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 an alternative hoping to wander the streets and bump into the town by happenstance. Because it seems, this isn’t essentially the most supreme technique 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 to your first time for those who’re hoping to expertise the hidden gems of the town, in addition to the highest points of interest.
Your first time in Taipei
Once you land in Taipei, it’s straightforward sufficient to catch public transport from the airport into the town. There’s a direct prepare from the airport to the town, with only a few stops in between earlier than you attain the Taipei Principal Station.
As soon as within the metropolis, you might have a couple of decisions for getting round. The general public metro is simple to make use of and navigate, but when your lodge is situated near the prepare station you may also select to stroll as the town is flat and pathways huge for rolling your suitcase. A remaining 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!
The place to remain in Taipei
There isn’t any scarcity of inns 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 inns for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My essential suggestion for staying at CitizenM could be to decide on a room on the next flooring, 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 limitless Taiwanese delicacies to attempt however much more importantly for me was the sweets choice. Taiwan can 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 searching for the very best matcha on the town. Because it seems, this matcha retailer is extremely celebrated with rave critiques. Regardless of being just a little out of the way in which, I made a degree to go to not as soon as however twice, for arguably the very best matcha mushy serve ice cream on this 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 lodge when searching for a espresso. Not solely did they’ve an ideal espresso, however in addition they specialize in well-known Taiwanese cheese toasties – with almond butter! If that sounds bizarre, don’t overthink it. I promise you this was the most effective issues I ate in Taiwan and I’d completely suggest it for an inexpensive breakfast.
Subsequent 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 listing after I journey. Though this wasn’t my fashion 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 attempt my fashion of cookie, you may need 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 alternative for a view over the town and is particularly lovely at sundown.
The Beitou sizzling springs are a preferred 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 provides an ideal view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.
If you happen to fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a fantastic mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
