18-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Taiwan
Taiwan is a dream for budget travelers, offering a seamless blend of ultra-modern infrastructure and ancient traditions without the hefty price tag. By utilizing the extensive Taiwan Railways (TRA) network and indulging in the world-famous night market culture, you can experience this 'Beautiful Island' for as little as $17 a day.
This itinerary takes you on a full circuit of the island, starting and ending in Taipei. We focus on free hiking trails, public beaches, and historic districts where the atmosphere is free, and the memories are priceless. Get ready to stay in world-class hostels and eat the best street food of your life.
Day 1: Taipei, Taiwan - Arrival & Neon Nights
Arrival at Taoyuan Airport
Touch down and take the Airport MRT directly to Taipei Main Station. This is your hub for the next few days.
Check into Star Hostel
Drop your bags at one of the city's most famous and sustainable hostels right near the train station.
Ximending Pedestrian Area
Wander through the 'Harajuku of Taipei' for free street performances and neon lights.
Xichang Street Night Market
Skip the touristy spots and grab a cheap bowl of Lu Rou Fan (braised pork rice) here.
Day 2: Taipei, Taiwan - City Vistas & History
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Witness the changing of the guard ceremony for free at this iconic white marble landmark.
Liberty Square Exploration
Walk the massive grounds and admire the Gate of Great Piety.
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) Hike
A free 20-minute steep climb that offers the absolute best panoramic view of Taipei 101.
Tonghua Night Market
End the day with affordable pan-fried buns and shaved ice at this local favorite.
Day 3: Taipei, Taiwan - Ancient Temples & Old Streets
Longshan Temple
Experience the spiritual heart of Taipei at this historic 1738 temple. Entry is free.
Bopiliao Historical Block
Walk through preserved Qing Dynasty streets and learn about Taipei’s colonial past.
Dadaocheng & Dihua Street
Explore the traditional medicine and tea shops in Taipei's oldest neighborhood.
Ningxia Night Market
Feast on oyster omelets and taro balls at this compact, food-focused market.
Day 4: Ruifang, Taiwan - Golden Mountains & Mining History
Train to Ruifang
Take the local train from Taipei Main Station for a scenic 50-minute ride north.
Jiufen Old Street
Wander the narrow, lantern-lit alleys that inspired world-class animation. It's free to explore!
Golden Waterfall
Admire the unique copper-colored runoff from the old mines just a short bus ride from Jiufen.
Keelung Miaokou Night Market
Take a short bus to Keelung for one of Taiwan's most legendary seafood markets.
Day 5: Shifen, Taiwan - Waterfalls & Wishing Lanterns
Shifen Waterfall
Walk to the 'Little Niagara of Taiwan.' The park entrance and trails are free.
Shifen Old Street
Watch people release sky lanterns on the active railway tracks. Great for photos!
Houtong Cat Village
Visit this former mining town now inhabited by hundreds of friendly, well-cared-for cats.
Local Ruifang Food Court
Join the locals for cheap noodles and black pepper buns inside the municipal building.
Day 6: Hualien, Taiwan - Journey to the East Coast
Express Train to Hualien
Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as the train snakes down the coast.
Hualien Cultural & Creative Industries Park
Browse the art galleries and craft shops in this converted old distillery.
Pacific Park & Coastline
Rent a cheap bike and ride along the ocean-front paths for free.
Dongdamen Night Market
This is the largest night market in Eastern Taiwan, famous for its aboriginal food stalls.
Day 7: Hualien, Taiwan - Taroko Gorge Adventure
Taroko National Park Bus
Take the public shuttle from Hualien Station. Park entry is completely free!
Shakadang Trail
Hike along the crystal clear blue waters of the Shakadang River on this flat, easy trail.
Eternal Spring Shrine
Visit the most photographed landmark in the gorge, built over a natural spring.
Yanzikou (Swallow Grotto)
Marvel at the narrowest part of the marble canyon where the river carves deep into the stone.
Day 8: Hualien, Taiwan - Cliffs & Caves
Qingshui Cliff
Witness the dramatic cliffs that drop vertically into the Pacific Ocean.
Qixingtan Beach
Relax on this pebble beach and watch the local fishermen at work.
Pine Garden
Explore this former Japanese military command center with its beautiful pine trees.
Hualien City Food Crawl
Seek out Gongzheng Baozi for the cheapest, most delicious steamed buns in town.
Day 9: Taitung, Taiwan - Slow Living in the South
Train to Taitung
Head further south through the Rice Valley (Huadong Valley) on a local commuter train.
Taitung Forest Park
Rent a bicycle for a few dollars and explore the 'Black Forest' and its three lakes.
Tiehua Music Village
Enjoy free outdoor music performances and see the hundreds of hand-painted lanterns.
Taitung Night Market
Try the unique 'stinky tofu' and fresh fruit juices grown in the local valley.
Day 10: Taitung, Taiwan - Surf & Sugar
Dulan Village Bus
Take a 40-minute bus to the laid-back aboriginal and surfing village of Dulan.
Dulan Sugar Factory
Explore this repurposed industrial space full of art, local crafts, and a free cafe scene.
Water Running Up
Visit this curious geographic phenomenon where water appears to flow uphill.
Dulan Beach Sunset
Watch the surfers and the sunset from the black sand beach before heading back to Taitung.
Day 11: Kaohsiung, Taiwan - Harbor Art & History
Train to Kaohsiung
Cross over to the west coast through the southern mountain range.
Pier-2 Art Center
Explore this massive outdoor art space set in old warehouses. Most exhibits are free.
The British Consulate at Takow
Hike up the hill for a view of the Kaohsiung harbor and the ocean.
Liuhe Night Market
Indulge in famous papaya milk and grilled seafood in the heart of the city.
Day 12: Kaohsiung, Taiwan - Pagodas & Islands
Lotus Pond
Visit the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. Enter through the dragon's mouth for good luck!
Confucius Temple
Explore Taiwan's largest Confucius temple located on the northern shore of the pond.
Ferry to Cijin Island
Take the cheap public ferry from Gushan for a 5-minute ride to this seaside island.
Cijin Sunset Bar
Grab a cheap beer from a convenience store and enjoy the sunset from the island's beach.
Day 13: Tainan, Taiwan - The Ancient Capital
Train to Tainan
A quick 45-minute local train ride brings you to Taiwan's oldest city.
Chihkan Tower
Visit the site of the former Dutch Fort Provintia, a pillar of Tainan's history.
Tainan Confucius Temple
Walk through the oldest temple of its kind in Taiwan and its peaceful park.
Garden Night Market
Experience the largest and most famous night market in Taiwan (Open Thu, Sat, Sun).
Day 14: Tainan, Taiwan - Tree Houses & Old Streets
Anping Old Fort
Explore the foundations of the Dutch Fort Zeelandia and the nearby museum.
Anping Tree House
See a former warehouse completely overtaken by banyan tree roots—a stunning sight.
Shennong Street
Walk down Tainan’s best-preserved historical street, full of tiny boutiques and cafes.
Blueprint Culture Park
Explore this creative hub in the evening when the 3D 'blueprint' art is illuminated.
Day 15: Taichung, Taiwan - Modern Art & Markets
Train to Taichung
Head north to Taiwan’s third-largest city, known for its pleasant weather.
National Museum of Natural Science
Explore the botanical gardens and public outdoor exhibitions for free.
Miyahara Ice Cream
Visit this Harry Potter-esque dessert shop in a converted eye clinic. Window shopping is free!
Fengjia Night Market
Eat your way through one of the biggest and most creative food markets in the country.
Day 16: Taichung, Taiwan - Rainbows & Wetlands
Rainbow Village
Visit the colorful housing block painted by a local veteran to save it from demolition.
Shen Ji New Village
Browse through this former audit dormitory block now filled with local startups.
Gaomei Wetlands
Take the bus to the coast for a walk along the wooden pier to see the windmills and sunset.
Yizhong Street
A student-favorite market where you can find the cheapest clothing and snacks.
Day 17: Taipei, Taiwan - Hot Springs & Relaxation
Return to Taipei
Take the express train back to the capital for your final 24 hours.
Beitou Thermal Valley
Witness the steaming volcanic waters of 'Hell Valley' for free.
Beitou Public Hot Springs
Soak in the outdoor baths for just a few dollars—the ultimate budget relaxation.
Shilin Night Market
Visit the most famous market in the world for one last blowout feast.
Day 18: Taipei, Taiwan - Final Farewells
Songshan Cultural Park
A peaceful morning walking through this former tobacco factory turned design hub.
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
Relax in the park and get a final view of Taipei 101 from the courtyard.
Last Minute Souvenirs
Head back to Taipei Main Station's underground malls for cheap local snacks.
Airport MRT Departure
Head back to Taoyuan International Airport for your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Taiwan
The best time to visit Taiwan is during the shoulder seasons of October to December or March to May. During these months, the weather is pleasantly cool and the rainfall is at its lowest. Summer (June to August) can be incredibly humid and is typhoon season, while the Lunar New Year (January/February) sees prices skyrocket and public transport become fully booked months in advance.
Currency & Money
Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). While credit cards are accepted in department stores and hotels, Taiwan is still very much a cash-based society, especially for night markets, small eateries, and local buses. ATMs are ubiquitous and can be found in every 7-Eleven or FamilyMart. Tipping is not expected and generally not practiced in Taiwan, making it even easier to stick to a tight budget.
Getting Around Taiwan
The most efficient way to travel around the island is via the Taiwan Railways (TRA) network, which connects all major coastal cities. For intercity travel on the west coast, the High-Speed Rail (HSR) is faster but significantly more expensive; budget travelers should stick to the local 'Chu-Kuang' or 'Tze-Chiang' trains. Within cities, the MRT systems in Taipei and Kaohsiung are world-class. Always carry an EasyCard (Youbike/Bus/MRT) as it provides small discounts on every journey and makes transfers seamless.
