Taiwan, a gem of East Asia, offers a blend of stunning natural landscapes, bustling cityscapes, and rich cultural experiences. No wonder Taiwan is a must-visit destination in Asia, not just among Filipino travelers but also foreign tourists!
This is my first solo trip to Taiwan, and I decided to explore the country for 11 days. To be honest, I had no idea what Taiwan had to offer, but I had heard a lot of positive things about it. I didn’t bother staying in the country for quite long since I could work remotely and try to live as a digital nomad. (Haha!) Filipinos can stay in Taiwan for up to 14 days without a visa, which is valid until July 31, 2025, as of this writing.
That being said, whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned solo adventurer, this solo travel guide to Taiwan is for you. In this blog post, this highlights the 11-day DIY Taiwan itinerary that provides must-see places, things to do, and everything in between.
Table of Contents
Getting Around Taiwan
Getting around Taiwan is relatively simple thanks to its well-developed transportation infrastructure. Whether you’re traveling within cities or between regions, you’ll find a variety of options to suit your needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get around Taiwan efficiently:
High-Speed Rail (HSR)
The high-speed rail (HSR) connects major cities along the west coast of Taiwan, including Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. The trains are fast, comfortable, and offer scenic views of the countryside.
Tip: You can consider buying an HSR Pass for unlimited rides within a certain period if you plan to travel extensively, such as traveling around Taiwan for 11 days!
Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA)
TRA trains connect cities and towns across Taiwan, including less-accessible areas that are not covered by the HSR. Trains include both local commuter trains and express services. Please note that this is a local train service in Taiwan which is much slower than the HSR.
Public Buses
Buses cover urban and rural areas, including places not accessible by train. Cities often use buses for short trips or areas not covered by the MRT.
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
MRT systems are available in Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taoyuan, providing efficient travel within these cities. You can purchase single-ride tickets or use an EasyCard for convenience.
The best thing about Taipei MRT is that it covers the city efficiently, with various lines connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.
Essential Travel Guide & Tips
- Transportation hubs and major tourist areas commonly use English, but learning a few basic Mandarin phrases can be helpful.
- When traveling alone, you can download some useful apps like Google Maps (this is definitely your best travel buddy, especially when solo traveling) and Taiwan Railways Administration for convenient navigation and transportation planning.
- Consider purchasing travel passes for unlimited use of public transport, especially if you plan to travel extensively within cities. For instance, if you’re traveling to Taiwan for 11 days, you can consider purchasing an HSR pass.
- Make sure to buy an EasyCard that you can use for both MRT and public buses.
- You can withdraw money from the ATM in Taiwan. Fees are cheaper and far more convenient than finding money changers. (based on experience)
Best Places to Visit Taiwan
If you’re traveling to Taiwan soon, here are some of the must-visit destinations in the country.
Northern Taiwan
- Taipei 101: An iconic skyscraper with an observation deck offering stunning city views.
- National Palace Museum: Home to an extensive collection of Chinese imperial artifacts.
- Ximending: A vibrant shopping and entertainment district with street food, fashion, and nightlife.
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: A grand monument dedicated to Taiwan’s former leader.
- Jiufen Old Street: A charming area with narrow streets lined with tea houses, souvenir shops, and street food.
- Houtong Cat Village: A village where a lot of cats live; an ideal tourist destination for cat lovers!
- Keelung Night Market: Famous for its seafood and a variety of street foods.
- Keelung Harbor: A bustling port area with waterfront promenades and seafood restaurants.
- Tamsui: A historic district known for its waterfront, street food, and old streets.
- Tiaoshi Bus Stop: A very iconic and popular bus stop in Tiaoshi. Perfect for your Instragram-feed!
- Elephant Mountain
Central Taiwan
- Rainbow Village: A colorful village turned art installation by former soldier Huang Yung-Fu, featuring vibrant murals and paintings.
- Sun Moon Lake: Taiwan’s largest lake, known for its stunning scenery. Activities include boat tours, cycling around the lake, and visiting the nearby temples.
- Alishan National Scenic Area: Famous for its sunrise views, high-altitude forests, and the historic Alishan Forest Railway.
- Cingjing Farm: A picturesque area with rolling green hills, sheep grazing, and beautiful landscapes. It’s known for its European-style architecture and cool climate.
Southern Taiwan
- Liuhe Night Market: One of Kaohsiung’s most famous night markets, known for its variety of street food and local snacks.
- Pier-2 Art Center: A former warehouse area turned into a cultural and creative park with art installations, exhibitions, and shops.
- Love River: A scenic spot for leisurely strolls or boat rides along the river, with cafes and restaurants lining the waterfront.
- Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum: A large Buddhist complex with an impressive statue and extensive grounds, offering insight into Buddhist culture and art.
- Cijin Island: A short ferry ride from Kaohsiung, known for its seafood, beaches, and historic lighthouse.
Taiwan Itinerary for 11 days
If you’re traveling to Taiwan and plan to explore the country for 11 days, here’s a sample Taiwan itinerary for 11 days. In my case, I did slow travel around Taiwan because I didn’t want to push myself to visit all of the tourist spots. What matters most is that I was able to savor the moment in every place that I’ve visited.
Of course, you can do much more and visit more tourist spots in Taiwan during your 11-day trip.
Day 1
- Arrival at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Check in at Taipei 109 Hostel
- Dinner
Day 2
- Presidential Office Building
- Futai Street Mansion
- Taipei City Wall North Gate
- Kaohsiung
- Check in at Jia’s Inn
- Night Street Market (Ximending)
Day 3
- Alishan Day Tour
- Street Night Market
Day 4
- Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area
- Back to Taipei
Day 5
- Eighty-Eightea Cafe
- Shilin Street Night Market
Day 6
- Taipei 101
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
- Street Night Market
Day 7
- Elephant Mountain
- National Palace Museum
Day 8
- Houtong Cat Village
- Jiufen Old Street
Day 9
- Tiaoshi Bus Stop
Day 10
- Free Day
- Raohe Street Night Market
Day 11
Back to Manila
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days is ideal for Taiwan?
For short-term travelers, five days are the best days to experience Taiwan. But if you want to discover more the beauty of the country, one to two weeks would be the ideal timeframe for your Taiwan trip!
Is 2 weeks too long in Taiwan?
Two weeks is enough to travel around Taiwan and experience its diverse culture, from North to Central and South.
Which month is best to visit Taiwan?
March to May is one of the best times to visit Taiwan, which is its spring season, when temperatures are mild and cherry blossoms are in bloom. Meanwhile, August to October is also considered a high season (autumn) when the weather is warm and there’s less rainfall.
Is Taiwan cheap to visit?
The cost of living in Taiwan is relatively cheap, in general. Thus, you don’t need to break the bank when you’re traveling around the country for a few days.
Taiwan’s vibrant cities, serene nature, and friendly locals make it an ideal destination for a solo trip. After staying in Taiwan for 11 days, I’ve finally understood why this East Asian country is one of the most ideal tourist destinations among tourists! If you’re heading to Taiwan soon, I hope that this Taiwan itinerary for 11 days helps!
Hey, my name is Ara Patria—a solo female traveler who is in her quest of traveling the world. I write and learn about life through the lenses of my camera, personal experiences, and adventures. Join me as I unravel the mystery of life through exploring the wanders of the world.