5 Must-Visit Places in Taipei: 2-Day Itinerary Guide

Taipei is one of the most fascinating cities in East Asia and the capital of Taiwan. If you are based in the Philippines like me, it is less than two hours away by plane, which makes it an easy and convenient destination. It offers a mix of modern landmarks, cultural sites, and scenic views, making it a city that many travelers want to visit and return to.

If you are planning a trip to Taiwan and looking for must-visit places in Taipei, this post is for you. All five places featured here are located within the city and can be comfortably explored over two days, making this guide ideal for short stays.

Ready to book flights to Taipei? Find flights to and from Taiwan on Trip.com with competitive fares and flexible options.

Taipei 101

Taipei 101 is the tallest building in Taiwan, located in the Xinyi District. The lower floors of the building house Taipei 101 Mall, which features high-end shops and dining options. The observatory is on the 89th floor and offers a 360-degree view of the city.

It is definitely a must-visit spot, especially for first-time visitors to Taipei. If time allows, it is best to visit the observatory during sunset and stay until evening to see the city light up from above. But it’s worth noting that this is also peak time, so expect longer queues than usual.

Taipei 101 skyscraper viewed from below against a blue sky in Taipei City

LOVE sculpture outside Taipei 101 in the Xinyi District of Taipei at night

Another option is to head to Simple Kaffa Sola Cafe on the 88th floor instead of the observatory. You can relax and take in the view while sipping a cup of coffee. If you prefer not to go up at all, you can still enjoy Taipei 101 from the ground and admire its tall, temple-inspired structure.

Opening Hours:
Observatory: Monday – Sunday from 10 AM – 9 PM

Transport: Take the MRT Red Line to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (follow the exit signs)

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is dedicated to the memory of Chiang Kai-shek, a former president of the Republic of China. It is one of Taiwan’s most iconic landmarks and something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Taipei. Visitors can also watch the Changing of the Guard, which takes place hourly throughout the day.

The memorial hall looks grand in person, with its impressive white-and-blue roof exterior and the wide stairs leading up to the main hall. Inside the main hall is Chiang Kai Shek’s golden statue, which is the highlight of the whole place.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall at night in Taipei, illuminated with surrounding gardens and walkways

You can also visit Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in the evening and see it lit up at night. Just keep in mind that the main hall will already be closed, but it’s still a lovely time to capture some great photos.

Opening Hours:
Memorial Hall – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Memorial Park – 5:00 AM to 12:00 MN

Transport: Take the MRT Green Line to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station (follow the exit signs)

Looking for a place to stay in Taipei? Check hotel options on Agoda or Trip.com.

Ximending

Ximending is a pedestrian shopping street and is often considered the Shibuya of Taipei. It offers plenty of shopping and dining options, along with a lively night market atmosphere in the evening. If you don’t have time to visit other night markets in the city, simply head to Ximending and experience this vibrant district.

Rainbow pedestrian crossing in Ximending, Taipei, symbolizing the area’s vibrant and inclusive atmosphere

For a more detailed guide on things to do in the area, check out my full post, What to Do in Ximending.

Taipei Zoo & Maokong Gondola

Taipei Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Asia and is home to a wide variety of animals, including giant pandas, koalas, giraffes, and more. If you want to see wild animals in person or are traveling with children, Taipei Zoo is a great addition to your itinerary. It’s also easily accessible by train, making it convenient stop during your trip.

Colorful hillside artwork in Taipei Zoo surrounded by greenery on a sunny day

Giant panda resting on a wooden platform inside the Taipei Zoo enclosure surrounded by lush greenery

A visit to Taipei Zoo won’t be complete without riding the cable car or gondola, where you can enjoy scenic mountain views along the way. The Maokong Gondola has three stops, giving you the option to get off at Taipei Zoo South Station, Zhinan Temple Station, or ride all the way up to the Maokong area.

Giraffe standing in an outdoor enclosure at Taipei Zoo surrounded by trees and greenery

Food court area inside Taipei Zoo with colorful columns and visitors resting and dining

You would probably need a full day to explore both Taipei Zoo and Maokong, especially if you want enough time to see the animals and enjoy tea in Maokong. If you’re short on time, you can choose to focus on just one of the two. During our visit, we opted to explore Taipei Zoo, and it was well worth it. We still experienced riding the gondola and had fun seeing the animals up close.

Opening Hours:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (4:00 PM last entry)

Transport: Take the MRT Brown Line to Taipei Zoo Station, the last stop on the Wenhu Line.

For more information, visit Taipei Zoo’s official website.

Tamsui Old Street

Tamsui Old Street is a hidden gem located in New Taipei City, just on the outskirts of Taipei City. It can be reached by MRT via the Red Line with Tamsui Station as the last stop. Once you get off the train, you’ll immediately see a promenade leading toward the river, which gives off a refreshing vibe.

Riverside promenade in Tamsui with walking paths, trees, and directional signs along the river

Scenic river view in Tamsui with a bridge stretching across calm waters under a cloudy sky

Along the riverside, you can enjoy scenic water views and simply soak in the laid-back atmosphere of the area. You may also catch street performers busking along the promenade, making it a nice spot to relax, people watch, and take photos. Across the walkway, you’ll find a street lined with food stalls and souvenir shops.

Souvenir shop along Tamsui Old Street displaying postcards, gifts, and local items at night

Tamsui Old Street at night with brightly lit shops, street food stalls, and pedestrians

We visited late in the afternoon to catch the sunset, but if you want to explore more of Tamsui Old Street, it’s best to visit earlier in the day. You can also head to Fisherman’s Wharf afterward if you have plenty of time. Overall, Tamsui Old Street is a lovely area that’s worth a visit, especially if you want to take a break from the city.

Tamsui sign along the riverside promenade with mountain and river views in the background

Open park area near Tamsui Old Street with grassy space and surrounding buildings at dusk

Transport: Take the MRT Red Line to Tamsui Station

Want to explore more in Taipei? You can find tours and activities on KKday or Trip.com.

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Taipei?

The best time to visit Taipei is during the cooler months, from late October to early March. You’ll have a more comfortable time exploring the city when the weather is not hot and humid. I’ve visited in April, July, and November, and the latter was the best month, as it was much easier to walk around from place to place. Just make sure to check the weather before your trip and pack appropriate clothing.

How to get around Taipei?

Taipei has a very efficient public transportation system, with the MRT being the most convenient option. The MRT in Taipei is so easy to navigate that even transferring from one line to another feels like a breeze. Information counters at MRT stations offer free MRT maps in English, which are all you need to get from point A to point B.

To make getting around the city more convenient, you can purchase an EasyCard, a reusable public transportation card widely used in Taiwan. It helps save time since you don’t have to buy single-ride tickets for every trip. The card has no expiration date and can also be used for payments at convenience stores.

Where is the best areas to stay in Taipei?

The best areas to stay in Taipei are near Taipei Main Station or Ximending, as both offer convenient access to major attractions while also having budget-friendly hotel options. I’ve stayed in both areas and highly recommend them to those traveling to Taipei, especially first-time visitors. If you choose to stay in a different area, make sure to book a hotel near an MRT station so you can get around easily during your stay.

Is Taipei expensive?

Taipei can be expensive, but you can also find plenty of budget-friendly options to help keep costs down during your stay. Compared to other destinations in Asia, Taipei is not as expensive as Singapore or Hong Kong, but it’s also not as affordable as Vietnam. Overall, Taipei falls somewhere in the mid-range, meaning it can feel pricey or affordable depending on how you plan your trip.

How many days are enough for Taipei?

A minimum three-day stay is enough, especially if you’re traveling on a budget. However, if you plan to explore areas outside the city, a five-day stay is more ideal. You can still make the most of a two- or three-day trip, but you may need to skip a few spots.

As for me, since it was already my third visit to Taipei, two days were enough to revisit my favorite sights and explore new ones. With a shorter stay, I focused mainly on attractions within the city.

If you have limited time in Taipei, this guide is perfect for you. A two-day stay doesn’t have to feel rushed as long as you plan your itinerary well. You can also check out my travel planner to help you organize your trip, whether you’re staying for two days or longer.

You Might Also Like

→ Things to Do in Kaohsiung

→ 15 Travel Tips for Stress-Free Trips

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Found this post helpful? Feel free to support the blog by buying me a coffee. Every bit helps me keep creating content for you.

Simply Sha