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 determination 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 essentially the most superb solution to see Taipei. Town itself is sprawling and unfold out, however fortunately the general public transport is simple to navigate and nicely related. Right here’s what to do in Taipei on your first time if you happen to’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 practice from the airport to 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 couple of decisions for getting round. The general public metro is simple to make use of and navigate, but when your lodge is situated near the practice station you may additionally select to stroll as town is flat and pathways large for rolling your suitcase. A closing 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 isn’t a scarcity of inns and guesthouses in Taipei. I selected to e book my keep at CitizenM, as I used to be searching for a lodge that was central and I at all times love these inns for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My major advice for staying at CitizenM can be to decide on a room on the next flooring, 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 limitless Taiwanese delicacies to attempt 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 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 searching for the most effective 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 the most effective matcha comfortable serve ice cream on this planet (or actually the most effective matcha ice cream I’ve ever loved!)
My subsequent advice is Comida. I stumbled upon this place close by my lodge when searching for a espresso. Not solely did they’ve an ideal 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 suggest 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 listing after I journey. Though this wasn’t my model of cookie (it was far 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 attempt my model of cookie, you would possibly need to try my on-line cookie class.
If you happen to 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 particularly stunning at sundown.
The Beitou sizzling springs are a well-liked spot half-hour from downtown and a good way to flee town hustle and bustle.
Fancy a hike? Xiangshan Path is a brief 45-minute hike that gives an ideal view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.
If you happen to fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a phenomenal mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
