2 Days in Taipei: Best things to do in 48 hours

Afternoon

After your busy morning tackling the urban jungle, why not take a breather and head for Elephant Mountain? The perfect addition to your 48 hours in Taipei. This is close to Ximending and all you need to do is call an Uber - they’ll get you there. Taxis are also available, but I find travellers are often more comfortable with Uber, and it's a popular way to get around, even for locals. The trails up the mountain are moderate. You don’t need to be super fit to enjoy this one, trust me, I do it all the time - 30 minutes tops! The reason I recommend this over any other view-seeking experience is because anything worth seeing deserves a little extra work, don’t you agree? The cityscape from the top of the mountain is just stunning. Of course, Taipei 101 is close by too (at over 100 stories, the view is quite spectacular), but stretching your legs and breathing in the fresh air is what this little adventure is all about. These leafy stairways are just what you’ll need after a busy day of shopping, and if you stick around, the sunset is sure to be great, too!

Evening

2 days in Taipei aren’t complete without enjoying some street food at Tonghua Night Market. This is one of my favourite night markets because somehow, it feels less frantic than the others and it serves up some good, authentic local food. It’s the perfect spot if you’d just like to take it easy and fill up your belly after an active day out. Located in Linjiang Street in the Da’an District, the market is only one MRT stop away from Taipei 101, and I’ve had many describe it as “street food heaven”. Prepare to get blasted with sights, sounds and smells from all angles - it’s part of the experience! Try some of my favourite snacks, which include deep fried taro balls, oyster omelettes, stinky tofu (if you’re feeling brave) and Chinese herbal soup (you won’t be sick for months, but don’t quote me on that!)

Night time

Ah, what a full and exciting day, right? But, if you’re keen on things to do in Taipei at night, you won’t be disappointed. Now it’s time to unwind. In the Da’an area you’ll find many speakeasy bars which are interesting and fun to visit. Some of them have also won a spot on Asia's 50 Best Bars list, like Alchemy Bar, Ounce and R&D Cocktail Lab. Ask anyone for directions. It’s just a short walk away and in this cosmopolitan area, you’re bound to find one person or another who speaks English. If you’re looking to take your night a little further and have a little razzle, there are some hidden clubs here to sneak in a drink or five. Let the night sweep you up in a dazzling display of neon strobe lights and delicious cocktails. Or alternatively, head back to your hotel and rest up because tomorrow is a new day and there’s a lot more on your Taipei 2 days itinerary.

Day 2

Morning

Depending on how wild you went the night before, Dajia Riverside Park is the ideal spot to ease into the second day of your Taipei 2 days itinerary. Located between Zhongshan Bridge and Dazhi Bridge in Zhongshan District, it is easily reached by bus, but if you’ve hired a car, there is plenty of parking here, too! The expansive park is ideal for cycling (hire a bike here and take to the trails - easy breezy peddling guaranteed) or play a round of croquet. Although within the city’s parameter, you’ll feel like you’re on one of those day trips from Taipei, purely because of the expansive grounds and green scenery. Jetski, swim, row, picnic - the world is your oyster! There’s also a lovely fountain which I find just utterly hypnotic. Some of its jet streams spray water up to 75 meters into the air!

Lunch time

Feast on excellent (and affordable) seafood at Addiction Aquatic Development, one of my favourite seafood markets! If you’re a sushi-lover, this place is for you, and only a quick bus ride away from your previous destination. Spend an hour or so perusing the many stalls, marvelling at the market’s sheer scale and dedication to fresh, quality produce. From standing stalls selling oysters, donburi and sashimi, to frozen sections where you can buy your own ingredients (or ask for them to be cooked for you), this is a food-lover’s paradise!

Afternoon

2 days in Taipei deserves a trip to the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, and the best way to get here is via the MRT. Your stop will be Yuanshan Station, where you’ll take Exit 1 and follow the pedestrian trail through Art Park to the museum. Once you see the building itself, you’ll be struck by its unusual boxy shape and quirky design. The compartments were made to fit and refit into one another depending on what works the museum needs to house. Enjoy the interior’s innovative displays that have been wowing people from all over the world for over 30 years. I’m most certainly one of them. I remember one instance where Ai Weiwei, the famous Chinese artist, displayed his piece, ‘Forever Bicycles’ here, which consisted of one thousand bicycles all joined together. You’ll see equally spectacular stuff during your time here, and never have to ask what to do in Taipei in 2 days ever again!

Evening

I love Indian food, don’t you? Sometimes it’s great to add some variety to your diet and Saffron Fine Indian Cuisine is just the place. Call up your Uber and punch in 38 Tianmu East Road, Shilin District. My ideal meal would look something like this: start off with delicious, fragrant samosas, followed by tandoori chicken (butter or tikka - I can never decide). Sample the bay prawns with curry leaves and coconut, get your greens in with vegetable medley rice and naturally, every Indian meal must be accompanied by a warm, comforting garlic naan bread.

Night time

Hop on the MRT and get off at Xinbeitou Station. From here it’s only a short walk to Beitou Thermal Hot Springs. Many of the pools are open all night, and the facilities are impeccably well-kept. I know it may seem an odd thing to do at night, but it’s actually pretty popular. Some of my deepest conversations have happened in these springs (it helps with digestion, too!) Relax in these tranquil waters, soaking up the mountainous landscape and feeling the hectic travel stress slip away. If you have a bit of extra time and are wondering what to do in Taipei for 3 days, you could easily spend a good full day at this resort.