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 come across town by happenstance. Because it seems, this isn’t probably the most preferrred approach to see Taipei. The town itself is sprawling and unfold out, however fortunately the general public transport is simple to navigate and nicely related. Right here’s what to do in Taipei in your first time in the event you’re hoping to expertise the hidden gems of town, in addition to the highest sights.
Your first time in Taipei
If you land in Taipei, it’s simple sufficient to catch public transport from the airport into town. There’s a direct prepare from the airport to town, with just some stops in between earlier than you attain the Taipei Primary Station.
As soon as within the metropolis, you could have just a few decisions for getting round. The general public metro is simple to make use of and navigate, but when your resort is situated near the prepare station you may additionally 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 resort, nonetheless I’d say that is the least enjoyable possibility!
The place 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 on the lookout 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 major advice for staying at CitizenM could be to decide on a room on a better flooring, so that you get to benefit from the views over town.
The place 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 be the birthplace of bubble tea (boba tea), so you’ll be able to 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 searching for the most effective matcha on the town. Because it seems, this matcha retailer is extremely celebrated with rave evaluations. Regardless of being somewhat out of the way in which, I made a degree to go to not as soon as however twice, for arguably the most effective matcha gentle serve ice cream on the planet (or definitely the most effective matcha ice cream I’ve ever loved!)
My subsequent advice is Comida. I stumbled upon this place close by my resort when searching for a espresso. Not solely did they’ve an amazing espresso, however additionally they specialize in 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 advocate it for an inexpensive breakfast.
Subsequent 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 high of my record after I journey. Though this wasn’t my type of cookie (it was far 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 wish to strive my type of cookie, you may wish to try my on-line cookie class.
If you happen to fancy a bubble tea, Tao Tao Teahouse was my favorite discover (and belief me, I drank my weight in bubble tea on this journey).
Issues to see in Taipei
Taipei 101 Observatory is the primary selection for a view over town and is particularly stunning at sundown.
The Beitou scorching springs are a preferred spot half-hour from downtown and an effective way to flee town hustle and bustle.
Fancy a hike? Xiangshan Path is a brief 45-minute hike that provides an amazing view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.
If you happen to fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a lovely mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
