Taipei in 2 Days (Or 3 Days): The Perfect Itinerary

In fact, I recently spent a few days exploring Taipei and, honestly, I feel like I barely scratched the surface. 

There’s just so much to do and see here – it would take multiple trips to really experience it all.

That being said, Taipei is an incredible destination and well worth visiting, even if you’re short on time. 

With just two (or three) days, you’ll still be able to get a feel for the city, visit its most iconic landmarks, and sample some of the finest street food in Asia.

So, without further ado, let’s dive right in and discover how you can experience the best of Taipei in 2 days!

On top of that, these “shoulder seasons” tend to attract fewer tourists, meaning shorter lines and less crowded attractions – which is always a bonus!

Another great option to consider is winter, which offers cooler temperatures (that are still warm!) with very little rain.

Winter, however, can be a bit more crowded, especially around the Chinese New Year. So, that’s something you’ll definitely want to keep in mind.

And finally, we have summer, aka the rainy season. During this time of the year, you can expect hot and humid weather with frequent rainfall – and more tourists.

If you plan to travel during the summer months, it’s best to pack an umbrella and have a few rainy day activities in mind, just in case.

You can purchase EasyCards online or upon arrival in Taiwan. They’re available (and can be recharged) at the airport, in most major subway stations, and even at convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart – just ask at the counter.

Fares in Taipei are quite affordable, so there’s no need to load a lot of money onto your card – a little goes a long way here!

That said, if you end up with a leftover credit, you can always return your card for a refund.

Or, you can try and spend your funds in other ways. The EasyCard is also accepted at convenience stores, supermarkets, bike rental stations, and even at some tourist attractions! 

Pro Tip: If you’re taking a public bus in Taiwan, please be advised – they don’t automatically stop at all bus stops. You actually need to wave them down; otherwise, they may drive right by you! Trust me, I found this out the hard way!

And, of course, we can’t forget about the star of the show: the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

Dedicated to Chiang Kai-shek, the former ruler (and dictator) of the Republic of China, the memorial hall features a large statue, a gift shop, and a restaurant. 

There’s even a small museum that offers insights into Chiang Kai-shek’s life and Taiwan’s modern political history.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Changing of the Guards Ceremony at the memorial’s main hall. It takes place daily, every hour on the hour – from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. It’s quite a sight to see, if your timing lines up!

Today, the park serves as a reminder of this painful past, but also stands as a symbol of peace and resiliency.

Visitors are welcome to stroll along the park’s many paths, relax by its koi ponds, and admire the traditional pavilions scattered throughout the grounds.

In addition to this, the park is home to the official 228 Memorial Monument, the 228 Memorial Museum, and the National Taiwan Museum – the oldest museum in Taiwan. 

Packed with colorful billboards, bustling pedestrian streets, and youthful energy, this is the place to go for the latest fashion, quirky boutiques, and pop culture finds.

From international brands and local designers to themed cafes, beauty stores, and anime shops – Ximending has it all!

While you’re here, be sure to check out Rainbow Six, a vibrant, colorful walkway that’s perfect for photos. 

And, just around the corner, you’ll also find the historic Red House Theater, which is home to a variety of artisanal craft shops and small local galleries.

Dating back to the early 18th century, this richly decorated temple reflects Taiwan’s tradition of religious harmony, blending Buddhist, Taoist, and folk beliefs all under one roof.

The temple is especially famous for its intricate carvings, colorful lanterns, and detailed dragon pillars, making it not just a spiritual hub but an architectural gem as well!

There’s even an impressive waterfall on the grounds, home to a school of colorful koi fish! 

Pro Tip: As Taipei’s most famous temple, Longshan is almost always busy – but it’s still definitely worth visiting! Just come prepared for crowds of worshippers and tourists alike.

With nearly 700,000 artifacts spanning approximately 8,000 years of Chinese history, the museum is a treasure trove of priceless relics and artistic masterpieces. 

From ancient bronze statues to intricate jade carvings, beautifully preserved calligraphy, scroll paintings, and rare ceramics – there’s no shortage of fascinating pieces to admire.

And the best part? Exhibits here rotate regularly, so there’s always something new to discover!

Similar to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the shrine hosts a Changing of the Guards Ceremony, which is held every hour on the hour from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Even if you can’t catch the ceremony, though, the shrine is still worth visiting – the vibrant architecture alone makes it a memorable stop.

Pro Tip: If you only have time to see one Changing of the Guard ceremony, I recommend this one over the one at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. It’s significantly less crowded, which makes the experience much more enjoyable.

Dating back to the 18th century, the temple is dedicated to Baosheng Dadi, the Taoist god of medicine and healing.

It’s most renowned for its ornate wood carvings, colorful murals, and intricate decorative details that are truly stunning to behold (honestly, pictures don’t do it justice!).

Despite its beauty and cultural significance, the temple sees far fewer visitors than places like Longshan Temple – making it a peaceful spot to explore at your own pace.

Just be ready to put in a bit of effort! The hike is short but steep, with stairs covering nearly the entire trail.

It typically takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the top. Of course, that can vary depending on how many breaks (or photo stops!) you take along the way.

Pro Tip: For the most breathtaking views, be sure to time your visit for sunset (or sunrise)! This is when the city skyline is at its most magical.

Here, you can enjoy incredible views of the Taipei skyline from the indoor observatories on the 89th and 101st floors. 

Or, for those feeling adventurous, there’s the 460 Skyline Experience – which allows you to step out onto the roof for open-air views (don’t worry, you’ll be safely harnessed in!). 

Beyond the views, Taipei 101 also features a multi-level shopping mall packed with a variety of designer stores, international brands, and plenty of dining options (including the famous Din Tai Fung restaurant).

Pro Tip: Be sure to book your tickets in advance if you plan to visit the observatories! Slots for the 101st floor and the 460 Skyline Experience are limited and tend to sell out quickly.

• Jiufen & Shifen: This popular duo offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and scenery. While Shifen is famous for its picturesque waterfall (often called Taiwan’s Niagara Falls), Jiufen is a nostalgic hillside village with lantern-lit alleyways and teahouses. Both destinations are located just 40 minutes outside of Taipei and can easily be done together as a day trip!
• Yehliu Geopark: Located along Taiwan’s northern coast, Yehliu Geopark is home to some of Taiwan’s most unique geological formations. Shaped by thousands of years of sea erosion, these natural sculptures are quite a sight to behold – especially against the backdrop of Taiwan’s dramatic coastal landscape.
• Keelung: A bustling port city situated just north of Taipei, Keelung is famous for its harborfront scenery, historic temples, and lively night market culture. It also happens to serve as a great jumping-off point for scenic coastal hikes, hidden beaches, and peaceful ocean viewpoints.
• Wulai: Nestled in the mountains south of Taipei, Wulai is a tranquil escape – one that offers lush mountain scenery, relaxing natural hot springs, and picturesque waterfalls. The area is also home to the indigenous Atayal people, providing visitors the unique opportunity to experience Taiwan’s indigenous culture through local foods, crafts, and cultural exhibits.
• Beitou Hot Springs: Situated on the northern outskirts of Taipei City, Beitou is a small town famous for its geothermal hot springs and Japanese-era bathhouses. Here, you’ll find a public hot spring park (currently closed for renovations until 2026), as well as several private hot spring resorts and hotels offering a relaxing escape from the city.  
• Yangmingshan National Park: Encompassing more than 11,000 hectares, Yangmingshan is the closest national park to the city of Taipei. An ideal getaway for nature lovers, the park offers an abundance of hiking trails, hot springs, and volcanic landscapes. It’s particularly popular in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom!

Pro Tip: You can combine many of these destinations and visit them together on a guided tour from Taipei!

• Maokong Gondola: The city’s only ropeway, Maokong Gondola travels from Taipei Zoo Station up into the scenic hills of Maokong. Known for its traditional teahouses and tranquil atmosphere, the area offers stunning views and peaceful hiking trails. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy a fresh pot of locally grown tea! 
• Da’an Forest Park: Spanning 64 acres, Da’an Forest Park is Taipei’s largest public park – and the ultimate peaceful escape. Here, you’ll find a number of walking trails, ponds, pavilions, a playground, and even an open-air theater.
• Dihua Street: As Taipei’s oldest street, Dihua offers a fascinating mix of tradition and trends. From historic temples to modern cafes, traditional tea shops, and lively cooking classes, Dihua has a bit of everything!
• Creative Parks: Many of Taipei’s former industrial sites have been transformed into trendy hubs for art, design, and local culture. Known as “creative parks,” these vibrant spaces are home to indie shops, cozy cafes, and rotating art exhibitions. Two of the most popular creative parks include: Huashan 1914 and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park.
• Taipei Botanical Garden: Home to more than 2,000 species of plants, the Taipei Botanical Garden is a serene green oasis known for its diverse plant life. Here, you’ll also find several historic monuments dating back to the Qing Dynasty era – which adds a unique layer of history to this lush retreat!

• Taipei Main Station: The area around Taipei Main Station offers easy access to the city’s public transportation system, and is incredibly convenient if you plan to take any day trips outside of the city. On top of this, there are a variety of restaurants, cafes, and affordable accommodations in the nearby area.
• Ximending: Situated in the heart of the city, Ximending is perfect for those looking to stay in the midst of all the action. Here, you’ll find a variety of hotels, restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, and several notable attractions – all within walking distance.
• Xinyi District: Encompassing the area around Taipei 101, Xinyi is known for its upscale accommodations and high-end shopping. It also happens to offer some of the best skyline views in the city.
• Da’an District: Home to the city’s largest park, Da’an is perfect for those seeking a quieter, more laid-back stay. Here, you’ll find a variety of trendy cafes, boutique shops, and local eateries to explore. 

🧳 My Experience: We stayed at the Grand Hyatt Taipei and loved it! The rooms were spacious and beautifully designed, the service was excellent, and the location (right next to Taipei 101) couldn’t have been better!

• Xiao Long Bao: Also known as soup dumplings, these delicate steamed dumplings are filled with savory broth and tender meat. They’re typically served with a dipping sauce that features some combination of soy, ginger, black vinegar, and/or chili oil.
• Braised Beef Noodle Soup: Declared the unofficial national dish of Taiwan, this hearty soup features a rich, flavorful beef broth. It’s served with braised beef, chewy noodles, and local vegetables like bok choy, green onions, and mustard greens.  
• Boba Milk Tea: Known around the world as bubble tea, this iconic drink actually originates from Taiwan. Created by locals in the 1980s, it combines sweet milk tea with chewy tapioca balls and comes in a wide variety of flavors. 
• Stinky Tofu: One of Taiwan’s most famous – and highly debated – street foods, stinky tofu is a fermented tofu dish known for its strong, sharp aroma. If you can get past its smell, you’ll find that it offers a crispy texture and rich, savory flavor – or so I’ve been told!
• Hot Pot: A popular dining experience in Taiwan, hot pot involves cooking a variety of meats, seafood, vegetables, and noodles in a simmering broth right at your table. This interactive, communal style of cooking allows your group to customize the ingredients and sauces to fit your tastes.