Perfect 2-Day Taipei Itinerary – Culture, Food & Skyline Views!

#chinatravelitinerary Taipei is a vibrant mix of tradition and modernity, where ancient temples sit beside towering skyscrapers, and night markets fuel the city's energy. If you’ve only got 2 days, here’s how to make the most of it! 🗓 Day 1: Old Meets New – Temples, Markets & Taipei 101 📍 Stop 1: Longshan Temple (龍山寺) – 1 Hour Start your Taipei adventure at the most famous temple, known for its intricate carvings and spiritual atmosphere. Locals pray here for love, health, and success. ✔ Tip: Try drawing a divination stick for some fortune-telling fun! 📍 Stop 2: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念堂) – 1 Hour A grand tribute to Taiwan’s former leader, this stunning landmark features a massive blue-and-white hall, gardens, and a changing of the guards ceremony. ✔ Tip: Best visited in the morning before it gets too crowded! 📍 Stop 3: Lunch & Shopping at Yongkang Street (永康街) – 1.5 Hours A foodie paradise filled with famous eats like: 🥟 Din Tai Fung – The original spot for soup dumplings 🥭 Smoothie House – Famous for mango shaved ice ✔ Tip: Walk off your meal by browsing boutique stores and tea shops nearby. 📍 Stop 4: Taipei 101 (台北101) – 1.5 Hours Once the world’s tallest building, Taipei 101 offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The high-speed elevator takes you to the top in just 37 seconds! ✔ Tip: Sunset is the best time to go for golden-hour city views. 📍 Stop 5: Night Market Feast at Raohe Night Market (饒河夜市) – 2 Hours No Taipei trip is complete without night market street food! Raohe is famous for: 🥩 Black pepper buns (crispy, juicy, and full of flavor) 🍢 Grilled squid and stinky tofu (love it or hate it!) ✔ Tip: Go hungry & bring cash! Some vendors don’t take cards. 🗓 Day 2: Nature, Hot Springs & Local Culture 📍 Stop 1: Beitou Hot Springs (北投溫泉) – 2 Hours Escape the city to Beitou, a natural hot spring town with Japanese-style bathhouses. Visit the Thermal Valley (Hell Valley) to see steaming, emerald-green sulfur pools. ✔ Tip: Try a public hot spring for a budget-friendly soak, or book a private bath for a relaxing experience. 📍 Stop 2: Tamsui (淡水) – 2 Hours A scenic waterfront town with colonial buildings, street food, and sunset views. Walk along Tamsui Old Street, try iron egg snacks, and visit Fort San Domingo. ✔ Tip: Rent a bike to ride along the riverside! 📍 Stop 3: Elephant Mountain Hike (象山) – 1 Hour For the best Taipei skyline view, hike Elephant Mountain—a short but steep climb with a picture-perfect lookout of Taipei 101. ✔ Tip: Come for sunset to capture the city lights. 📍 Stop 4: Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) – 2 Hours End your trip at Taipei’s largest night market, packed with food and fun! Must-try eats: 🥔 Giant fried chicken steak 🦀 Butter crab with garlic 🥚 Oyster omelet ✔ Tip: Try games like balloon darts & claw machines for a fun local experience! 🚇 Getting Around Taipei 🚆 Metro (MRT) – Fast, clean, and efficient! 🚌 YouBike rentals – Great for short distances. 🚖 Taxis