

Here is my guide to making the most of your Taipei to Keelung day trip goes:

By Train: There are several ways to travel from Taipei to Keelung, catering to different preferences and budgets. The most popular option is by train, with frequent services departing from Taipei Main Station, Songshan Station, or Nangang Station. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour, offering scenic views along the way.

By Bus: Alternatively, you can opt for a bus ride, with routes departing from various stations in Taipei City. We opt for the 30 minutes bus ride (Bus 1800) from Taipei City Hall Bus Staton to Keelung City. We went on a weekday, so the road traffic was smooth. It is not recommended to take the bus on weekends or public holidays as the road traffic can be congested.

TIPS: Since the bus will go through the highway route, there will be a seat for every passenger. So, no need to worry about standing on the bus throughout the journey. The bus driver will not accept standing passengers. 
Your Easycard can be used for bus ride too. You can pre-purchase it here.
Quote "HAZELOFFKLOOK" to enjoy S$5 off when you book with KLOOK.

By Car:If you prefer the flexibility of driving, you can pre-book your private car here or check with hotel to assist you on getting a taxi/cab allowing you to explore Keelung at your own pace.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture at Ren’ai Market, a bustling marketplace teeming with activity. Here, you’ll discover an array of fresh produce, local delicacies, and unique souvenirs waiting to be explored. Take your time navigating the market, indulging in authentic Taiwanese snacks, and engaging with the welcoming vendors.

Venture to the second level of the market, where a plethora of stalls beckon with fresh sashimi and seafood delights. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample fresh oysters and prawns at affordable prices from one of the stalls. For those craving sashimi treats, there are plenty of options to satisfy your palate.

Additionally, explore the classic and modern coffee shops located on the same level. Treat yourself to a satisfying lunch before the next stop.

Opening Hours: Daily 8:00AM-5:00PM

Address: No. 21號, Aisan Rd, Ren’ai District, Keelung City, Taiwan 200

Begin your exploration at the vibrant Keelung Harbour, where you can stroll along the Maritime Plaza and admire the breathtaking views of the coastline. Take a moment to relax by the water, soaking in the bustling atmosphere of this historic port city.

Originally named Takasago, Zhongshan Bridge stands as Taiwan’s oldest railway bridge, connecting the immigrant settlement of Seine-Tsai-Liu to Keelung Train Station. Its distinctive blue structure, reminiscent of the historical passage in Takasagomachi during Japanese occupation, has been a witness to over 40 years of Keelung’s history. For locals, it holds cherished childhood memories of trains arriving and departing, though now its role has shifted with the construction of a semi-underground railway.

Today, Zhongshan Bridge serves as a nostalgic shortcut from Keelung Train Station to An 1st Road, inviting visitors to explore the area’s local cuisine. In the cinematic masterpiece “Millennium Mambo,” directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien, the bridge takes on a mesmerizing allure, especially in the iconic opening scene featuring actress Shu Qi dancing in the midnight air, embodying a sense of freedom against the dreamy backdrop of Zhongshan Bridge.

To reach Zhengbin Fishing Harbor, a scenic waterfront area renowned for its vibrant buildings and breathtaking vistas, you have the option to either catch a bus from the main station or hail a cab. Once there, take your time exploring the harbor’s picturesque surroundings and capturing memorable photos against the beautiful backdrop.

After capturing your desired shots, consider taking a stroll around and visiting one of the cozy cafes nestled nearby for a cup of tea or coffee. The cafes here are nice to chill and savor the tranquil ambiance before the next stop.

Conclude your day with a visit to Zhongzheng Park, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Keelung and beyond. Marvel at the towering Guan Yin statue and soak in the tranquil ambiance of this scenic park before heading back to Taipei. We decided not to visit the park and went back to the station and took a bus back to Taipei city.

No trip to Keelung is truly complete without immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Miaokou Night Market. With some stalls opening as early as 4pm, embark on a culinary journey through a plethora of street food delights. From delectable oyster omelets to refreshing peanut ice, there’s something to tantalize every palate.

For an unforgettable experience, plan your visit on a Saturday or Sunday night to witness the mesmerizing glow of the iconic yellow lanterns illuminating the lively streets.

In summary, embarking on a day trip to Keelung from Taipei offers an enriching opportunity to immerse yourself in the allure and heritage of this historic port city. Diverging from the typical tourist attractions of Taipei, Keelung provides a tranquil escape where you can savor moments of serenity and embrace the local culture.

Moreover, Keelung’s proximity to Jiufen Old Street and the hiking trails of Yangmingshan Mountain presents the perfect opportunity for a comprehensive exploration of the region. If you’re traveling by private car, you can easily incorporate these destinations into your Taiwan itinerary for a day of discovery.

Taipei, Taiwan has always been one of the top favourite travel destinations for Singaporeans and Malaysians. Like Japan, I do visit Taiwan from time to time for the beautiful nature, good food, Chinese culture and meeting my Taiwanese friends. All these it’s possible to do Free & from Taipei using their metro system or hire a private car service. Read More

During my 4 days trip to Taipei, Taiwan last month, I visited Nung Chan Monastery. The monastery is located at Beitou District, Taipei, Taiwan. It is formally in 1975 by Ven. Dongchu, a scholar monk and disciple of renowned Chinese Buddhist Master Taixu. It’s named ‘ Farming Ch’an ‘ as its early residents dedicated themselves to Ch’an practice and grew their own food. (taken from Wikipedia). Read More

*Updated January 2024*

On my latest visit to Taipei, my experience took a unique turn compared to my previous trips. This time, I dedicated half a day to venture beyond Taipei and explore Thousand Island Lake (千島湖) in Shiding. Unlike popular tourist destinations, this hidden gem is not well-known, as evidenced by our private cab driver of 42 years who had never been here before. Interestingly, it has started gaining attention among tourists, particularly after the impact of Covid where everyone is restricted to travelling.
Read More

I am back to Taipei, Taiwan on the last week of December 2018 for a short gateway and visited Fei Qian Wu 肥前屋 for dinner. Fei Qian Wu 肥前屋 is known for its famous unagi don or unadon in Taipei. The restaurant is established over 50 years ago by a Taiwanese-Japanese family. We were there around 4.20pm and started to queue for early dinner. We were 2nd in line and the restaurant is open for dinner at 5pm. So, yeah! We queued for 40 minutes for this. Read More

Lu Rou Fan or we called it Braised Pork Rice 滷肉飯 is listed top Taiwanese cuisine all time. It is a Taiwanese specialty dish that is simple and comforting. Braised pork rice bowl in savoury, rice sauce and drizzled over the rice. Yummy! Our hotel receptionist recommended Huang Ji Braised Pork Rice that is located near to Aloft Hotel Taipei Zhongshan.It is also located next to Qingguang market and 7-eleven convenience store near to the hotel. Read More

During my short trip to Taiwan with my family few months back, we headed to Houli Township, Taichung to visit the famous Zhong She Guan Guang Flower Market. It is also known as Chung She Tourist Flower Market. The flower market or field features the beautiful landscape gardens and all year round flower carnival perfect for photo taking. The flowers here changes according to season thus visitors like us will have different view and experience. Read More

Just like Singapore, Taipei’s café culture has been trending over the past few years. So during my recent trip to Taipei, I did café hopping with my foodie friends. The cafes here are so different from Singapore and Malaysia. It is a place not just for food and drinks, but also an instagram-worthy spots for photography too. Each café has own unique concept and designs. The locals here also enjoyed hanging out in cafes for hours. It is a part of the current lifestyle now. Read More

During my Taiwan holiday, I stayed 2 different hotels and one of it is Aloft Hotel Taipei Zhongshan. Aloft Taipei Zhongshan is one of the luxury hotels under Starwood Hotels & Resorts that delivers a fresh, fun and fulfilling reinvention of the travel experience. True enough that each Aloft Hotels has different theme and concept. Aloft Taipei Zhongshan showcases the vibrant and arty-farty lifestyle concept. Hotel guests can instantly feel the moment you enter into the hotel lobby. Read More