Best Day Trips From Taipei, Taiwan

Shifen

Nestled amidst the mountains of Taiwan, Shifen is a scenic area renowned for its enchanting sky lanterns on Shifen Old Street and the stunning Shifen Waterfall, often referred to as the Niagara Falls of Taiwan. The journey to Shifen itself is a treat, as you travel along the picturesque Pingxi Branch Rail Line, which offers breathtaking views of the landscape. It really makes you feel like you’re in a Ghibli movie.

The combination of the majestic waterfall, the vibrant atmosphere of launching wish-filled lanterns into the sky, and the charming old street shops makes Shifen a perfect day trip destination. The vibe here is so relaxing, and you can really experience a sneak peek into life in Taiwan’s countryside. Even if you don’t launch a lantern yourself, just standing on the active train tracks and watching the creative, diverse ways different humans write and send their wishes into the sky is an experience in itself.

Getting There: Take a train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station, then transfer to the Pingxi Line to Shifen Station. The total travel time is about 1.5 to 2 hours. The line can be crowded on weekends!

• For a more convenient option, consider joining a day tour that includes a stop at Shifen along with other nearby attractions.
• Ruifang Station has a dedicated baggage storage room (and electronic lockers) located right next to the station exit. In case you are carrying heavy bags, you can store them there for a few hundred NTD so you can explore the old street stairs completely hands-free.
• Once you finish exploring Shifen Old Street, getting to the Shifen Waterfall is incredibly straightforward. It is roughly a 20-to-30 minute walk along a mostly paved, flat path. You won’t need a map or a taxi for this segment—the route is highly intuitive, and you can easily just follow the stream of other travelers walking in the same direction.

Jiufen

Jiufen, also known as Taiwan’s ‘Spirited Away’ town, is a charming mountain village in New Taipei City, just an hour from Taipei. It looks like a real-life depiction of the famous Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away; Jiufen offers stunning views and a magical atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination in Taiwan!

Things to do in Jiufen:

• Stroll Along Jiufen Old Street: Wander through the bustling streets filled with shops and stalls. A good chance to get souvenirs, you’ll find many spirited away themed items and handcrafted goods. I grabbed this chance to buy and send myself a beautiful postcard!
• Visit A-Mei Tea House: Enjoy a serene moment at this iconic tea house, known for its beautiful views and traditional tea offerings. The hanging lanterns make it absolutely breathtaking. Take your time to unwind and savor the tranquil surroundings over a cup of tea.
  • Insider Pro-Tip: Instead of fighting the heavy crowds to get inside A-Mei, you can also head directly onto the outdoor terrace of the Skyline Tea House located right across from it. This is the absolute best vantage point in the entire village to get that legendary, unobstructed photo of A-Mei’s glowing red lanterns as dusk sets in. However, the crowds can be heavy during weekends!
• Indulge in Local Delicacies: Don’t miss the chance to sample delicious local snacks and treats. Jiufen is known for taro balls, unique peanut ice cream rolls with cilantro, herbal rice cakes, etc. If you’re a food-lover and like trying new foods, you’re going to enjoy yourself here!

Getting There: Take a train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station, then catch Bus #965. The buses can be crowded during weekends, especially on your way back when everyone is leaving after watching the area light up!

• For a more convenient option: Consider joining a day tour that takes you to both Shifen and Jiufen.
• The Bus Bottleneck Reality: Be prepared for a wait on your return journey. We personally had to watch and miss a few fully packed buses pass by before we were finally able to get a seat on one heading back down. Make sure to budget an extra 45–60 minutes of buffer time for the evening transit queue if you are navigating this route independently.
• The Taxi Trap: There will be plenty of aggressive private cars and taxi drivers at the bus stops making cash offers to drive you down to Ruifang Station or straight to Taipei Main Station. The prices they quote can be very steep, though it might be worth considering split costs if you are traveling in a large group.

Bitoujiao Scenic Area

Bitou Cape, locally known as Bitoujiao, is a scenic area in northeastern Taiwan, with stunning coastal views and beautiful trails.
The Bitou Cape Trail was one of the highlights of my trip to Taiwan. The views of the northeastern coastline were absolutely breathtaking. The trail starts near a local primary school and ends in a charming fishing village. With several pavilions to pause along the way, you can take a break and soak in the scenery.

The best stop was definitely the Tingtao Café Click to open side panel for more information , located down a colorful staircase in a former military base in the hills. This beginner-friendly trail takes around 2 – 3 hours, and the stunning ocean and mountain views make it absolutely worth it.

Vibes & Rooftop Views: The café serves colorful desserts and beverages that match its vibrant, artistic aesthetic perfectly. If you are lucky, you might even spot a friendly café cat roaming around the tables! Once you grab your drinks, make your way up to their open rooftop for the most breathtaking panoramic views of Taiwan’s northeastern coast while listening to the dreamy sound of crashing waves below.

The School Wall Murals: As you start the hike near Bitou Elementary School, make sure to look at the school walls. My guide showed us the unique, beautiful ocean-themed murals painted right on the building, which perfectly sets the coastal mood before you even hit the main dirt track!

The Rainbow Stairs to Tingtao: Just 20 minutes into the hike, you will come across an incredibly Instagrammable set of rainbow-colored stairs cutting down through the hills. Follow these all the way down into a hidden, former military base to find the Tingtao Café Click to open side panel for more information .

Getting There: Take a train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station, then take bus #856 or #886. Because coastal bus frequencies along the northeast line can be quite sparse compared to city transit, make sure to double-check live arrival schedules using local transit apps so you don’t miss the late afternoon connections back to Ruifang.

Zhengbin Fishing Port

Just an hour from Taipei, Zhengbin Fishing Port in Keelung is a must-visit for stunning photos and vibrant scenery. Famous for its 16 colorful rainbow houses, the port offers a lively atmosphere that reflects beautifully in the blue waters.

Established by the Japanese in 1934, Zhengbin Fishing Port holds rich historical significance as Taiwan’s largest fishing port during the colonial period. Today, many of these vibrant houses host charming cafés and restaurants, perfect for a relaxing break.
Capture the perfect shot amid the vibrant hues and unwind at one of the charming cafés in the rainbow houses! For a full-day trip, combine your visit to Zhengbin Fishing Port with a trip to nearby Heping Island before, and explore the bustling Keelung Night Market afterward. It’s the perfect way to experience the best of the area.

Getting There: Take a train from Taipei Station to Keelung Station. From the bus stop near Keelung Station, take a local bus, such as bus 791, 101, 103, or 104, to Zhongzheng Road.

• The Viewing Platform Spot: To get that iconic, postcard-perfect shot of all 16 houses lined up against the water, do not look for a hidden path. Walk straight onto the elevated wooden viewing platform located directly on the main street bridge right above the harbor.
• Exploring the Rainbow Houses: If you walk down the stairs to the harbor level, you can step directly inside the colorful buildings. While many host sit-down cafés, several houses operate as local boutique souvenir shops and cultural spaces where you can duck inside to browse handcrafted goods and escape the coastal humidity without needing a drink reservation.
• The Heping Island Extension: If you are planning to add Heping Island to your day trip itinerary, you don’t need to figure out a complex secondary transit route. The island is accessible entirely on foot—it is a flat, straightforward 15-minute walk directly across the historic Heping Bridge from the main rainbow viewing platform.