Taipei: Private Custom City Tour with Flexible Itinerary

Summary

Temples, old streets & Taipei 101 views in one flexible day

You’ll wander between incense-filled temples and lively old streets with your local guide sharing stories along the way. Taste traditional snacks on Dihua Street, watch the guard change at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, then hike up Elephant Mountain for city views you won’t forget. Every stop feels like a new side of Taipei waiting for you.

What’s the experience like?

Is it weird to say I still smell incense when I think about Longshan Temple? We met our guide, Li, right in the hotel lobby—he waved a little too enthusiastically (in a good way). The morning was kind of sticky but not hot, and as soon as we stepped into the temple, it felt quieter. There were locals lighting joss sticks and murmuring prayers, and Li explained which gods people come for—he even showed us how to toss those crescent-shaped blocks for luck. I tried and dropped one; an old woman laughed and handed it back to me. That moment stuck.

We drifted through Dihua Street after that. The air changed—dried herbs, tea leaves, something sweet I couldn’t place. Shops had wooden shutters and faded signs; Li pointed out a shop selling traditional snacks since the 1800s (I bought some peanut candy for later). He told us stories about how this street was Taipei’s trading heart ages ago. I liked watching the shopkeepers chat with each other in Taiwanese—it’s softer than Mandarin somehow.

Later we stood at Liberty Square with its blue-and-white arches and watched the changing of the guard at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. It’s more formal than I expected—boots clicking on marble, tourists whispering behind their phones. After Bao’an Temple (the roof dragons are wild), we could’ve gone straight to Taipei 101 but decided to climb Elephant Mountain first. Forty minutes up stone stairs—sweaty but worth it for that view over the city, especially as the sun started dipping behind glass towers. My legs shook coming down but honestly? That skyline sticks with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Custom full-day Taipei city tour

• Meet guide at hotel lobby
• Visit Longshan Temple
• Explore Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
• Walk along Dihua Street
• Visit Bao'an Temple
• See traditional housing and gardens
• Watch guard changing at Martyrs’ Shrine
• Tour Taipei National Palace Museum
• View Taipei 101 from outside
• Hike Elephant Mountain or relax

Top questions

How long is the private custom Taipei city tour?

The tour lasts about 8 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, your guide meets you at your hotel lobby in Taipei City.

Can I choose which attractions to visit?

Yes, you can create your own itinerary with help from your guide.

Are entrance fees included?

No, admission fees such as to Taipei National Palace Museum are optional and paid separately if you choose to enter.

Is transportation private?

Yes, all transport is by private air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No set lunch is included but your guide can recommend local spots or street food along the way.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and children can join in strollers or prams.

Can I visit places outside central Taipei?

You can add nearby sites like Yehliu Geopark or Jiufen Old Street if time allows within 8 hours.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Taipei City, bottled water throughout the trip, all parking fees and tolls covered by your private air-conditioned vehicle, plus passenger insurance so you can just focus on exploring with your local guide by your side.