Taipei in 3–4 Days: A City That Rewards the Unhurried Approach

The most underrated capital city in Asia

Taipei consistently surprises visitors who’ve come with modest expectations. The food scene is extraordinary (night markets are just the beginning), the people are genuinely warm, public transport is excellent, and the surrounding landscapes — gorges, hot springs, mountain trails — are accessible within an hour from the city center. I spent 10 days here and didn’t feel it was too long.

Day 1: Taipei 101 area and Xinyi

Taipei 101 observation deck (NT$600) is worth it for the views, though the tower is more impressive from a distance than from inside. Xinyi District has excellent food stalls and the Eslite 24-hour bookstore-café-mall hybrid that’s a Taipei institution. Evening: the Ningxia Night Market is small enough to navigate and has excellent local food — oyster vermicelli, pork ribs rice, and freshly made tanghulu.

Day 2: Jiufen and the northeast coast

A 90-minute bus from Taipei (NT$96), Jiufen’s hillside teahouses and narrow lanes inspired Spirited Away — it’s a genuinely beautiful place even with the tour groups. Arrive at 4pm, stay for sunset, take the evening bus back. Combine with Jinguashi gold mining museum nearby if time allows.

Day 3: Beitou hot springs and Maokong

Beitou’s sulfuric hot springs are accessible by MRT — public bathhouse from NT$40. Maokong gondola (MRT to Taipei Zoo, then gondola up the mountain) leads to tea houses overlooking the city. Taiwan oolong tea is excellent and the mountain atmosphere is worth the trip.