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 choice to not analysis earlier than the journey, as a substitute hoping to wander the streets and come across the town by happenstance. As it seems, this isn’t probably the most best method to see Taipei. The metropolis itself is sprawling and unfold out, however fortunately the general public transport is straightforward to navigate and properly linked. Here’s what to do in Taipei to your first time when you’re hoping to expertise the hidden gems of the town, in addition to the highest sights.
Your first time in Taipei
When you land in Taipei, it’s simple sufficient to catch public transport from the airport into the town. There is a direct practice from the airport to the town, with only a few stops in between earlier than you attain the Taipei Main Station.
Once within the metropolis, you may have a couple of selections for getting round. The public metro is straightforward to make use of and navigate, but when your resort is positioned near the practice station you may also select to stroll as the town is flat and pathways huge for rolling your suitcase. A ultimate possibility 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 possibility!
Where to remain in Taipei
There is not any scarcity of accommodations and guesthouses in Taipei. I selected to ebook my keep at CitizenM, as I used to be in search of a resort that was central and I at all times love these accommodations for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My major suggestion 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 the town.
Where to eat in Taipei
Taipei is a metropolis virtually made for foodies. There are countless 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 possibly can look forward to finding tea outlets 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 the hunt for the very best matcha on the town. As it seems, this matcha retailer is extremely celebrated with rave evaluations. Despite being somewhat out of the best way, I made some extent to go to not as soon as however twice, for arguably the very best matcha mushy serve ice cream on the planet (or actually the very best matcha ice cream I’ve ever loved!)
My subsequent suggestion is Comida. I stumbled upon this place close by my resort when in the hunt for a espresso. Not solely did they’ve a terrific 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 probably the greatest issues I ate in Taiwan and I’d completely advocate 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 high of my checklist after I journey. Although this wasn’t my type 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 need to strive my type of cookie, you would possibly need to try 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 the town and is particularly lovely at sundown.
The Beitou scorching springs are a preferred spot half-hour from downtown and a good way to flee the town hustle and bustle.
Fancy a hike? Xiangshan Trail is a brief 45-minute hike that gives a terrific 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.
