Best day trips from Taipei (with a simple decision framework)
Taipei is an ideal base for easy day trips—choose between old towns, coastlines, hikes, hot springs, and lantern villages with minimal planning friction.
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A close-to-Taipei day trip that’s all about pacing: snack your way through Shenkeng’s tofu street, then slow down for a calm Shiding stroll before returning to the city.
Best for
Food missions, slow travel, shorter day trips
Pace
Easy
Rule
One food stop + one slow-stroll stop
Highlights
- A short-transit day trip for food lovers
- A calm alternative to the busiest ‘headline’ day trips
- Easy to expand with Maokong tea hills if you want a fuller day
Late morning: Shenkeng Old Street (tofu-focused snack crawl)
Start hungry. Shenkeng is a “food street” day: pick one anchor dish, then graze. Keep it light—this itinerary works because you don’t overcommit to a single meal.
- Do one scouting lap first
- Share bites when possible
- Take a short walk break between snacks
Afternoon: Shiding Old Street (quiet pace, local vibe)
Use Shiding as your calm contrast. This is about slowing down: a short stroll, a pause by the river, and the feeling of “small-town Taiwan” near the city.
If you’re tired, treat Shiding as optional and return to Taipei earlier—this is meant to feel gentle.
- Keep the stroll short and unhurried
- Café/tea break if you find one you like
- Return to Taipei before evening rush if you prefer easier transit
Optional upgrade: Maokong tea hills to finish
If you want a fuller day, add Maokong in the late afternoon for tea and views. This keeps the day coherent: food → calm walking → tea hills.
Keep exploring
Hand-picked next reads to make your Taipei plan smoother.
Ready to plan your next stop?
Start with a simple loop: one neighborhood stroll, one iconic sight, and one night market. Taipei rewards balance.
Tip: hours, prices, and seasonal schedules can change. When something matters (like a museum ticket or a special exhibition), check the official listing before you go.