Taiwan, I often say, is bigger than it looks on the map. This is a function of two realities: First, the sheer number of amazing destinations in the country; and secondly, its mountainous topography.
Now, Taiwan’s amazing infrastructure solves much of the second problem, depending upon which places you choose when you’re addressing the first. The further off Taiwan’s beaten path you go, of course, the less helpful the high-speed rail line or expensive expressway system are.
Have about one week in Taiwan to play with? Below, I’ll provide you with several ways to make the most of it, all of which take into account the country’s actual size relative to the one you perceive.
Why a Week in Taiwan Is—and Isn’t—”Enough”
It might sound impossible that a Taiwan 1 week itinerary would not be sufficient for a comprehensive trip, particularly if you come from a large country like the US, Canada or Australia. Taiwan is objectively tiny, to say nothing of its mostly world-leading infrastructure and convenience. However Taiwan is dense, and not just in a literal sense, like its west-coast Taipei-Taichung-Tainan-Kaohsiung corridor.
To put it another way, you can of course cover a decent amount of ground with a week in Taiwan. Effectively, you can visit Taiwan go one other “direction” in the country, whether you head down the aforementioned industrialized west coast, or instead head through the mountainous center or along the lush, rural east coast. The thing is, you can’t see “everywhere” in Taiwan in a week, or even really come close to doing so.
What to Do in Taiwan for 7 Days
Explore Taipei and its surroundings
It isn’t shocking that you will visit Taipei during your week in Taiwan (it is the country’s capital), nor that you’ll begin and maybe end it here, since it’s where Taiwan’s two busiest airports are located. The city is also home to some of the most iconic Taiwanese attractions, from Taipei 101, to Shilin Night Market, to the National Palace Museum.
(But not for too long)
However, you will want to explore expeditiously. Now, I get it—for a Taiwan itinerary, 7 days seems like a lot of time. But unless you are actually taking day trips from Taipei (be those along the north coast, i.e. Jiufen and Keelung, or south to the aboriginal town of Wulai), the reality is that your energy on such a short trip is simply better spent elsewhere. Plus, you may very well end up spending a night or two in Taipei on the back end.
Head south to Kaohsiung or Taitung
Perhaps the easiest (and certainly quickest) way to head away from Taipei is to ride the high-speed rail southward to Kaohsiung (well, to Zuoying Station, if we’re being technical). Either on the way there or the way back, you can make many stops en route, whether in rather mainstream destinations like Tainan and Taichung, or in slightly more unique ones like Chiayi, Yunlin or even Hsinchu.
(Or Alishan)
Another option for a Taiwan 7 day itinerary is to explore central Taiwan, ideally with the help of a rental car. Ideally, you’d start all the down in the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area (which you can access from the aforementioned Chiayi), and work your way up north, stopping en route at Taiwan’s tallest peak of Yushan (though likely only for a photo, and not a climb) and Sun Moon Lake on your way back to the capital.
And make your way back north—quickly
Whether you choose the western or the central route (or even if you head all the wayeast to the Hualien–Taitung corridor), you don’t want to take too much time exploring, as wonderful as all Taiwan’s destinations outside of Taipei are. With just a week to play with, and half that already gone by the time you reach your furthest waypoint, you’ll want to head back somewhat soon, and keep a decent pace as you move.
The Best Way to Make the Most of Your Week in Taiwan
The key to maximizing a week in Taiwan is meticulous planning. This means not only curating the proper destinations for your travel style and preferences, but arranging them in the most efficient and satisfying way. However, this can sometimes prove more difficult than it seems—and when you have only a week to play with, there’s very little room for error. One mistake can quickly consume an entire day, or more than 10% of your total itinerary.
The most elegant solution? Hire me to plan your Taiwan trip! Although this is especially helpful if you have just 1 week in Taiwan, it’s an amazing investment for any length of trip. After helping you select the best destinations, I’ll provide you with personalized daily recommendations for activities, meals and accommodation, plus detailed transportation advice throughout. All you need to do is show up!
Other FAQ About Spending a Week in Taiwan
How much for 1 week in Taiwan?
A week in Taiwan will generally cost you a minimum of 1000 USD per person. I calculate this case on my assumption that most travelers will spend 5,000 TWD (or about 150 USD) per person, per day between lodging, transport, meals and activities. Note that this price estimate does not include the cost of flights to and from Taiwan.
Is 7 days too long in Taiwan?
Although you can obviously plan a fulfilling Taiwan one week itinerary, my argument is actually that 7 days is not long enough in Taiwan, in most cases. The country is simply bigger than it looks on the map; with only a week on the ground, you’ll have to pick and choose between different destinations and experiences.
Is one week in Taiwan enough?
A week in Taiwan is “enough” to see Taipei and a couple of other destinations, and to get a general taste of Taiwan. However, it is not at all long enough to take anything approaching a comprehensive trip, and is less than I’d suggest if you plan to visit Taiwan only once, or don’t expect to return for a while.
The Bottom Line
The bad news? One week in Taiwan is not even close to enough to see “everywhere” in the country. The good news? If you’re strategic about which destinations you visit, and intentional about how you manage your time, you can still cover a decent amount of ground in just a week. For first-time visitors, this usually entails deciding where you want to head after Taipei (down the high-speed rail line to Kaohsiung; through Taiwan’s mountainous heartland to Alishan; or along the east coast scenic route to Taitung) and then making your way back to the capital from there. Want to ensure you get your trip right? Hire me to plan a custom Taiwan itinerary for you!
