Keelung Day Trip Itinerary from Taipei
Keelung , also called Jilong, is a port city just 25 kilometers northeast of Taipei. It’s one of Taiwan’s main harbor cities and is known for its shipping, fishing, and tourism. Because it’s so close to Taipei, it’s a popular day trip spot for both locals and tourists.
Keelung may not be as well-known as Taipei, but it’s a hidden gem on Taiwan’s north coast. With its deep history, tasty street food at the night market, and beautiful ocean views, Keelung is a great place to visit in northern Taiwan. It’s easy to reach by train and perfect for a short getaway filled with culture, sights, and local flavor.
Getting to Keelung is super convenient. Just hop on a TRA train from Taipei to Keelung Station. I personally boarded at Songshan Station, and the ride was smooth and fast. Keelung Station puts you right in the heart of the city, ready to explore.
Hike to the Iconic Keelung Sign
Start your day with a little adventure—hike up to the Keelung sign, perched on the hill for panoramic views over the city and the ocean. The last stretch of the climb is steep but rewarding.
Free Views from Keelung Tower
Next, head over to the Keelung Tower, a modern observation deck offering fantastic cityscapes. Best part? It’s completely free, and there’s an elevator that takes you to the top.
Explore Zhongzheng Park & Lookout Point
Take a stroll through peaceful Zhongzheng Park, one of Keelung’s most scenic green spaces. Don’t miss the hidden lookout point nearby for more stunning views.
Colorful Zhengbin Port Houses
From Keelung Tower, walk to the K-Hotel Bus Stop and take Bus 103 to the Instagram-famous Zhengbin Port Color Houses. The waterfront, lined with vibrant buildings, is perfect for a quick photo stop.
Since there was a long line waiting for the 101 bus back , I decided to take an Uber instead and headed straight to the Keelung Night Market.
Must-Try Food Stalls at Keelung Night Market
Stall #5 – Crab Soup & Braised Pork Rice
This stall had one of the longest lines—and for good reason. I ordered their famous crab soup and braised pork rice, both of which I rated a solid 6/7. The flavors were comforting, hearty, and very affordable: 90 NTD for the soup and 40 NTD for the rice.
Stall #43-1 – Grilled Sausages with Garlic
Next, I stopped at stall #43-1 for some Taiwanese-style grilled sausages. These were also popular, with a 20-minute wait and a line that stretched into the main walking path. I paid just 40 NTD for five pieces and was asked if I wanted garlic. Pro tip: say yes to garlic—it seriously boosts the flavor. I’d give these sausages a 5/7.
Stall #37 – Pao Pao Ice
To end the night on a sweet note, I visited stall #37 for some Pao Pao Ice, a popular Taiwanese frozen treat that’s somewhere between sorbet and shaved ice. I went with the passion fruit flavor (yes, seeds included) and rated it a refreshing 5/7.
A day trip to Keelung from Taipei is super easy and full of fun things to do. You can hike to the Keelung sign, enjoy views from the Keelung Tower, explore parks, and relax by the sea. The Keelung Night Market is a must-visit—perfect for trying local food and snacks. With just a short train ride from Taipei, it’s a great way to spend the day outside the city. If you’re looking for a mix of nature, sightseeing, and street food, Keelung is the perfect day trip.
