Taipei is an unimaginable metropolis to go to in Taiwan. It’s buzzing with exercise, cool neighbourhoods, and a few of the finest bars we visited in Asia. It’s a completely epic metropolis and one which’s effectively price exploring if you happen to’re heading to Taiwan (or the broader geographic area).
We’ve spent fairly a little bit of time within the metropolis, and it’s really easy to get below the pores and skin of what makes Taipei particular on a visit. Not solely that, it’s a extremely protected, well-connected metropolis that ’s tremendous straightforward to get round – even when it could possibly really feel fairly unfold out.
So, that will help you get essentially the most out of your time in Taipei, I’m sharing the highest locations we cherished visiting within the metropolis: cool speakeasies, scrumptious night time markets, and, after all, the temples.
Have a look under at the most effective issues to do in Taipei in your journey. Have the very best time.
1.) Taipei Evening Markets
Evening markets in Taipei are a must-visit. They don’t seem to be only a place for vacationers or guests—locals from throughout the town come to eat, chill, and socialise, too.
One factor you’ll find is that there are heaps of night time markets in Taipei to select from. So, that will help you get essentially the most out of your go to, I’ve created a entire put up on the most effective Taipei Evening Markets you gained’t wish to miss.
We cherished Linjiang Evening Market, Yong Le Evening Market, Raohe Avenue Evening Market – however there are such a lot of extra that we’ve detailed in our put up.
Oh, and take money with you (particularly smaller notes of round $100). Almost all distributors are money solely, they usually hate breaking larger notes.
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2.) Taipei 101 Observatory (台北101)
Most likely one in every of Taipei’s most iconic buildings, ‘Taipei 101’ is an absolute must-see when visiting Taipei. Now, what makes Taipei 101 so particular is that it has its very personal remark deck, which you’ll go to by grabbing these tickets. The views are unimaginable and the lookout permits you to see all around the entire of Taipei itself.
Now, if you happen to do head as much as the 101 Remark Deck, you’ll miss the long-lasting skyline view of the 101 constructing itself. This isn’t a foul factor; it’s simply that a few of the finest views (in my view) embrace the 101 constructing throughout the vista.
Nonetheless, it’s completely price visiting for a 45-minute journey, and the views throughout Taipei are spectacular on a transparent day.
Additionally, don’t overlook, you will get some unimaginable views over the broader shoreline from the Bitou Cape Mountaineering Path within the Ruifang District of the town. It’s lovely if you would like a while away from the town streets. Plus, if you would like some nice views of Taipei itself, head up Elephant Mountain. The views are breathtaking.
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3.) Da’an District, Neighbourhood bar district
Okay, so the Da’an Neighbourhood of Taipei is one in every of my favourites to go to if you happen to’re trying to go to a few of the finest bars and eating places in Taipei. Not solely that, it’s among the best issues to do in Taipei if you happen to’re in search of an evening out within the metropolis.
There are heaps round this space, they usually’re all very native, cool and really distinctive. For my part, Taipei’s bar tradition is without doubt one of the finest I’ve skilled while travelling in Asia, notably for cocktails.
Now, we’ve some absolute favorite bars in Taipei you could’t miss – but it surely’s not exhaustive. There’s a new, always opening or pop-up bar that’s effectively price asking about in your lodge (or with locals) when you arrive.
If it’s a speakeasy you’re after, head to PUN. Don’t get delay by having to walk down a tiny alley – PUN may be very effectively hidden. Now, that is the Google Maps spot of the bar itself.
Once you’re right here, stroll down the slim alley till you get to a gap on the left-hand facet. There’s a gray room with a button that you simply press. Press that button! This can then open the unmarked door to the appropriate, which is able to lead you into PUN itself. The vibe right here may be very cool, and the cocktails are scrumptious.
As with most higher-end cocktail bars in Taipei, there’s usually a minimal spend. This often equates to 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks.
Afterwards, be certain to move to Bar Pine (松) (Google Maps hyperlink, right here).
One other good spot that has round 8 tables inside. These guys know their stuff in terms of spirit-led cocktails and every drink has it’s personal story. We cherished it right here.
Oh, and don’t overlook about Tei by Obound (Google Maps hyperlink, right here). This place is actually particular.
Right here, they concentrate on tea-based cocktails which can be so yummy. To enter, it’s a must to pour your tea on the facet desk that can open a secret door to the bar itself. Don’t fear, although, if you happen to can’t discover the tea, the staff will show you how to!
Lastly, for one more late-night opening, head to Monkie (Google Maps hyperlink, right here). This can be a nice cocktail bar to cease for iconic cocktails and scrumptious meals. We had scorching steak, rooster, and heaps extra whereas we had been there.
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4.) Nationwide Dr. Sunn Yat-Sen Memorial Corridor
Not too removed from Taipei’s Excessive Velocity Practice Station, the Nationwide Dr. Sunn Yat-Sen Memorial Corridor is effectively price a gander at while visiting the town. Right here, you possibly can wander the memorial corridor to be taught extra about China’s founding father. From a global perspective, it’s a good way to be taught extra concerning the lengthy historical past of Taiwan.
Visits are free and take round 20-Half-hour.
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5.) Ximen Neighbourhood
Now, Dihua Avenue is as busy because it comes! It type of jogs my memory of Instances Sq. in New York Metropolis, and it’s a hive of exercise within the day and night.
There are actually thousand of individuals on the streets right here and it’s actually an space that’s equipped for guests to Taipei itself. Once you’re right here, you’ll discover iconic shops like PopMart, the Ximending Evening Market and the broader strolling district that’s stuffed with stalls and retailers.
It’s an incredible place to go to, particularly for an hour or two, however I wouldn’t spend all night right here, particularly if you happen to’re on the hunt for an excellent foodie spot. For my part, an excellent hour is sufficient to get the flavour of the place, and we discovered it fairly onerous to search out top-rated eating places on this space.
That’s not saying you possibly can’t discover them, it’s simply it’s a must to analysis far more to discover a gem that isn’t simply catering for vacationer footfall.
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6.) Longhsan Temple
Not too removed from the strolling streets of the Ximen Neighbourhood, Longhsan Temple is a Buddhist and Taoist temple that’s very easy to go to if you happen to’re already within the space.
As soon as right here, take a wander contained in the temple that’s actually centuries previous. It’s mentioned that the Lunghsan Temple dates again to the 18th Century and nonetheless stands proudly to this present day.
Visits take round 15-25 minutes and it’s really easy to see if you happen to’re already within the native space.
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7.) Chang Kai-Shek Memorial Corridor
Completely free to enter, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Corridor is totally colossal and effectively price wandering round for an hour or so whereas visiting Taipei. Right here, you’ll get to discover the broader grounds and the museum inside. It’s breathtaking, and the entire web site is simply lovely.
One factor to notice is that the location can get highly regarded within the noon. There may be little or no shade, so be certain to take water with you and SPF. The solar will be so intense right here in Taiwan.
Visits are free, and it’s among the best issues to do in Taipei if you happen to spend a number of days within the metropolis.
If you would like a guided journey, e book this unimaginable day tour that not solely takes in Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Corridor, but it surely’ll additionally take you to the well-known sizzling springs. It’s such a good way to expertise extra of the broader space round Taipei.
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8) Taipei Advantageous Arts Museum
We cherished the Taipei Advantageous Arts Museum. There’s something so zen and calming concerning the house they’ve created within the metropolis.
There’s a small entrance payment to discover contained in the wonderful arts museum, however it’s so price it. They’ve heaps of everlasting and seasonal displays throughout round three flooring (it is likely to be one or two extra; I simply can’t keep in mind precisely).
Visits take round 90-240 minutes, and it’s effectively price visiting within the warmth of the noon solar. This fashion, you possibly can loosen up within the air-conditioned displays and wander at a pleasant, stress-free tempo.
Additionally, to make issues straightforward to get round, you possibly can e book this hop-on-hop-off bus tour that can drop you off at a few of Taipei’s finest locations to go to. This can be a nice strategy to maximise your time, particularly if you happen to’re solely within the metropolis for a day or two.
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9.) Nationwide Palace Museum
Simply exterior the town limits of central Taipei itself, the Nationwide Palace Museum is price visiting if you wish to be taught extra concerning the heritage and tradition of the broader area.
Right here, you’ll discover heaps of Chinese language artefacts, with some relationship again 1000’s of years.
It’s a fully colossal place to go to, and you may simply spend all day wandering across the displays. In any case, it’s one of many largest displays in Taiwan.
There’s a small entrance payment, however just like the Taipei Advantageous Arts Museum, it’s effectively price the associated fee.
10.) Juifen Previous Avenue
I do know, I do know! It’s not in Taipei however it’s round a 50-minute drive from the centre of Taipei and effectively price visiting. Now, what makes the hilly city of Juifen’s Previous Avenue so particular is its winding little alleys, neon lights and foodie spots that line the streets right here.
The entire space round Juifen Previous Avenue is gorgeous to go to for an extended afternoon journey from Taipei itself. A taxi takes round 50 minutes or 90 minutes by way of public transport. Simply be certain to remain till the early night, when the world is lit up with essentially the most vibrant indicators. It actually is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Taipei if you happen to fancy a wander off from the town itself.
Oh, one ultimate factor – if it’s raining, be certain to take smart sneakers! The alleys get very slippery.
To make issues straightforward, e book this Juifen day journey tour that can take you to the areas key spots you gained’t wish to miss. It’s a lot enjoyable and unimaginable to see. Simply remember to e book this tour earlier than arriving in Taipei as tickets can promote out.
11.) Huashan 1914 Inventive Park
We cherished the Huashan 1914 Inventive Park. Visiting is definitely among the best issues to do in Taipei if you would like a relaxing out afternoon of cafes, cool unbiased shops, cinema and extra in a single space.
The Huashan 1914 Inventive Park is located inside a historic manufacturing unit complicated that has been reworked into an idyllic spot.
While right here, you’ll get to pop into the park’s pop-up shops and discover the cafe tradition in Taipei. We spent round 2 hours right here and cherished it.
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12.) Grand Resort tunnels
Most likely one in every of Taipei’s most iconic resorts, the Grand Resort is price visiting, even if you happen to’re not staying there. Throughout our time in Taipei, we stayed at each the Grand Resort and Regent Resort, and while each are iconic properties, we did love the rooms extra on the Regent Resort.
That being mentioned, the Grand Resort is nice! Even if you happen to’re not staying, be certain to e book a tour of the Grand Resort escape tunnels, which you’ll really discover on a guided tour.
Excursions take round Half-hour, and also you’ll be taught extra concerning the historical past of Taiwan, the long-lasting Grand Resort, and the way the tunnels got here into existence.
Additionally, you possibly can simply e book this personal tour of Taipei by automobile. The perfect factor about this tour is that it’s all in your phrases, you possibly can keep as little or so long as you need at Taipei’s must-visit locations.
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