Taipei, Taiwan

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Taipei

• Upon arrival in Taipei, check into your affordable hotel. I recommend looking into options like Ximen Citizen Hotel or Diary of Taipei Hotel.
• Start your exploration by visiting the iconic Taipei 101. Take in the breathtaking views of the city from the observatory deck.
• Head to the nearby Elephant Mountain for a hike and enjoy another stunning panoramic view of Taipei.
• In the evening, visit the vibrant Shilin Night Market. Indulge in delicious street food like stinky tofu, oyster omelette, and bubble tea.

Day 2: Beitou Hot Springs

• Take a day trip to Beitou, known for its natural hot springs. Start your day by visiting the Beitou Hot Springs Museum to learn about the history and culture of hot springs in Taiwan.
• Relax and rejuvenate at one of the public hot spring baths like Beitou Hot Spring Park or Millennium Hot Spring.
• Explore the beautiful Beitou Thermal Valley, also known as Hell Valley, with its steaming hot spring waters and lush green surroundings.
• Enjoy a traditional Taiwanese hot spring meal at one of the local restaurants in Beitou.

Day 3: Jiufen and Shifen

• Take a day trip to Jiufen, a charming mountain town known for its narrow streets, tea houses, and stunning views. Explore the old streets, visit tea houses, and try local snacks like taro balls and fish balls.
• From Jiufen, head to Shifen, famous for its sky lanterns. Write your wishes on a lantern and release it into the sky for good luck.
• Don't miss the Shifen Waterfall, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Taiwan. Take a leisurely walk along the trail and enjoy the scenic beauty.

Day 4: Taipei City Exploration

• Start your day by visiting the National Palace Museum, home to an extensive collection of Chinese artifacts and artworks.
• Explore the vibrant Ximending district, known for its trendy shops, street performances, and delicious street food.
• Visit the Longshan Temple, one of the oldest and most famous temples in Taipei. Experience the spiritual atmosphere and witness traditional rituals.
• In the evening, head to Raohe Night Market, known for its wide variety of street food. Try local favorites like pepper buns, oyster vermicelli, and grilled squid.

Day 5: Day Trip to Yangmingshan National Park

• Take a day trip to Yangmingshan National Park, known for its volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and beautiful hiking trails.
• Explore the park's highlights like Xiaoyoukeng, where you can witness volcanic activity and soak in the sulfur hot springs.
• Enjoy a leisurely hike along the Qingtiangang Grassland trail, surrounded by stunning mountain views and blooming flowers.
• End your day with a relaxing soak in one of the hot spring resorts in the area.

Day 6: Foodie Adventure in Taipei

• Start your day with a visit to the famous Yongkang Street, known for its wide variety of local eateries. Try the famous beef noodle soup at Yongkang Beef Noodle or enjoy a traditional Taiwanese breakfast at Fu Hang Dou Jiang.
• Visit the bustling Shida Night Market in the evening, known for its affordable and delicious street food. Don't miss the oyster vermicelli, grilled squid, and mango shaved ice.
• For dinner, head to the Ningxia Night Market, known for its authentic Taiwanese flavors. Try the oyster omelette, braised pork rice, and oyster vermicelli.

Day 7: Cultural Exploration in Taipei

• Start your day by visiting the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a symbol of Taiwan's history and democracy. Explore the beautiful gardens and witness the changing of the guard ceremony.
• Visit the Taipei Confucius Temple, a serene and peaceful place to learn about Confucianism and admire traditional architecture.
• Explore the trendy and artistic district of Daan, known for its boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries. Visit the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, a former tobacco factory turned creative hub.
• End your day with a visit to the Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a vibrant space showcasing art exhibitions, performances, and unique shops.

Day 8: Departure

• Before leaving Taipei, indulge in a delicious breakfast at one of the local breakfast shops. Try traditional dishes like soy milk, scallion pancakes, and egg crepes.
• If time permits, visit the Taipei Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Take a leisurely stroll and admire the diverse plant species.
• Depart from Taipei with wonderful memories of your 8-day adventure in Taiwan.

Remember to check the local weather and transportation options for each day to make the most of your itinerary. Enjoy your trip to Taipei!