The Complete Guide to Solo Travel in Taiwan｜Thorough explanation of everything from model courses to safe plans for women and beginners
Table of Contents
- 1 Solo travel in Taiwan is perfect for people like this! What you'll learn in this article
- 2 Model Itinerary for a Solo Trip to Taiwan Cover the Must-See Spots
- 3 Tips for Women Traveling Solo in Taiwan
- 4 Tips for Men: How to Make Your First Solo Trip to Taiwan a Success
- 5 5 Recommended Spots for Solo Travel in Taiwan
- 6 Tips for Using Tours When Traveling Solo in Taiwan Consider guided tours as an option
- 7 Estimated Budget and Costs for a Solo Trip to Taiwan
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Solo Travel in Taiwan
- 9 summary
Solo travel in Taiwan is perfect for people like this!
What You'll Learn in This Article
In this article, we’ll cover solo travel in TaiwanSample ItineraryWe’ll provide a comprehensive guide covering everything from travel plans tailored for women, men, and beginners, to tips for traveling without speaking English, and how to make the most of guided tours.
We’ve compiled all the information you need so you can set off on your first solo trip to Taiwan with confidence.
◆ For anyone—whether male or female—looking for their first solo trip abroad
◆ For those who are worried about whether they can travel in Taiwan even if they don't speak English
◆ For those who want to see a summary of suggested itineraries and recommended spots
Taiwan Recommendations
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Sample Itinerary for a Solo Trip to Taiwan
Let's cover the standard routes
Taiwan is about3 to 4 hoursIt’s easily accessible and makes for the perfect destination for solo travelers. Use our suggested itineraries—tailored to the length of your trip—as a guide to create your own personalized plan.
2-Day, 1-Night Sample Itinerary
(Taipei Intensive Plan)
For a two-day, one-night trip, we recommend focusing on exploring Taipei City. On the first day, travel from Songshan Airport or Taoyuan International Airport to downtown Taipei, and start by visiting the restaurant famous for its xiaolongbaoDin Tai Fungfor lunch.
In the afternoon, explore Taiwan’s history and culture at the National Palace Museum, and in the evening, enjoy local cuisine at Shilin Night Market.
A typical itinerary for the second day involves visiting Jiufen Old Street in the morning (the morning is recommended to avoid the crowds) and then enjoying some shopping around Taipei 101 in the afternoon before heading to the airport.
3-Day, 2-Night Sample Itinerary
(Taipei and surrounding areas)
With a 2-night, 3-day trip, you can explore not only downtown Taipei but also the surrounding areas.
Day 1: Sightseeing in Taipei (National Palace Museum, Shilin Night Market); Day 2:Sky Lantern Release at 10:00 PMWe recommend a one-day tour of the surrounding area that combines Jiufen Old Street with...
A popular itinerary for the third day involves strolling through Tamsui Old Street, enjoying fresh seafood at Tamsui Fishing Harbor, and then heading home. You can efficiently get around using the MRT (subway) and buses.
3-Night, 4-Day Sample Itinerary
(Cross-Taiwan All-Inclusive Tour)
With a 3-night, 4-day itinerary, you can enjoy a trip that takes you from Taipei all the way to Kaohsiung and Tainan. Spend the first one or two days sightseeing in Taipei City and its surrounding areas (Jiufen and Shifen).
On the third day,Taiwan High-Speed RailFrom there, head to Tainan or Kaohsiung to visit historical sites like Chikan Tower and Lotus Pond. A smooth itinerary would be to return to Taipei on the fourth day and fly home from there. Since the Taiwan High-Speed Rail offers unreserved seating, it’s easy to ride even if you’re traveling alone.
Tips for Women Traveling Solo in Taiwan
Taiwan is also a very popular destination for women traveling alone,Low crime rateTheir friendly nature is one of the country’s charms. By familiarizing yourself with the key points in advance, you can enjoy your trip with greater peace of mind.
Public Safety and Security Measures
Like Japan, Taiwan is a safe place, and women can travel there relatively safely even on their own. However, night markets and downtown areas can get very crowded, soPickpocketing and bag snatchingYou need to be careful about this.
Be sure to take basic precautions, such as keeping your valuables in a shoulder bag or similar and carrying it in front of you, and walking in well-lit, crowded areas late at night. Choosing the right hotel is also an important safety measure. If you select a hotel located near an MRT station, you can get around safely even at night.
Restaurants and cafes that are welcoming to solo female diners
Taiwan's café culture is highly developed, making it a great place for a woman to relax on her ownA stylish caféThere are many of them in Taipei City.
The Da'an and Xinyi districts, in particular, are home to a concentration of Instagram-worthy cafes and specialty shops selling Taiwanese sweets.
Night markets are also easy to explore on your own, and since you can often get by just pointing at what you want, it’s a casual and enjoyable experience. Famous restaurants like Din Tai Fung are used to serving solo diners and sometimes even have counter seating available.
Tips on Luggage, Clothing, and Personal Belongings
Taiwan has a warm climate year-round, but summers are extremely humid and hot, and even in winter, temperatures are similar to those in Japan during the fall. We recommend packing lightweight clothing that you can layer.
Since indoor air conditioning is often set quite high,Cardigans and scarvesis a must-have. Also, having an EasyCard (which can be used on the MRT and at convenience stores) makes paying for transportation a breeze. You can purchase them at local convenience stores or at MRT ticket counters.
Tips for Men: How to Make Your First Solo Trip to Taiwan a Success
Taiwan is also highly recommended as a first solo travel destination abroad. Since Japanese is widely understood and the city’s infrastructure is well-developed,Travel is easyis a key feature.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make and How to Avoid Them
A common mistake people make on their first solo trip to Taiwan is having trouble getting from Taoyuan International Airport to downtown Taipei.
From the airport to the city centerTaoyuan International Airport MRTThis is very convenient, as it takes about 35 minutes to reach Taipei Main Station. It’s also a good idea to exchange your currency for the local currency (New Taiwan Dollar, TWD) in Japan beforehand or withdraw cash from an ATM at the airport. The easiest way to get a SIM card is to purchase one in the airport arrival lobby; using a 4G-compatible prepaid SIM card will ensure you have reliable internet access while you’re there.
Why It’s Okay Not to Speak English and Useful Tools
There are many signs and directions in English in Taiwan, so even if you don’t speak English, you’ll rarely have any trouble traveling there. Japanese is sometimes understood at tourist spots and convenience stores.
Translation apps areGoogle Translateis the easiest to use, and its feature that translates menus and signs simply by pointing the camera at them is particularly convenient. Also, since Traditional Chinese (which is similar to Japanese kanji) is used in Taiwan, communicating by writing out characters can be surprisingly effective.
5 Recommended Spots for Solo Travel in Taiwan
Taiwan is home to many fascinating tourist attractions. Here are five carefully selected must-see spots that are perfect for solo travelers.
Jioufen
This is a charming spot featuring an old mountain town that can be visited on a day trip from downtown Taipei.
Stone steps lit by red lanternsThe scenery here is popular with travelers from around the world for resembling the world of *Spirited Away*.
You can get there by bus or taxi from Taipei via Ruifang Station. If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting in the morning.
Click here for the ranking of popular tours in Jiufen
Shilin Night Market
It’s Taipei’s largest night market, where you can enjoy a wide variety of Taiwanese cuisine all in one place.
Stinky tofu, scallion pancakes,Bubble TeaA wide variety of foods unique to Taiwan are all gathered in one place.
It’s within walking distance of MRT Jiantan Station, making it very convenient to get to. The night market is open from around 5:00 p.m. until late at night, and the atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy sampling the food even if you’re alone.
National Palace Museum
It is one of the world’s four major museums and a leading cultural institution in Taiwan.
Approximately700,000 itemsThe museum houses a collection of cultural artifacts, and the "Jade Cabbage" and "Meat-Shaped Stone" are particularly famous worldwide as must-see exhibits. It is about a 15-minute bus ride from Shilin MRT Station. Allow 2 to 3 hours for your visit to ensure you have plenty of time to explore.
Jūbu (Sky Lantern Release)
Shifen, located just outside Taipei, is famous for the experience of releasing sky lanterns inscribed with wishes into the sky. In the historic street along the railroad tracks, visitors can not only release sky lanterns but also enjoy street food and pick up Taiwanese tea souvenirs.
From TaipeiPingxi LineIt takes about an hour to get there. Even if you're traveling alone, the staff will help you release your sky lantern, so it's an experience you can enjoy with ease.
Click here for the top-rated tours
Tamsui Old Street
Located north of downtown Taipei, this port town is known for its historic streetscape, which lies within walking distance of Tamsui Station, the terminus of the MRT Tamsui Line.
At duskThe sunset viewed from the Danshui RiverThe scenery is breathtaking, attracting many tourists. The old street is lined with Taiwanese snack shops and souvenir stores, making it the perfect place for a leisurely stroll.
Tips for Using Tours on a Solo Trip to Taiwan
Tours with a tour guide are also an option
While solo travel often brings to mind the idea of making your own arrangements, you can enjoy sightseeing while saving yourself the hassle of getting around by making good use of guided tours.
How to Choose a Tour for Solo Travelers
When choosing a tour for solo travelers in Taiwan,"Solo participants welcome" "No extra charge"The key is to choose a plan that explicitly states this.
Local day-trip optional tours (such as the Jiufen and Shifen combo) are particularly popular because they allow visitors to explore the area more efficiently than if they were traveling on their own.
With tour booking services like KKday and Klook, you can book tours with Japanese-speaking guides in advance, giving you peace of mind.
Pros and Cons of Guided Tours
Overseas package tours with a tour guide include airfare, hotels, and sightseeing, providing peace of mind even for first-time solo travelers abroad.
The advantages are that you can get immediate assistance with any travel issues and that you don't have to go through the trouble of planning your own itinerary.
On the other hand, the drawbacks are,I have limited free timeThe main drawbacks are that you’re tied to a group schedule and your activities are restricted. If this is your first solo trip or you’re feeling anxious, starting with a guided tour is a good option.
Estimated Budget and Costs for a Solo Trip to Taiwan
One of the attractions of Taiwan is that prices are generally lower than in Japan, making it easier to keep travel costs down. Use the estimated costs by number of days as a guide to plan your travel budget.
If you fly with a low-cost carrier, a round-trip ticket from Japan to Taiwan (Taipei) costs15,000 to 30,000 yenIn many cases, we can make arrangements for this amount, but the cost varies significantly depending on the season and when you book.
In Taipei, even budget business hotels near MRT stations typically cost around 5,000 to 10,000 yen per night. If you stay at a guesthouse or hostel, you can keep costs down to about 2,000 to 3,000 yen per night.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Solo Travel in Taiwan
Yes, Taiwan is highly recommended as a great starting point for solo travel abroad. It’s only about 3 to 4 hours from Japan, and getting around is easy thanks to well-developed public transportation like the MRT. English and Japanese are widely spoken, and the city is safe, so you can enjoy your first solo trip abroad with peace of mind.
There’s absolutely no problem. Taiwan has plenty of signs and information in English, and Japanese is often understood at tourist attractions and major facilities. You can also use Google Translate’s camera feature to instantly translate menus and signs. Additionally, since the traditional Chinese characters used in Taiwan are similar to Japanese kanji, communicating by writing is also a viable option.
For a 2-night, 3-day trip, a round-trip flight (on a low-cost carrier) typically costs between 15,000 and 30,000 yen, a hotel room is about 5,000 to 10,000 yen per night, and you should budget approximately 2,000 to 3,000 yen per day for meals and transportation. It’s a popular destination where you can enjoy a trip for a total of about 50,000 to 70,000 yen if you budget carefully. Since costs can vary significantly depending on the season and when you book, it’s recommended to make arrangements early.
summary
Taiwan isGood public safety and easy access・With a wealth of tourist attractions, this is the perfect destination for first-time solo travelers. Use our suggested itineraries and plans tailored to the length of your trip as a guide to plan your very own trip to Taiwan.
One of Taiwan’s greatest charms is that both women and men can enjoy themselves here without worrying about not speaking English. We hope you’ll create wonderful memories on your solo trip by combining guided tours with independent travel!
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