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 a substitute hoping to wander the streets and encounter the town by happenstance. Because it seems, this isn’t essentially the most best method to see Taipei. The town itself is sprawling and unfold out, however fortunately the general public transport is simple to navigate and nicely linked. Right here’s what to do in Taipei to your first time for those who’re hoping to expertise the hidden gems of the town, in addition to the highest points of interest.
Your first time in Taipei
Whenever you land in Taipei, it’s straightforward sufficient to catch public transport from the airport into the town. There’s a direct prepare from the airport to the town, with just some stops in between earlier than you attain the Taipei Fundamental Station.
As soon as within the metropolis, you’ve gotten a number of decisions for getting round. The general public metro is simple to make use of and navigate, but when your resort is positioned near the prepare station you may additionally select to stroll as the town is flat and pathways large for rolling your suitcase. A ultimate choice is to hop in a cab to take you on to the door of your resort, nevertheless I’d say that is the least enjoyable choice!
The place to remain in Taipei
There isn’t a scarcity of lodges and guesthouses in Taipei. I selected to ebook my keep at CitizenM, as I used to be in search of a resort that was central and I all the time love these lodges for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My predominant advice 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 the town.
The place to eat in Taipei
Taipei is a metropolis virtually made for foodies. There are countless Taiwanese delicacies to attempt however much more importantly for me was the sweets choice. Taiwan can also be the birthplace of bubble tea (boba tea), so you’ll be able to look forward to finding tea retailers 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 critiques. Regardless of being a little bit 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 mushy serve ice cream on this planet (or actually one of the best matcha ice cream I’ve ever loved!)
My subsequent advice is Comida. I stumbled upon this place close by my resort when searching for a espresso. Not solely did they’ve an awesome espresso, however additionally 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 prime of my record after I journey. Though this wasn’t my fashion of cookie (it was way more dry and dense than my most popular underbaked cookie with a crispy exterior), it was a cool store to go to and nice to see the cookie pattern has reached Taipei. If you wish to attempt my fashion of cookie, you may wish to take a look at my on-line cookie class.
Should 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 alternative for a view over the town and is particularly lovely at sundown.
The Beitou scorching springs are a preferred spot half-hour from downtown and a good way to flee the town hustle and bustle.
Fancy a hike? Xiangshan Path is a brief 45-minute hike that provides an awesome view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.
Should you fancy a day journey, Jiufen is an attractive mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
