Taipei is an unbelievable metropolis to go to in Taiwan. It’s buzzing with exercise, cool neighbourhoods, and a number of the greatest bars we visited in Asia. It’s a very epic metropolis and one which’s properly value exploring if you happen to’re heading to Taiwan (or the broader geographic area).
We’ve spent fairly a little bit of time within the metropolis, and it’s really easy to get underneath the pores and skin of what makes Taipei particular on a visit. Not solely that, it’s a extremely protected, well-connected metropolis that ’s tremendous straightforward to get round – even when it could possibly really feel fairly unfold out.
So, that will help you get probably the most out of your time in Taipei, I’m sharing the highest locations we liked visiting within the metropolis: cool speakeasies, scrumptious night time markets, and, in fact, the temples.
Have a look beneath at one of the best issues to do in Taipei in your journey. Have the best possible time.
1.) Taipei Evening Markets
Evening markets in Taipei are a must-visit. They don’t seem to be only a place for vacationers or guests—locals from throughout the town come to eat, chill, and socialise, too.
One factor you will discover is that there are heaps of night time markets in Taipei to select from. So, that will help you get probably the most out of your go to, I’ve created a entire publish on one of the best Taipei Evening Markets you received’t need to miss.
We liked Linjiang Evening Market, Yong Le Evening Market, Raohe Road Evening Market – however there are such a lot of extra that we’ve detailed in our publish.
Oh, and take money with you (particularly smaller notes of round $100). Practically all distributors are money solely, and so they hate breaking greater notes.
Learn extra: Taipei’s greatest night time markets to go to
2.) Taipei 101 Observatory (台北101)
In all probability one in every of Taipei’s most iconic buildings, ‘Taipei 101’ is an absolute must-see when visiting Taipei. Now, what makes Taipei 101 so particular is that it has its very personal commentary deck, which you’ll be able to go to by grabbing these tickets. The views are unbelievable and the lookout enables you to see everywhere in the entire of Taipei itself.
Now, if you happen to do head as much as the 101 Commentary Deck, you’ll miss the long-lasting skyline view of the 101 constructing itself. This isn’t a foul factor; it’s simply that a number of the greatest views (in my view) embrace the 101 constructing throughout the vista.
Nonetheless, it’s completely value visiting for a 45-minute journey, and the views throughout Taipei are spectacular on a transparent day.
Additionally, don’t overlook, you will get some unbelievable views over the broader shoreline from the Bitou Cape Mountaineering Path within the Ruifang District of the town. It’s lovely in order for you a while away from the town streets. Plus, in order for you some nice views of Taipei itself, head up Elephant Mountain. The views are breathtaking.
Learn extra: Finest locations throughout Taiwan to go to
3.) Da’an District, Neighbourhood bar district
Okay, so the Da’an Neighbourhood of Taipei is one in every of my favourites to go to if you happen to’re trying to go to a number of the greatest bars and eating places in Taipei. Not solely that, it’s among the best issues to do in Taipei if you happen to’re searching for an evening out within the metropolis.
There are heaps round this space, and so they’re all very native, cool and really distinctive. For my part, Taipei’s bar tradition is without doubt one of the greatest I’ve skilled while travelling in Asia, significantly for cocktails.
Now, we have now some absolute favorite bars in Taipei you could’t miss – nevertheless it’s not exhaustive. There’s a new, consistently opening or pop-up bar that’s properly value asking about in your resort (or with locals) when you arrive.
If it’s a speakeasy you’re after, head to PUN. Don’t get delay by having to walk down a tiny alley – PUN may be very properly hidden. Now, that is the Google Maps spot of the bar itself.
Whenever you’re right here, stroll down the slim alley till you get to a gap on the left-hand aspect. There’s a gray room with a button that you simply press. Press that button! It will then open the unmarked door to the correct, which can lead you into PUN itself. The vibe right here may be very cool, and the cocktails are scrumptious.
As with most higher-end cocktail bars in Taipei, there’s usually a minimal spend. This normally equates to 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks.
Afterwards, be sure that to go to Bar Pine (松) (Google Maps hyperlink, right here).
One other good spot that has round 8 tables inside. These guys know their stuff with regards to spirit-led cocktails and every drink has it’s personal story. We liked it right here.
Oh, and don’t overlook about Tei by Obound (Google Maps hyperlink, right here). This place is actually particular.
Right here, they concentrate on tea-based cocktails which might be so yummy. To enter, it’s a must to pour your tea on the aspect desk that can open a secret door to the bar itself. Don’t fear, although, if you happen to can’t discover the tea, the crew will make it easier to!
Lastly, for one more late-night opening, head to Monkie (Google Maps hyperlink, right here). This can be a nice cocktail bar to cease for iconic cocktails and scrumptious meals. We had scorching steak, hen, and heaps extra whereas we had been there.
Learn extra: Finest locations throughout Taiwan to go to
4.) Nationwide Dr. Sunn Yat-Sen Memorial Corridor
Not too removed from Taipei’s Excessive Pace Prepare Station, the Nationwide Dr. Sunn Yat-Sen Memorial Corridor is properly value a gander at while visiting the town. Right here, you may wander the memorial corridor to be taught extra about China’s founding father. From a world perspective, it’s a good way to be taught extra concerning the lengthy historical past of Taiwan.
Visits are free and take round 20-Half-hour.
Learn extra: Taipei’s greatest night time markets to go to
5.) Ximen Neighbourhood
Now, Dihua Road is as busy because it comes! It sort of jogs my memory of Instances Sq. in New York Metropolis, and it’s a hive of exercise within the day and night.
There are actually thousand of individuals on the streets right here and it’s definitely an space that’s equipped for guests to Taipei itself. Whenever you’re right here, you’ll discover iconic shops like PopMart, the Ximending Evening Market and the broader strolling district that’s full of stalls and outlets.
It’s an excellent place to go to, particularly for an hour or two, however I wouldn’t spend all night right here, particularly if you happen to’re on the hunt for foodie spot. For my part, hour is sufficient to get the flavour of the place, and we discovered it fairly arduous to search out top-rated eating places on this space.
That’s not saying you may’t discover them, it’s simply it’s a must to analysis far more to discover a gem that isn’t simply catering for vacationer footfall.
Learn extra: Finest locations throughout Taiwan to go to
6.) Longhsan Temple
Not too removed from the strolling streets of the Ximen Neighbourhood, Longhsan Temple is a Buddhist and Taoist temple that’s very easy to go to if you happen to’re already within the space.
As soon as right here, take a wander contained in the temple that’s actually centuries outdated. It’s stated that the Lunghsan Temple dates again to the 18th Century and nonetheless stands proudly to today.
Visits take round 15-25 minutes and it’s really easy to see if you happen to’re already within the native space.
Learn extra: Taipei’s greatest night time markets to go to
7.) Chang Kai-Shek Memorial Corridor
Completely free to enter, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Corridor is completely colossal and properly value wandering round for an hour or so whereas visiting Taipei. Right here, you’ll get to discover the broader grounds and the museum inside. It’s breathtaking, and the entire web site is simply lovely.
One factor to notice is that the location can get highly regarded within the noon. There may be little or no shade, so be sure that to take water with you and SPF. The solar will be so intense right here in Taiwan.
Visits are free, and it’s among the best issues to do in Taipei if you happen to spend just a few days within the metropolis.
If you’d like a guided journey, guide this unbelievable day tour that not solely takes in Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Corridor, nevertheless it’ll additionally take you to the well-known sizzling springs. It’s such a good way to expertise extra of the broader space round Taipei.
Learn extra: Taipei’s greatest night time markets to go to
8) Taipei Effective Arts Museum
We liked the Taipei Effective Arts Museum. There’s something so zen and calming concerning the house they’ve created within the metropolis.
There’s a small entrance charge to discover contained in the superb arts museum, however it’s so value it. They’ve heaps of everlasting and seasonal displays throughout round three flooring (it is perhaps one or two extra; I simply can’t keep in mind precisely).
Visits take round 90-240 minutes, and it’s properly value visiting within the warmth of the noon solar. This fashion, you may loosen up within the air-conditioned displays and wander at a pleasant, enjoyable tempo.
Additionally, to make issues straightforward to get round, you may guide this hop-on-hop-off bus tour that can drop you off at a few of Taipei’s greatest locations to go to. This can be a nice approach to maximise your time, particularly if you happen to’re solely within the metropolis for a day or two.
Learn extra: Finest locations throughout Taiwan to go to
9.) Nationwide Palace Museum
Simply outdoors the town limits of central Taipei itself, the Nationwide Palace Museum is value visiting if you wish to be taught extra concerning the heritage and tradition of the broader area.
Right here, you’ll discover heaps of Chinese language artefacts, with some courting again 1000’s of years.
It’s a completely colossal place to go to, and you’ll simply spend all day wandering across the displays. In spite of everything, it’s one of many largest displays in Taiwan.
There’s a small entrance charge, however just like the Taipei Effective Arts Museum, it’s properly value the price.
10.) Juifen Previous Road
I do know, I do know! It’s not in Taipei however it’s round a 50-minute drive from the centre of Taipei and properly value visiting. Now, what makes the hilly city of Juifen’s Previous Road so particular is its winding little alleys, neon lights and foodie spots that line the streets right here.
The entire space round Juifen Previous Road is gorgeous to go to for a protracted afternoon journey from Taipei itself. A taxi takes round 50 minutes or 90 minutes through public transport. Simply be sure that to remain till the early night, when the realm is lit up with probably the most vibrant indicators. It actually is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Taipei if you happen to fancy a wander off from the town itself.
Oh, one closing factor – if it’s raining, be sure that to take smart sneakers! The alleys get very slippery.
To make issues straightforward, guide this Juifen day journey tour that can take you to the areas key spots you received’t need to miss. It’s a lot enjoyable and unbelievable to see. Simply make sure you guide this tour earlier than arriving in Taipei as tickets can promote out.
11.) Huashan 1914 Inventive Park
We liked the Huashan 1914 Inventive Park. Visiting is well among the best issues to do in Taipei in order for you a calming out afternoon of cafes, cool unbiased shops, cinema and extra in a single space.
The Huashan 1914 Inventive Park is located inside a historic manufacturing unit complicated that has been reworked into an idyllic spot.
While right here, you’ll get to pop into the park’s pop-up shops and discover the cafe tradition in Taipei. We spent round 2 hours right here and liked it.
Learn extra: Finest locations throughout Taiwan to go to
12.) Grand Resort tunnels
In all probability one in every of Taipei’s most iconic lodges, the Grand Resort is value visiting, even if you happen to’re not staying there. Throughout our time in Taipei, we stayed at each the Grand Resort and Regent Resort, and while each are iconic properties, we did love the rooms extra on the Regent Resort.
That being stated, the Grand Resort is nice! Even if you happen to’re not staying, be sure that to guide a tour of the Grand Resort escape tunnels, which you’ll be able to really discover on a guided tour.
Excursions take round Half-hour, and also you’ll be taught extra concerning the historical past of Taiwan, the long-lasting Grand Resort, and the way the tunnels got here into existence.
Additionally, you may simply guide this personal tour of Taipei by automobile. The perfect factor about this tour is that it’s all in your phrases, you may keep as little or so long as you need at Taipei’s must-visit locations.
Learn extra: Finest locations throughout Taiwan to go to
Verify Out The Very Finest Of Nice Britain!
