Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is an exciting city to visit. Taipei has a rich history, fantastic food scene, and temples and skyscrapers aplenty, making it a perfect destination for a quick city break. But with so many potential things to do in Taipei, how should you spend 2 days there?
While it’s a bit short, 2 days in Taipei is enough to get a taste of the city. I would also highly recommend making a day trip to Jiufen if you have an extra half day or day. (Jiufen is about 25 miles/40 kilometers away from Taipei, and about an hour to 15 minutes away by bus.)
In total, I personally spent about 2.5 full days in and around Taipei, including my day trip to Jiufen. I would suggest spending at least 2 days in Taipei, but more if you’d like to visit any museums or do any day trips.
This post covers how I would suggest spending 2 days in Taipei, with 10 things to do. This 2 day Taipei itinerary includes notable landmarks and sights of the city, with enough time to see everything listed.
Depending on how early you get started, how fast you see everything, and how many daylight hours you have, you might be able to fit in a few more things to do while in Taipei.
Day 1
Confucius Temple
The Confucius Temple is a temple dedicated to Confucius. As a Confucian temple, it is decorated in a simpler style than other temples you might see around Taipei.
The Confucius Temple in Taipei was designed after the first Confucius Temple, which is located in Qufu in Shandong province. Qufu is the hometown of Confucius.
Around the Confucius Temple in Taipei
Bao’an Temple
Bao’an Temple (also called Dalongdong Bao’an Temple) is a temple focused on folk religion in Taiwan. Built between 1805 and 1830, the temple underwent extensive renovations in the 1990s.
The main hall of Bao’an Temple is dedicated to Baosheng Dadi, aka the Baosheng Emperor, a deified doctor. The rear shrine is dedicated to Shengnong, a legendary emperor and deity of agriculture.
Entering Bao’an Temple
Around Bao’an Temple
Ximending
Around Ximending
The Red House Theater
Elephant Mountain
Going up Elephant Mountain
Views from Elephant Mountain
TIP: Time your visit to Elephant Mountain so you can catch both the sunset and the city lighting up! Bring some food with you while you wait for it to get dark and the lights to come on.
Ximending at Night
If you’d like a bit of nightlife, go to Ximending again. Near the Red House Theater, there are numerous bars with outside seating. This area has a relaxed atmosphere, and is LGBTQ+ friendly.
If the weather is good, it’s a lovely place to chill and grab a drink. Many of the bars also have seating with umbrellas and/or some indoor seating should the weather be more unpleasant.
Besides the bar area around the Red House Theater, there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and other activities open into the evening.
Day 2
Liberty Square
Liberty Square Arch from a few angles
National Theatre and National Concert Hall
The National Theatre and National Concert Hall are two performing arts centers where all kinds of performances, festivals, and events take place. Local and international artists alike perform in these venues.
National Theater (left) and National Concert Hall (right)
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
The outside of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Inside Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Taipei 101
Taipei 101 was the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2009, and is now the world’s 11th tallest building. The skyscraper is 1,667 feet/508 meters tall.
The “101” of Taipei 101 comes from its 101 floors above ground (it also has an additional 5 floors in the basement). Taipei 101 has observation decks on its 88th, 89th, and 91st floors, all at a height of around 1,246 feet/380 meters and above.
Taipei 101, day and night
Views from Taipei 101
Damper (left) and Damper Baby (right)
Din Tai Fung
Fresh xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung
TIP: Xiao long bao will be very hot when you first take them out of the basket. So first put the bun on your spoon and wait a few minutes. You can relieve some of the heat by poking a hole in it with your chopstick or biting off the top of the bun, releasing some of the broth onto your spoon.
There is a branch of Din Tai Fung in the basement of Taipei 101. So if you’d like to try Din Tai Fung in a convenient location, eat at the Taipei 101 location before or after visiting the observation decks.
Shilin Night Market
Around Shilin Night Market
