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 bump into the town by happenstance. Because it seems, this isn’t probably the most best option to see Taipei. The town itself is sprawling and unfold out, however fortunately the general public transport is straightforward to navigate and properly related. Right here’s what to do in Taipei on your first time if you happen to’re hoping to expertise the hidden gems of the 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 the town. There’s a direct practice from the airport to the town, with just some stops in between earlier than you attain the Taipei Principal Station.
As soon as within the metropolis, you may have a number of selections for getting round. The general public metro is straightforward to make use of and navigate, but when your lodge is positioned near the practice station you may also select to stroll as the town is flat and pathways extensive for rolling your suitcase. A remaining choice is to hop in a cab to take you on to the door of your lodge, nevertheless I might say that is the least enjoyable choice!
The place to remain in Taipei
There isn’t any scarcity of accommodations and guesthouses in Taipei. I selected to ebook my keep at CitizenM, as I used to be on the lookout for a lodge that was central and I all the time love these accommodations for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My primary advice for staying at CitizenM can 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 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 may look forward to 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 in quest of the most effective matcha on the town. Because it seems, this matcha retailer is very celebrated with rave evaluations. Regardless of being a bit of out of the best way, I made a degree to go to not as soon as however twice, for arguably the most effective matcha comfortable serve ice cream on this planet (or actually the most effective matcha ice cream I’ve ever loved!)
My subsequent advice is Comida. I stumbled upon this place close by my lodge when in quest of a espresso. Not solely did they’ve an excellent 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 among the best issues I ate in Taiwan and I’d completely advocate 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 checklist after 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 may need to try my on-line cookie class.
For those who 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 scorching 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 provides an excellent view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.
For those who fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a stupendous mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
