Are you wondering how to spend a weekend in Taipei?
You’re in the right place!
I’m Mel, a travel blogger from London, and I recently spent 48 hours in Taipei, the incredible capital of Taiwan, during a week-long trip.
During a jam-packed weekend in Taipei I got to try some of the world’s best Michelin-starred street eats, explore bustling local markets, and sip cocktails in hidden speakeasies.
Whether you’re planning what to do on a layover in Taipei, or need inspiration for a weekend in Taipei, I’m sharing the best things to do in Taipei in 48 hours so you can make the most of your trip.
Here’s how I spent a weekend in Taipei – let’s get into the guide, remember to save this for your trip! 📌
Eating an oyster omelette at a Taipei night market (one of Taiwan’s most popular street foods)
How to Spend A Weekend In Taipei
Where to Stay in Taipei for a Weekend
Before we jump into the guide, here are some options for an amazing weekend stay in Taipei:
48 Hours in Taipei Itinerary
Day 0 in Taipei: Arrival Day & First Night
Essential queen room with balcony at Kimpton Da An Taipei
🌄 Late Afternoon: Hotel Check-In – 4PM
I’m assuming you’re landing on a Friday night – so check into Kimpton Da An Hotel in Taipei, your home in the heart of the action.
Get refreshed and grab a complimentary snack/drink before you head out, as part of their nightly Social Wine Hour. They have some banging Taiwanese fried chicken as part of the free snacks! Head to rooftop bar at The Tavernist (their Michelin-recommended restaurant and bar) for an epic view of Taipei 101.
After settling in, shake off the jet lag and jump on a metro ride (NT $20 / £0.50) to Raohe Street Night Market!
Because you need, I repeat, need to experience Raohe Night Market.
Taiwanese street food at Raohe Street Night Market, Taipei
🌄 Evening: Dinner at Raohe Street Night Market – 7PM
Waste no time and dive into Taipei’s street food scene.
Start with Michelin-recommended Fuzhou Ancestor Pepper Pie, then enjoy oyster omelettes from Lee Chi. (Sensational – we ordered another after we ate them!)
If you’re a foodie, find out everything I ate at Raohe Street Night Market in my guide to the best Taiwanese food.
Fancy a food tour in Taipei? Top-rated food tours:
Day 1 in Taipei: Exploring the City
Traditional Taiwanese egg roll and dim-sum breakfast at Kimpton Da An, Taipei
🍳 Early Morning: Taiwanese Breakfast – 7AM
Start your day with Taiwanese breakfast at your hotel – the morning spread at Kimpton Da An includes dim-sum and dan bing (Taiwanese egg crepe rolls). Fuel up!
For a more local experience, head to one of these spots for a no-fuss soy milk tea and egg roll breakfast:
On the steps of the National Palace Museum in Taipei
🌄 Mid-Morning: National Palace Museum – 10AM
Start your day early at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. This bounty of Chinese artefacts won’t disappoint.
In a country where food is so important, it’s fitting that two of the museum’s most famous artworks are a jade Chinese cabbage and jade pork belly.
The museum houses 700,000 artworks, too many to see in one visit. Thankfully, the exhibits are spread across three floors, making it easy to explore your interests. It’s a must-visit for its impressive collection of Chinese art, much of it brought here after the Chinese civil war.
At the gift shop downstairs I purchased some postcards and then posted them off to loved ones at the Post Office right next door, all within the museum!
Steaming bowl of spicy soy-braised broth, beef tendon, and handpulled noodles at Master Jim Beef Noodle
🍜 Lunch: Spiced Beef Noodle Soup at Master Jim Beef Noodle – 1.30PM
After exploring the museum, make sure to treat yourself to what became my absolute favourite meal of the trip—dry spiced beef noodles at Master Jim Beef Noodle.
Their dry spiced noodles were genuinely perfect: a perfect balance of tender flavoursome beef and thick chewy noodles, all coated in an incredible blend of spices that packed a sear of heat. The noodles were so good, I still dream about them to this day.
See more of my food recommendations: Best Food To Eat In Taiwan
Dihua Street illuminated by lanterns at night
🏮 Afternoon: Stroll through Dihua Street, Taipei’s Oldest Street – 2:30PM
Visit Dihua Street in the Dadaocheng district for a glimpse of old-school Taipei charm.
Built in the 17th century during Dutch colonisation, it’s Taipei’s oldest street. Today it’s filled with shops, cafes, and century-old stores selling Chinese herbs and unique produce.
Have a coffee or bubble tea here if you like, then check out Dihua Street Heritage Building (迪化街十連棟), a group of restored shophouses with an interior courtyard. The red brick buildings with beautiful archways house retail stores and make a great spot for Instagram photos.
You can also visit the The Lin Family Mansion and Garden (林五湖命相館-林家祖厝), Dihua Street’s oldest shophouse, if visiting on a weekend. The tea house is in traditional Minnan (south Fujian) architecture. It’s a 5-acre property with a mansion and gorgeous Chinese garden architecture.
Hello from Dadaocheng Pier Plaza Riverside!
🏞️ Late Afternoon: Dadaocheng Riverside and Sunset – 5.30PM
Stroll over to Dadaocheng Pier Plaza for one of the best sunset spots in Taipei, with sweeping views of New Taipei City across the Tamsui River.
Dadaocheng Pier Square is probably the busiest place in Taipei along the Tamsui River. Various activities and street performers sometimes pop up in the square, drawing lively crowds.
After sunset, explore the Dadaocheng Wharf Container Market, where you can snap photos in quirky booths, enjoy a refreshing drink, or simply wander and people-watch. In the evening, it’s a popular spot for people to dine and have a drink, and enjoy the night time views across the water.
Braised pork belly at Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature Restaurant
🍹 Dinner: One Michelin-Starred Traditional Taiwanese Restaurant – 6.30PM
For a more upscale dinner experience compared to the night markets, head to Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature – an affordable one Michelin-starred restaurant chain in Taipei.
This spot is perfect for a refined dining experience, combining Taiwanese home cooking with a touch of elegance.
Recommended: pineapple shrimp, tofu, steamed crab roe with sticky rice, braised pork belly, and Three Cup Chicken. The meal for four came to NT $3,784 (£94)—a steal for such a feast.
Gānbēi! Trying unique cocktails at HANKO 60 如醉如夢
🍸 Evening: Speakeasy Cocktails at HANKO 60 如醉如夢 – 9PM
Cap off your day with cocktails at HANKO 60 如醉如夢, an amazing speakeasy hidden behind a wall. Blink and you’ll miss the entrance!
We had some mind-blowing cocktails served out of quirky vessels like soda bottles, fine china vases, and milk cartons. The vibe here is so fun, and the bartenders are pros. A chill way to end an incredible day exploring Taipei.
Day 2 in Taipei: Jiufen, Chifeng Street, Songshan & Taipei 101
Admiring A-Mei Teahouse in Jiufen, Taiwan
🌅 Morning: Wake Up Early and Travel to Jiufen – 7AM
Jump into an Uber and head straight to the magical town of Jiufen, famously known as the “Spirited Away” town.
Jiufen is a popular day trip from Taipei (about one hour away) and gets busy around 12pm – so getting there early means you’ll beat the crowds and tour buses.
You can take public transport, but a taxi will help save time and is slightly cheaper in the morning.
🎟️ Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen Golden Waterfall Day Tour – Take the shuttle bus from Taipei to visit Yehliu, Jiufen and Shifen! Explore Yin-Yang Sea, Shuinandong Refinery Site (Thirteen-Story Ruins), Golden Waterfall, Jiufen and Shifen, and discover Taiwan’s northeast corner!
☀️ Morning: Explore Jiufen Old Street – 9AM
Welcome to Jiufen! The town is filled with narrow streets, red lanterns, and historic teahouses, creating an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a Studio Ghibli film.
Wander around Jiufen Old Street and peer into its shops and glimpses of daily life.
🫖 Mid-Morning: Visit A-Mei Tea House – 10AM
Start your visit with a stop at the iconic A-Mei Lantern Tea House, located in a historic blacksmith shop. Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony with snacks on the terrace while soaking in breathtaking views of the misty mountains. This was my favourite experience in Jiufen!
After your tea break, pick up some mountain tea from A-Mei tea house as a souvenir – and maybe browse one of the many local teashops to buy a beautiful traditional teapot and cup set to bring a piece of the experience home. Make sure you haggle!
🍮 Afternoon: Taro Ball Dessert at Lai Ah Po Taro Balls (賴阿婆芋圓) – 12PM
Stop by the iconic 賴阿婆芋圓 Lai Ah Po Taro Balls dessert shop in Jiufen, known for serving some of the best taro balls in the Ruifang area.
Grandma Lai’s is one of the three oldest taro ball shops in Jiufen, offering a delicious treat of sticky taro balls (a mochi and boba hybrid) served with shaved ice, brown sugar syrup, sweet potato, and adzuki red beans.
Perfect for a sweet break to recover from all the hilly steps!
After your visit, head back to Taipei. Take a nap in the Uber or bus to recharge before the afternoon!
🍜 Lunch: Simple Pork on Rice (Lu Rou Fan) – 1PM
For an authentic lunch experience in Taipei, go to a local quick-eats restaurant and try the classic braised pork on rice (lu rou fan). I recommend the Datong District or Zhongzheng District for this.
Affordable, delicious, and loved by locals, this dish is a must-try for a true taste of Taipei. Perfect for a straightforward and satisfying meal!
Chifeng Street: specialty café / thrift shops / auto repair parts / matcha lemonade
🧋Afternoon: Chifeng Street – 2.30PM
After lunch, make your way to the charming, creative, entrepreneurial Chifeng Street.
This picturesque street is packed with unique shops where you can pick up souvenirs like chopsticks, matcha whisks, and other fun trinkets.
Stop by one of the adorable cafés for a refreshing matcha lemonade or boba.
Plan to take your time here, enjoying a coffee or light brunch as you spill in and out of photography shops, thrift stores, ceramics houses and streetwear boutiques. It’s the perfect way to soak in the local vibe.
- 📸 SNAPPP Camera Shop – boutique to develop film and buy vintage cameras and cute merch
- 🍶 卜卜商店 – ceramics/homeware shop with a cozy café upstairs
- 🍡 赤丸 – authentic dango sticks served in a retro-style Japanese shop
- ☕ Coffee Dumbo – specialty coffee shop with retro vibes ft. peanut lattes and cinnamon rolls
- 🍜 Liuzhou River Snails Noodles – quick noodle soup joint with retro decor
- 📚 Eslite Spectrum – multi-floor lifestyle store across from Zhongshan metro station
🎨 Late Afternoon: Explore Songshan Creative Park and Eslite Spectrum – 4.30PM
Enjoy a bubble tea and browse through unique shops.
In the afternoon, we went to Songshan Creative Park and had a bubble tea before doing some shopping around Eslite Spectrum. We browsed ceramics, and I bought some beautiful perfumes inspired by Taiwan. Loads of amazing stuff here – great for gifts.
Impromptu photoshoot of my friends at the Taipei 101 Photo Spot during sunset
🌇 Sunset: Taipei 101 Photo Spot for Golden Hour/Blue Hour – 5.30PM
We then went to the infamous Taipei 101 photo spot to take photos and witness Taipei 101 glowing as the sun was going down.
🎟️ You can also book a ticket for Taipei 101 to actually go up to the 91st-floor Observation Deck and see the whole city glimmering golden orange at sunset.
🍜 Dinner: Spicy Beef Noodle Soup – 7PM
If you have time before heading to your next destination, head to nearby noodle joint The Master Spicy Noodle Zhongshan Restaurant 大師兄銷魂麵舖-中山店 for one last steaming bowl of spiced beef noodles.
Depending on what time your flight or next trip is, that marks the end of your 48-hour weekend in Taipei!
Can You Do Taipei In A Weekend?
The short answer is no – you can’t “do” a city as nuanced, culturally rich, and large as Taipei in just one weekend! But if you’re really intentional about what to eat, what to see, and where to go, you can absolutely have an amazing weekend in Taipei packed with local experiences that get under the skin of what the city is all about.
Check out my guide on the best things to do in Taipei, which you can try to do during your weekend in Taipei.
A Weekend In Taipei: Is 48 Hours Long Enough?
There’s so much more I wanted to see during these 48 hours in Taipei, like get into nature, see more monasteries and museums, and try out so many more restaurants/street eats that were recommended by friends.
But, of course, a weekend in Taipei just isn’t long enough to enjoy absolutely everything the megacity has to offer. I’ve got a list of places I want to visit that are almost as long as my arm, all saved on my Maps, but they’ll have to wait until next time.
I hope you have a fantastic weekend in Taipei, and that this 48-hour Taipei itinerary helps you plan your trip.
