Taipei Weekend in 3 Days: Jiufen, Shifen, EasyCard and Night Markets

Why Taipei works so well for a short trip

Taipei is compact, safe and well connected, with a dense MRT network and food that is excellent value. That makes it one of the easiest cities in Asia to enjoy on a long weekend, especially if you are already in the region.

There are two airports. Songshan Airport sits inside the city and connects directly to the MRT. Most international flights use Taoyuan International Airport, where the Airport MRT express reaches Taipei Main Station in about 35 to 40 minutes for about 150 to 160 New Taiwan dollars (about 5 USD). Taipei Main Station, Ximending and the Zhongshan area are the most convenient places to stay.

Day 1: Ximending, Longshan Temple and your first night market

If you land in the morning, drop your bags at the hotel and start in Ximending, a lively pedestrian shopping district. Longshan Temple is within walking distance, so pair the two in the afternoon. Many locals come to pray, so keep your voice down and avoid blocking the worship areas.

In the evening, go to a night market. Shilin is the largest and a good all-round first choice. Raohe is smaller and denser with food, and it sits right next to MRT Songshan Station, which makes it handy if you flew into Songshan Airport.

Day 2: Day trip to Shifen and Jiufen (optionally Yehliu)

The classic day trip is releasing a sky lantern in Shifen and then watching dusk settle over the narrow lanes of Jiufen. Adding Yehliu Geopark makes a full circuit that involves many transfers by public transport, so a lot of visitors choose a one-day bus tour instead.

Doing it yourself, the usual order is a train from Taipei to Ruifang, a change onto the small Pingxi Line to Shifen, then back to Ruifang and a bus or taxi up to Jiufen. A single-color sky lantern costs about 200 to 250 New Taiwan dollars. Jiufen is busiest from late afternoon, and on weekends its alleys can be packed, so allow extra time.

• Direct bus to Jiufen: route 1062 departs near MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing
• Check last train and bus times in advance; queues for the return can be long
• The northeast coast gets frequent rain, so pack an umbrella or rain jacket

Day 3: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Yongkang Street and Taipei 101

Start at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and time your visit for the hourly changing of the guard if you want to see it. Then walk to Yongkang Street for beef noodle soup or mango shaved ice.

In the afternoon, head to Taipei 101 for the observatory, which costs about 600 New Taiwan dollars, or simply browse the Xinyi district malls around it. Leave generous time to collect your luggage and reach the airport.

Getting around: the EasyCard covers almost everything

The EasyCard works on the MRT, city buses, the Airport MRT, many regular train routes and at convenience stores. You can buy one at the airport, MRT stations or convenience stores, and top it up with cash at station machines or store counters.

Eating and drinking, even water, is prohibited inside MRT stations and trains, and fines can apply, so finish your bubble tea before the gates. Taxis are metered and generally honest, which makes them a reasonable option late at night or with luggage.

How to choose a night market

Most night markets come alive around 5 to 6 p.m. and run late. Rather than filling up at one stall, share small portions and graze as you walk. Many vendors are cash-only, so carry small notes.

• Shilin: the biggest; a safe choice for a first visit
• Raohe: one straight street, easy to navigate and food-focused
• Ningxia: central, near Zhongshan, with a strong local food focus

Weekend timing tips that make a big difference

Weekends are when locals head out too, so Jiufen, Shifen and the big night markets are at their busiest on Saturday and Sunday. If your dates allow, do the day trip on Friday and keep the weekend for the city. If not, start the day trip early and aim to reach Shifen before the late-morning tour buses arrive.

Taiwan's weather changes quickly, especially on the northeast coast, and summer brings heat, sudden showers and the occasional typhoon. Check the forecast the night before your day trip and keep a city-based plan B ready, such as museums, Beitou hot springs or a café-hopping afternoon in Zhongshan.

Finally, cash still matters here. Hotels, malls and chain restaurants accept cards, but night market stalls, small eateries and EasyCard top-ups are mostly cash. Withdrawing a moderate amount at an airport or convenience store ATM on arrival saves time later.

Budget: 3 days per person

Figures use roughly 30 to 33 New Taiwan dollars per US dollar and exclude flights. A mid-range hotel in the city center costs about 2,500 to 4,500 New Taiwan dollars per night for the room.

• City transit on the EasyCard: about 100 to 200 per day
• Airport transfers, round trip: about 60 to 320 depending on the airport
• Food: about 600 to 1,200 per day
• Day tour: about 1,000 to 1,800 for a bus tour, depending on inclusions
• Total excluding accommodation: about 3,000 to 5,500 New Taiwan dollars (about 95 to 175 USD)

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