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 come upon the town by happenstance. Because it seems, this isn’t probably the most ideally suited approach to see Taipei. The town itself is sprawling and unfold out, however fortunately the general public transport is straightforward to navigate and nicely related. Right here’s what to do in Taipei on your first time when you’re hoping to expertise the hidden gems of the 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 the town. There’s a direct practice from the airport to the town, with just some stops in between earlier than you attain the Taipei Primary Station.
As soon as within the metropolis, you may have a number of selections for getting round. The general public metro is straightforward to make use of and navigate, but when your resort is situated near the practice station you may also select to stroll as the town is flat and pathways vast for rolling your suitcase. A closing 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 e book my keep at CitizenM, as I used to be on the lookout for a resort that was central and I at all times love these lodges for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My foremost advice 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 also be the birthplace of bubble tea (boba tea), so you may 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 in the hunt for the very best matcha on the town. Because it seems, this matcha retailer is very celebrated with rave critiques. Regardless of being slightly out of the way in which, I made a degree to go to not as soon as however twice, for arguably the very best matcha comfortable serve ice cream on the planet (or actually the very best matcha ice cream I’ve ever loved!)
My subsequent advice is Comida. I stumbled upon this place close by my resort when in the hunt for a espresso. Not solely did they’ve an awesome espresso, however in addition they concentrate on well-known Taiwanese cheese toasties – with almond butter! If that sounds bizarre, don’t overthink it. I promise you this was among the finest 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 once 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 would possibly 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 particularly stunning at sundown.
The Beitou sizzling 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.
In the event you fancy a day journey, Jiufen is an attractive mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
