Taipei is an unimaginable metropolis to go to in Taiwan. It’s buzzing with exercise, cool neighbourhoods, and a few of the finest bars we visited in Asia. It’s a very epic metropolis and one which’s nicely value exploring in the event you’re heading to Taiwan (or the broader geographic area).
We’ve spent fairly a little bit of time within the metropolis, and it’s really easy to get beneath the pores and skin of what makes Taipei particular on a visit. Not solely that, it’s a extremely protected, well-connected metropolis that ’s tremendous simple to get round – even when it might really feel fairly unfold out.
So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your time in Taipei, I’m sharing the highest locations we beloved visiting within the metropolis: cool speakeasies, scrumptious night time markets, and, after all, the temples.
Have a look beneath at the very best issues to do in Taipei in your journey. Have the best possible time.
1.) Taipei Night time Markets
Night time markets in Taipei are a must-visit. They don’t seem to be only a place for vacationers or guests—locals from throughout town come to eat, chill, and socialise, too.
One factor you will discover is that there are heaps of night time markets in Taipei to select from. So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your go to, I’ve created a complete submit on the very best Taipei Night time Markets you gained’t wish to miss.
We beloved Linjiang Night time Market, Yong Le Night time Market, Raohe Avenue Night time Market – however there are such a lot of extra that we’ve detailed in our submit.
Oh, and take money with you (particularly smaller notes of round $100). Practically all distributors are money solely, and so they hate breaking greater notes.
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2.) Taipei 101 Observatory (台北101)
In all probability one in all Taipei’s most iconic buildings, ‘Taipei 101’ is an absolute must-see when visiting Taipei. Now, what makes Taipei 101 so particular is that it has its very personal commentary deck, which you’ll be able to go to by grabbing these tickets. The views are unimaginable and the lookout permits you to see everywhere in the complete of Taipei itself.
Now, in the event you do head as much as the 101 Commentary Deck, you’ll miss the long-lasting skyline view of the 101 constructing itself. This isn’t a foul factor; it’s simply that a few of the finest views (for my part) embrace the 101 constructing throughout the vista.
Nonetheless, it’s completely value visiting for a 45-minute journey, and the views throughout Taipei are spectacular on a transparent day.
Additionally, don’t neglect, you may get some unimaginable views over the broader shoreline from the Bitou Cape Mountaineering Path within the Ruifang District of town. It’s stunning if you would like a while away from town streets. Plus, if you would like some nice views of Taipei itself, head up Elephant Mountain. The views are breathtaking.
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3.) Da’an District, Neighbourhood bar district
Okay, so the Da’an Neighbourhood of Taipei is one in all my favourites to go to in the event you’re seeking to go to a few of the finest bars and eating places in Taipei. Not solely that, it’s among the best issues to do in Taipei in the event you’re in search of an evening out within the metropolis.
There are heaps round this space, and so they’re all very native, cool and really distinctive. In my view, Taipei’s bar tradition is among the finest I’ve skilled while travelling in Asia, significantly for cocktails.
Now, we have now some absolute favorite bars in Taipei that you may’t miss – but it surely’s not exhaustive. There’s a new, consistently opening or pop-up bar that’s nicely value asking about in your resort (or with locals) when you arrive.
If it’s a speakeasy you’re after, head to PUN. Don’t get delay by having to walk down a tiny alley – PUN could be very nicely hidden. Now, that is the Google Maps spot of the bar itself.
While you’re right here, stroll down the slender alley till you get to a gap on the left-hand facet. There’s a gray room with a button that you just press. Press that button! It will then open the unmarked door to the correct, which is able to lead you into PUN itself. The vibe right here could be very cool, and the cocktails are scrumptious.
As with most higher-end cocktail bars in Taipei, there’s sometimes a minimal spend. This often equates to 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks.
Afterwards, make sure that to move to Bar Pine (松) (Google Maps hyperlink, right here).
One other great place that has round 8 tables inside. These guys know their stuff in the case of spirit-led cocktails and every drink has it’s personal story. We beloved it right here.
Oh, and don’t neglect about Tei by Obound (Google Maps hyperlink, right here). This place is really particular.
Right here, they concentrate on tea-based cocktails which might be so yummy. To enter, you need to pour your tea on the facet desk that may open a secret door to the bar itself. Don’t fear, although, in the event you can’t discover the tea, the crew will assist you!
Lastly, for one more late-night opening, head to Monkie (Google Maps hyperlink, right here). This can be a nice cocktail bar to cease for iconic cocktails and scrumptious meals. We had scorching steak, rooster, and heaps extra whereas we have been there.
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4.) Nationwide Dr. Sunn Yat-Sen Memorial Corridor
Not too removed from Taipei’s Excessive Pace Prepare Station, the Nationwide Dr. Sunn Yat-Sen Memorial Corridor is nicely value a gander at while visiting town. Right here, you may wander the memorial corridor to study extra about China’s founding father. From a global perspective, it’s a good way to study extra concerning the lengthy historical past of Taiwan.
Visits are free and take round 20-Half-hour.
Learn extra: Taipei’s finest night time markets to go to
5.) Ximen Neighbourhood
Now, Dihua Avenue is as busy because it comes! It type of jogs my memory of Occasions Sq. in New York Metropolis, and it’s a hive of exercise within the day and night.
There are actually thousand of individuals on the streets right here and it’s definitely an space that’s equipped for guests to Taipei itself. While you’re right here, you’ll discover iconic shops like PopMart, the Ximending Night time Market and the broader strolling district that’s crammed with stalls and retailers.
It’s an excellent place to go to, particularly for an hour or two, however I wouldn’t spend all night right here, particularly in the event you’re on the hunt for a great foodie spot. In my view, a great hour is sufficient to get the flavour of the place, and we discovered it fairly laborious to search out top-rated eating places on this space.
That’s not saying you may’t discover them, it’s simply you need to analysis rather more to discover a gem that isn’t simply catering for vacationer footfall.
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6.) Longhsan Temple
Not too removed from the strolling streets of the Ximen Neighbourhood, Longhsan Temple is a Buddhist and Taoist temple that’s very easy to go to in the event you’re already within the space.
As soon as right here, take a wander contained in the temple that’s actually centuries previous. It’s mentioned that the Lunghsan Temple dates again to the 18th Century and nonetheless stands proudly to at the present time.
Visits take round 15-25 minutes and it’s really easy to see in the event you’re already within the native space.
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7.) Chang Kai-Shek Memorial Corridor
Completely free to enter, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Corridor is totally colossal and nicely value wandering round for an hour or so whereas visiting Taipei. Right here, you’ll get to discover the broader grounds and the museum inside. It’s breathtaking, and the entire web site is simply stunning.
One factor to notice is that the location can get extremely popular within the noon. There’s little or no shade, so make sure that to take water with you and SPF. The solar could be so intense right here in Taiwan.
Visits are free, and it’s among the best issues to do in Taipei in the event you spend a number of days within the metropolis.
If you’d like a guided journey, guide this unimaginable day tour that not solely takes in Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Corridor, but it surely’ll additionally take you to the well-known scorching springs. It’s such a good way to expertise extra of the broader space round Taipei.
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8) Taipei Fantastic Arts Museum
We beloved the Taipei Fantastic Arts Museum. There’s something so zen and calming concerning the house they’ve created within the metropolis.
There’s a small entrance charge to discover contained in the wonderful arts museum, however it’s so value it. They’ve heaps of everlasting and seasonal reveals throughout round three flooring (it could be one or two extra; I simply can’t bear in mind precisely).
Visits take round 90-240 minutes, and it’s nicely value visiting within the warmth of the noon solar. This fashion, you may loosen up within the air-conditioned reveals and wander at a pleasant, stress-free tempo.
Additionally, to make issues simple to get round, you may guide this hop-on-hop-off bus tour that may drop you off at a few of Taipei’s finest locations to go to. This can be a nice option to maximise your time, particularly in the event you’re solely within the metropolis for a day or two.
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9.) Nationwide Palace Museum
Simply outdoors town limits of central Taipei itself, the Nationwide Palace Museum is value visiting if you wish to study extra concerning the heritage and tradition of the broader area.
Right here, you’ll discover heaps of Chinese language artefacts, with some courting again hundreds of years.
It’s a fully colossal place to go to, and you may simply spend all day wandering across the reveals. In spite of everything, it’s one of many largest reveals in Taiwan.
There’s a small entrance charge, however just like the Taipei Fantastic Arts Museum, it’s nicely value the price.
10.) Juifen Outdated Avenue
I do know, I do know! It’s not in Taipei however it’s round a 50-minute drive from the centre of Taipei and nicely value visiting. Now, what makes the hilly city of Juifen’s Outdated Avenue so particular is its winding little alleys, neon lights and foodie spots that line the streets right here.
The entire space round Juifen Outdated Avenue is gorgeous to go to for a protracted afternoon journey from Taipei itself. A taxi takes round 50 minutes or 90 minutes by way of public transport. Simply make sure that to remain till the early night, when the realm is lit up with essentially the most vibrant indicators. It actually is among the finest issues to do in Taipei in the event you fancy a wander off from town itself.
Oh, one last factor – if it’s raining, make sure that to take smart sneakers! The alleys get very slippery.
To make issues simple, guide this Juifen day journey tour that may take you to the areas key spots you gained’t wish to miss. It’s a lot enjoyable and unimaginable to see. Simply remember to guide this tour earlier than arriving in Taipei as tickets can promote out.
11.) Huashan 1914 Artistic Park
We beloved the Huashan 1914 Artistic Park. Visiting is definitely among the best issues to do in Taipei if you would like a relaxing out afternoon of cafes, cool unbiased shops, cinema and extra in a single space.
The Huashan 1914 Artistic Park is located inside a historic manufacturing unit advanced that has been reworked into an idyllic spot.
While right here, you’ll get to pop into the park’s pop-up shops and discover the cafe tradition in Taipei. We spent round 2 hours right here and beloved it.
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12.) Grand Lodge tunnels
In all probability one in all Taipei’s most iconic inns, the Grand Lodge is value visiting, even in the event you’re not staying there. Throughout our time in Taipei, we stayed at each the Grand Lodge and Regent Lodge, and while each are iconic properties, we did love the rooms extra on the Regent Lodge.
That being mentioned, the Grand Lodge is nice! Even in the event you’re not staying, make sure that to guide a tour of the Grand Lodge escape tunnels, which you’ll be able to really discover on a guided tour.
Excursions take round Half-hour, and also you’ll study extra concerning the historical past of Taiwan, the long-lasting Grand Lodge, and the way the tunnels got here into existence.
Additionally, you may simply guide this personal tour of Taipei by automobile. One of the best factor about this tour is that it’s all in your phrases, you may keep as little or so long as you need at Taipei’s must-visit locations.
Learn extra: Finest locations throughout Taiwan to go to
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