17-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Taiwan
Taiwan is a dream destination for budget travelers who crave a mix of ultra-modern cityscapes and rugged natural beauty. With an extensive public transport network and some of the safest streets in the world, backpacking here is both accessible and incredibly rewarding for those who know where to look for deals.
This 17-day route takes you in a full circle around the island, utilizing local trains and buses to keep costs low. You will stay in social hostels, feast on Michelin-recommended street food for pennies, and discover why Taiwan is often called the 'Heart of Asia' without breaking the bank.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Taipei - Arrival & Ximending Neon
Arrive at Taoyuan International Airport
Clear customs and grab an EasyCard at the airport MRT station for seamless travel across the country.
Check-in at Ximen Backpackers
Drop your bags at a budget-friendly hostel in the vibrant Ximending district, the heart of youth culture.
Explore Ximending Walking District
Walk through the neon lights, watch street performers, and visit the iconic Red House for free.
Cheap Eats at Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle
Join the standing-room-only crowd for a famous bowl of savory noodles for under $2 USD.
Day 2: Taipei - Temples and Mountain Views
Longshan Temple
Observe local religious rituals at this historic 1738 temple. Entrance is free, but respect the worshippers.
Bopiliao Historical Block
Stroll through this preserved Qing Dynasty street to see traditional architecture and art exhibits.
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) Hike
Climb the stairs for the most famous free view of Taipei 101 during sunset.
Raohe Night Market
Feast on the famous black pepper buns and herbal pork ribs at one of Taipei's oldest night markets.
Day 3: Taipei - Hot Springs and Harbor Views
Beitou Public Hot Springs
Enjoy a soak in the therapeutic volcanic waters for just a few dollars at the public outdoor bath.
Thermal Valley
Witness the 'Jade Springs' where steam rises from the sulfurous boiling water in a surreal natural display.
Tamsui Old Street
Take the MRT to the end of the Red Line to walk along the riverfront and eat 'A-gei' (stuffed tofu).
Fisherman's Wharf
Walk across the Lover's Bridge and enjoy the sea breeze before heading back to the city center.
Day 4: New Taipei City - Gold Mines and Sky Lanterns
Shifen Waterfall
Take the Pingxi branch line train to see 'Taiwan's Niagara Falls'—a stunning free natural attraction.
Shifen Old Street
Watch travelers release sky lanterns on the active railway tracks (though watching is free!).
Jiufen Old Street
Explore the narrow, lantern-lit alleys that allegedly inspired 'Spirited Away' and enjoy cheap taro balls.
Keelung Miaokou Night Market
Take a local bus to Keelung for some of the best seafood-focused street food in Taiwan.
Day 5: Hualien - Coastal Transition
Train to Hualien
Board the scenic TRA coastal train. Booking 2 weeks in advance is essential for the weekend.
Hualien Cultural & Creative Industries Park
Wander through this former distillery turned into an artsy space with free galleries.
Pacific Park (Beibin/Nanbin)
Cycle along the oceanfront and watch the waves of the Pacific Ocean crash against the shore.
Dongdamen Night Market
One of the largest and most organized night markets in Taiwan, perfect for a cheap local dinner.
Day 6: Hualien - Taroko Gorge Adventure
Taroko National Park Bus
Catch the 310 Taroko Route bus from Hualien Station. Buy a day pass for unlimited rides.
Shakirang Trail
Walk this easy trail along the turquoise river to see the stunning marble rock formations.
Swallow Grotto (Yanzikou)
Don a free rental helmet and walk through the tunnels with views of the narrowest part of the gorge.
Eternal Spring Shrine
The most photographed spot in the park, featuring a shrine built over a waterfall.
Day 7: Taitung - The Scenic East Coast
Train to Taitung
Enjoy one of the most beautiful railway stretches in the world as the tracks hug the coastline.
Taitung Railway Art Village
An old station transformed into an outdoor art space with murals and old locomotive displays.
Taitung Forest Park
Cycle through the 'Black Forest' to the stunning Pipa Lake for some peaceful reflection.
Taitung Night Market
Try the local specialty, 'Guancai Ban' (Coffin Bread), which is thick toast filled with savory stew.
Day 8: Taitung - Rice Fields of Chishang
Local Train to Chishang
A short ride north into the lush rift valley, famous for producing Taiwan's best rice.
Brown Boulevard (Mr. Brown Avenue)
Rent a bike and ride through the vast, emerald green rice paddies with no power poles in sight.
Chishang Lunch Box (Bento)
Eat a traditional wooden bento box at the original shop right next to the train station.
Return to Taitung
Head back to your base in Taitung and enjoy a quiet evening by the seaside.
Day 9: Kaohsiung - Southern Harbor City
South Link Line Train
Travel through the mountains and coastal tunnels to reach Taiwan's second-largest city.
Formosa Boulevard Station
Visit the 'Dome of Light,' the world's largest glass art installation located inside the MRT station.
Cijin Island
Take a cheap ferry ride to Cijin to explore the lighthouse, fort, and black sand beaches.
Liuhe Night Market
Walk the wide pedestrian street and sample grilled seafood and papaya milk.
Day 10: Kaohsiung - Art and Temples
Lotus Pond
Walk through the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas—entering through the dragon and exiting the tiger's mouth for good luck.
Pier-2 Art Center
Explore this former warehouse district turned into a massive open-air gallery with quirky sculptures.
The British Consulate at Takow
Hike up the hill for a view of the Kaohsiung harbor and a touch of colonial history.
Love River
Enjoy a stroll along the illuminated riverbanks, often featuring live music and outdoor cafes.
Day 11: Tainan - The Ancient Capital
Local Train to Tainan
A quick 45-minute ride brings you to the historical and culinary heart of Taiwan.
Confucius Temple
Visit Taiwan's first Confucius temple, built in 1665, and the surrounding leafy grounds.
Shengli Road Street Food
Tainan is the food capital; try the famous danzai noodles and shrimp rolls for a few dollars.
Blueprint Culture & Creative Park
See the 3D 'blueprint' murals and browse small craft shops in this revitalized residential area.
Day 12: Tainan - Forts and Tree Houses
Anping Old Fort
Explore the ruins of the 17th-century Dutch fortress, Zeelandia.
Anping Tree House
A former warehouse completely overtaken by banyan tree roots, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene.
Chihkan Tower
Visit the site of the Dutch Fort Provintia, now home to beautiful gardens and Nine Stone Tortoises.
Tainan Flower Night Market
One of Taiwan's largest markets (open Thu/Sat/Sun); it's an overwhelming sensory experience.
Day 13: Alishan - Into the Clouds
Train to Chiayi
Take the express train to Chiayi, the gateway to the Alishan mountain range.
Bus to Alishan Forest Recreation Area
Board the direct bus up the winding mountain roads. Use your EasyCard for a discount.
Giant Tree Trail
Walk among massive ancient cypresses, some over 2,000 years old, often shrouded in mist.
Sunset at Alishan Station
Watch the famous 'Sea of Clouds' from the station platform before the temperature drops.
Day 14: Alishan & Taichung - Sunrise and City Lights
Alishan Forest Railway Sunrise
Take the small narrow-gauge train to Chushan to witness the sun rising over the Jade Mountain peak.
Bus Down to Taichung
Depart from the mountains and head toward Taiwan's modern central hub.
Rainbow Village
Visit the colorful murals painted by 'Rainbow Grandpa' to save his neighborhood from demolition.
Fengjia Night Market
Explore Taiwan's biggest night market, famous for being the testing ground for new snack inventions.
Day 15: Taichung - Culture and Architecture
National Museum of Natural Science
One of the most visited museums in Taiwan with extensive gardens and a free botanical section.
Miyahara Ice Cream
Visit this Harry Potter-esque former ophthalmology clinic for the most famous ice cream in the city.
Taichung National Theater
Marvel at the 'cave-like' architecture of this Toyo Ito-designed masterpiece for free.
Calligraphy Greenway
Stroll this long park strip where locals walk dogs, play music, and sell handmade crafts.
Day 16: Sun Moon Lake - Alpine Escape
Nantou Bus to Sun Moon Lake
Take the shuttle from Taichung Ganhui Station directly to Shuishe Pier.
Cycle the Lakeside Path
CNN named this one of the most beautiful cycling paths in the world. It's flat and stunning.
Ci'en Pagoda Hike
A short uphill walk for a panoramic view of the entire lake and the surrounding mountains.
Return to Taichung
Catch the evening bus back to the city for your final night of Taiwanese street food.
Day 17: Taipei - Final Souvenirs & Departure
Bus to Taipei
Take the comfortable Kuo-Kuang bus back to Taipei Main Station (cheaper than the HSR).
Dihua Street
Shop for traditional dried fruits, tea, and souvenirs in Taipei's oldest commercial street.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Watch the changing of the guard ceremony and walk through the massive Liberty Square.
Airport MRT to Taoyuan
Head back to the airport, using the remaining balance on your EasyCard for the fare.
Best Time to Visit Taiwan
The best time to visit Taiwan is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (October to December). During these months, the weather is pleasantly cool and the rainfall is lower than the summer typhoon season. Backpackers should avoid the Lunar New Year period (late Jan/early Feb), as prices skyrocket and most public transport is booked weeks in advance.
Currency & Money
Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD/NT$). While big department stores and hotels accept credit cards, Taiwan is still very much a cash-based society, especially for night markets and small eateries. ATMs are everywhere (7-Eleven and FamilyMart), and many offer fee-free withdrawals for international cards. Tipping is not expected and generally not practiced in Taiwan.
Getting Around Taiwan
Taiwan's public transport is world-class. For this itinerary, the TRA (Taiwan Railways Administration) is your best friend—it's affordable and connects every major city. Use the High-Speed Rail (HSR) only if you are in a rush, as it costs double. Within cities, the MRT (Subway) in Taipei and Kaohsiung is excellent. The 'EasyCard' is essential; it works on all buses, trains, and even in convenience stores.
