If you've only got 2 to 3 days in Taipei, this route follows the classic "Taipei one-day tour" combos you'll see everywhere: Taipei 101, CKS Memorial Hall, the National Palace Museum, and Dadaocheng on Dihua Street — the must-see stops for most first-time visitors. Save the last two hours to swing by Da'an District for AI DARTS, home to Hotdogray, to close out the trip.
Day 1: Taipei 101 + CKS Memorial Hall
Morning: Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is the natural first stop — crowds are thinner in the morning and the observation deck view is clearer. The surrounding Xinyi shopping district is packed with malls, so there's always somewhere to rest once you're worn out.
Afternoon: CKS Memorial Hall
In the afternoon, head to CKS Memorial Hall. The white archway topped with blue glazed tiles is one of Taipei's most recognizable landmarks, and the on-the-hour honor guard changing ceremony is something a lot of foreign visitors specifically plan around. The grounds are large, so give yourself an hour or two to wander.
Evening: Night market
For the evening, try Shilin Night Market or Raohe Night Market for the classic Taipei night market vibe — oyster omelets, large sausage wrapped in small sausage, popcorn chicken, one stall after another.
Day 2: National Palace Museum + Dadaocheng
Morning: National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum holds an enormous collection and is a fixture on most Taipei one-day tours — give it at least half a day to do it justice.
Afternoon: Dadaocheng, Dihua Street
In the afternoon, head to Dadaocheng and stroll along the old Dihua Street. This district preserves architecture from the Qing dynasty through the Japanese colonial era, lined with dried goods shops, fabric stores, and old tea houses — good for a slow browse and picking up souvenirs. As evening falls, you can catch the sunset at the Dadaocheng Wharf.
Last two hours: AI DARTS, end with Hotdogray
For the final two hours of the trip, head to AI DARTS on Renai Rd. Sec. 4 in Da'an District, home to Hotdogray, serving until late. Get a signature chili hot dog and a few rounds of darts — the machines are self-serve, 24/7, so there's no rush — a relaxed way to close out your Taipei trip. Curious how the chili gets made, check out this article; for the full menu, see here; for MRT, bus, and parking directions, see this transit guide.
Day 3 (if you have one)
Morning: East District shopping
Spend day three's morning in the East District (around Zhongxiao Fuxing to Zhongxiao Dunhua) — the back alleys are packed with boutiques and clothing shops. If you're after souvenirs, one morning here won't even be enough. See this East District shopping guide for details.
Afternoon: Longshan Temple, Wanhua
In the afternoon, visit Longshan Temple for a feel of Taipei's older districts — the surrounding Wanhua area also has plenty of local food worth trying.
Adjust the pace to fit your own trip, but if those last two hours land you in Da'an District, Hotdogray is a convenient, authentic way to wrap it up.
