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 upon town by happenstance. Because it seems, this isn’t essentially the most excellent 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 if you happen to’re hoping to expertise the hidden gems of town, in addition to the highest sights.
Your first time in Taipei
Once you land in Taipei, it’s straightforward sufficient to catch public transport from the airport into town. There’s a direct prepare from the airport to town, with only a few stops in between earlier than you attain the Taipei Foremost Station.
As soon as within the metropolis, you might 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 positioned near the prepare station you may additionally select to stroll as town is flat and pathways vast for rolling your suitcase. A closing possibility is to hop in a cab to take you on to the door of your lodge, nonetheless I’d say that is the least enjoyable possibility!
The place to remain in Taipei
There isn’t a scarcity of motels and guesthouses in Taipei. I selected to ebook my keep at CitizenM, as I used to be in search of a lodge that was central and I at all times love these motels for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My important suggestion 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 town.
The place to eat in Taipei
Taipei is a metropolis virtually made for foodies. There are infinite 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 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 quest of 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 a degree to go to not as soon as however twice, for arguably the very best matcha delicate serve ice cream on the earth (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 in quest of a espresso. Not solely did they’ve an ideal 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 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 high of my listing after I journey. Though this wasn’t my model 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 pattern has reached Taipei. If you wish to strive my model of cookie, you would possibly wish to try my on-line cookie class.
When 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 particularly lovely at sundown.
The Beitou sizzling 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 ideal view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.
When you fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a ravishing mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
