48 Hours in Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei, Taiwan, is a vibrant city where modern skyscrapers like the iconic Taipei 101 rise above bustling streets filled with neon lights, traditional night markets, and the rich aroma of street food. Nestled between lush mountains and the sparkling Taiwan Strait, the city effortlessly blends tradition with innovation, offering a dynamic mix of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.
You’ll typically fly into Taipei, so you’ll be spending at least a day or two here. Read on for some inspiration on things to do in Taipei in 48 hours. This itinerary is ideal for solo travelers and budget travelers.
Day 1
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is a national monument and tourist attraction erected in memory of Chiang Kai-shek, former President of the Republic of China. It is a popular attraction, surrounded by many acres of gardens, and free to visit.
Huashan 1914 Creative Park
This “park” is an old wine factory that has been converted to a creative space featuring lots of restaurants, galleries, and bookstores.
Ningxia Night Market
Taiwan is known for having one of the best night market scenes in Asia, and a visit to these night markets is the perfect way to try some classic dishes. Among the many night markets, Ningxia Night Market stands out as one of Taipei’s most iconic. While you're there, be sure to try my personal favorite snack: the crispy, savory cōngyóubing (葱油饼), or scallion pancake.
Zhongshan Metro Mall & Underground Book Street
This large underground shopping mall is perfect if you need to escape the heat or tropical rain. Not only is it a tunnel connecting MRT Zhongshan and Shuanglian Station, but it is also the longest book street in Taiwan.
Day 2
Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain)
This mountain is a short (~1-2 hours) and scenic hike that offers a stunning view of Taipei, including the iconic Taipei 101 building. In my opinion, this hike is more worthwhile than visiting the Taipei 101 Observatory — not only are the views beautiful but it is also completely free, unlike the observatory, which can be a bit pricey.
National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
The National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is another memorial that is free to visit, dedicated to Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Sun Yat-sen was a Chinese physician, revolutionary, statesman, and political philosopher who founded the Republic of China and its first political party, the Kuomintang.
Da’an Forest Park
Da’an Forest is a large public park, home to many trees and is very calming to stroll around.
Datong District
Datong District boasts a rich history, with its charming blend of Qing Dynasty architecture and remnants from the Japanese Colonial period. The area is also a vibrant cultural hub, featuring an array of cafes and museums.
How do I get around?
- take the Taiwan Metro (MRT)
- purchase an EasyCard at a 7/11 and load it at the machine
- fairly easy to navigate — I used Google Maps and it worked well
- the station names are spelled out/spoken in English, Japanese, Chinese & Taiwanese when you are on board
Tips:
- make sure you withdraw cash when you arrive! Many night markets are cash only, and most places still use/take cash, although Taipei will use card more often than other parts of Taiwan
- the Taiwanese people are very friendly — don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are lost or need any help
- many people know English in the Taipei area since it is a big university area, but it’s still helpful to have Google Translate downloaded just in case
