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 an alternative hoping to wander the streets and bump into town by happenstance. Because it seems, this isn’t probably the most ultimate solution to see Taipei. Town itself is sprawling and unfold out, however fortunately the general public transport is straightforward to navigate and effectively linked. Right here’s what to do in Taipei to your first time when you’re hoping to expertise the hidden gems of town, in addition to the highest sights.
Your first time in Taipei
While you land in Taipei, it’s simple sufficient to catch public transport from the airport into town. There’s a direct practice from the airport to town, with only a few stops in between earlier than you attain the Taipei Predominant 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 resort is positioned near the practice station you may additionally select to stroll as 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 resort, nevertheless I might say that is the least enjoyable choice!
The place to remain in Taipei
There isn’t a scarcity of inns and guesthouses in Taipei. I selected to ebook my keep at CitizenM, as I used to be in search of a resort that was central and I at all times love these inns for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My principal advice 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 town.
The place to eat in Taipei
Taipei is a metropolis virtually made for foodies. There are limitless 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 possibly can 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 searching for the very best matcha on the town. Because it seems, this matcha retailer is very celebrated with rave critiques. Regardless of being a bit of out of the best way, I made some extent to go to not as soon as however twice, for arguably the very best matcha comfortable serve ice cream on the planet (or actually the very best matcha ice cream I’ve ever loved!)
My subsequent advice is Comida. I stumbled upon this place close by my resort when searching for a espresso. Not solely did they’ve an amazing espresso, however in addition 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 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 listing after I journey. Though this wasn’t my type of cookie (it was rather 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 strive my type of cookie, you may 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 town and is very lovely at sundown.
The Beitou scorching springs are a well-liked spot half-hour from downtown and a good way to flee town hustle and bustle.
Fancy a hike? Xiangshan Path is a brief 45-minute hike that provides an amazing view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.
Should you fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a phenomenal mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
