4-Day Taipei & northern Taiwan Itinerary: Hot Springs, Hikes, and the Best Street Food

Planning a trip to Taipei? This 4-day itinerary covers everything from relaxing hot springs to breathtaking hikes and the best night markets. Whether you’re a foodie, nature lover, or city explorer, Taipei has something for everyone.

Day 1: Relaxing at Beitou Hot Springs & Exploring Ximending

Beitou Hot Springs – The Perfect Arrival Day Activity

After a long flight, there’s no better way to adjust to the time zone than by soaking in Beitou’s famous hot springs. Choose between public baths or private resorts like Chuan Tang Spring Spa Hotel for a rejuvenating experience. It can be a trek to get to the hotsprings, but some will have shuttles to take you back to the main station.

Best Gua Bao of My Life (Near the Train Station)

Taipei is a paradise for gua bao lovers, and I stumbled upon the most flavorful Taiwanese hamburger near the Beitou train station. Soft, pillowy buns filled with juicy pork—this was easily one of the best bites of the trip! Check it out here!

Ximending Walking District – Taipei’s Trendiest Neighborhood

Known as the “Shibuya of Taipei,” Ximending is a vibrant district full of street performers, anime shops, and delicious snacks. While here, don’t miss trying:

• BBQ Mochi – Grilled to perfection with a crispy exterior and chewy center. I recommend getting it drizzled with condensed milk or peanut powder.
• Bubble tea from the original Chun Shui Tang – The birthplace of bubble tea!

Night Market Stop: Ningxia Night Market

If you still have some energy in you, head over to one of the night markets. Ningxia Night Market is a local favorite, serving authentic Taiwanese street food without the overwhelming crowds. A perfect place to grab some evening snacks before heading to bed!

Top picks:
⭐ Oyster Egg Omelette – A comforting, savory dish.
⭐ Papaya Milk – Creamy and refreshing, a popular item.
⭐ Fried Chicken – A night market classic, get the plum seasoning!

Day 2: Hiking Teapot Mountain & Jiufen Old Street

Teapot Mountain Trail – Breathtaking Coastal Views

Start your day with a scenic hike up Teapot Mountain Trail (無耳茶壺山登山步道), offering panoramic views of Taiwan’s northeast coast. It’s a moderate hike, taking about 2-3 hours round trip, and is perfect for adventure seekers.

Golden Waterfall – A Quick Stop for Stunning Photos

If time allows, make a short detour to Golden Waterfall, where mineral-rich water cascades over golden-hued rocks—a true natural wonder.

Jiufen Old Street – A Nostalgic Lantern-Lit Town

Though touristy, Jiufen Old Street (九份老街) is a must-visit. Wander through narrow alleys filled with tea houses, street food, and breathtaking mountain views.
🚰 Pro Tip: Grab a bottle of water before heading down the street—there aren’t many places to buy it once inside!

Night Market Stop: Raohe Night Market

Save your appetite for tonight! Head back to Taipei and stop at one of the most popular night markets. For the ultimate introduction to Taiwan’s street food, head to Raohe Night Market. Be prepared for crowds! Some must-try dishes:
⭐ Fuzhou Black Pepper Bun – A crispy, juicy bun filled with marinated pork.
⭐ Papaya Milk – A night market classic!
⭐ Mochi baby – Mochi perfection at a Michelin star stand.

Day 3: Bitoujiao Trail & Keelung’s Seafood Paradise

Bitoujiao Trail – Coastal Hike with Jaw-Dropping Views

If you love hiking, Bitoujiao Trail (鼻頭角步道) is a must. This trail offers stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and an easy, well-paved walking path. Most beginners can accomplish this hike!

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Exploring Keelung – Taiwan’s Port City

After your morning hike, take a trip to Keelung, a bustling harbor town known for fresh seafood and street food markets.

Top things to do:

• Visit Keelung Maritime Plaza for waterfront views.
• Explore Zhengbin Fishing Port, famous for its rainbow-colored houses.
• Wander through Miaokou Night Market, known for its incredible seafood.

Keelung Night Market (Seafood Lover’s Dream!)

Keelung’s Miaokou Night Market is one of Taiwan’s best night markets, especially for seafood.

Must-try dishes:
⭐ Pao Pao Bing – Taiwanese sorbet, we loved the passionfruit!
⭐ Crispy Deep Fried Crab – Perfectly crisp and seasoned.
⭐ Ding Bian Cuo – A light, nourishing fish-based soup located in Dianji Temple courtyard. Thought to be one of the OG food stands!

Day 4: Iconic Taipei – Elephant Mountain, Taipei 101 & Pokémon Center

Traditional Taiwanese Breakfast

Start your day at a mom-and-pop breakfast joint. If you’re walking downtown, you’ll see several shops open with customers in line. If you prefer, wake up early to grab a spot in line at a sought after soy milk spot like Fu Hang Soy Milk (阜杭豆漿).

Classic breakfast items to order:
⭐ Youtiao (Fried Dough Stick) & Soy Milk – Perfectly crispy and lightly sweet (try the savory soy milk!)
⭐ Dan Bing (Taiwanese Egg Crepe) – So classic and satisfying.

Elephant Mountain (象山) – The Best View of Taipei

Hike up Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) for a breathtaking, postcard-perfect view of Taipei 101. It’s a short but steep hike—about 20-30 minutes to the top—but the panoramic view is well worth the effort. The stairs are quite uneven, so watch your footing if they’re wet or if you’re with people with poor balance!

Taipei 101 & Pokémon Center

After your hike, head to Taipei 101, the tallest skyscraper in Taiwan. If you’re a Pokémon fan, don’t miss the Pokémon Center in Taipei 101 Mall—it’s made my elementary school dreams come true!

Early Dinner at Addiction Aquatic Development (Taipei Fish Market)

For an unforgettable final meal in Taipei, visit Addiction Aquatic Development (上引水產), an upscale seafood market offering sashimi, sushi, grilled seafood, and more.

Must-try dishes:
⭐ Otoro Sashimi – You’ll wish you had more!
⭐ Grilled Chin Fish – Cooked to perfection.

Where to stay

We had a wonderful stay at Via Hotel, which was a short distance from Taipei Train Station. It was reasonably priced, centrally located to many things, and they had free snacks daily!

Final Thoughts

This 4-day Taipei itinerary offers the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and delicious food. Whether you’re soaking in hot springs, hiking along coastal cliffs, or indulging in night market street food, Taipei offers something for everyone.

Planning a trip to Taipei? Let me know in the comments which spot excites you the most!