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 a substitute hoping to wander the streets and come upon the town by happenstance. Because it seems, this isn’t essentially the most excellent option to see Taipei. The town itself is sprawling and unfold out, however fortunately the general public transport is simple to navigate and effectively related. Right here’s what to do in Taipei on your first time in the event you’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 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 may have just a few decisions for getting round. The general public metro is simple 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 last choice is to hop in a cab to take you on to the door of your lodge, nonetheless 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 e book my keep at CitizenM, as I used to be on the lookout for a lodge that was central and I all the time love these inns for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My essential 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 infinite Taiwanese delicacies to attempt however much more importantly for me was the sweets choice. Taiwan can also be the birthplace of bubble tea (boba tea), so you possibly can anticipate finding tea retailers 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 looking for the most effective matcha on the town. Because it seems, this matcha retailer is extremely celebrated with rave critiques. Regardless of being a little bit out of the best way, I made a degree to go to not as soon as however twice, for arguably the most effective matcha smooth serve ice cream on the earth (or actually the most effective matcha ice cream I’ve ever loved!)
My subsequent advice is Comida. I stumbled upon this place close by my lodge when looking for a espresso. Not solely did they’ve a fantastic 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 top-of-the-line 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 high of my record after I journey. Though this wasn’t my model 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 pattern has reached Taipei. If you wish to attempt my model of cookie, you would possibly wish to take a look at my on-line cookie class.
In the event 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 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 gives a fantastic view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.
In the event you fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a good looking mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
