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 come across the town by happenstance. Because it seems, this isn’t essentially the most ideally suited option to see Taipei. The town itself is sprawling and unfold out, however fortunately the general public transport is simple to navigate and properly related. Right here’s what to do in Taipei in 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
While you land in Taipei, it’s simple sufficient to catch public transport from the airport into the town. There’s a direct prepare from the airport to the town, with just some stops in between earlier than you attain the Taipei Most important Station.
As soon as within the metropolis, you have got a couple of selections for getting round. The general public metro is simple to make use of and navigate, but when your lodge is positioned near the prepare station you may additionally select to stroll as the town is flat and pathways extensive for rolling your suitcase. A last choice 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 choice!
The place to remain in Taipei
There isn’t any scarcity of resorts and guesthouses in Taipei. I selected to e-book my keep at CitizenM, as I used to be in search of a lodge that was central and I at all times love these resorts for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My fundamental advice for staying at CitizenM can be to decide on a room on a better ground, so that you get to benefit from the views over the 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 anticipate finding tea outlets 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 seeking the perfect matcha on the town. Because it seems, this matcha retailer is very celebrated with rave opinions. Regardless of being just a little out of the best way, I made some extent to go to not as soon as however twice, for arguably the perfect matcha mushy serve ice cream on the planet (or definitely the perfect matcha ice cream I’ve ever loved!)
My subsequent advice is Comida. I stumbled upon this place close by my lodge when seeking a espresso. Not solely did they’ve a fantastic 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 among the finest issues I ate in Taiwan and I’d completely suggest 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 listing once I journey. Though this wasn’t my model of cookie (it was rather 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 need to try my on-line cookie class.
In the event 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).
Issues to see in Taipei
Taipei 101 Observatory is the primary selection for a view over the town and is very stunning at sundown.
The Beitou sizzling springs are a well-liked spot half-hour from downtown and a good way to flee the town hustle and bustle.
Fancy a hike? Xiangshan Path is a brief 45-minute hike that gives a fantastic view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.
In the event you fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a wonderful mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
