Taipei, Taiwan 2 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Taipei
Morning:
- Start your day with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast at Yongkang Beipiaoluk (永康北宓麵店) or Shin Yeh (信和大樓). Try staples like soy milk, youtiao (fried dough sticks), and dan bing (savory crepes).
- Taipei Grand Mosque (台北大禪寺) - A peaceful and beautiful place to visit. It’s a short walk from the Yongkang Street area.
- Longshan Temple (龍山寺) - One of Taipei’s most famous and historical temples. Experience the lively atmosphere, intricate architecture, and local offerings.
Afternoon:
- Ximending Pedestrian Area (西門町) - A popular shopping district with a vibrant youth culture. It offers various street food, fashion stores, and entertainment venues.
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念館) - An iconic building that hosts a free concert daily at 10 AM and 5 PM. The surrounding park is perfect for relaxing or taking photos.
- National Palace Museum (國立故宮博物院) - A must-visit to see over 690,000 pieces of Chinese art and artifacts, including jadeite cabochon “Chiang Kai-shek Jadeite Cabbage” and Shouxian handle vase.
Evening:
- Dadaocheng Wharf (大稻埕碼頭) - Enjoy the sunset and dine at one of the riverside restaurants. Try local seafood dishes like oyster omelette or stinky tofu.
- Night Markets - Experience the bustling atmosphere of Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) or Raohe Street Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市). Sample traditional street food, shop for souvenirs, and immerse yourself in local culture.
Overnight:
- Hotel Zen Wellbeing Taipei (五elements 杜康大飯店) - A boutique hotel that combines comfort, wellness, and sustainability. Alternatively, consider W Taipei (W 臺北), a modern and stylish hotel in the heart of Ximending.
Day 2: Discovering Taipei’s Landmarks and Scenery
Morning:
- Taipei 101 (台北101) - Visit the world-renowned skyscraper, dine at a restaurant in its observatory, or shop in the attached mall.
- Elephant Mountain (象山) - A short hike to enjoy panoramic views of Taipei City and Taipei 101.
Afternoon:
- Taipower Building (台電大樓) - Visit the unique structure with its distinctive stacked cubes design and take photos in front of the iconic sculpture “Love Letter to Taipei.”
- Baoan Temple (寶安寺) - A tranquil Buddhist temple located on a hillside in Wanhua District.
- Tianmu Mountain Scenic Area (天母山觀景區) - Take the Pingxi Line train to experience the old railway and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. Don’t forget to release sky lanterns at the famous Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival site.
Evening:
- Dadaocheng Fort Park (大稻埕炮台公園) - Enjoy a relaxing evening stroll along the park, watching the sunset over the Danshui River.
- Danshui Old Street (淡水老街) - Dine on local specialties like cuttlefish balls and shaved ice at this charming waterfront area.
Things to Know:
- Taipei Metro (台北捷運) is an efficient and convenient way to travel around the city. Make sure to purchase an EasyCard for contactless payments on buses, trams, and stores.
- Tipping is not customary in Taiwan. Service charges are usually included in your bill at restaurants.
- Language - Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese (Hokkien) are widely spoken, while English proficiency varies. Google Translate can be helpful when communicating with locals.
- Currency - The New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) is the official currency of Taiwan.
- Electricity - Taiwan uses type A and C plugs (110V/60Hz). Bring an adapter if necessary.
Tips:
- Download Maps.me or Google Maps offline to navigate the city without relying on data roaming.
- Bargain at night markets and shops, especially for touristy items.
- Stay safe by keeping your belongings secure, using well-lit areas at night, and being aware of your surroundings.
- Respect local customs and traditions while enjoying your trip to Taipei!