2-Day Taipei Food, Wine, and Shopping Trip with Friends
Taipei, Taiwan
2 days
About Taipei, Taiwan
Experience the vibrant city of Taipei, Taiwan - a captivating blend of traditional culture and cosmopolitan life. Marvel at the towering Taipei 101, once the world's tallest building, offering panoramic city views. Explore the bustling night markets, particularly Shilin and Raohe, famous for their street food delicacies. Immerse yourself in history at the National Palace Museum, home to one of the world's largest collections of Chinese art. Visit the serene Longshan Temple, a testament to Taiwan's rich spiritual heritage. Enjoy a relaxing soak in Beitou's hot springs or a tranquil walk in Yangmingshan National Park. With its efficient MRT system, navigating Taipei is a breeze. Experience the warmth of Taiwanese hospitality and the city's dynamic energy. Taipei, a city that never sleeps, awaits you.
2-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Discovering Taipei 101 and Night Markets
Morning
Begin your second day at the Taipei 101 Observatory. This iconic skyscraper offers panoramic views of the city and beyond. Don't forget to check out the mall at the base of the tower, which features a range of high-end boutiques and eateries.
Lunch
Have lunch at a seafood restaurant in the Songshan District. This area is known for its fresh seafood, particularly its sashimi and grilled fish dishes.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon exploring the Dihua Street Market in the Datong District. This historic market is a great place to buy traditional Chinese herbs, teas, and snacks.
Dinner
Enjoy a gourmet dinner at a Taiwanese fusion restaurant in the Zhongshan District. These establishments combine local ingredients with international cooking techniques to create innovative dishes.
Evening
Finish your trip with a visit to the Raohe Street Night Market. This bustling market offers a wide array of food stalls, clothing shops, and souvenir vendors.
Attractions in Itinerary (6)
1Ximending Shopping District
Ximending is a neighborhood and shopping district in the Wanhua District of Taipei, Taiwan. It was the first pedestrian zone in Taiwan and is a large center for shopping and entertainment, with a variety of boutiques, clubs, and restaurants. Ximending is also known for its street performances and exhibitions, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
2National Palace Museum
Home to one of the world's largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts, the National Palace Museum offers a look into China's rich history and culture.
3Shilin Night Market
The largest and most famous night market in Taipei, Shilin Night Market offers a wide array of local street food, clothing, and souvenirs.
4Taipei 101 Observatory
Located on the 89th floor of Taipei 101, the observatory offers panoramic views of the city. The building itself is a landmark and an example of postmodern architecture, once the tallest building in the world.
5Dihua Street Market
A bustling market in the Dadaocheng area, Dihua Street Market is known for its Chinese New Year market and its array of shops selling traditional goods, fabrics, and snacks.
6Raohe Street Night Market
Raohe Street Night Market is one of the oldest and most popular night markets in Taipei. It offers a variety of Taiwanese street food, clothing, and accessories. The market is known for its lively atmosphere and is a must-visit for food lovers. It's a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Beef Noodle Soup
A popular dish in Taipei, this soup is made with stewed or red braised beef, beef broth, vegetables and Chinese noodles.
Stinky Tofu
A famous and unique street food in Taipei, it's fermented tofu with a strong odor, usually served deep-fried with pickled cabbage.
Oyster Omelette
A night market favorite in Taipei, it's an omelette made with small oysters and served with a savory sauce.
Bubble Tea
Originating from Taiwan, this popular drink consists of milk tea with tapioca pearls, also known as boba.
Taiwanese Fried Chicken
A popular street food in Taipei, it's large pieces of chicken deep-fried to a crispy perfection and seasoned with spices.
Braised Pork Rice
A staple food in Taipei, it's a bowl of rice topped with braised pork belly and occasionally garnished with pickled mustard greens.
Dan Bing
A typical Taiwanese breakfast dish, it's a thin egg crepe filled with various fillings like cheese, ham, or tuna.
Taiwanese Sausage
A popular street food in Taipei, these sausages are sweet in taste and often served with raw garlic cloves.
Pineapple Cake
A famous Taiwanese dessert, it's a small, rectangular shortbread cake filled with pineapple jam.
Lei Cha
A traditional Hakka drink in Taipei, it's a tea-based beverage grinded with a variety of grains and seeds, served with rice and sides.
Guabao
Often referred to as Taiwanese hamburger, it's a fluffy steamed bun filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, and peanut powder.
Shaved Ice Mountain
A popular dessert in Taipei, it's a mountain of shaved ice topped with various toppings like fruits, jellies, and condensed milk.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Taipei, Taiwan is during the fall, specifically from October to December. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant and cool, with less rainfall compared to other seasons. This makes it an ideal time for sightseeing and exploring the city's attractions. Additionally, the Taiwan International Festival takes place in October, offering a variety of cultural performances. However, if you're interested in experiencing Taiwan's vibrant festivals, you might want to consider visiting in February for the Lantern Festival or in September for the Mid-Autumn Festival.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | Republic Day/New Year's Day |
February 8 | Thu | Lunar New Year Holiday |
February 9 | Fri | Lunar New Year's Eve |
February 10 | Sat | Lunar New Year's Day |
February 11 | Sun | Lunar New Year Holiday |
February 12 | Mon | Lunar New Year Holiday |
February 13 | Tue | Lunar New Year Holiday |
February 14 | Wed | Lunar New Year Holiday |
February 28 | Wed | Peace Memorial Day |
April 4 | Thu | Tomb Sweeping Day |
April 4 | Thu | Children's Day |
June 10 | Mon | Dragon Boat Festival |
September 17 | Tue | Mid-Autumn Festival |
October 10 | Thu | National Day |
How to get around
MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)
Taipei's MRT is one of the best ways to get around the city. It's clean, efficient, and covers most of the city's main attractions. The MRT also connects to the Taipei Main Station, which provides access to other parts of Taiwan.
Bus
Buses in Taipei are plentiful and cover areas not reached by the MRT. They are a bit more complicated to use than the MRT due to the variety of routes and stops, but they are a good option if you're going to an area not covered by the MRT.
Taxi
Taxis are widely available in Taipei and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. They are metered and relatively affordable. Most taxi drivers do not speak English, so it's a good idea to have your destination written in Chinese.
Bicycle
Taipei has a public bike rental system called YouBike. Stations are located throughout the city and rental is easy with a local phone number and credit card. Biking is a great way to explore the city's many bike paths and parks.
Ridesharing
Uber operates in Taipei and can be a convenient option for getting around, especially if you're not comfortable navigating the public transportation system. Just like anywhere else, you can use the Uber app to request a ride.
Foot
Many of Taipei's attractions are located close together, making walking a viable option. The city is pedestrian-friendly with plenty of sidewalks and crosswalks.
Car Rental
Renting a car in Taipei is not recommended due to the city's heavy traffic and limited parking. However, if you plan to explore outside of the city, a rental car could be a good option.
High Speed Rail
For trips outside of Taipei, the High Speed Rail (HSR) is a fast and efficient option. The HSR connects Taipei with other major cities in Taiwan, including Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.
Important information
CurrencyNT$ TWD
Time zoneUTC+8
Driving sideRight
Emergency phoneAmbulance: 119; Fire: 119; Police: 110
Drinking waterOpt for bottled water
Power sockets
Voltage110 V
Things to know about Taipei, Taiwan as a first time visitor
1
Taipei has a subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers (June to September) and mild winters (December to February). Average temperatures range from 59-77°F (15-25°C) in winter and 77-95°F (25-35°C) in summer.
2
The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but English is taught in schools and is commonly understood in tourist areas.
3
Taiwan's currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors and street food stalls.
4
Taipei is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.
5
Taiwan has a 110-volt electricity supply, with Type A and B outlets. If your devices use different plugs, you'll need an adapter.
6
Taipei has an excellent public transportation system, including the MRT (subway), buses, and bike rentals. Taxis are also plentiful and affordable.
7
Taiwanese food is a highlight of any visit. Be sure to try local specialties like beef noodle soup, bubble tea, and stinky tofu.
8
Taipei is known for its night markets, which offer a wide range of food, clothing, and souvenirs. The Shilin Night Market is the largest and most famous.
9
Taiwanese people are generally polite and reserved. It's customary to greet people with a nod or a slight bow, rather than a handshake.
10
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan, and may even be refused. However, some hotels and upscale restaurants may add a 10% service charge to the bill.
11
Taiwan has strict laws against drug use, including severe penalties for possession, use, or trafficking.
12
Taiwan is in the Taiwan Time Zone, which is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+8).
13
Taipei's tap water is technically safe to drink, but due to old piping, it's recommended to drink bottled water.
14
Taipei has a high standard of healthcare, with many doctors and medical staff speaking English. However, it's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.
15
Internet access is widely available in Taipei, with many hotels, cafes, and public spaces offering free Wi-Fi.
16
Taiwan is a democratic country with freedom of speech, but it's considered impolite to discuss sensitive topics like politics and religion with strangers.
17
Taipei is a bustling city, but it's also surrounded by nature. Pack comfortable shoes for city walking, but also gear for hiking if you plan to explore the nearby mountains.
18
Taiwan has a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving, with heavy fines and penalties. If you plan to drink, use public transportation or a taxi.
19
Smoking is banned in most public places in Taipei, including restaurants, bars, and night markets. Look for designated smoking areas.
20
Taiwan uses the metric system for measurements, so distances are in kilometers and temperatures are in Celsius.
Basic Mandarin Chinese to know as a first time visitor
English phrase | Native phrase | Pronunciation | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
Hello | 你好 | Ni hao | Greeting someone |
Goodbye | 再見 | Zai jian | Leaving or saying goodbye |
Thank you | 謝謝 | Xie xie | Showing gratitude |
Please | 請 | Qing | Making a request |
Excuse me | 對不起 | Dui bu qi | Getting attention or apologizing |
Yes | 是 | Shi | Agreeing or confirming |
No | 不是 | Bu shi | Disagreeing or denying |
I don't understand | 我不懂 | Wo bu dong | When you don't understand what was said |
Do you speak English? | 你會說英語嗎？ | Ni hui shuo Yingyu ma? | Trying to find someone who speaks English |
Where is the bathroom? | 洗手間在哪裡？ | Xi shou jian zai na li? | Looking for the bathroom |
How much does this cost? | 這個多少錢？ | Zhe ge duo shao qian? | Asking the price of something |
I'm lost | 我迷路了 | Wo mi lu le | When you're lost |
Help | 幫助 | Bang zhu | In case of emergency |
Can I have the menu, please? | 請給我菜單 | Qing gei wo cai dan | At a restaurant |
I would like to order | 我想點菜 | Wo xiang dian cai | At a restaurant |
Water | 水 | Shui | Asking for water |
Beer | 啤酒 | Pi jiu | Ordering a beer |
Check, please | 請結帳 | Qing jie zhang | Asking for the bill at a restaurant |
Taxi | 計程車 | Ji cheng che | When you need a taxi |
Hotel | 飯店 | Fan dian | Looking for a hotel |
Packing List
Clothing
Lightweight clothing
Underwear
Socks
Comfortable walking shoes
Rain jacket or umbrella
Swimwear (if you plan to visit hot springs)
Sunglasses
Hat for sun protection
Toiletries
Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner
Travel-sized body wash
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Razor and shaving cream
Makeup and makeup remover
Sunscreen
Hand sanitizer
Prescription medications
First-aid kit
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or other ID
Credit and debit cards
Cash in local currency (New Taiwan Dollar)
Hotel and/or car rental reservations
Travel insurance documents
Emergency contacts and addresses
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger and adapter for Taiwan's power outlets
Headphones
Camera
Portable power bank
Laptop or tablet (if necessary)
Miscellaneous items
Snacks for the journey
Travel guidebook or map
Reusable water bottle
Travel pillow and blanket
Earplugs and eye mask
Travel-sized laundry detergent
Plastic bags for dirty clothes or shoes
Weather Conditions
When planning a trip to Taipei, Taiwan, it's important to consider the city's subtropical climate, which is characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The summer months, from June to August, are typically the hottest with temperatures often reaching up to 95°F (35°C). It's also the rainy season, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, so it's advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat. Despite the rain, summer is a great time to visit if you enjoy tropical fruits as it's the peak season for mangoes, lychees, and pineapples. The winter months, from December to February, are relatively mild with temperatures usually ranging between 57°F and 68°F (14°C - 20°C). However, it can get quite damp and chilly due to the high humidity and occasional rain, so packing a light jacket or sweater is recommended. Spring and autumn are generally considered the best times to visit Taipei. The temperatures during these seasons are quite comfortable, typically between 68°F and 77°F (20°C - 25°C). There's less rainfall compared to summer and winter, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Regardless of the season, Taipei's weather can be quite unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip. And remember, the city's high humidity can make it feel hotter than it actually is, so stay hydrated and wear breathable clothing. Lastly, don't forget to pack sun protection, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the UV index can be high throughout the year.
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 19° / 13° | January is the coldest month in Taipei, but it's still relatively mild with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 19°C. It's also the driest month, so it's a good time to visit if you want to avoid rain. |
February | 20° / 14° | February is slightly warmer than January, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 20°C. It's also a great time to visit Taipei to experience the Chinese New Year celebrations. |
March | 22° / 16° | March sees a rise in temperatures, ranging from 16°C to 22°C. It's a good time to visit Taipei as the weather is comfortable and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. |
April | 26° / 20° | April is a warm month in Taipei with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 26°C. It's also the start of the rainy season, so make sure to carry an umbrella. |
May | 29° / 23° | May is quite warm in Taipei, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 29°C. The city experiences frequent showers, making the weather humid. |
June | 32° / 26° | June is the start of summer in Taipei, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 32°C. It's also the start of the typhoon season, so be prepared for heavy rain and strong winds. |
July | 33° / 27° | July is the hottest month in Taipei, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 33°C. It's also the peak of the typhoon season, so it's not the best time to visit if you want to avoid extreme weather. |
August | 33° / 27° | August is as hot as July in Taipei, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 33°C. The typhoon season continues, so expect heavy rain and strong winds. |
September | 32° / 26° | September sees a slight drop in temperatures, ranging from 26°C to 32°C. The typhoon season continues, so be prepared for unpredictable weather. |
October | 29° / 23° | October is a comfortable month in Taipei, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 29°C. The weather is generally pleasant, making it a great time to visit. |
November | 25° / 19° | November sees a further drop in temperatures, ranging from 19°C to 25°C. The weather is cool and comfortable, making it a good time to explore the city. |
December | 21° / 15° | December is a cool month in Taipei, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 21°C. It's a good time to visit if you want to experience Taipei's Christmas celebrations. |
Did you know?
Places near by Taipei, Taiwan
Jiufen
A mountain area in the Ruifang District of New Taipei City near Keelung, Taiwan. Known for its old street filled with tea houses, street food, and souvenir shops.
Yehliu Geopark
A cape in the town of Wanli, New Taipei, Taiwan, known for its sea-erosion landscape.
Shifen Waterfall
A scenic waterfall located in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan, and is one of the most famous waterfalls in Taiwan.
Sun Moon Lake
The largest lake in Taiwan located in Yuchi Township, Nantou County. Known for its clear, sparkling blue water set against a picturesque mountain backdrop.
Taroko National Park
A national park located in eastern Taiwan, spanning across Hualien, Nantou and Taichung. Known for its spectacular mountains and marble canyons.
Kenting National Park
A national park located in the Hengchun Peninsula of Pingtung County. Known for its tropical climate and biodiversity.
