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 come across the town by happenstance. Because it seems, this isn’t essentially the most very best solution 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 in 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
Whenever 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 only a few stops in between earlier than you attain the Taipei Primary Station.
As soon as within the metropolis, you’ve got a couple of decisions for getting round. The general public metro is straightforward to make use of and navigate, but when your resort is situated near the practice station you may additionally select to stroll as the town is flat and pathways large for rolling your suitcase. A closing possibility is to hop in a cab to take you on to the door of your resort, nevertheless I might say that is the least enjoyable possibility!
The place to remain in Taipei
There isn’t a scarcity of resorts and guesthouses in Taipei. I selected to guide my keep at CitizenM, as I used to be in search of a resort that was central and I at all times love these resorts for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My most important advice for staying at CitizenM could be to decide on a room on a better ground, 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 may anticipate 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 seeking one of the best matcha on the town. Because it seems, this matcha retailer is very celebrated with rave evaluations. Regardless of being just a little out of the best way, I made a degree to go to not as soon as however twice, for arguably one of the best matcha comfortable serve ice cream on the earth (or definitely one of the best matcha ice cream I’ve ever loved!)
My subsequent advice is Comida. I stumbled upon this place close by my resort when seeking a espresso. Not solely did they’ve an incredible 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 probably the greatest issues I ate in Taiwan and I’d completely advocate 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 take a look at my on-line cookie class.
Should you 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 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.
Should you fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a lovely mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
