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 encounter the town by happenstance. Because it seems, this isn’t essentially the most perfect approach 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 to your first time in case you’re hoping to expertise the hidden gems of the town, in addition to the highest sights.
Your first time in Taipei
Once 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 could have just a few selections 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 remaining possibility is to hop in a cab to take you on to the door of your lodge, nevertheless I’d say that is the least enjoyable possibility!
The place to remain in Taipei
There is no such thing as a scarcity of accommodations and guesthouses in Taipei. I selected to ebook 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 predominant 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 the town.
The place to eat in Taipei
Taipei is a metropolis virtually made for foodies. There are countless 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’ll be able to anticipate 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 the hunt for the very best matcha on the town. Because it seems, this matcha retailer is extremely celebrated with rave evaluations. Regardless of being a bit out of the best way, I made a degree 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 lodge when in the hunt for 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 finest 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 checklist once I journey. Though this wasn’t my model of cookie (it was far 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 pattern has reached Taipei. If you wish to attempt my model 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 particularly stunning at sundown.
The Beitou scorching 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 an exquisite mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
