Insider Information to Exploring Taipei and its Outskirts Like a Native

First revealed: 26 Sep 2017

Uncover hidden gems and discover iconic landmarks with a twist — all on this insider’s Taipei itinerary!

Taipei. Certainly one of our favorite journey locations in Asia. Most of us go to for the purchasing and meals — sticking to the same old hotspots, not venturing removed from locations like Ximending (西門町), Shilin (士林) and the famed Yongkang Meals Road (永康街). I have to admit that this occurred on my earlier two journeys to Taiwan too.

However after assembly a few Taiwanese buddies on our travels, I realised there’s rather more to Taipei and Taiwan than purchasing and consuming (买东西，吃东西). Consuming continues to be a BIG half, however so are the scenic outdoor, tradition, and tales behind the totally different cities on the outskirts of Taipei.

Even for the touristy stuff, we discovered that there are sometimes extra fascinating and native methods of experiencing them in another way.

So right here’s our 4D3N insider Taipei itinerary to take advantage of out of your journey right here.

Pre-trip Necessities

Connectivity: Whereas there’s free WiFi on the airport and quite a few hotspots across the metropolis, nothing beats having the comfort of Google at your fingertips. I recommend pre-ordering your 4G SIM playing cards (from ~S$13 with limitless information and connectivity even within the mountainous areas) or WiFi units (from ~S$5/day) to avoid wasting time.

One other hassle-free possibility is to buy an eSIM  (from ~S$10.60 for five days, 1GB/day) which you’ll be able to activate in your cellphone while not having to swap bodily SIM playing cards. Simply double examine that your system is appropriate beforehand!

Journey Insurance coverage: We bought a 4-day Important Plan, which affords aggressive charges and covers medical bills for adventurous actions to journey cancellations or amendments from terrorist assaults.

Day 1: Rediscover Taipei Metropolis

Arrive in Taipei

We flew into Taipei from Singapore through Jetstar, arriving 6AM at Taoyuan Worldwide airport, giving us a full day forward to discover.

Attending to the town: The most typical and most cost-effective possibility is through the Taoyuan Airport MRT (~S$6). However should you don’t want to lug your baggage round, you will get an airport switch from Taoyuan Airport on to your lodging.

Consuming Native in Taipei

First agenda of our Taipei itinerary… meals! We headed straight to Fu Hold Soy Milk (阜杭豆漿), a breakfast spot widespread with each locals and vacationers. This queue stretched to the underside ground after we have been there!

The distinctive salty soy milk and crispy dough sticks are sizzling favourites, although we heard the egg crepes have been fairly good too.

*Professional-tip: Arrive earlier than opening hours should you can. We queued for half-hour (at about 9AM) and heard it might have been longer.

Price: From NT$15 (~S$0.70)
Opening hours: 5:30AM – 12:30PM, closed on Mon
Handle: 100, Taiwan, Taipei Metropolis, Zhongzheng District, Part 1, Zhongxiao East Highway, 108號2樓

Huashan 1914 Inventive Park

After a brief stroll round Huashan 1914 Inventive Park, a cool artistic district with a number of galleries, cute outlets, and images spots, it was again to consuming as we hunted down top-of-the-line beef noodles in Taipei.

Most individuals go to Yongkang Beef noodles, however we headed the opposite path as an alternative after a neighborhood good friend’s suggestion.

Lin Dong Fang Beef Noodles

Tucked in a shabby-looking store alongside Bade Highway is Lin Dong Fang beef noodles (林東芳牛肉麵). Don’t be fooled by its look although. This eatery is well-regarded and made it to the Michelin Bib Gourmand record in 2018!

All I can say is that we weren’t dissatisfied. The meat was wealthy and tremendous tender, and I particularly liked how their chilli oil is made out of beef grease, which complimented the broth tremendous effectively.

Don’t spend too lengthy sitting round or taking photos although. The store auntie (大姐) will certainly get impatient with you. True hallmark of a neighborhood meals joint I assume.

*Professional-tip: Get your meal vouchers through Klook to take pleasure in 10% off your beef noodles!

Price: From NT$150/bowl (~S$6.50)
Opening hours: 11AM – 3AM
Handle: No. 322號, Part 2, Bade Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 104

Experiencing Taipei 101 Otherwise

No Taipei itinerary can be full with out visiting the enduring Taipei 101. As a substitute of heading straight to the highest, take a look at one of many highest Starbucks on the planet.

Positioned on Degree 35 of Taipei 101, this secret Starbucks even requires you to make a reservation a day upfront (by cellphone +886-2-81010701) as a consequence of its recognition. I have to say it was fairly cool having a cup of espresso so excessive up.

*Professional-tip: Purchase your Taipei 101 observatory ticket (from ~S$26.50) on-line as it’s cheaper than buying it on the spot.

Price: Minimal spend of NT$250/pax (~S$11), max 90 minutes keep
Opening hours: 7:30AM – 8PM (Mon – Fri), 9AM – 7:30PM (Sat – Solar)
Handle: 35F., No.7, Sec. 5, Xinyi Rd., Xinyi Dist., Taipei Metropolis 110, Taiwan

Elephant Mountain

The half that many people miss although, is the view of Taipei 101 along with the remainder of the town.

Simply a few minutes on foot from Taipei 101 is Elephant Mountain (象山). It’s a little bit of a climb up the hill (15-20 minutes from the underside of the path), but when 60-year-old uncles and aunties can climb these steps, I don’t see why we are able to’t! I guarantee you the views are value it.

*Professional-tip: Convey water. The one outlets are on the highway main in the direction of the beginning of the path.

Price: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
How you can get there: Stroll 15 minutes from Xiangshan Station to trailhead, then stroll 15 minutes to peak

Tong Hua Evening Market – The Native’s Selection

After the quick climb, it’s time to reward ourselves on the evening market. We headed to Tong Hua Evening Market (通化夜市), often known as Lin Jiang Road Evening Market close to Taipei 101.

It’s not as massive as Shilin Evening Market or Raohe Evening Market, however it’s much less touristy and extra frequented by locals. I imply, it doesn’t matter how massive an evening market is. Even in case you are in a gaggle, there shall be tons of retailers promoting the identical meals to your restricted abdomen capability. At Tong Hua Evening Market, you get the same expertise with a extra manageable crowd.

Eggs tarts at Tong Hua Evening Market

Make sure you strive the unassuming and easy Ice Hearth Dumpling (御品元冰火湯圓-台北總店). The refreshing sizzling sesame/peanut tang yuen on shaved ice may be very widespread amongst locals. Excellent in any case the road meals within the evening market.

Opening hours: 6PM – 12AM
How you can get there: Stroll 5 minutes from Xinyi Anhe Station

Lodging in Taipei – OwlStay Flip Flop Hostel Backyard

Photograph credit score: Klook

Flip Flop Hostel is the epitome of budget-but-not-too-shabby lodging. Clear, trendy, and in an unbeatable location simply 5 minutes by foot from Taipei Major Station. The dorms even have private lockers so that you gained’t have to fret about your valuables. There are personal rooms for many who need somewhat extra privateness too.

Photograph credit score: Klook

Folks typically ask why we choose hostels, and the reply is easy. It’s cheaper so you may spend extra on experiences (and consuming) as an alternative. Hostels are additionally a good way to socialize and get data too.

Price: From NT$650 (~S$28) per evening in a 6-bed blended dorm
Handle: No. 122, Chang’an W Rd, Datong District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 103

Day 2: Bike Tour — Exploring Shifen, Jiufen, North Coast

Day journeys out of Taipei are widespread however on a bike? That’s a primary! After we came upon there was a bike tour (~S$110 through Klook) to the locations we wished to go to, we knew we needed to make this the spotlight of our Taipei itinerary. What higher approach to discover the outskirts of Taipei than on the transport of alternative amongst the locals?

*Be aware: You’ll be using pillion with an skilled rider, so don’t fear about not having a bike licence.

After we noticed our guides flip up at our hostel within the morning, we knew we have been in for an superior day. With their shiny customised bikes, these guys are literally native bike fanatics who banded collectively to offer an alternate expertise for the extra adventurous.

To be sincere, we have been somewhat hesitant at first. However our guides Ah Wei, Darren, and Edward have been very skilled and at all times stored security in thoughts. Solely after we have been snug did they attempt to make our trip extra enjoyable. 😉

Attraction of Shifen Previous Road (十分老街)

Our first correct cease was at Shifen Previous Road (十分老街), a market close to the prepare station the place individuals can launch Sky Lanterns with effectively needs on them. The railway monitor between the 2 rows of retailers continues to be in service, which makes for an fascinating sight when the prepare approaches and everybody scurries out of the way in which.

It’s primarily a vacationer city now, however we nonetheless discovered it charming with all of the snacks and mountainside surroundings.

Close by is the spectacular cascading Shifen Waterfall (十分大瀑布), Taiwan’s widest waterfall, which some nicknaming it Taiwan’s Niagara Falls.

Price: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
Handle: No. 81號, Shifen St, Pingxi District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 226

Consuming in Jiufen Previous Road (九份老街)

We have been then off to the village of Jiufen, a proper gold mining city which impressed the setting for Miyazaki’s 2001 movie Spirited Away. As of late it’s one other widespread day journey vacation spot the place individuals come to feast on Taiwanese snacks and meals.

Wild Boar Taiwanese Sausage and the lovely store proprietor at Wu Di Wild Boar Sausage (無敵黑豬肉香腸). The double sausage and rice in sausage are value a strive too.

The queues might be lengthy, however A-Zhu Peanut Ice Cream Roll (九份阿珠雪在燒) is one other must-try right here at Jiufen.

Price: Free
Opening hours: 8AM – 7PM (Mon – Thu), 8AM – 10PM (Fri – Solar)
Handle: Jishan St, Ruifang District, New Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 224

Take a look at our complete day journey information to Jiufen and Shifen too!

Scenic North Coast

It was then a pleasant scenic trip alongside the coast, with the ocean on one aspect and mountains on the opposite. Ultimately, we ended up at Shen Ao Elephant Rock (深澳岬角), which has a fairly distinctive function of trying like an elephant’s trunk.

The very best a part of the tour although wasn’t the sights. And it additionally wasn’t about feeling cool using by means of the town and countryside. The very best components have been really the heat and sincerity of our guides.

They’re a really enjoyable bunch, at all times desperate to accommodate, and have an fascinating outlook on life. They confirmed us their lives and introduced us to lesser-known spots alongside the way in which. There was even this secret picture spot really useful by our tour chief Ah Wei, the place we needed to trip slowly by means of the slender winding roads up the mountain.

It’s cliche to say this, however we got here as strangers and left as buddies. I assume that’s the fantastic thing about journey, assembly individuals from one other a part of the world, and leaving with a heat coronary heart and extra open thoughts.

For these with an adventurous spirit. This bike tour is one thing you positively must expertise.

They’ve a few predetermined routes, however the guys are versatile and open to options. For us, we booked their 8-hour Maniac Tour & 4-hour Nightfall Tour, and mixed them into an excellent lengthy customised tour

*Professional-tip: Use the chat app LINE to work out the plan with the tour chief earlier than your journey. You’ll obtain the contact particulars after reserving the tour. Do request an English-speaking information in case your Mandarin isn’t fluent!

If bikes aren’t your factor, take a look at this tour (from ~S$26 through Klook) that takes you to the outskirts of Taipei on a shuttle bus.

Day 3: Beitou Scorching Spring & Keelung Port Metropolis

Beitou – The native Scorching Spring City

The following day, we took a handy MRT trip to Xinbeitou to discover the new spring city. It’s a soothing city, with key sights like Thermal Valley (地熱谷), the Scorching Spring Museum, and Public Library to slowly discover.

A number of fuel that day at Beitou Thermal Valley.

The spotlight although was a go to to a neighborhood sizzling spring known as Xinbeitou Public Scorching Springs/Millennium Springs (新北投千禧湯露天溫泉). For NT$60/pax, we soaked for two hours, alternating between the cold and hot swimming pools. Excellent after the day past’s actions.

*Professional-tip: Keep in mind to deliver correct swimwear, as board shorts and FBTs should not allowed.

Man Lai Scorching Spring Ramen (滿來溫泉拉麵)

We then had a late lunch at Man Lai Scorching Spring Ramen (滿來溫泉拉麵), well-known for its Taiwanese-style ramen, sizzling spring eggs, and tofu. Keep away from meal instances should you don’t need to queue for too lengthy!

*Professional-tip: Order the fried tofu and the workers will ask you to play a secret sport for a small low cost!

Price: Ramen from NT$150 (~S$6.50), sides from NT$30 (~S$1.30)
Opening hours: 11:30AM – 9PM
Handle: No. 30, Zhonghe St, Beitou District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 112

Underrated Keelung

After half a day in Beitou, we headed again to Taipei for our luggage and left straight for Keelung through a neighborhood prepare for NT$41 (~S$1.80).

Keelung is a port metropolis that’s most likely previous its golden days. A strategic fort previously, it’s now higher recognized for meals and the Miao Kou Evening Market (廟口夜市) that rivals the evening markets of Taipei.

Heping Island Park (和平島公園)

The attractive Heping Island Park (和平島公園) was a brief bus/taxi trip from the city centre. A lovely pavilion overlooking the shoreline might be discovered alongside the Huanshan mountaineering path.

Entrance payment: ~S$5/pax through Klook
Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM
Handle: No. 360號, Pingyi Rd, Zhongzheng District, Keelung Metropolis, Taiwan 202

Keelung Lien Cheng Bakery (基隆連珍餅店)

Do additionally take a look at Keelung Lien Cheng Bakery (基隆連珍餅店) for his or her superior Yam balls as effectively. Taiwanese celeb Xiao S visited as soon as and stated it was top-of-the-line bakeries she has been to.

Price: NT$55 (~S$2.40) for 4 yam balls
Opening hours: 8AM – 9PM, closed on Mon
Handle: No. 42, Aier Highway, Ren’ai District, Keelung Metropolis, Taiwan 200

Kanziding Fish Market (崁仔頂漁市場)

Whereas most individuals go to Keelung on day journeys, the actual gem lies in what occurs within the wee hours of the morning. Kanziding Fish Market (崁仔頂漁市場) is the largest wholesale seafood market in Northern Taiwan. Cooks from so far as Taichung supposedly come right here for the most effective contemporary produce.

Wanting to know the tradition and well-known fish public sale higher, we went on a native midnight fish market strolling tour (~S$43 through Klook) that presently solely runs each Saturday.

The wi-fi earpiece was a pleasant contact because it allowed us to listen to our information even when we wandered off or when it was too noisy.

What made the tour particular although, have been the interactions with the locals. Most excursions often deliver you to locations the place individuals are attempting to promote you issues. Nevertheless, those on this tour have been very genuine. 

From a whiskey bar proprietor sharing native ingesting tradition, to the veteran fish auctioneer who confirmed us the nuances of the public sale sport, they merely wished to share their data and love for Keelung!

Price of tour: ~S$43/pax through Klook for 3hrs
Opening hours: 12AM – 5AM, closed on Solar and Mon
Handle: Xiaoyi Rd, Ren’ai District, Keelung Metropolis, Taiwan 200

Zhutian (朱添鮮魚號)

After the tour, we couldn’t resist getting some contemporary sashimi at Zhutian (朱添鮮魚號).

Price: From NT$20 (~S$1)
Opening hours: 9PM – 4AM
Handle: 200, Taiwan, Keelung Metropolis, Ren’ai District, Rensi Highway, 45號號

Lodging in Keelung – Yung Feng Resort (永豐旅店)

Photograph credit score: Klook

Yung Feng Resort is fairly primary. However at simply 2 minutes by foot to Miao Kou Evening Market, and 5 minutes by foot to the Fish Market, the placement is ideal for exploring Keelung.

Price: Quadruple room from ~S$75 per evening
Handle: 200, Taiwan, Keelung Metropolis, Ren’ai District, Lane 49, Aisan Rd, 14號2樓

Day 4: Yehliu Geopark & Taipei Metropolis

Touristy however Spectacular Yehliu

The following day, we headed again to Taipei and dropped our luggage on the lockers in Taipei Major Station earlier than taking a 4-hour personal automotive constitution to go to Yehliu Geopark and its environment. This was excellent because it allowed us to maximise the final day of our Taipei itinerary as an alternative of losing time taking public transport.

The well-known Queen’s Head Rock.

Can you determine what that is?

A number of the rock formations do require some creativeness, so include an open thoughts. Nonetheless, it was very scenic.

*Professional-tip: Attempt to go to when the park opens at 8AM within the morning to keep away from the crowds. We arrived too late and most of the tour buses have been already there.

Entrance payment: ~S$5.50/pax through Klook
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM
How you can get there: Drive 45mins from Taipei Major Station

Tamed Fox Cafe

We then visited Tamed Fox Cafe for a break and a few actually Instagrammable meals (seems higher than it tastes). The cafe has a really good vibe, and you may simply spend hours chilling there.

*Professional-tip: Purchase a doughnut and drink to make your individual Instagram creation

Price: From NT$260/fundamental (~S$11.40), from NT$60/drink (~S$2.60)
Opening hours: 9AM – 5:30PM
Handle: No. 5號, Lane 76, Siwei Rd, Da’an District, Taipei Metropolis, Taiwan 106

Snow King Ice Cream (雪王冰淇淋)

Lastly, we ended our Taipei meals hunt on the well-known Snow King Ice Cream (雪王冰淇淋), which serves some actually distinctive ice cream flavours. Their pork floss ice cream actually tasted like pork floss in ice cream!

Price: From NT$80 (~S$3.50)
Opening hours: 12PM – 8PM
Handle: 100, Taiwan, Taipei Metropolis, Zhongzheng District, Part 1, Wuchang St, 65號2樓

It was then off to the airport by carpool, earlier than amassing the meals souvenirs we pre-ordered on-line on the airport. I preferred the way it was already packed right into a field (we eliminated them for images), so you may simply examine the whole field with out worrying about repacking. The extra brittle snacks have been additionally bubble wrapped for further safety.

We received Chia Te Bakery’s Pineapple Tarts, Kuai Che’s dried and crispy pork, and nougats from Sugar & Spice.

Ideas For Your Taipei Itinerary

Most Taiwanese converse Mandarin, although the older ones converse the Taiwanese Min dialect — just like Hokkien spoken in Singapore.

Time zone of Taiwan	GMT +8 hours (Similar as Singapore)
Phone code	+886
Foreign money	NT$ – Taiwan New Greenback (NTD)
Energy plug & socket outlet	Varieties A & B – 110V 60Hz.

If you happen to plan to go to different components of Taiwan, take a look at our different guides:
– 8D Jap Taiwan Itinerary: The Gateway to Nature’s Greatest Adventures (Taipei, Yilan, Hualien, Taitung and Kenting)
– 25 Distinctive Issues To Do In Taiwan In addition to Visiting Evening Markets
– The Final THSR Taiwan Meals Information: 25 Should-eats in Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung
– Prime 7 issues to do in and round Kaohsiung — Gateway to Taiwan’s laid again South

Hope you discovered our Taipei Itinerary helpful. Do tell us within the feedback beneath in case you have some other suggestions!

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