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 the town by happenstance. Because it seems, this isn’t essentially the most ultimate option to see Taipei. The town itself is sprawling and unfold out, however fortunately the general public transport is simple to navigate and properly linked. Right here’s what to do in Taipei in your first time for those who’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 straightforward sufficient to catch public transport from the airport into the town. There’s a direct prepare from the airport to the town, with just some stops in between earlier than you attain the Taipei Predominant Station.
As soon as within the metropolis, you will have just a few selections for getting round. The general public metro is simple to make use of and navigate, but when your resort is positioned near the prepare station you may also select to stroll as the town is flat and pathways vast for rolling your suitcase. A ultimate possibility is to hop in a cab to take you on to the door of your resort, nonetheless I might say that is the least enjoyable possibility!
The place to remain in Taipei
There is no such thing as a scarcity of motels and guesthouses in Taipei. I selected to e-book my keep at CitizenM, as I used to be searching for a resort 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 advice for staying at CitizenM can be to decide on a room on a better 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 may 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 looking for the very best matcha on the town. Because it seems, this matcha retailer is very celebrated with rave evaluations. Regardless of being just a little out of the way in which, I made some extent to go to not as soon as however twice, for arguably the very best matcha tender serve ice cream on the earth (or definitely 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 looking for a espresso. Not solely did they’ve an awesome 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 the most effective 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 prime of my record once I journey. Though this wasn’t my type of cookie (it was way 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 attempt my type of cookie, you would possibly wish to take a look at my on-line cookie class.
In case 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 particularly lovely at sundown.
The Beitou sizzling 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 gives an awesome view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.
In case you fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a wonderful mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.
