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 an alternative hoping to wander the streets and encounter the town by happenstance. Because it seems, this isn’t probably the most ideally suited option to see Taipei. Town itself is sprawling and unfold out, however fortunately the general public transport is simple to navigate and properly related. Right here’s what to do in Taipei to your first time for those who’re hoping to expertise the hidden gems of the town, in addition to the highest sights.
Your first time in Taipei
While 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 only a few stops in between earlier than you attain the Taipei Principal Station.
As soon as within the metropolis, you’ve got a number of decisions for getting round. The general public metro is simple 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 huge 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 any scarcity of lodges and guesthouses in Taipei. I selected to e book 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 lodges for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My fundamental advice for staying at CitizenM can 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 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’ll be able to anticipate finding tea outlets 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 looking for one of the best matcha on the town. Because it seems, this matcha retailer is extremely celebrated with rave evaluations. Regardless of being slightly 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 tender serve ice cream on the planet (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 looking for a espresso. Not solely did they’ve an ideal 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 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 record once I journey. Though this wasn’t my type 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 development has reached Taipei. If you wish to strive my type of cookie, you may wish to take a look at 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 selection for a view over the town and is very lovely at sundown.
The Beitou scorching springs are a preferred 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 ideal view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.
If you happen to fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a ravishing mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
