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 a substitute hoping to wander the streets and bump into town by happenstance. As it seems, this isn’t probably the most ultimate technique to see Taipei. The metropolis itself is sprawling and unfold out, however fortunately the general public transport is simple to navigate and properly linked. Here’s what to do in Taipei in your first time should you’re hoping to expertise the hidden gems of town, in addition to the highest sights.
Your first time in Taipei
When you land in Taipei, it’s straightforward 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 have got a number of selections for getting round. The public metro is simple to make use of and navigate, but when your lodge is positioned near the practice station you may additionally select to stroll as town is flat and pathways huge for rolling your suitcase. A closing possibility is to hop in a cab to take you on to the door of your lodge, nonetheless I might say that is the least enjoyable possibility!
Where to remain in Taipei
There isn’t any 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 all the time love these inns for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My important advice for staying at CitizenM could be to decide on a room on the next flooring, 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 infinite 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 look forward to finding tea retailers 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 quest of the very best matcha on the town. As it seems, this matcha retailer is very celebrated with rave critiques. Despite 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 very best matcha comfortable serve ice cream on the earth (or definitely the very best matcha ice cream I’ve ever loved!)
My subsequent advice is Comida. I stumbled upon this place close by my lodge when in quest of a espresso. Not solely did they’ve an amazing 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.
Next 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 once I journey. Although 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 pattern has reached Taipei. If you wish to strive my model of cookie, you would possibly wish 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 alternative for a view over town and is particularly lovely at sundown.
The Beitou scorching springs are a well-liked spot half-hour from downtown and a good way to flee town hustle and bustle.
Fancy a hike? Xiangshan Trail is a brief 45-minute hike that gives an amazing view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.
If you fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a fantastic mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
