Exploring Taipei: My Top 3 Favorite Day Trips

1. Yangmingshan National Park

Just a stone's throw from Taipei, Yangmingshan National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. This expansive park features breathtaking landscapes, hot springs, and vibrant flower fields, making it a perfect day trip option. One of the top activities here includes hiking the myriad trails, with the most popular being the hike to the peak of Qixing Mountain. Not only will you enjoy stunning views of the rolling grass hills and small temples, but you will also encounter streams, waterfalls, and suspension bridges (depending on trail you take).

Getting there is a breeze. You can hop on the MRT to Jiantan Station and then take the R5 bus to the visitor center park entrance. A hot tip for travelers is to check the bus schedule ahead of time as it can vary depending on the season. Also, another tip is that there are a few visitor centers within the NP (each connected by trails and they all have a cafe, restroom, and very nice park rangers). After a long day of exploring, treat yourself to some delicious local street food available at the Shilin Night Market near the MRT station. I recommend trying a pepper bun or grilled sausage and fried rice.

2. Wulai: Waterfall and Culture

Wulai is another fantastic getaway from Taipei, particularly known for its hot springs and indigenous culture. The scenic journey to Wulai itself is worth the trip, as you'll be greeted by stunning mountain views and deep blue water. One of my favorite spots is the Wulai Falls, where you can enjoy the tranquil ambiance while sipping on a Makauy coffee. This coffee is special as it has a certain kind of local mountain peppercorn floating on top. When bit into, these peppercorns provide a burst of lemon flavor. Makes for a refreshing twist with the coffee taste. I am a big believer in trying locally curated food/beverages and this one did not disappoint! After viewing the falls, you could also take a dip in one of the many hot spring resorts in town, which is incredibly relaxing after a day of hiking!

To get to Wulai, catch the MRT to Xindian, where you can transfer to a local bus that will take you directly to Wulai Village. Or you can take a slightly longer route on the 849 bus directly to the village. If you're a foodie, be sure to visit one of the local restaurants to try some of the region's specialties, such as wild boar sausage, various mountain vegetables and bamboo rice. A little tip – there is a mini "log cart" that you can pay 50 TWD for each way to the falls. I recommend walking the 20 minutes up instead along the paved road to see the river from above and enjoy the nature.

3. Jiufen: A Journey into Nostalgia

If you're looking to experience the charm of Taiwan's coastal villages, Jiufen is a must-visit. Known for its narrow, winding streets filled with colorful red lanterns, Jiufen feels like stepping back in time. The top activity here is to enjoy the stunning views of the ocean while sipping on taro ball tea or visiting the famous A-Mei Tea House for a more traditional experience.

I recommend visiting on the weekdays and either in the early morning (before 10AM) or evening (after 7pm) to avoid the crowds as much as possible. I stayed the evening here just so I could experience walking the streets slowly without involuntarily joining a large tour group. I decided to stay in a more luxury hotel called H& Jiufen The Ocean Theory, which was nestled at the top the Old Street in order to have sweeping views of the ocean and watch the weather roll in over the town. There are plenty of lower budget guesthouses in town as well.

One activity I recommend is hiking to the summit of Mount Keelung Trail (takes less than an hour) and provides stunning 360 views over Jiufen! You can walk to the trail head from town which was a huge plus for me!

You can reach Jiufen easily by taking the 965 bus from Taipei Main Station, which will take around 1.5 hours. One last hot tip: be sure to try the street food along Jiufen's alleys—especially the peanut ice cream rolls and the various dumplings available at local vendors.