Taipei Travel Guide: 2 days- Incredible Food, Easy Transit, and a City That Just Works

Taipei is one of those cities that immediately feels welcoming. It’s busy without being overwhelming, affordable without feeling “budget,” and somehow manages to blend tradition, modern life, and late-night eating into one seamless experience. With just 48 hours in the city, we focused on doing what Taipei does best: eating well, getting around easily, and soaking in as much of the city as possible without overplanning. Ultimate Taipei Travel Guide!

WHERE TO STAY: MEANDER 1948

Finding the right home base in Taipei makes all the difference, and MEANDER 1948 was exactly what we wanted. Located just a few blocks from Taipei Main Station, it made getting anywhere in the city incredibly easy while still feeling calm at the end of the day.

Meander 1948 sits perfectly in that sweet spot between hostel and hotel. We stayed in a private room with our own bathroom, and it felt spacious, clean, and comfortable. Hot showers, a cozy bed, and quiet nights were much appreciated after long days of filming and eating.

The common area is large and welcoming, with a shared kitchen, free coffee, books, and plenty of space to relax or plan the next day. There’s also coin laundry on-site, which is always a win when you’re traveling for more than a few days. Brandon’s favorite feature was how close we were to a quick snack and beer at the 7-Eleven downstairs!

If you’re looking for an affordable, well-located stay in Taipei, this is an easy recommendation. Click this link and use our code KOL10383 for 10% off your stay!

WHAT TO EAT: EVERYTHING!!

Traditional Taiwanese Breakfast: Li-Ji

We kicked off our first morning the local way, with a traditional Taiwanese breakfast at a neighborhood soy milk shop: Li-Ji Soymilk. Ordering is done on paper menus, which might look chaotic at first, but it’s actually very simple and many places offer English menus.

Breakfast in Taipei is hearty, comforting, and deceptively filling. Warm soy milk (both sweet and savory), chewy scallion pancakes, sesame flatbreads, and fried dough made for a perfect introduction to the city. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t look like much on the table but keeps you full for hours.

Braised Pork Rice: DadaoCheng LuRouFan

If there’s one dish you have to eat in Taipei, it’s braised pork rice. It’s everywhere, inexpensive, and deeply comforting. We grabbed ours to go and ate it tucked away in a nearby alley, exactly how it should be done.

Rich, saucy pork spooned over rice, paired with seasonal greens and a hit of spicy, orange chili sauce, this dish is simple but unforgettable. It’s also shockingly affordable, which somehow makes it taste even better.

Beef Noodle Soup: Taiwan Beef Noodle Soup

Taiwanese beef noodle soup was the dish Brandon was most excited to try, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. We went to a late-night spot that stays open well past midnight, packed with locals and travelers alike.

The broth was deep and flavorful, the noodles perfectly chewy, and the beef came in multiple cuts and textures. This is one of those meals that stays with you long after you’ve finished it and the kind you’ll compare every future version to.

Dumplings, Dim Sum, and Alleyway Finds

Over the course of two days, we ate our way through dumpling shops, dim sum restaurants, and tiny alleyway noodle spots that weren’t marked on any “must-eat” lists. Some had English menus, some didn’t but Google Translate handled the rest.

From juicy dumplings and fresh shumai to spicy Sichuan-style cold noodles hidden down an unassuming alley, Taipei rewards curiosity. If a place is busy and smells good, that’s usually all the research you need.

Unexpected Stop: Hooters Taipei

Taipei’s Hooters is located on a high floor with an outdoor patio and panoramic city views, including one of the BEST views of Taipei 101 in the whole city.

While unconventional, the view alone makes this location notable, but the wings were delicious and they have BOGO beers during happy hour! It’s one of the busiest Hooters locations we’ve ever visited and 100% worth a stop.

WHAT TO DO: QUICK, FREE, EASY SIGHTSEEING

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

One of Taipei’s most iconic landmarks, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is both grand and surprisingly peaceful. The massive white structure sits in the middle of an open plaza, framed by traditional Chinese architecture. It’s free to visit, easy to reach by MRT, and a great place to understand a bit of Taiwan’s modern history while stretching your legs.

Lungshan Temple

Lungshan Temple is one of the oldest and most important temples in Taipei. It’s active, atmospheric, and deeply local. Incense fills the air, people come to pray throughout the day, and every corner of the temple is packed with detail. We suggest visiting at night to see the beautiful lights and waterfall, it’s a quick visit but incredibly memorable.

Elephant Mountain

If you want one of the best views of Taipei without paying for it, Elephant Mountain is the move. A short but steep hike brings you to a series of viewing platforms with panoramic views of the city, including Taipei 101. It’s especially popular at sunset, and absolutely worth the sweat.

Taipei 101 Viewing Area

Even if you don’t go up to the observation deck, the area around Taipei 101 is worth visiting. The building dominates the skyline, and the surrounding shopping and plaza area makes for a great stop during the day or at night. It’s one of those places that just feels like Taipei.

Shilin Night Market

No first trip to Taipei is complete without a night market, and Shilin is the most famous for a reason. It’s loud, crowded, and full of energy, with endless food stalls, games, and snacks. Even if you’re already full, it’s worth walking through just to experience the atmosphere.

HOW TO GET AROUND: MRT, EASYCARD, SIGHTSEEING BUS

Taipei’s metro system is clean, efficient, and extremely affordable. It can get you just about anywhere you want to go. The only tricky part is Taipei Main Station, which is massive and can feel confusing at first, definitely give yourself a little extra time there.

An EasyCard is essential. You can buy one at the airport or any convenience store, and they come in different designs, which makes choosing one so fun and a great souvenir. Once you have it, getting around the city is completely stress-free , from MTR to local busses simply tap on a ride.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

When time is limited, the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus is one of our favorite ways to get oriented in a new city and Taipei’s version did not disappoint.

For under $20, you get a 24-hour pass that covers two routes and hits all the major sights. You can hop off to explore or just stay on and enjoy the ride. Sitting outside, cruising through the city, and seeing how everything connects gave us a great sense of Taipei without any effort.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Taipei is the kind of city that feels instantly livable. The food is approachable, the people are kind, and the logistics just work. English menus are common, public transit is intuitive, and delicious, inexpensive meals are never far away.

With only 48 hours, we barely scratched the surface, but Taipei made it easy to fall in love quickly. It’s a city that doesn’t demand much from you, yet gives a lot in return. Taiwan

If you ever have the chance to visit, take it. And if you want to see exactly how we ate our way through the city, be sure to check out the full video at Here’s Good on YouTube.