What to do in Taipei in your first time

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 resolution to not analysis earlier than the journey, as a substitute hoping to wander the streets and encounter town by happenstance. As it seems, this isn’t essentially the most ultimate solution 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 if you happen to’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 prepare from the airport to town, with only a few stops in between earlier than you attain the Taipei Main Station.

Once within the metropolis, you will have just a few decisions for getting round. The public metro is simple to make use of and navigate, but when your lodge is positioned near the prepare station you may also select to stroll as town is flat and pathways large 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’d say that is the least enjoyable possibility!

Where to remain in Taipei

There is not any scarcity of accommodations 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 accommodations for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My predominant advice for staying at CitizenM can be to decide on a room on a better 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 attempt however much more importantly for me was the sweets choice. Taiwan can also be the birthplace of bubble tea (boba tea), so you possibly can 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 in the hunt for one of the best matcha on the town. As it seems, this matcha retailer is very celebrated with rave critiques. Despite being a bit out of the way in which, I made a degree to go to not as soon as however twice, for arguably one of the best matcha delicate serve ice cream on the earth (or definitely one of the best matcha ice cream I’ve ever loved!)

My subsequent advice is Comida. I stumbled upon this place close by my lodge when in the hunt for a espresso. Not solely did they’ve an excellent espresso, however additionally they concentrate on well-known Taiwanese cheese toasties – with almond butter! If that sounds bizarre, don’t overthink it. I promise you this was top-of-the-line 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 checklist once I journey. Although this wasn’t my fashion of cookie (it was way more dry and dense than my most well-liked 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 need to attempt 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 very 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 excellent view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.

If you fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a ravishing mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.