2-Day Itinerary
2-Day Taipei Itinerary
City landmarks and culture on day one, northern hot springs and world-class art on day two.
City Landmarks & Culture
09:00 — 22:00 • 7 stops • MRT Red, Green & Blue Lines
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Begin with the grand guard-changing ceremony at the top of the hour. Explore the hall and the vast Liberty Square plaza with the National Theater and Concert Hall.
Longshan Temple & Bopiliao
Visit Taipei's most historic temple, then wander Bopiliao Old Street to see Qing-era architecture and traditional crafts.
Lunch in Ximending
Head to the vibrant youth district for lunch. Try local favorites like braised pork rice, oyster omelets, or street snacks.
Ximending & Red House
Explore the pedestrian zone, the historic Red House Theater, and boutique shops. Ximending is the heart of Taipei youth culture.
Taipei 101 & Shopping
Visit the iconic skyscraper. Explore the mall or take the elevator to the observation deck for stunning city views.
Din Tai Fung Dinner
Savor world-famous soup dumplings at the Taipei 101 branch. Order the xiao long bao, spicy wontons, and chocolate dumplings.
Shilin Night Market
Taipei's most famous night market. Try fried chicken steak, bubble tea, oyster vermicelli, and browse the game stalls.
Northern Taiwan: Art & Hot Springs
09:00 — 21:30 • 6 stops • MRT Red Line
National Palace Museum
Home to one of the world's largest collections of Chinese art. See the Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-Shaped Stone. Allow at least 2 hours.
Lunch at Shilin
Grab lunch near the museum or at the Shilin tourist night market area, which has food stalls open during the day.
Beitou Hot Springs
Take the MRT to Beitou and explore the hot springs village. Visit the Thermal Valley, the Hot Springs Museum, and the beautiful public library.
Private Hot Spring Bath
Relax in a private hot spring bath at one of the many hotels and resorts in Beitou. The sulfur-rich waters are incredibly soothing.
Dinner in Beitou or Tamsui
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Beitou, or take the MRT to Tamsui for riverside dining and a sunset view.
Tamsui River Walk or Night Market
End your evening with a stroll along the Tamsui River, or visit the Tamsui night market for more street food.
Practical Tips for 2 Days
MRT Day Pass
Consider an MRT 24-hour pass (NT$180) if you plan heavy travel. For 2 days, the EasyCard with stored value is usually better.
Museum Reservations
Book National Palace Museum tickets online to skip lines. The audio guide is worth renting for NT$150.
Hot Spring Etiquette
Bring a swimsuit for private baths, or be prepared for no-clothing rules in some public gender-segregated baths. Shower before entering.
Beitou to Tamsui
Take the MRT from Xinbeitou to Tamsui (R28). The riverside sunset at Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf is spectacular on clear days.
Shilin Night Market
The food court downstairs is more tourist-friendly. For authentic local stalls, head to the street-level area near the temple.
Best Photo Spots
CKS Memorial Hall
The grand blue-tiled roof and white marble against the sky create a striking symmetrical shot. The guard-changing ceremony is also dramatic.
Longshan Temple
The intricate dragon columns and the main hall are photogenic. Be respectful and avoid flash photography during ceremonies.
Beitou Thermal Valley
The steaming sulfur lake creates an otherworldly landscape. The mist and green waters are especially atmospheric in cool weather.
Tamsui River Sunset
The Lover Bridge at Fisherman's Wharf is iconic. The sunset over the Taiwan Strait is breathtaking on clear days.
Budget Breakdown
- EasyCard (2 days)NT$250
- CKS Memorial HallFree
- Longshan TempleFree
- Taipei 101 ObservatoryNT$600
- National Palace MuseumNT$350
- Beitou Hot SpringsNT$500
- Meals (2 days)NT$1,200
- TotalNT$2,900
What to Pack
Comfortable Shoes
You will walk 15-20 km. Good walking shoes are essential for the temple, night market, and shopping districts.
Light Layers
Taipei is humid. Bring breathable clothes and a light jacket for air-conditioned museums and malls.
Umbrella
Sudden rain is common. Convenience stores sell umbrellas, but bring a compact one just in case.
Cash
Most night market stalls and small shops are cash-only. Bring NT$100 and NT$50 bills for easier transactions.
Budget Breakdown
- EasyCard (2 days)NT$250
- CKS Memorial HallFree
- Longshan TempleFree
- Taipei 101 ObservatoryNT$600
- National Palace MuseumNT$350
- Beitou Hot SpringsNT$500
- Meals (2 days)NT$1,200
- TotalNT$2,900