6 top day trips to embark on from Taipei

Taipei stands out for its vast range of affordable and easy day trip options, making it a prime destination for quick getaways in Asia.

Situated at the northern edge of Taiwan, Taipei is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and vibrant towns and markets, all just a short train or MRT ride away.

We've handpicked six of our favorite hassle-free escapes from Taipei for you to explore.

1. Hot Springs Retreat: Beitou

Welcome to Taipei's volcanic hot springs, located right at the foot of Yangming Mountain. The scent of sulfur greets you before you even step off the MRT at Xinbeitou.

Kick off your visit with a photo opportunity at Hell Valley, the source of many local hot springs. Its name is well-suited as you gaze into the steaming blue swamp, where temperatures can reach boiling point.

In the park area just in front of the MRT station, you’ll find the original Japanese-era hot spring building, along with the Beitou Public Library, a striking triangular design inspired by Japanese bungalows. Continue up Hot Springs Road to Puji Temple, a charming wooden structure built by Japanese railroad workers.

Feeling worn out from all the exploring? Time to unwind in the park's serene outdoor public springs, the most affordable and relaxing way to treat yourself.

For a more indulgent soak, head to the public springs at the Broadway Hotel right next to the park, or book a night in one of their traditional Japanese-style rooms, each featuring a private tub.

SweetMe Hot Spring Resort, located conveniently next to the MRT station, offers a similar experience. If you're looking for privacy on a budget, Beitou’s hotels provide cozy rooms with private tubs available for two-hour rentals.

How to get there: All the attractions in Beitou are within walking distance from Xinbeitou MRT station.

2. Best place to catch the sunset: Tamsui

While most Taiwanese trips feature a night market or two, Tamsui offers a bustling night market and some of the island’s most iconic sunsets.

The Tamsui market is packed with a variety of snack stalls, game booths, and even a quirky local museum. Enjoy a walking lunch with local favorites like barbecued cuttlefish, stinky tofu, and deep-fried ice cream.

Burn off those calories by renting a tandem bicycle and cycling along the riverside path, or take a leisurely stroll up to Fort San Domingo, built by the Dutch and later used by the British consul. The fort was also home to Herbert Allen Giles, a key figure in the creation of the Wade-Giles system.

If you're feeling overloaded with history, take a bus to Baishawan and spend the afternoon unwinding on the beach.

As the evening sets in, head to Fisherman’s Wharf for one of Taipei’s most famous sunset views.

Just north of Tamsui, the boardwalk may be touristy, but it offers the perfect view of Tamsui’s Lover’s Bridge framed by the setting sun. For the return trip, skip the bus and hop on one of the small ferries that shuttle across the river. You can use your MRT card for the ferry ride.

How to get there: Get off at the Danshui MRT station on the Red Line. For Fisherman’s Wharf, take red bus 26 from the MRT station, or catch a ferry from Tamsui Ferry Pier. To reach Baishawan, board any Keelung-bound bus from the same station.

3. Best night market: Keelung

Keelung, northern Taiwan's largest port, remains relatively untouched by tourism, making it an ideal place for a quick getaway. Start your visit at Zhongzheng Park, where you'll get a panoramic view of Keelung city and the surrounding ocean.

At the top of the hill, Zhuputan Temple is the heart of Taiwan’s Ghost Month celebrations in the seventh lunar month. Nearby, you can visit a unique Buddhism-themed children’s amusement park, home to a 22-meter-tall Kuanyin statue with stairways leading to multiple floors inside.

In the afternoon, choose between a boat ride to the dramatic cliffs of Keelung Island or a visit to Yehliu, a coastal cape known for its hoodoos and other striking rock formations.

Feeling hungry? End your day at Miaokou, one of Taiwan’s top night markets. Named after the temple at its heart, this market is also one of the most tourist-friendly in Taiwan, with English signs pointing out each stall’s specialty.

As with any good Taiwanese night market, the lively crowds create the ‘re nao’—the energetic and noisy atmosphere that’s a hallmark of the experience. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the fun.

How to get there: Trains to Keelung run frequently from Taipei. Private buses also depart from Taipei Main Station or from various stops along Zhongxiao East Road. Ferries to Keelung Island leave from Bisha Harbor, and buses to Yehliu are available near the Keelung train station.

4. Riverside hot springs and indigenous culture: Wulai

Wulai offers free riverside hot springs, indigenous food and drinks, and stunning waterfalls, all nestled in a picturesque river valley just a short trip from Taipei. Once inhabited by the Tayal, an indigenous tribe known for their face tattoo traditions, Wulai is the closest indigenous village to Taipei.

As you explore the market upon arrival, be sure to try local delicacies like roasted wild boar, raw pickled pork, steamed rice in bamboo tubes, and whole river shrimp.

A bottle of xiaomi jiu (millet wine) will help you wash it all down. But a word of caution: the free samples handed out by eager vendors might already leave you feeling light-headed.

After browsing the market, cross the river bridge and find a spot in one of the natural hot spring pools or makeshift saunas. If it gets too hot, cool off in the river and then return to the heat for another round. Wulai offers more hot spring resorts than Beitou, with a wider variety of quality options.

How to get there: Take bus 1061 from Xindian MRT station, which departs every 15-30 minutes and takes approximately 40 minutes to reach Wulai.

5. Escape to the heights: Pingxi

With so many trekking spots around Taipei, what makes Pingxi stand out on the list?

For starters, as you journey through, you'll ride the historic Pingxi Rail Line, a single-track route once used for coal transport. The seven stations along the 12.9-kilometer stretch feature charming old villages, offering a glimpse into Taiwan's past.

If you're after waterfalls, Pingxi is the place to be. The trail from Sandiaoling Station leads you to three of Taiwan's tallest falls. The second waterfall is particularly stunning, where you can crawl beneath a rock overhang and gaze down the valley from behind the waterfall.

Make sure to visit Shifen Station, home to the stunning Shifen Waterfall, a 40-meter-wide marvel and the widest in Taiwan.

For an adrenaline rush, don't miss the chance to scale the rocks at Pingxi Station, known for its famous lantern releases during the Lantern Festival.

Climb the metal ladders and carved steps that ascend hundreds of meters up the cliff, rewarding you with breathtaking views.

To get there, take an hourly train from Taipei to Ruifang. From Ruifang, switch to the Pingxi Rail Line. You can also reach some of the stops on this line, including Jingtong and Pingxi, by taking bus 1076, which departs from Muzha MRT station every hour.

6. Golden Mining Towns: Jiufen and Jinguashi

The once-thriving mining towns of Jiufen and Jinguashi are bustling again, attracting visitors with their charm and history.

Tourists from all over the world flock to this spot to enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific, great hiking trails, as well as ample opportunities for shopping and snacking.

Jiufen's main attraction is Jishan Street, a narrow lane that winds through the town. Visitors are eager to try Jiufen's famous squishy taro and sweet potato balls, served hot in sweet soup or cold over shaved ice.

If the bustling crowds become overwhelming, take a peaceful break in one of the tranquil teashops with a view, or head over to Jinguashi for a quieter escape.

The Gold Ecological Park in Jinguashi tells the town's mining history. The park's Benshan Fifth Tunnel offers visitors a chance to experience the conditions miners once faced.

Visitors to Jinguashi also come for the Gold Waterfall, where the minerals in the water give it a golden glow. Add to that the ruins of a Japanese Shinto shrine that resemble those of Greece, making it a truly one-of-a-kind destination.

How to Get There: Bus 1062 runs frequently from Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT exit 1, heading towards Jiufen and Jinguashi. Alternatively, take a train to Ruifang and catch a bus right outside the station. Some passengers may disembark at Jiufen, but the bus continues up the mountain to Jinguashi.