Taiwan Travel Guide for Beginners 🇹🇼 | Perfect Itinerary & Recommended Hotels

Taiwan Travel Guide for Beginners 🇹🇼 | Perfect Itinerary & Recommended Hotels

Taiwan is a fantastic travel destination with its close proximity and diverse attractions, making it an easy trip even for first-time travelers. However, planning your first visit can be overwhelming, from creating an itinerary to understanding transportation and must-see spots. This guide provides everything you need for a hassle-free trip to Taiwan, including a perfect itinerary and must-visit attractions.

대만 여행 초보 필독! 🇹🇼 실패 없는 일정 & 시저 메트로 타이베이 추천 숙소 총정리

 

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📌 Essential Taiwan Travel Information

✅ Taiwan's Climate & Best Travel Seasons

Taiwan has a subtropical climate, meaning its weather varies significantly depending on the season.

• Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures, cherry blossoms, and rapeseed flowers in bloom
• Summer (June–September): Hot and humid with frequent typhoons
• Autumn (October–November): Cool, clear weather—ideal for travel
• Winter (December–February): Warm in the south (Kaohsiung), but cooler in the north (Taipei)

👉 Recommended travel seasons: October–November (Autumn), March–May (Spring)

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✅ Essential Travel Items for Taiwan

• Passport & Entry Documents: South Koreans can stay visa-free for up to 90 days
• Cash & Credit Cards: Some night markets and small stores only accept cash
• SIM Card or eSIM: Essential for stable internet access
• Power Adapter: Taiwan uses 110V plugs (different from South Korea)

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📌 Transportation & Ticket Booking in Taiwan

• Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) Reservation
  🚄 Taipei ↔ Kaohsiung: Book in advance for up to 35% off
• Taipei MRT Map & Transport Info
  🚇 Find train schedules and fare information
• EasyCard (Transportation Card)
  🚆 Used for MRT, buses, and even some stores. Learn how to recharge & where to use it
• KLOOK – Taiwan Transportation & Tour Bookings
  🚕 Pre-book airport transfers, taxis, train tickets, and tours (like releasing sky lanterns in Shifen!)

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📌 Taiwan Itinerary Guide – Recommended Routes

Taiwan has many attractions, so it's important to plan your itinerary based on location and transportation efficiency. Below is a suggested itinerary for first-time travelers.

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🎯 [4 Days, 3 Nights] Taiwan Highlights Itinerary (Beginner-Friendly)

📍 Day 1 – Taipei City Exploration

✅ Arrive at Taoyuan Airport → Take Airport MRT to the city
✅ Longshan Temple (Taiwan’s most famous temple)
✅ Ximending (Taiwan’s version of Myeongdong, famous for shopping & street food)
✅ Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (Iconic landmark dedicated to former president Chiang Kai-shek)
✅ Shilin Night Market (Taiwan’s largest night market)

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📍 Day 2 – Day Trip to Nearby Attractions (Yehliu, Shifen, Jiufen, Jinguashi)

✅ Yehliu Geopark (Unique rock formations and stunning ocean views)
✅ Shifen (Sky lantern experience in a railway village)
✅ Jinguashi (Old gold mining town with Japanese-style buildings and scenic views)
✅ Jiufen (Famous for its resemblance to Spirited Away with its red lanterns and teahouses)
✅ Return to Taipei and have dinner at Yongkang Street

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📍 Day 3 – Taipei Suburbs or Kaohsiung Trip

👉 Option 1: Continue exploring Taipei (Beitou Hot Springs & Tamsui)
👉 Option 2: Take the high-speed rail (THSR) to Kaohsiung (Southern city adventure)

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📍 Day 4 – Shopping & Final Sightseeing Before Departure

✅ Yongkang Street (Try Taiwan’s famous mango shaved ice & local delicacies)
✅ Taipei 101 (Taiwan’s tallest skyscraper, visit the observation deck)
✅ Last-minute shopping before heading to the airport

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✅ Useful Taiwan Tourism Websites

👉 Taiwan Tourism Bureau Official Website
🇹🇼 The official guide for Taiwan travel, featuring the latest attractions and events
👉 Taipei Tourism Bureau Official Site
🗺️ Explore Taipei’s city landmarks, restaurants, and event schedules
👉 KKday – Taiwan Tours & Activities Booking
🌏 Korean-language support! Book Jiufen, Yehliu, hot spring tours, and more
👉 Taiwanese Night Markets & Local Food Reviews
🍜 Find Michelin-rated restaurants and local food recommendations

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📌 Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Taiwan

① Taipei 101 🏙️

Taiwan’s most famous landmark! Take the world’s fastest elevator to the 89th-floor observatory for a stunning view of Taipei.

📍 Location: Central Taipei
🚇 How to get there: Take the MRT to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station
🎟️ Admission: ~600 NTD (for the observatory)
👉 Official Taipei 101 Website

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② Jiufen 🏮

This nostalgic mountain village is famous for inspiring Spirited Away and its beautiful red lantern-lit streets. You can also enjoy authentic Taiwanese street food.

📍 Location: About 1 hour from Taipei
🚌 How to get there: Take a train from Taipei Main Station + transfer to a bus

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③ Shilin Night Market 🍢

Taiwan’s largest and most famous night market, perfect for trying local street food like giant fried chicken (ji pai), grilled squid, and bubble tea.

📍 Location: Taipei
🚇 How to get there: Take the MRT to Jiantan Station

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④ Beitou Hot Springs ♨️

A natural hot spring area near Taipei where you can experience Japanese-style onsen (hot baths). Perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring.

📍 Location: Northern Taipei
🚇 How to get there: Take the MRT to Beitou Station → Transfer to Xinbeitou Station

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⑤ Kaohsiung – Liuhe Night Market & Dragon and Tiger Pagodas 🏮

Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s largest southern city, is famous for its lively night markets and ocean views. The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are a must-see cultural landmark.

📍 Location: Kaohsiung
🚄 How to get there: Take the THSR from Taipei (1.5-hour ride)

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Final Thoughts

Taiwan is a fantastic destination for both first-time and seasoned travelers. With its vibrant culture, delicious food, and efficient transportation, it offers an unforgettable experience. Whether you're exploring the bustling streets of Taipei, releasing sky lanterns in Shifen, or enjoying a relaxing hot spring in Beitou, Taiwan has something for everyone.

📌 Planning a trip? Save this guide and start your Taiwan adventure today! 🚀

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📌 Ultimate Taiwan Transportation Guide 🚆

When traveling in Taiwan, using MRT (subway), buses, taxis, and high-speed rail (THSR) will make your trip much more convenient.

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✅ MRT (Subway) – A Must for Traveling in Taipei & Kaohsiung

The most efficient way to get around Taiwan.

• Taipei MRT: Covers key attractions such as Ximending, Longshan Temple, Taipei 101, and Beitou
• Kaohsiung MRT: Convenient for visiting Liuhe Night Market, Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, and Sizihwan
• Essential Transport Cards:
  • EasyCard or HoKa Card offers discounted fares on public transportation.

🚇 Fare: 20–65 NTD (Varies by distance)
💡 TIP: For quick and convenient travel from the airport to Taipei, use the Airport MRT (160 NTD).

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✅ High-Speed Rail (THSR) – Best for Long-Distance Travel 🚄

If you're traveling between cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, or Taichung, Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) is the fastest option.

• Taipei → Kaohsiung: ~1 hour 30 minutes (Around 1,500 NTD one-way)
• Taipei → Taichung: ~1 hour (Around 700 NTD one-way)
• Discounted Tickets: Foreigners can get up to 35% off by booking early on the official THSR website.

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✅ Buses & Taxis – Convenient for Short-Distance Travel

• Buses: Great for places that MRT doesn’t reach, such as Yehliu, Shifen, and Jiufen.
• Taxis: Starting fare is 70 NTD, a comfortable way to reach your destination. (Uber is also available in Taiwan.)

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✅ Weather & Exchange Rate Information

👉 Taiwan Central Weather Bureau (🌦️ Check typhoon warnings & real-time weather)
👉 Real-time Exchange Rates (💰 Monitor KRW-TWD exchange rate fluctuations on Naver)

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📌 Must-Try Foods in Taiwan 🍜

Taiwan is a food paradise! Here are the top must-try dishes and restaurants.

🥟 1. Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐) – The Original Xiao Long Bao

• Signature Dishes: Soup dumplings, shrimp fried rice
• Locations: Taipei 101 branch, Ximending, and more
  💡 TIP: Long waiting times! Get a queue number in advance.

🍜 2. Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodles (阿宗麵線) – Taiwan’s Iconic Noodle Dish

• Signature Dish: Thick, savory noodle soup with pork intestines
• Location: Ximending Main Store
  💡 TIP: No seating available—eat while standing outside.

🥤 3. Chun Shui Tang (春水堂) – The Original Bubble Tea

• Signature Drinks: Pearl milk tea, fruit teas
• Locations: Various branches in Taipei

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📌 Must-Buy Souvenirs from Taiwan 🛍️

End your trip with some great shopping! Here are the best souvenirs from Taiwan.

🎁 1. Pineapple Cakes (鳳梨酥) – Taiwan’s Famous Pastry

• Recommended Brands: Sun Merry, ChiaTe

🎁 2. Bubble Tea-Related Products

• Popular Items: Bubble tea bags, brown sugar syrup

🎁 3. Duty-Free Beauty Products

• Top Picks: Mediheal face masks, Taiwanese herbal skincare

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📌 Taiwan Travel Tips & Things to Watch Out For

✅ 1. Taiwan Uses 110V Power & Type A Plug
Taiwan’s voltage is different from Korea’s, so bring a travel adapter!

✅ 2. Toilet Paper Disposal Rules
Most public restrooms in Taiwan do not allow flushing toilet paper—use designated bins instead.

✅ 3. Be Cautious About Street Food Hygiene
Taiwanese night markets have amazing food, but check the cleanliness before eating.

✅ 4. Taiwan’s Humid Weather – Dress Accordingly
Taiwan is hot and humid, so wear light clothing for comfort.

✅ 5. Need a Korean-Speaking Guide?
If you don’t speak English or Mandarin, book a tour with a Korean-speaking guide via KKday or KLOOK.

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🎯 Taiwan Travel Summary & Final Tips

✅ First-time in Taiwan?

• Recommended Itinerary: 4 Days, 3 Nights in Taipei
  (Jiufen, Shilin Night Market, and Taipei 101 are must-visits!)
• Use MRT + EasyCard for cheaper transport
• Must-eat foods: Lu Rou Fan, Xiao Long Bao, Bubble Tea

✅ Top Things to Do in Taiwan

• Explore Night Markets & Street Food 🍢
• Release Sky Lanterns in Shifen 🏮
• Experience Hot Springs in Beitou ♨️

✅ Shopping List

• Pineapple Cakes, Bubble Tea Souvenirs, and Herbal Skincare 🎁

💡 Now you’re all set for an amazing Taiwan trip!
Use this guide to make your Taiwan adventure unforgettable. ✈️🇹🇼

 

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