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 encounter the 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 straightforward to navigate and properly linked. Right here’s what to do in Taipei in your first time when you’re hoping to expertise the hidden gems of the town, in addition to the highest points of interest.
Your first time in Taipei
If you land in Taipei, it’s simple sufficient to catch public transport from the airport into the town. There’s a direct practice from the airport to the town, with only a few stops in between earlier than you attain the Taipei Foremost Station.
As soon as within the metropolis, you may have a couple of decisions for getting round. The general public metro is straightforward to make use of and navigate, but when your lodge is positioned near the practice station you may also select to stroll as the town is flat and pathways broad for rolling your suitcase. A remaining choice is to hop in a cab to take you on to the door of your lodge, nevertheless I might say that is the least enjoyable choice!
The place to remain in Taipei
There is no such thing as a scarcity of motels and guesthouses in Taipei. I selected to e book my keep at CitizenM, as I used to be in search of a lodge that was central and I at all times love these motels for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My most important suggestion for staying at CitizenM could be to decide on a room on a better flooring, 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 limitless 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 may look forward to finding tea retailers on nearly 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 seeking the most effective matcha on the town. Because it seems, this matcha retailer is extremely celebrated with rave critiques. Regardless of being a bit of out of the way in which, I made a degree to go to not as soon as however twice, for arguably the most effective matcha mushy serve ice cream on the earth (or actually the most effective matcha ice cream I’ve ever loved!)
My subsequent suggestion is Comida. I stumbled upon this place close by my lodge when seeking a espresso. Not solely did they’ve an amazing 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 top-of-the-line issues I ate in Taiwan and I’d completely suggest it for an inexpensive breakfast.
Subsequent up is Cookie DPT. As a lot 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 checklist after I journey. Though this wasn’t my type of cookie (it was rather 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 development has reached Taipei. If you wish to strive my type of cookie, you may wish to try my on-line 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 the town and is very stunning at sundown.
The Beitou scorching springs are a well-liked 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 gives an amazing view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.
In the event you fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a stupendous mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
