For Filipinos who are based in Taipei, you are probably wondering where to go on your next “day off.” And though there are certainly many things you can do right here, in the city — you should also take the opportunity to explore other local destinations!
Fortunately, Taipei is just a short drive away from many amazing attractions, such as natural parks, museums, and historic towns. Whether you’re using public transportation or driving your own car, you can easily reach these places and have an enjoyable day trip!
Taipei OFWs: Where to Go on Your Next Day Off!
Here are some local destinations that you should include in your travel bucket list. These are just a short drive from Taipei, so you can plan an exciting day trip on your next “day off” from work!
Beitou Hot Springs
Taiwan is known for having natural hot springs, and Beitou is one of them. It is located just 12 kilometers north of Taipei.
What to Expect: There are many resorts in the area, along with outdoor hot springs and free foot baths! Notably, Beitou Park is recognized as the first hot spring park in the country, featuring the Beitou Hot Spring Museum. Meanwhile, if you’re up for a hike, head to the Sulphur Valley Recreation Area to see the sulphur pools!
How to Get There: If you’re commuting, go to Taipei Main Station and take the MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Line to Beitou Station, before transferring to the Xinbeitou Line and getting off at Xinbeitou Station. The ride should take around 40 minutes.
Tamsui District
Situated just 20 kilometers north of Taipei is Tamsui, a district that features historic buildings, temples, and shopping destinations.
What to Expect: For a historic and cultural experience, visit Fort San Domingo, Longshan Temple, Fuyou Temple, and the Drop of Water Memorial Hall. Then, take a romantic stroll along Lover’s Bridge at Fisherman’s Wharf, before sampling local delicacies and buying souvenirs at Tamsui Old Street!
How to Get There: From Taipei Main Station, take the MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Line and get off at Tamsui Station, which happens to be the final stop on the red line. The ride takes around 45 minutes.
Yangmingshan National Park
Nature lovers, you’re up for an exciting adventure at Yangmingshan National Park, which is about a 15 to 30-minute drive from Taipei.
What to Expect: The park features several hiking trails, such as Xiaoyoukeng and Qingtiangang. You’ll be amazed by the vast grasslands and hot springs in the area, and if you’re lucky — you might even catch sight of some water buffalo and other animals!
How to Get There: The best way to reach Yangmingshan National Park via public transportation is by local bus. Particularly, take City Bus 260 from Taipei Main Station to Yangmingshan Bus Terminal.
Yingge District
With its 200-year-old ceramics industry, it’s not surprising that Yingge is dubbed as Taiwan’s “pottery district.” What’s even more awesome is that it’s only about 25 kilometers away from Taipei!
What to Expect: Learn about ceramics at the three-storey New Taipei City Yingge Ceramics Museum, then gaze at the “giant” masterpieces at Yingge Ceramics Riverside Park. Of course, be sure to walk along Yingge Old Street and browse at the ceramic shops, or try making your own pottery at the local art studios!
How to Get There: Yingge is only a few minutes drive from Taipei. If you take the TRA train from Taipei Main Station to Yingge Station, the ride will take just 25 minutes!
Sanxia District
Located near Yingge is Sanxia District, which is situated around 26 kilometers from Taipei. This area is known for its heritage houses that date back to the Japanese period of Taiwan.
What to Expect: Stroll along Sanxia Old Street to see red-brick heritage houses, then visit the Qingshui Zushi Temple, which was built in 1769! You should also go to the Sanxia Indigo Dyeing Park, where you can learn about the district’s cloth dyeing industry.
How to Get There: From Taipei Main Station, take the TRA train to Yingge Station, then ride Bus 702 to Wenhua Road. Once you get off, Sanxia Old Street is just a few minutes walk away.
Keelung City
Located about 27 kilometers northwest of Taipei is Keelung City, one of the country’s main ports. This place is really popular among local and international tourists!
What to Expect: First, head to Zhongzheng Park, were the largest goddess statue in Southeast Asia — Keelung Guanyin Statue — can be found. Next, take a picture by the “Instagrammable” multicolored houses at Zhengbin Fishing Port. Finally, go to Keelung Night Market and try the city’s native delicacies!
How to Get There: From Taipei Main Station, take the TRA train to Keelung Station… a ride that takes about 45 minutes.
Pinglin Tea Plantation
Around 29 kilometers from Taipei is Pinglin, which is better known as the “tea capital” of Taiwan.
What to Expect: The best way to explore this place is by taking a Pinglin Tea Plantation Tour. Here, you can learn more about the Taiwanese people’s love for tea, and also participate in a tea brewing ceremony! Cool!
How to Get There: The drive from Taipei to Pinglin takes only 20 minutes if you take the freeway, or 40 minutes if you traverse via provincial highway. Another option is to take the Green 12 bus, which includes a scenic ride through breathtaking mountains!
Yehliu Geopark
Yehliu Geopark is one of the country’s most iconic landmarks; it’s a must visit for locals and tourists alike! Fortunately, this place is only a 30 to 45-minute drive from Taipei!
What to Expect: Yehliu Geopark is known for its unique landscape… resulting from millions of years of geological processes! Perhaps the most popular rock formation is the Queen’s Head, which is commonly featured on most postcards and souvenir items!
How to Get There: For commuters starting from Taipei Main Station, look for the Kuo-Kuan Bus Taipei Terminal. Take Bus No. 1815, which is headed for Dharma Drum Mountain, then get off at Yehliu Bus Station. That’s it!
These are just some of the fantastic destinations that are not so far from Taipei. If you are living and working in the capital, take note of the above places so you can plan your next “day off” adventure!
Interestingly, some of these places are located within the New Taipei City area. But what exactly is the difference between Taipei and New Taipei City? Read this article to find out!