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 town by happenstance. As it seems, this isn’t probably the most perfect option to see Taipei. The metropolis itself is sprawling and unfold out, however fortunately the general public transport is straightforward to navigate and effectively linked. Here’s what to do in Taipei to your first time for those who’re hoping to expertise the hidden gems of town, in addition to the highest points of interest.
Your first time in Taipei
When you land in Taipei, it’s simple sufficient to catch public transport from the airport into town. There is a direct practice from the airport to town, with just some stops in between earlier than you attain the Taipei Main Station.
Once within the metropolis, you will have a number of decisions for getting round. The 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 town is flat and pathways vast for rolling your suitcase. A last choice is to hop in a cab to take you on to the door of your resort, nevertheless I might say that is the least enjoyable choice!
Where to remain in Taipei
There isn’t any scarcity of motels and guesthouses in Taipei. I selected to e-book my keep at CitizenM, as I used to be searching for a resort that was central and I all the time love these motels for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My fundamental advice for staying at CitizenM can be to decide on a room on the next ground, so that you get to benefit from the views over town.
Where 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 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 looking for the very best matcha on the town. As it seems, this matcha retailer is extremely celebrated with rave opinions. Despite being just a little out of the way in which, I made some extent to go to not as soon as however twice, for arguably the very best matcha tender 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 looking for a espresso. Not solely did they’ve an ideal 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 best issues I ate in Taiwan and I’d completely advocate it for an inexpensive breakfast.
Next 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 listing after I journey. Although this wasn’t my fashion 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 need to strive my fashion of cookie, you may need to take a look at my on-line cookie class.
If 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).
Things 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 an effective way to flee town hustle and bustle.
Fancy a hike? Xiangshan Trail is a brief 45-minute hike that gives an ideal view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.
If you fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a stupendous mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
