7 Days in Taipei & Hualien: Taipei 101, National Palace Museum & More

📅 Best Time to Visit

The ideal times to visit Taipei and Hualien are during spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November). Temperatures during these months are comfortably mild, typically ranging from 20-28°C, with lower humidity and less chance of typhoons, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summers (June-September) are hot and humid, reaching 30-35°C with a higher risk of typhoons and heavy rainfall. Winters (December-March) are generally mild in Taipei, around 15-20°C, but can be cooler and wetter in Hualien and mountainous areas.

Taipei offers diverse shopping from bustling night markets to high-end malls and historic Dihua Street for tea and traditional goods. In Hualien, focus on indigenous crafts like Amis textiles, marble carvings, and local foods like mochi and millet wine, often found in specialty stores or Dongdamen Night Market. You'll find a blend of modern trends and authentic heritage across both cities.

• Purchase an EasyCard or iPass at any MRT station or convenience store like 7-Eleven for seamless public transport across Taipei and Hualien's MRT, buses, and some TRA trains.
• For Taipei to Hualien, book Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) train tickets 28 days in advance via their official website or app, as routes through Taroko Gorge are highly popular and sell out.
• When visiting Taroko Gorge, always heed 'rock fall' warning signs, especially after heavy rain, and consider wearing a provided hard hat at areas like the Tunnel of Nine Turns.
• Always use designated pedestrian crossings in cities like Taipei and Hualien; dense traffic and scooter riders require vigilance when crossing roads.
• Download Google Translate's Traditional Chinese offline language pack (around 100MB) for easy translation of signs and menus, as English signage is less common outside major tourist hubs.
• Carry small denominations of New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) cash (NT$100-500 notes) for night markets, street food vendors, and small independent shops that may not accept cards.
• For short-distance travel within cities, utilize local ride-hailing apps like 'Taiwan Taxi' or 'Uber' (often cheaper than flagging traditional taxis directly).
• If renting an e-scooter in Hualien or other areas, strictly adhere to the requirement of wearing a helmet as it is legally enforced.

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  Light rain jacket (sudden showers)
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  Comfortable walking shoes (Taroko Gorge hikes)
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  Quick-dry clothing (humidity)
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  Swimsuit (hot springs)
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  Sun hat (strong sun)
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  Portable fan (summer heat)
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  Small umbrella (sun and rain)
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  Insect repellent (rural areas, evenings)
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  Eye mask (light sleepers)
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  NT$5,000 cash equivalent (night markets, small vendors)
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  Reef-safe sunscreen (coastal visits)
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  Slip-on shoes (hot springs, some temples)