Taipei Itinerary: 3 Days of Museums, Temples, Hot Springs and Night Markets (2026)

Three days is enough to see the best of Taipei without hurrying. This plan puts the two big museums and memorials on the first two days, when your energy is highest, and leaves day three for hot springs and a view from the top of Taipei 101. If you’re flying in from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Manila, it also works as a long weekend.

Day 1: National Palace Museum and Dadaocheng

Start at the National Palace Museum when it opens at 9:00, since the galleries fill up later. Allow a good half day. You pay NT$350 for a general ticket, or NT$820 if you buy the combined ticket with the Taipei 101 observatory and plan to go up later in the trip. In the afternoon, walk the old trading streets of Dadaocheng. End the day at a night market.

The museum is closed on Mondays except on special opening days. If you arrive on a Sunday, make this Day 1; if you arrive on a Monday, swap it with Day 2 and start with the memorial hall.

Day 2: Memorial hall, temples and the old city

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is open daily from 9:00 to 18:00. The honor guard changes on the hour from 9:00 to 17:00, and each ceremony lasts about 15 minutes. It doesn’t run when it rains. The hall closes on a few days a year, including Lunar New Year’s Eve and the first day of the new year, and for maintenance, so check its notice if you’re traveling around a holiday. After lunch, visit a temple in the old part of town, such as Longshan Temple, and spend the evening at the night market of your choice. Check the temple’s own hours before you go.

Day 3: Beitou and Taipei 101

Beitou is Taipei’s hot-spring district, and the Beitou Hot Spring Museum is there. Check its website for current hours and fees, and book a soak at a hot-spring hotel or public bath. Then head to Taipei 101 for the observatory, open 10:00 to 21:00. Going up at sunset gives you both the daytime view and the lights coming on.

Getting around

The metro covers much of this route, and an EasyCard works on the metro, on buses and in many shops. Check current fares on the Taipei Metro site, since we don’t quote them here.

Entry rules for ASEAN visitors

The Bureau of Consular Affairs (list updated 17 July 2026) shows 30 days visa-free for Singapore and Malaysia passport holders. The Philippines has a 14-day trial running to 31 July 2027, with a hotel booking record, Taiwan contact details and proof of funds required. Fill in the arrival card at twac.immigration.gov.tw within seven days before arrival.

Want to add more?

For a north-coast day out, see day trips from Taipei. For a longer trip with Taroko, try our 5-day Taiwan itinerary. Or browse our Taiwan tours and tell us your dates.

Sources (read in Chinese): National Palace Museum opening hours and tickets; Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall opening hours; Taipei 101 observatory page; Bureau of Consular Affairs visa-exempt list (17 July 2026). Last checked 9 November 2026.

Taipei itinerary: FAQ

Is 3 days enough for Taipei?

Yes, for the main sights: the Palace Museum, the memorial hall, a temple, hot springs and Taipei 101.

What day is the National Palace Museum closed?

Monday, apart from special opening days. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 to 17:00.

How much is the National Palace Museum?

A general ticket is NT$350. A combined ticket with the Taipei 101 observatory is NT$820.

When is the guard ceremony at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall?

Every hour from 9:00 to 17:00, about 15 minutes each, and not in the rain.

What time does Taipei 101 observatory open?

Daily from 10:00 to 21:00.