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 probably the most splendid method to see Taipei. 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 to your first time in case you’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 just some stops in between earlier than you attain the Taipei Major Station.
As soon as within the metropolis, you will have just a few decisions for getting round. The general public metro is straightforward to make use of and navigate, but when your resort is positioned near the prepare station you may additionally select to stroll as the town is flat and pathways large for rolling your suitcase. A last choice 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 choice!
The place to remain in Taipei
There isn’t any scarcity of motels and guesthouses in Taipei. I selected to ebook 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 important 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 infinite Taiwanese delicacies to attempt however much more importantly for me was the sweets choice. Taiwan can also be the birthplace of bubble tea (boba tea), so you possibly can look forward to finding tea retailers 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 in quest of the perfect matcha on the town. Because it seems, this matcha retailer is extremely 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 perfect matcha gentle serve ice cream on the planet (or actually the perfect matcha ice cream I’ve ever loved!)
My subsequent advice is Comida. I stumbled upon this place close by my resort when in quest of a espresso. Not solely did they’ve an incredible 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 best 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 prime of my checklist once I journey. Though this wasn’t my fashion of cookie (it was way 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 development has reached Taipei. If you wish to attempt my fashion of cookie, you would possibly 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 alternative 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 an effective way to flee the town hustle and bustle.
Fancy a hike? Xiangshan Path is a brief 45-minute hike that provides an incredible view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.
If you happen to fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a good looking mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
