Taipei sits in a basin ringed by mountains, with the sea to the north and east, and the variety of landscapes within a couple of hours is one of the best things about the city. Some trips are short and easy, others long but unforgettable. Here are the best of them, from simplest to most ambitious, with notes on how to get there and what to expect.
Tamsui: an easy half day
Ride the red MRT line to its terminus, about forty minutes from the main station, for a riverside walk, a historic fort, snacks on the Old Street and a sunset over the water. It needs no booking, works in most weather and is a gentle introduction to Taiwan’s history as a trading port. Go in the mid-afternoon and stay for the lights.
Beitou and Yangmingshan: hot springs and volcanoes
A short MRT ride north brings you to Beitou, home of a thermal valley and Japanese-era bathhouses, and above it lies Yangmingshan National Park, with volcanic landscapes, hiking trails and seasonal flowers. A guided tour links the highlights and saves you working out the buses, and a soak in a hot-spring bath is a perfect way to finish the day.
Wulai: mountain village and waterfall
An hour south of the city, Wulai is an Atayal village on a river, with an old street of snacks, a miniature scenic train, a tall waterfall and natural hot springs. Take the MRT to Xindian and then a bus, or join a guided tour. It makes a relaxed half day and is particularly pleasant in winter.
Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu: the northeast coast
This is the classic Taipei day trip: strange rock formations at the Yehliu Geopark, a hillside tea town of lanterns and narrow alleys at Jiufen, and the railway town of Shifen, where visitors release sky lanterns above the tracks and visit a wide waterfall. Guided tours cover all three in one day, and the experience is memorable, though the coast is often wet and cloudy, so bring a rain jacket. Weekdays are far quieter than weekends, and starting early is the key to avoiding the crowds in Jiufen. Independent travellers can use trains to Ruifang and local buses, which is cheaper and more flexible but requires more planning.
Taroko Gorge: the grand canyon
Taiwan’s most dramatic natural attraction lies on the east coast, near Hualien. It is a long day from Taipei, either by express train and taxi or on a guided tour, and many travellers stay overnight to enjoy the gorge at a gentler pace. The marble cliffs, turquoise river, tunnels and waterfall trails make it unforgettable. Check trail conditions before you go, since rockfalls and earthquakes sometimes close sections.
Sun Moon Lake: mountain water
Taiwan’s largest lake lies in the central mountains, about two to three hours from Taipei by high-speed rail and coach. Temples, a pagoda, a cable car, lake cruises and a cycle path give you plenty to do, and the Assam tea is a local pleasure. A day trip is possible but long, and staying a night is more relaxing.
Choosing between them
If you have one day, Jiufen, Shifen and Yehliu are the safest choice. If you love hiking and scenery, Taroko wins. For a relaxing day with hot springs, choose Wulai or Beitou. If the weather is unsettled, pick a short trip such as Tamsui or Wulai that you can cut short, and keep the longer trips for clear forecasts.
Booking tips
Small-group tours usually sell out in busy periods, so book a few days ahead. Check the departure point, since many tours leave from Ximending or Zhongxiao Xinsheng station, and ask about lunch and entry fees. For independent travel, buy an EasyCard, check last train times and keep some cash for rural stalls and buses. Always check the weather and any transport warnings before you set out, and keep a flexible plan if a typhoon or heavy rain is forecast.
Where to stay
A base near Taipei Main Station is ideal for day trips, since trains, buses and the airport rail line all start there. Many tours also pick up from stations around the city, so any central hotel on the red or blue MRT lines will work.
