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The 5 Best Shore Excursions in Taipei
Taipei is a city that offers a wealth of experiences, making it a perfect destination for shore excursions. With its blend of bustling markets, stunning landmarks, and nearby natural beauty, you won’t run out of things to explore. Whether you're after cultural gems like Longshan Temple, scenic spots like Yehliu Geopark, or culinary adventures in Dihua Street, Taipei's compact size means you can pack a lot into a day.
Our favorite tour is the private Jiufen & Shifen Sky Lantern Tour, which combines charming mountain towns with a fun tradition that makes for an unforgettable memory. But if you prefer a flexible, customizable experience, the Urban Adventure allows you to tailor your itinerary and see Taipei your way. And for those after unique geological sights and local seafood, the Yehliu, Jiufen, & Cat Village Tour hits high notes in both scenery and story. Read on to find the perfect shore excursion for your visit.
Quick Overview
Our list includes a variety of options suited for different interests and energy levels. The Keelung Shore Excursion: Jiufen & Shifen Sky Lantern Private Tour is ideal for families and those wanting a full-day trip through picturesque towns and waterfalls. The Private Urban Adventure offers a personalized day visiting iconic landmarks like Taipei 101 and Longshan Temple, perfect for first-timers. The Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, & Houtong Cat Village Tour combines geological wonders with charming village strolls. For food lovers, the Taste Taipei Food Tour dives into Taipei’s vibrant street food scene, while the Natural Wonder & Seafood Tour explores Taiwan’s coastal beauty and fresh seafood. Each offers a unique way to experience Taipei beyond the cruise ship port.
1. Keelung Shore Excursion: Jiufen & Shifen Sky Lantern Private Tour
This full-day private tour takes you into some of Taiwan’s most photogenic and atmospheric towns. Starting from Keelung port, you’ll head to Jiufen Old Street, where narrow alleys wind through tea houses, souvenir shops, and street food stalls. It’s like stepping into a scene from a Miyazaki film, with panoramic views over the mountains and ocean. The tour then continues to Shifen, famous for its sky lantern tradition and Waterfall. Lighting and releasing your own lantern, with your wishes written on it, is a highlight that makes this trip special.
What makes this tour stand out is its personalized approach. Your guide shares insights into the gold mining history of the region, making the experience both engaging and educational. The inclusion of the waterfalls—Golden Waterfall and Shifen Waterfall—provides a natural contrast to the town scenes. This tour is especially recommended for families since children can join at reduced rates. It’s a well-balanced mix of culture, nature, and fun, with pickup and drop-off from Keelung port included.
Bottom Line: A great full-day choice for those wanting a scenic, culturally rich experience with an interactive twist — perfect for families or first-timers.
2. Keelung Shore Excursion Private 8-Hour Taipei Urban Adventure!
This customizable private tour offers a flexible way to see Taipei’s top sights without the hassle of navigating public transport. After a stress-free pickup from Keelung, you can tailor your day to include the attractions you’re most interested in, whether that’s the soaring Taipei 101 or the peaceful Longshan Temple. The guide helps craft an itinerary that fits your pace, making it ideal for first-time visitors who want to maximize their time.
The tour includes quick visits to hotspots like Dihua Street, where Asian flavors and shops line narrow alleys, and the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, with its impressive architecture. Your guide provides insights into the city’s history and culture, enriching your understanding of Taiwan’s capital. The ability to choose based on your interests — be it shopping, sightseeing, or food — makes this tour a favorite for travelers who prefer a tailored experience. Plus, it’s an excellent introduction for those new to Taipei.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want the freedom to pick their favorite highlights of Taipei and avoid long group tours.
3. Keelung Shore Excursion: Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Houton Cat Village Private Tour
This tour offers a full immersion into Northern Taiwan’s natural and quirky sides. The day begins at Yehliu Geopark, famous for its Queen’s Head rock formation and other surreal geological sculptures shaped over thousands of years by wind and sea. It’s a photographer’s dream, with formations that look like they’ve come straight out of a fantasy world. Next, you’ll visit Jiufen Old Street, with its nostalgic streets, traditional teahouses, and panoramic mountain views. This is where the animated movie “Spirited Away” drew inspiration, making it a must-see for fans.
Adding a fun twist, the tour visits Houtong Cat Village, a former coal mining town turned sanctuary for feline fans. Petting the cats and wandering the colorful streets is a charming break from the more serious sightseeing. Finally, you’ll explore the Miaokou Night Market for local seafood and street eats, providing a delicious end to your day.
The tour’s appeal lies in its combination of geological marvels, historic villages, and adorable cats—giving a well-rounded snapshot of Northern Taiwan’s diverse attractions. The included admission to Yehliu Geopark makes it a good value, and reviews highlight the knowledgeable guide and enjoyable stops.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for travelers interested in geology, unique villages, and quirky attractions like Houtong’s cats.
4. Taste Taipei: Private 6H Food Tour from Keelung Shore Excursion
For those who love authentic food experiences, this private culinary tour is a delicious way to explore Taipei’s vibrant food scene. From the moment your guide picks you up from Keelung Port, you’ll dive into the flavors of Dihua Street and the Zhongzheng District, where traditional markets burst with Taiwanese snacks, pastries, and street fare.
The focus here is on tasting and understanding local cuisine. You’ll sample everything from oyster omelets to braised pork rice, experiencing the diversity of Taiwanese culinary culture firsthand. The tour also includes a walk through city landmarks like Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, providing a cultural context to the food stops.
Reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and friendliness, along with the chance to try a variety of dishes in authentic settings. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the tour is perfect for foodies wanting an immersive experience without rushing.
Bottom Line: A tasty choice for serious food lovers who want an in-depth look at Taipei’s street food and local markets with a knowledgeable guide.
5. Keelung Shore Excursion: Private 6H Natural Wonder & Seafood Tour
This nature-focused tour combines Taiwan’s coastal geology with a seafood feast. The journey begins at Yin Yang Sea, a striking natural phenomenon where mineral runoff creates contrasting blue and yellow waters, making for some stunning photos. Then, you visit Yehliu Geopark to marvel at Queen’s Head and other unique rock formations carved by wind and water over millennia.
The highlight of this tour is Guihou Fishing Harbor, where you’ll enjoy a fresh seafood meal, choosing from daily catches prepared in local style. The picturesque harbor setting makes this a relaxing and flavorful end to your day. The combination of geological wonders and seaside dining appeals to travelers who want both scenic beauty and culinary satisfaction.
Guests rave about the guide’s attentiveness and the quality of the seafood experience, making this tour a solid pick for nature lovers and foodies alike. It offers a well-rounded mix of Taiwan’s natural coastlines and flavors, with a focus on scenic photography and fresh seafood.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers interested in Taiwan’s coastal scenery and seafood culture in a manageable half-day experience.
How to Choose
When selecting the best shore excursion in Taipei, consider your interests and travel style. Want a full-day scenic adventure with waterfalls and mountain towns? The Jiufen & Shifen Tour suits families and those seeking interactive experiences. If you prefer a customized city tour, the Urban Adventure allows you to pick your must-see landmarks. For geology and animals, the Yehliu, Jiufen & Cat Village Tour offers a mix of natural wonders and cute cats.
Food lovers should look at the Taste Taipei Food Tour for an authentic culinary journey, while those keen on coastal scenery and seafood will enjoy the Natural Wonder & Seafood Tour. Remember to factor in your fitness level, time constraints, and budget. Booking early is wise, especially during peak cruise season, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Taipei’s shore excursions offer a fantastic mix of natural beauty, history, culture, and cuisine. For travelers wanting a comprehensive experience, the Jiufen & Shifen trip combines charming towns and waterfalls, while the Urban Adventure caters to those who want to explore the city at their own pace. Meanwhile, the Geological and wildlife-focused tours will satisfy those curious about Taiwan’s unique landscapes and local wildlife.
No matter which tour you choose, planning ahead and securing your spot early will help you make the most of your time in this vibrant city. Whether you’re after iconic sights, thrilling geological formations, or delicious street food, Taipei’s shore excursions are sure to leave you with plenty of memories—and maybe a few new favorite snacks.