Arriving in Taipei, I had no expectations. I had lengthy heard fellow travellers sing their praises for Taiwan and its capital metropolis, however I made the purposeful choice to not analysis earlier than the journey, as an alternative hoping to wander the streets and come upon town by happenstance. Because it seems, this isn’t probably the most ideally suited solution to see Taipei. Town itself is sprawling and unfold out, however fortunately the general public transport is simple to navigate and effectively linked. Right here’s what to do in Taipei to your first time for those who’re hoping to expertise the hidden gems of town, in addition to the highest sights.
Your first time in Taipei
While you land in Taipei, it’s straightforward sufficient to catch public transport from the airport into town. There’s a direct prepare from the airport to town, with only a few stops in between earlier than you attain the Taipei Major Station.
As soon as within the metropolis, you’ve got a number of selections for getting round. The general public metro is simple to make use of and navigate, but when your lodge is positioned near the prepare station you may also select to stroll as town is flat and pathways huge for rolling your suitcase. A last possibility is to hop in a cab to take you on to the door of your lodge, nevertheless I’d say that is the least enjoyable possibility!
The place to remain in Taipei
There is no such thing as a scarcity of accommodations and guesthouses in Taipei. I selected to ebook my keep at CitizenM, as I used to be in search of a lodge that was central and I at all times love these accommodations for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My essential suggestion for staying at CitizenM could be to decide on a room on the next ground, so that you get to benefit from the views over town.
The place to eat in Taipei
Taipei is a metropolis virtually made for foodies. There are infinite Taiwanese delicacies to strive however much more importantly for me was the sweets choice. Taiwan can be the birthplace of bubble tea (boba tea), so you’ll be able to anticipate finding tea outlets on virtually each nook.
My favorite meals discover was a small teahouse named Matcha One. As a fond matcha fan, this was the one and solely place I researched for the journey, as I used to be searching for one of the best matcha on the town. Because it seems, this matcha retailer is very celebrated with rave evaluations. Regardless of being somewhat out of the best way, I made a degree to go to not as soon as however twice, for arguably one of the best matcha comfortable serve ice cream on the earth (or definitely one of the best matcha ice cream I’ve ever loved!)
My subsequent suggestion is Comida. I stumbled upon this place close by my lodge when searching for a espresso. Not solely did they’ve an excellent espresso, however in addition they specialize in well-known Taiwanese cheese toasties – with almond butter! If that sounds bizarre, don’t overthink it. I promise you this was the most effective issues I ate in Taiwan and I’d completely advocate it for an inexpensive breakfast.
Subsequent up is Cookie DPT. As lots of you’ll already know I now personal and function a cookie store in Brisbane named Brooki Bakehouse, so sweets and bakeries are sometimes on the high of my listing after I journey. Though this wasn’t my type of cookie (it was rather more dry and dense than my most well-liked underbaked cookie with a crispy exterior), it was a cool store to go to and nice to see the cookie development has reached Taipei. If you wish to strive my type of cookie, you may wish to try my online cookie class.
In the event you fancy a bubble tea, Tao Tao Teahouse was my favorite discover (and belief me, I drank my weight in bubble tea on this journey).
Issues to see in Taipei
Taipei 101 Observatory is the primary selection for a view over town and is very lovely at sundown.
The Beitou sizzling springs are a preferred spot half-hour from downtown and an effective way to flee town hustle and bustle.
Fancy a hike? Xiangshan Path is a brief 45-minute hike that provides an excellent view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.
In the event you fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a phenomenal mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
