Arriving in Taipei, I had no expectations. I had long heard fellow travellers sing their praises for Taiwan and its capital city, but I made the purposeful decision to not research before the trip, as an alternative hoping to wander the streets and encounter the town by happenstance. As it seems, this will not be probably the most ideal option to see Taipei. The city itself is sprawling and opened up, but thankfully the general public transport is straightforward to navigate and well connected. Here’s what to do in Taipei on your first time in case you’re hoping to experience the hidden gems of the town, in addition to the highest attractions.
Your first time in Taipei
When you land in Taipei, it is straightforward enough to catch public transport from the airport into the town. There is a direct train from the airport to the town, with just just a few stops in between before you reach the Taipei Main Station.
Once in the town, you will have just a few decisions for getting around. The public metro is straightforward to make use of and navigate, but in case your hotel is situated near the train station you may also decide to walk as the town is flat and pathways wide for rolling your suitcase. A final option is to hop in a cab to take you on to the door of your hotel, nevertheless I’d say that is the least fun option!
Where to remain in Taipei
There isn’t any shortage of hotels and guesthouses in Taipei. I selected to book my stay at CitizenM, as I used to be on the lookout for a hotel that was central and I at all times love these hotels for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My principal suggestion for staying at CitizenM can be to decide on a room on the next floor, so that you get to benefit from the views over the town.
Where to eat in Taipei
Taipei is a city practically made for foodies. There are countless Taiwanese delicacies to try but much more importantly for me was the sweets selection. Taiwan can also be the birthplace of bubble tea (boba tea), so you’ll be able to anticipate finding tea shops on almost every corner.
My favourite food find was a small teahouse named Matcha One. As a fond matcha fan, this was the one and only place I researched for the trip, as I used to be seeking the perfect matcha on the town. As it seems, this matcha store is extremely celebrated with rave reviews. Despite being a bit out of the best way, I made a degree to go to not once but twice, for arguably the perfect matcha soft serve ice cream on the earth (or definitely the perfect matcha ice cream I’ve ever enjoyed!)
My next suggestion is Comida. I stumbled upon this place nearby my hotel when seeking a coffee. Not only did they’ve an excellent coffee, but in addition they concentrate on famous Taiwanese cheese toasties – with almond butter! If that sounds weird, don’t overthink it. I promise you this was top-of-the-line things I ate in Taiwan and I’d totally recommend it for an inexpensive breakfast.
Next up is Cookie DPT. As lots of you’ll already know I now own and operate a cookie shop in Brisbane named Brooki Bakehouse, so sweets and bakeries are sometimes at the highest of my list after I travel. Although this wasn’t my type of cookie (it was rather more dry and dense than my preferred underbaked cookie with a crispy exterior), it was a cool shop to go to and great to see the cookie trend has reached Taipei. If you must try my type of cookie, you may want to envision out my online cookie class.
If you fancy a bubble tea, Tao Tao Teahouse was my favourite find (and trust me, I drank my weight in bubble tea on this trip).
Things to see in Taipei
Taipei 101 Observatory is the primary selection for a view over the town and is very beautiful at sunset.
The Beitou hot springs are a preferred spot half-hour from downtown and an excellent option to escape the town hustle and bustle.
Fancy a hike? Xiangshan Trail is a brief 45-minute hike that gives an excellent view of Taipei, especially at sunset.
If you fancy a day trip, Jiufen is a wonderful mountainous town with authentic teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping back in time.
