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 choice 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 supreme strategy to see Taipei. Town itself is sprawling and unfold out, however fortunately the general public transport is straightforward to navigate and properly linked. Right here’s what to do in Taipei in your first time if you happen to’re hoping to expertise the hidden gems of the town, in addition to the highest points of interest.
Your first time in Taipei
Whenever you land in Taipei, it’s straightforward 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 Essential Station.
As soon as within the metropolis, you’ve just a few decisions for getting round. The general public metro is straightforward to make use of and navigate, but when your lodge is situated near the practice station you may also select to stroll as the town is flat and pathways huge 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 might say that is the least enjoyable choice!
The place to remain in Taipei
There isn’t a scarcity of accommodations 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 all the time love these accommodations for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My foremost 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 countless Taiwanese delicacies to strive however much more importantly for me was the sweets choice. Taiwan can also be the birthplace of bubble tea (boba tea), so you may 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 searching for the very best matcha on the town. Because it seems, this matcha retailer is extremely celebrated with rave opinions. Regardless of being a little bit out of the way in which, I made some extent to go to not as soon as however twice, for arguably the very best matcha mushy serve ice cream on the planet (or definitely 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 awesome espresso, however additionally they concentrate on well-known Taiwanese cheese toasties – with almond butter! If that sounds bizarre, don’t overthink it. I promise you this was probably the greatest 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 prime of my checklist once I journey. Though this wasn’t my type 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 pattern has reached Taipei. If you wish to strive my type of cookie, you would possibly need to take a look at 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 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 provides an awesome view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.
For those who fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a lovely mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
