Taipei 2 Day Itinerary

Two Days in Taipei: A Taste of Tradition & Modernity

This itinerary is a suggestion and can be tailored to your interests.

Day 1: Historical Charm & Night Market Delights

  • Morning (9am - 12pm): Start your day with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast at Fuhang Soy Milk (阜杭豆漿). Enjoy a savory bowl of soy milk with “youtiao” (fried dough sticks), “doujiang bing” (steamed bean curd sheet wraps), and “dan bing” (Taiwanese egg pancake) for a local experience.

  • Afternoon (1pm - 6pm): Explore the historical side of Taipei by visiting:

    • Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: A majestic landmark with impressive architecture and beautiful gardens. Witness the changing of the guard ceremony and delve into the history of the former Taiwanese leader.
    • National Palace Museum: Home to a vast collection of Chinese art and artifacts, including priceless treasures like jade carvings and ancient calligraphy.
    • Longshan Temple: Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of this historic temple dedicated to various deities.

  • Evening (6pm - 10pm):

    • Dinner (7pm - 9pm): Indulge in the vibrant energy and delicious food of one of Taipei’s famous night markets. Try Shilin Night Market for a classic Taiwanese experience, with plenty of street food options to choose from.

Things to know:

  • Changing of the Guard: The CKS Memorial Hall hosts a ceremony featuring elaborate changing of the guards by its honor guard, dressed in traditional uniforms and performing intricate routines. Check the schedule online as it changes depending on the season.

  • Night Market Etiquette:

    • Be prepared to haggle: Many vendors at night markets are open to negotiation, especially for smaller items or if you’re buying multiple things.
    • Try a variety of foods: Taiwanese night markets are famous for their diverse and affordable street food options.
    • Use cash: Most stalls don’t accept credit cards, so be ready with Taiwanese dollars (NTD).

Where to Eat (Day 1):

  • For lunch:
    • Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐) Din Tai Fung: Enjoy a variety of delicious dumplings and other Taiwanese dishes.

Things to do (Day 2):

  • Morning (9am - 12pm): Start your day with a hike up Elephant Mountain (象山) for breathtaking panoramic views of Taipei 101 and the surrounding cityscape.

  • Afternoon (1pm - 6pm) :

    • Explore Ximending: Immerse yourself in the vibrant youth culture of this bustling district, known for its shopping, street food, and entertainment.
    • Enjoy a night out at a night market: Experience the energy of Raohe Street Night Market (饒河街夜市), known for its local charm and traditional Taiwanese snacks.

  • Evening (7pm - 10pm):

    • Dinner (7pm - 8:30pm) : Indulge in a delicious Taiwanese meal.
    • Taipei 101 Observatory: Visit the iconic observatory at the top of Taipei 101 for stunning views of the city.

Day 2: Nature & Nightlife (6pm - 10pm)

  • Explore Ximending: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this historical district with its museums, theaters, and street food stalls.
  • National Taiwan Museum: Spend the morning exploring the history of Taiwan’s indigenous cultures and natural history.
  • Taipei Palace Museum: This museum houses a vast collection of Chinese artifacts and is a must-see for art and history lovers.

Day 2: (8pm - 10pm)

  • Night Market Food Tour: Join a guided food tour to sample the best eats at Ximending, like stinky tofu, bubble tea, and Taiwanese fried chicken.

Things to Know:

  • National Taiwan Museum: The museum is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm daily.
  • Xinyi District: The vibrant atmosphere of the CKS Memorial Hall (and its surrounding area): A night market like Shilin, with its diverse and delicious offerings, is a great way to experience the local nightlife.

Things to do (Day 2) :

  • Visit the National Taiwan Museum: Explore historical artifacts and exhibits on Taiwanese culture.

  • Enjoy a traditional Taiwanese breakfast:

    • National Taiwan Museum: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at “Breakfast Shop” near the Taipei Zoo, which is close to the CKS Memorial Hall.

  • Explore the Night Market Scene:

    • Night Markets: Immerse yourself in local culture and enjoy a variety of food stalls, games, and shops for souvenirs.

Tips:

  • Transportation: Taipei has an excellent public transportation system. You can easily reach the night markets using the MRT (metro).

  • Currency: The official currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD).

  • Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but English is spoken in many tourist areas and by younger generations.

  • Food: Try the local delicacies! Taiwanese cuisine is known for its unique flavors and textures.

Transportation:

  • MRT: The Taipei Metro (MRT) is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.

  • Taxis: Taxis are readily available in Taipei and relatively inexpensive.

  • Food & Nightlife:

  • Scooter Rentals: Consider renting a scooter for a fun and adventurous way to explore the city like a local. Just be aware that driving rules may differ, and traffic can be challenging in Taipei.

  • Night Market Etiquette:

  • Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of scooters and public transportation.

  • Night Markets: Be sure to check out the National Palace Museum (國立故宫博物院) - it’s a must-see for those interested in art and history.

  • Food: Enjoy a variety of delicious and affordable Taiwanese food options.

  • Safety: Be mindful of your belongings, as pickpocketing can be an issue.

  • Language: Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases or download a translation app to make communication easier.