Taipei, Taiwan: 2-Days Travel Guide
When time is limited, prioritizing Taipei’s must-see attractions ensures a memorable experience that captures the essence of this vibrant city. This condensed guide focuses on blending cultural landmarks with unforgettable culinary adventures.
Day 1: Taipei’s Icons and Culture
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Taipei 101 & Xinyi Shopping District
- Location: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City
- Time Allocation: 3 hours
- Cost: Observation deck entrance fee is around NT$600 per person.
- Description: Kickstart your exploration with Taipei 101 for panoramic city views, then wander the Xinyi District for high-end shopping and modern city vibes.
- Lunch (12:30 PM – 2:00 PM): Din Tai Fung
- Location: Inside Taipei 101 or other locations.
- Time Allocation: 1.5 hours
- Cost: Around NT$300-600 per person.
- Description: Enjoy the legendary xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung, a dining experience that embodies Taiwanese cuisine’s finesse.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM): National Palace Museum
- Location: No. 221, Section 2, Zhishan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City
- Time Allocation: 3 hours
- Cost: NT$350 per person.
- Description: Explore one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts, offering insight into centuries of Chinese art and history.
- Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Shilin Night Market
- Location: No. 101, Jihe Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City
- Time Allocation: 2 hours
- Cost: Food and shopping costs vary; budget NT$200-500.
- Description: Experience Taipei’s bustling street food scene, with a myriad of local delicacies that promise a feast for the senses.
Day 2: Nature, History, and Nightlife
- Morning (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Yangmingshan National Park
- Location: Taipei City
- Time Allocation: 4 hours
- Cost: Free, excluding transportation.
- Description: Venture into the great outdoors at Yangmingshan National Park, where volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and hiking trails await.
- Lunch (1:30 PM – 3:00 PM): Beitou Hot Springs Area
- Location: Beitou District, Taipei City
- Time Allocation: 1.5 hours
- Cost: NT$100-600 for public hot springs.
- Description: Relax in the therapeutic waters of Beitou’s hot springs, followed by a delicious meal in this serene district.
- Afternoon (3:30 PM – 5:30 PM): Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
- Location: No. 21, Zhongshan S Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
- Time Allocation: 2 hours
- Cost: Free
- Description: Pay a visit to this iconic landmark honoring the former president, featuring majestic architecture and the mesmerizing changing of the guards.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Raohe Street Night Market
- Location: Raohe St, Songshan District, Taipei City
- Time Allocation: 2+ hours
- Cost: Food and shopping costs vary; budget NT$200-500.
- Description: Conclude your Taipei journey at Raohe Street Night Market, a perfect place to savor local street food, shop, and immerse in the lively atmosphere.
General Tips:
- Transportation: Utilize Taipei’s efficient MRT system with an EasyCard for ease of travel.
- Weather: Taipei’s weather can be quite variable; light layers are recommended to adapt easily.
- Language Barriers: English signs are common, and many locals understand basic English, but carrying a translation app or guidebook can be helpful.
This 2-days itinerary is crafted to offer a taste of Taipei’s diverse attractions, from the heights of Taipei 101 to the warmth of Beitou’s hot springs, ensuring a fulfilling visit to Taiwan’s capital.