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 encounter the town by happenstance. Because it seems, this isn’t probably the most ultimate technique to see Taipei. Town itself is sprawling and unfold out, however fortunately the general public transport is simple to navigate and properly related. Right here’s what to do in Taipei to your first time in the event you’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 practice 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 practice station you may additionally select to stroll as the town is flat and pathways large for rolling your suitcase. A remaining 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 resorts and guesthouses in Taipei. I selected to e book my keep at CitizenM, as I used to be in search of a resort that was central and I all the time love these resorts for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My principal suggestion for staying at CitizenM can be to decide on a room on a better 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 infinite 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’ll be able to look forward to finding tea outlets 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 slightly 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 comfortable serve ice cream on this planet (or definitely the most effective matcha ice cream I’ve ever loved!)
My subsequent suggestion is Comida. I stumbled upon this place close by my resort when searching for a espresso. Not solely did they’ve an excellent 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 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 prime of my record after I journey. Though this wasn’t my model 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 model of cookie, you may need to try my on-line cookie class.
For those who 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 sizzling springs are a preferred spot half-hour from downtown and an effective way to flee the town hustle and bustle.
Fancy a hike? Xiangshan Path is a brief 45-minute hike that provides an excellent view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.
For those who fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a stupendous mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
