Taipei, Taiwan, is a fun and unique city to visit, with a blend of Chinese and Japanese culture. Spending two days in Taipei will give you the highlights of this amazing city, but you will definitely want more time than that if you can manage it.
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History of Taipei
Taipei began as a small settlement, originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples. Later in the 1700s, the Han Chinese immigrants from Fujian Province began to arrive. During the 1800s, it grew into a regional trade center under the Qing Dynasty, benefiting from its location along key river routes, and was officially designated a provincial capital of Taiwan in 1887.
After the First Sino-Japanese War, Taiwan was ceded to Japan, and Taipei developed significantly under Japanese rule with modern infrastructure, urban planning, and public buildings.
Following World War II, control of Taiwan passed to the Republic of China, and in 1949, after the Chinese Civil War, the government led by Chiang Kai-shek relocated to Taipei, transforming it into the political center of Taiwan. Present-day Taipei is a dynamic global city that blends its layered history with modern culture.
When to Spend Two Days in Taipei
Although Taipei is a great place to visit any time of the year, visiting during the fall or spring will provide the most comfortable weather and the least amount of rainfall. The rainy season is from October to April, so you may want to avoid those times. Keep in mind the Lunar New Year is usually the end of January/beginning of February, so that time will be more crowded and many things will be closed.
How to Get to Taipei
Taipei has two airports: Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) and Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA). TPE is where all the international flights fly into while TSA is closer to the city center and for domestic flights, Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai. Thus, you will most likely fly into TPE. Skyscanner is my favorite way to search for flights.
Airport to the City Center
To get from the airport to the city center, you can opt to take the metro, a bus, Uber/taxi, or hire private transportation. We opted to take the metro to our hotel, which was very easy to do. You can tap your credit card to get on at the airport and then buy a metro pass once you get to the main station.
Transportation in Taipei
The Taipei Metro (MRT) is the best way to get around the city. It operates from 6am until midnight with fares based on the distance traveled. You can buy a day pass (NT $150) or purchase an Easy Card, where you can pay per ride for the metro and buses.
Passes are as follows:
- 24 Hours: NT $180 ($6)
- 48 Hours: NT $280 ($9)
- 72 Hours: NT $380 ($12)
Alternatively, there is an extensive bus network, bike rentals, taxis, rideshares, and the high speed railway that connects you with other cities across Taiwan.
Where to Stay in Taipei
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Check out the best hotels in Taipei here! You can always try searching Priceline Express Deals for a better price or try to price match a hotel. We stayed at the Grand Hyatt Taipei and I would stay here again. It is located near Taipei 101, which is more in the business area.
The following are some other hotels that are worth looking at depending on your price range.
- Courtyard Taipei Downtown
- Hotel Resonance Taipei
- DoubleTree Taipei Zhongshan
- Regent Taipei
- Kimpton Da An Hotel
- Sheraton Grand Hotel Taipei
- Citizen M Taipei Northgate
What to do During Two Days in Taipei
If you plan on doing a lot of the attractions, you may want to invest in the Taipei pass, which gets you into the top attractions across Taipei. You can also do a half-day guided tour to get acclimated to the city. Alternatively, a food tour or a night market food tour, are fun ways to get to see different parts of the city.
Day 1
National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
Cost: Free
Hours: 9am-5pm
This memorial is dedicated to the founding father of the Republic of China. This building is meant to resemble a traditional palace and contains a massive bronze statue of Dr. Dun. It is surrounded by some gorgeous gardens and also has an exhibition hall with information. Make sure to catch a view of the Reflection Pool with Taipei 101 reflecting in the water.
Din Thai Fung
Cost: $$
Hours: Varies by location
Din Thai Fung is one of the most famous dumpling places that can be found globally. However, it originated in Taiwan, and you can find the first Din Thai Fung on Xinyi Road. You will want to make sure to get Xia Long Bao (sound dumplings) as one of your entrees. Visitors can watch the chefs make them from behind glass in the front of the restaurant. Plan to wait awhile to get in if you do not get there when they open.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Cost: Free
Hours: 9am-6pm
Visiting the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is one of the most popular things to do during two days in Taipei. This massive landmark commemorates Taiwan’s former president and is an example of classical Chinese architecture. The vast square in front of it is a popular gathering spot. The Changing of the Guard takes place every hour from 9am to 5pm.
Ximen Shopping Area
The Ximen shopping area is often called the Shinjuku of Taipei and the vibrant heart of culture, fashion, and street food. It is famous for its pedestrian-only streets and the colorful “Rainbow Six” crossing (a popular picture spot). It is a great place to visit both during the day and in the evening.
Themed 7-11 Stores
During two days in Taipei, you will want to make sure to visit one of the themed 7-11 Stores scattered around the city. From Snoopy, Hello Kitty, Pokémon, and even Starlux Airlines, these branches feature exclusive merchandise, themed seating areas, and photo-worthy spots within the store.
Shinlin Night Market
Taipei is known for its night markets, with over 20 options visitors can choose from to visit. They are scattered throughout the city. Most of them run from 5pm to midnight. Shinlin Night Market is one of the biggest and best markets to visit. It has many food stalls, shopping options, and even carnival games to play. It is one of the more family-friendly markets as well. Make sure to get a chicken from Hot Star and try a scallion pancake and pork bun.
Shinlin Area Bars
Next, head to a couple of the bars in the area to grab a nightcap to finish your first of two days in Taipei. InRoom has a lot of unique cocktail combinations to try out. Ole Rum Bar is the place to go if you want to try some different rums. It is located on the second floor, with the first floor being a rum shop.
Day 2
Elephant Mountain
Cost: Free
Hours: 24/7
Start your second of two days in Taipei with a hike up Elephant Mountain. This is a steep hike but also relatively short, and should take about 20-30 minutes. Visitors can hike up a set of stairs that lead to several observation platforms that overlook Taipei. The late afternoon can also be a great time to complete this hike to see the city at Golden Hour.
Taipei Botanical Gardens
Cost: Free
Hours: 9am-4pm, Closed Tuesdays
Established in 1896, the Taipei Botanical Gardens serve as a peaceful escape from the city. It features over 2,000 species of plants. The highlight of the gardens is the Lotus Pond, which is usually in bloom in early summer.
Lungshon Temple
Cost: Free
Hours: 6am-10pm
Next, head to the Lugshan Temple. Built in 1783, this is one of Taiwan’s oldest and most significant temples. It showcases the traditional architecture and is a place where locals come to pray.
LiuYu Teahouse
Cost: $
Hours: 11am-8pm
After visiting the Longshan Temple, head to the Longshan Temple Underground Mall. Here you can find many shops, but you will want to head to the LiuYu Teahouse. Here you can learn about the art of tea and try out some delicious Taiwanese tea. The owner also hosts group tastings or you can schedule a private tasting.
Taipei 101
Cost: $19
Hours: 10am-9pm
Taipei 101 was once the tallest building in the world until the Burj Kalefa was built. Visitors can visit the 89th-floor observatory for panoramic views. You could also get Taipei 101 priority tickets to skip the line. There is also a coffee shop you can visit near the top floor if you do not want to pay to go up to the observatory. The building itself also holds a mall and lots of places to eat.
Kavalan Whiskey Tasting
Next, head to the Kavalan Whiskey Tasting stall in Taipei 101. This is the perfect stop to rest your feet and enjoy some Taiwanese whiskey. This premium whiskey is produced in Yilan County, and is known for its smooth, tropical fruit forward flavors and rich complexity. Due to Taiwan’s warm and humid climate, the whiskey ages for a short time. At this stall, you are able to try a sample of any of the types of whiskey they produce.
Mala Hot Pot
Cost: $28
Hours: 11:30am-2am
Mala Hot Pot is the place you will want to have a delicious dinner. This infamous all-you-can-eat spot is a great value and has a massive selection of items for the hot pot. You can choose two soup bases for your hot pot. Then, order your meats via QR code and visit the buffet for all the sides and seafood. It is the perfect place to unwind after your second of two days in Taipei.
Raohe Night Market
The Raohe Night Market is one of the oldest night markets in Taipei. It is located next to Ciyou temple, so you may want to check out the flowing landers and architecture of that temple. Here you will want to try the Fuzhou Black Pepper Buns and Ice fire sesame balls.
More Than Two Days in Taipei
If you have more than two days in Taipei, make sure to check out some of the following places. Many of these places may be a better option for day two, but many were closed on Mondays. Therefore, we found some alternative things to do.
Maokong Gondola
Cost: $4 for a single ride or NT $8 for a day pass
Hours: 9am-9pm, closed Mondays
One of the things all visitors have to do during two days in Taipei is the Maokong Gondola. This cable car system takes you up into the mountains of Taipei, and it offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. If you can, grab one of the “crystal cabins” that have a glass bottom for even more views. I reccommend getting the day pass so you can hop on and off.
The gondolas have four stops: The Taipei Zoo, Taipei Zoo South, Zhinan Temple, and Maokong. Each stop offers various things to see across this tea-growing region. Take it all the way to the top first to check out the tea houses and then work your way down. Along the way, you can also check out the Lingxio Palace, which is part of the Zhinan Temple complex. There are also a lot of hiking trails that connect the area.
National Palace Museum
Cost: $11
Hours: Tues-Sun: 9am-5pm
The National Palace Museum is a must visit during your two days in Taipei. It is home to one of the largest collections of Ancient Chinese art and artifacts from over 8,000 years of history. You can easily spend a couple of hours here exploring the collections.
Beitou Hot Springs
Cost: $2+
Hours: 5:30am-10pm
The Beitou Hot Springs are a great place to escape the city and spend some time relaxing. Visitors can choose between the public Millennium Hot Springs or one of the luxury resorts, such as the Beitou Hot Spring Resort, in the area. The public pools are open in two hour sections and start at $2. The private resorts start around $44. Plan to relax for a couple of hours before heading back into the city.
Final Tips for Two Days in Taipei
Two days in Taipei is the perfect introduction to Taiwan. It is a great stop to add on to a trip to Seoul, Beijing, Japan, or the Philippines. It could also be a good stop on the way to Bali or other places in Southeast Asia. Since there are so many flights to Taipei, it is an easy gateway to Eastern Asia.
