The Ultimate Taipei Day Trip: Jiufen, Shifen & Keelung
If you’re in Taiwan, you’ll want to make the most of every day. We put together this easy day trip itinerary so you don’t have to—combining nature, charming old streets, and plenty of delicious food into one fun-filled adventure. Happy exploring!A day trip to Jiufen, Shifen, and Keelung Night Market feels like stepping into a world full of charm and wonder. The journey begins in Jiufen, where you can explore its narrow, winding streets, breathe in the aroma of oolong tea, and take in breathtaking ocean views. Next, head to Shifen, known for its scenic railway tracks and Taiwan’s largest waterfall. The day wraps up at the vibrant Keelung Night Market, where you can savor a wide range of tasty street foods, from fresh seafood to classic Taiwanese snacks, all while enjoying the lively, bustling atmosphere.
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JIUFEN
HOW TO GET TO JIUFEN?
To reach Jiufen from Taipei, take bus 965 from Ximending or bus 1062 from Zhongxiao Fuxing Station. The journey takes around 1–1.5 hours, but be prepared to see a couple of busses pass as the lines can get long. Arrive early to secure your spot!
Alternatively, you can take a train from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang, followed by a bus to Jiufen. If you'd prefer to guarantee a seat, consider booking a ticket in advance. However, you can also ride without a reservation, but be aware that you may need to stand for the entire trip.
TIP | Jiufen Old Street is very popular and can get crowded, making it a must-see for tourists. To enjoy it without the large crowds, it’s ideal to arrive early, because the area becomes busier after noon. Weekends can be especially crowded, so visiting on a Monday will provide a more peaceful experience.
WHAT TO DO IN JIUFEN?
As you make your way up to Jiufen, the air shifts from the buzz of Taipei’s city streets to a cool, misty mountain breeze. The heart of Jiufen is its Old Street—best explored on foot. This lively maze of narrow alleys is packed with charm, from lantern-lit staircases to old Japanese-style buildings. It’s the perfect place to wander, snap photos, sample local snacks, pick up a few souvenirs, and stop for lunch or a pot of tea with a view. Getting a little lost here is all part of the magic.
EAT | 慈鴻素食 for Taiwanese vegetarian & vegan dishes
DRINK | Go to A-Mei Teahouse for a traditional (yet touristy) tea experience, and enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains and sea.
On our sightseeing adventures, an eSIM keeps us connected. We never need to worry about missing out on key sights, as we can instantly find directions, information, and recommendations.
SHIFEN
HOW TO GET TO SHIFEN?
Take Keelung Bus 788 from Jiufen to Ruifang Station, which takes about 20 minutes. From there, transfer to the Pingxi Line train for a 30-minute ride to Shifen Station.
WHAT TO DO IN SHIFEN?
Explore the Railway Tracks and Watch the Lanterns Float
As you arrive in Shifen, the charming railway station greets you with a lively atmosphere, where tourists step off the train, lanterns float by, and the scent of street food fills the air. The tracks are lined with souvenir shops, food stalls, and lantern shops, creating a vibrant scene. Don’t miss the opportunity to try ice cream wrapped in a thin rice pancake with shaved peanut brittle and cilantro—a surprising yet delicious combination.
Shifen is also renowned for its sky lantern tradition. Originally, villagers released lanterns to signal that it was safe to travel, free from bandit threats. Today, the tradition continues as visitors write their wishes on lanterns and watch them float into the sky, especially during the Pingxi Lantern Festival. The beautiful ritual adds a touch of history and magic to the experience.
TIP | For an eco-friendly option, consider biodegradable sky lanterns here, which burn completely and leave no waste behind. While slightly more expensive, they allow you to enjoy the tradition without harming the environment.
Admire the Iconic Shifen Waterfall
The Shifen Waterfall is one of Taiwan’s largest and most impressive waterfalls, standing 20 meters tall and spanning 40 meters wide. To reach it, take a scenic 30-minute walk from Shifen Old Street, crossing the Jingan Suspension Bridge along the way—don’t forget to stop and take in the stunning views. The path to the waterfall is well-maintained and easy to navigate, with a wheelchair-accessible route available. However, be prepared for the intense sun, as there’s little shade along the way. It’s a good idea to bring a UV umbrella or apply sunscreen to protect your skin.
The area offers several viewing platforms to enjoy the full spectacle. Swimming is strictly prohibited though to protect the area’s natural beauty.
OPEN | 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
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KEELUNG NIGHT MARKET
HOW TO GET TO KEELUNG?
From Shifen Station, take the local train to Badu Station. From there, you can either transfer to another train or take a bus directly to Keelung Station. Once you arrive, it’s an easy 10-minute walk to the Night Market. After your visit take one of the frequent buses back to Taipei.
WHAT TO DO IN KEELUNG?
EAT. EAT. EAT! Keelung Night Market is famous for its impressive variety of seafood dishes, making it a standout destination for food lovers in Taiwan and was even featured on Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil. Each stall is numbered and clearly labels its specialties in Mandarin, English, and Japanese—something you won’t find anywhere else in Taiwan.
Rooted in tradition, the market began as food vendors gathered around the temple to serve attendees of religious events. Over time, this expanded into the bustling market that now lines the streets, creating a vibrant and delicious experience for visitors.
Where and What to Eat?
Thick Crab Soup (螃蟹羹‧油飯) #5
Vegetarian 8 Treasures Glass Noodles (素食八寶冬粉) # 15
Tempura Fried Fish Paste #16
Shen Family Pao Pao Bing #37 (ice cream)
One Bite Sausage #43 (pork meat)
Guabao #49 (pork meat)
Nutritious Sandwich # 58 (you can ask for a vegetarian version)
Crispy Fried Crab # 70 (you can only buy three crabs - not sold by piece)
Candied fruit
Sweet potato balls (we love the seaweed flavor)
Grilled or fried squid
Stinky tofu
TIP | To see the iconic yellow lanterns glowing, plan your visit to the market on a weekend. However, this timing might not align ideally with other attractions on the same day trip.
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