So you’ve been to Taipei earlier than. Yes, everybody and their grandma have heard of or have been to Taipei 101, Shilin Night Market, Ximending, and the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial. But for those who assume you’ve seen all of it, Taipei’s right here to say, “Wait, hold my bubble tea.”
Taipei is one metropolis we like to hold visiting time and again as a result of each time we do, we uncover one thing we haven’t seen earlier than. On our most up-to-date journey, we went off the overwhelmed path and dove into Taipei’s quirky underbelly, the place graffiti artwork meets peaceable temples, heart-shaped ponds pop up subsequent to wobbly bridges, and hidden markets are stuffed with Michelin-worthy bites.
So for those who’re able to unlock a brand new stage of Taipei that’ll make your Instagram followers go, “Wait, where is that?” — buckle up. Here are a number of the most underrated points of interest within the Taiwanese capital the place you received’t be dodging selfie sticks and big tour teams.
1. Jian Tan Shan Hiking Trail & North Eye Platform
When it involves climbing for an superior Taipei view, the go-to vacation spot has at all times been Elephant Mountain. But this isn’t the one one!
Taipei is surrounded by mountains, and when you might have mountains you might have climbing trails and lookouts. The Jian Tan Shan Trail in Shilin, whereas frequented largely by locals, can also be worthy of a trek. It provides panoramic views of Taipei’s skyline which are breathtaking —- figuratively and generally actually.
Tucked within the forested slope simply behind the Grand Hotel, the beginning of the path just isn’t that simple to seek out. It just isn’t as crowded, however a lot of the pathway is paved and staired, so it’s beginner-friendly and also you received’t fear about getting misplaced. OK, scratch that, spoiler alert: We bought misplaced. But solely as a result of it’s punctuated with a number of viewpoints, we didn’t know which was which!
You see, our finish aim was to achieve the so-called North Eye Platform, an remark deck the place we may catch peeks of iconic buildings on the opposite aspect of the town. But there have been plenty of lookouts, we didn’t know if we have been following the right signal. We even stumbled upon a quiet shrine that additionally permits unbelievable vistas, so all’s good!
But simply earlier than sunset, we have been capable of finding the white railings of the North Eye Platform, and it was value all the trouble and confusion. They say it’s much more beautiful at sundown, however sadly the sky was overcast throughout our go to. The better part? Apart from a few locals, we have been the one ones there!
On the best way down, we additionally made a cease at a number of the different viewpoints to admire the town lights! Yes, Taipei 101 is seen from a number of the stops, too, on the opposite aspect.
2. Bishanyan Temple
Taipei has no scarcity of majestic, ornate temples, however one website has an edge in terms of its setting –- Bishanyan Temple. Hidden within the peaks of the Neihu District, this not only a place of worship but additionally a unbelievable viewpoint.
Perched on a hillside, Bishanyan Temple provides sweeping views of Taipei, stated to be particularly magical at sundown. We visited on a wet, foggy morning, so the solar was absent and the view was thinly shrouded. But we may completely think about how spectacular the view is from right here on common fair-weather days.
View apart, there’s quite a bit to adore on this temple. The structure is wealthy intimately, with dragon-covered columns and complex carvings. You’ll really feel such as you’re in the course of an historical legend as you wander the grounds. Plus, in contrast to at most metropolis temples, the ambiance right here is serene. Even when vacationers are round, there’s a hush to the place that makes it really feel sacred and peaceable. Grab a spot, take within the metropolis views, and get in contact together with your interior zen.
Not too distant from the temple is Baishihu Suspension Bridge, which swings gently as you cross, supplying you with simply the correct quantity of thrill. I’m saying that within the second individual as a result of it was briefly closed throughout our go to.
Nonetheless, we bought to drop by the very Instagrammable star right here: the heart-shaped pond close by. It’s a unusual little function, good for couple images or only a distinctive selfie spot.
3. Guandu
Beitou is best-known for its sizzling springs, however there may be much more to on this nook of northern Taipei. One of the locations in Beitou that’s usually ignored by vacationers is Guandu, identified for its wealthy pure magnificence and beautiful riverside surroundings.
It’s the place you’ll discover Guandu Nature Park, a sprawling wetland the place birdwatchers can spot each native and migratory birds. Inside the customer middle, you’ll discover interactive installations that inform the story of the positioning from being a dump website to the sanctuary that it’s immediately. And on the second flooring are big binoculars to look at the wildlife, particularly birds.
But why keep inside when you may expertise the outside? There is a crab-watching walkway, a crescent-shaped pond, and quite a few tree tunnels, with nature-inspired artworks right here and there. You can stroll alongside picket trails and take within the marshy landscapes which are very calming, contemplating you’re nonetheless inside Taipei.
But that’s simply the beginning! It’s additionally residence to Guandu Temple, formally generally known as Ling An Temple. It is a historic gem devoted to Mazu, the goddess of the ocean and protector of sailors and fishermen. One of the oldest in Taiwan, Guandu Temple’s roots might be traced again to 1661. But probably the most fascinating bit? It was carved into the aspect of a mountain.
Judging from the street by the doorway, we truly thought it was fairly small, however after we entered, we have been greeted by a deep, winding cave tunnel, adorned with statues, altars, and stone reliefs, resulting in a small shrine. The expertise offers a extra non secular, virtually otherworldly really feel. And when you make it to the opposite aspect, you’ll discover extra buildings together with a pagoda, a number of halls, and a manicured backyard with unnaturally square-shaped timber. But that’s not the top of it. From right here, you’ll additionally get to take pleasure in a beautiful view of the world.
If you get hungry, simply throughout the road lies the Guandu Food Park, the place you may seize fast snacks.
And beside it’s Guandu Wharf, subsequent to Tamsui River, the place you may take pleasure in a ship experience or a bicycle experience. It’s very quiet throughout the day, however from late afternoon till the night, it involves life as meals stalls open and locals start to flock across the space.
4. Taipei EYE Theater
To be trustworthy, I’m unsure if I ought to embody this on this checklist as a result of it’s not precisely “off-the-beaten-path”. While not as off-the-radar as, say, an obscure temple or a tiny neighborhood market, it’s positively much less crowded and extra low-key in comparison with Taipei’s main vacationer hotspots. Many vacationers miss it in favor of larger points of interest.
Taipei EYE is the place to be for a style of conventional opera, acrobatics, and people dance. It’s a showcase of performing arts, with a twist! Sometimes, literal twist. The present we had the pleasure to see was referred to as Monkey King, primarily based on a Chinese legend. But we’re getting forward of ourselves right here.
Before the present, we tried a number of free actions out there on website, like coloring a conventional masks like a pre-schooler or producing stamp arts like a professional. I spent most of my time ending a masks, whereas Vins was very pleased with his paper creations. You may additionally attempt on elaborate costumes, store for souvenirs, and watch the actors do their make up for the present.
And when it’s showtime, we sat again, relaxed, and watched the story unfold. And man was it phenomenal! It was an amazing mix of drama, singing, dancing, and stunts! The actors have been all nice. Video recording isn’t allowed, however pictures with out flash is OK so listed here are some pics.
Don’t fear in case your Mandarin is rusty or non-existent; the drama and expressions say all of it. Plus, there are subtitles in English, Korean, and Japanese, so you actually received’t get misplaced.
It was so good, I really imagine it deserves extra consideration.
5. Taipei Cinema Park
Taipei’s map is shaded with numerous parks. We’ll be mentioning a number of on this article, however that is maybe probably the most alive and colourful. This isn’t your common park. Hidden away within the fashionable Ximending space, Taipei Cinema Park is a movie-themed advanced with open areas and outside installations, the place native and worldwide avenue artists unleash their creativity. At the middle of it’s this indoor gallery with artworks and images that narrate the historical past of the positioning.
But it’s additionally a spot the place artwork, city grit, and a splash of weirdness collide. It’s surrounded by graffiti-covered partitions that make you are feeling such as you’ve wandered right into a rebellious teenager’s sketchbook. The park is an open canvas the place native artists exhibit their expertise with vibrant avenue artwork.
We first visited it at evening, and we stumbled upon this nook that seem like it got here from an otaku’s fever dream. The Japanese affect right here is so sturdy that I even joked that I’d see Mt. Fuji from right here. And I child you not, I did see Mt. Fuji right here. It was only a wall portray, however nonetheless.
We additionally noticed Wow Land, a room stuffed with claw machines and prizes, from kitschy toys to snacks to drinks. Now, you’ll discover hundreds of claw machines scattered all through the town, however what units this place aside is that it isn’t rigged (or not as rigged because the others). If you might have the ability, you may truly win one thing. Vins and I had a area day right here. Spent simply NT$ 40 (it’s NT$ 10 per recreation) and went residence with candies, Milkis drink, and a toy. Not unhealthy, not unhealthy in any respect. It’s simply so good to not be duped by these machines for a change.
Even for those who’re not into claw machines or avenue artwork, the park is a haven for people-watching and impromptu photoshoots. It’s a slice of Taipei’s cool, youthful aspect—unpolished however wildly fascinating.
We visited it once more within the daytime, and we truly appreciated it higher at evening, so simply go to after sunset.
6. Xinzhongshan Park & Chifeng Street
Xinzhongshan Park is a captivating linear park operating from Zhongshan Station to Shuanglian Station within the Zhongshan District. It’s a little bit of a neighborhood favourite hidden retreat, particularly for individuals who desire a quiet spot to loosen up away from Taipei’s busier areas. The park has well-maintained strolling paths, lush timber, and open areas the place you’ll usually discover individuals unwinding, purchasing, or simply having fun with the peaceable setting. Underneath lies Underground Book Street, good for bookworms on the market.
One of probably the most fascinating options of Xinzhongshan Park is its proximity to Chifeng Street and its surrounding blocks, a classy space identified for its indie boutiques, native cafes, and artistic vibe. But what stole our consideration right here was the Coach Play – sure, that model — a trendy fusion of a café and a retail house. The menu has a collection of coffees, teas, and a few pastries.
But there are various different cafes right here which are value your buck and time. My favourite spot is R9 Café’s mural that includes numerous espresso lovers!
Together, Xinzhongshan Park and Chifeng Street supply a mixture of nature, tradition, and creativity—best for anybody eager to discover a lesser-known aspect of Taipei!
If you get hungry, stroll a bit to Chuan Mu Yuan, a hole-in-the-wall eatery serving Michelin-approved beef pancakes, served like a burrito. It’s probably the greatest dishes we’ve had in Taipei and was completely definitely worth the stroll.
It was the correct mix of candy and savory, and meaty and starchy. Their crimson bean pancakes are additionally one thing to put in writing residence about! We additionally had fried rice, beef noodles, and xiao lengthy bao, however it’s actually their pancakes that you must order.
7. Taipei Expo Park & Maji Square
For one thing quirky and colourful, head to Taipei Expo Park, filled with character and enjoyable surprises, making it a enjoyable marriage of artwork, tradition, and meals. Originally the positioning for the 2010 Taipei International Flora Expo, the park now serves as a year-round hotspot for festivals, markets, and pop-up occasions.
One of the highlights is Maji Square, a meals courtroom subsequent to the park the place meals stalls, artisanal outlets, and outside cafes create a market-like ambiance. It’s a spot to munch on native and worldwide fare (Indian, Italian, Korean!), purchase quirky souvenirs, and revel in dwell music.
On our most up-to-date journey, this wasn’t a part of our authentic plan. We have been alleged to go to an outside market but it surely was raining and we wanted a Plan B, and Maji Square has a roof above it, so we got here right here as a substitute. And good factor we paid it a go to! We actually loved this space. But our native companion Nelly stated it’s particularly enjoyable within the evenings when the lights come on, and the place buzzes with vitality. It’s bought a pageant vitality all 12 months spherical, making it good for informal get-togethers.
On the outskirts of the park lies Linji Huguo Temple, a lesser-known cultural treasure in Taipei. It’s a Buddhist temple that isn’t as crowded as Longshan Temple. It is thought for its elegant, conventional design. One distinctive facet of Linji Huguo is its emphasis on the Linji college of Zen Buddhism, identified for its concentrate on interior peace and knowledge. It’s an ideal spot to get a glimpse of Taipei’s non secular aspect.
8. Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Originally inbuilt 1914 as a sake distillery, the Huashan 1914 Creative Park is an industrial advanced remodeled right into a cultural and humanities middle. It has a uncooked, industrial look, full with uncovered partitions and open-air courtyards.
But it’s not all high-brow artwork right here; Huashan 1914 has loads of cafes, boutique outlets, and design studios scattered across the advanced, so it’s simple to spend a complete afternoon exploring. Whether you’re a devoted artwork lover, a espresso connoisseur, or simply somebody trying to escape Taipei’s ordinary vacationer spots, Huashan 1914 Creative Park is a artistic playground that has one thing that’ll make you linger. For us, that one thing was ice cream and low.
I had a yogurt ice cream that tasted actually pure and selfmade, whereas Vins is simply at all times joyful along with his espresso.
9. Dihua Street
One of the oldest streets in Taipei, Dihua Street is extra just like the cool great-grandma of strolling streets within the metropolis. For the longest time, it was the locals’ go-to spot for tea, dried herbs, and textiles, but it surely has one way or the other managed to remain related throughout generations. It’s a pleasant mashup of historical past and hipster, with old-school herbalists side-by-side with glossy bookstores and outlets. Think apothecaries rubbing shoulders with standard meals spots—the place else are you able to decide up some dried ginseng and scrumptious strawberry mochi and dried squid?
And then there’s the Xiahai City God Temple, the place hopeful or hopeless romantics make choices to the god of matchmaking. Yep, you learn that proper—this little temple is principally Chinese Cupid’s Taipei workplace, well-known for bringing like to the lovelorn. If you’re feeling fortunate (or in determined want of romance), mild a number of incense sticks and ask for a bit of divine intervention in your love life.
Don’t anticipate a enjoyable, wild social gathering avenue, except it’s Lunar New Year. Most of the time, it’s very quiet. It’s extra like a reminiscence lane the place you may store, snack, and possibly even meet your soulmate—that’s, if the City God’s feeling beneficiant!
10. Uncrowded Night Markets
Taipei is thought for its evening markets, particularly its three hottest: Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia. But the town has a lot extra that vacationers don’t often go to!
One of them is Gongguan Night Market, located near the National Taiwan University, which suggests (1) most of its common prospects are college students, and (2) the costs are reasonably priced! It’s fairly small. Tiny, in comparison with different evening markets, but it surely nonetheless has the mouthwatering aromas wafting from numerous meals stalls and the fixed chatter from individuals having fun with scrumptious snacks.
In this market, don’t miss Hsiung Chi Scallion Pancake, a Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee. It’s stationed near the doorway to the market. You received’t miss it as a result of there’s often an extended queue snaking towards it. And in fact, we fell in line, too. It moved quick so we have been face-to-face with the flat grill very quickly. There’s an choice so as to add cheese, ham, bacon, and egg. We ordered one plain and one with all our favourite trimmings, and we weren’t disenchanted.
The pancakes have been half delicate, half crispy, and totally scrumptious for its worth. No marvel it has garnered a loyal following amongst locals!
Another spot to think about is Shuangcheng Street Night Market, tucked away within the Daan District. It’s additionally very quick and small, however stuffed with choices from fruits like custard apples to Japanese pancakes to Taiwanese sausages.
Just stroll throughout the close by park and also you’ll attain Huang Chi Lu Rou Fan, one other Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, well-known for its signature braised pork rice. It’s at all times filled with prospects, most ready for his or her takeaway bins. They serve pocket-friendly however comforting bowl of rice topped with tender, flavorful fatty pork bits that can have you ever dreaming about it lengthy after you’ve left. Fatty, sure, but it surely nonetheless ate clear.
Shuangcheng Street Night Market can also be adjoining Qingguang Market, a purchasing arcade lined with meals stalls, attire shops, and different trinkets catering largely to locals.
Taipei is bursting on the seams with underrated points of interest simply ready to be found — quirky temples, hidden evening markets, and scenic parks. They will not be as standard, however they provide a very good look into Taipei’s native scene with out the touristy fluff. So even for those who’ve been to Taipei earlier than, go forward and guide that flight as a result of within the phrases of 1 international boy band, one of the best is but to come back.
Yes, I do know it’s BTS and so they’re Korean, however I can’t consider something from F4 proper now. 😅
Where to Stay in Taipei
Here are a number of the resorts we have now tried in Taipei via the years.
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