Taipei is an unimaginable metropolis to go to in Taiwan. It’s buzzing with exercise, cool neighbourhoods, and among the finest bars we visited in Asia. It’s a completely epic metropolis and one which’s effectively price 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 beneath 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 may possibly really feel fairly unfold out.
So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your time in Taipei, I’m sharing the highest locations we cherished visiting within the metropolis: cool speakeasies, scrumptious night time markets, and, after all, the temples.
Have a look beneath at the very best issues to do in Taipei in your journey. Have the best possible time.
1.) Taipei Evening Markets
Night markets in Taipei are a must-visit. They aren’t only a place for vacationers or guests—locals from throughout the town come to eat, chill, and socialise, too.
One factor you can see is that there are heaps of night time markets in Taipei to select from. So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your go to, I’ve created a whole post on the best Taipei Night Markets you received’t wish to miss.
We cherished 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 larger notes.
Read more: Taipei’s best night markets to visit
2.) Taipei 101 Observatory (台北101)
Most likely one in all 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 own observation deck, which you’ll go to by grabbing these tickets. The views are unimaginable and the lookout permits you to see all around the entire of Taipei itself.
Now, if you happen to do head as much as the 101 Observation Deck, you’ll miss the enduring skyline view of the 101 constructing itself. This isn’t a foul factor; it’s simply that among the finest views (in my view) embody the 101 constructing throughout the vista.
Nonetheless, it’s completely price visiting for a 45-minute journey, and the views throughout Taipei are spectacular on a transparent day.
Additionally, don’t neglect, you will get some unimaginable views over the broader shoreline from the Bitou Cape Hiking Trail within the Ruifang District of the town. It’s lovely if you’d like a while away from the town streets. Plus, if you’d like some nice views of Taipei itself, head up Elephant Mountain. The views are breathtaking.
Read more: Best places across Taiwan to visit
3.) Da’an District, Neighbourhood bar district
Okay, so the Da’an Neighbourhood of Taipei is one in all my favourites to go to if you happen to’re trying to go to among the finest 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 likely one of the finest I’ve skilled while travelling in Asia, notably for cocktails.
Now, now we have some absolute favorite bars in Taipei which you can’t miss – but it surely’s not exhaustive. There’s a new, consistently opening or pop-up bar that’s effectively price asking about in your lodge (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 effectively hidden. Now, that is the Google Maps spot of the bar itself.
If 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! This may then open the unmarked door to the precise, which is able to 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 often equates to 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks.
Afterwards, be certain to go to Bar Pine (松) (Google Maps hyperlink, here).
One other good spot that has round 8 tables inside. These guys know their stuff in relation to spirit-led cocktails and every drink has it’s personal story. We cherished it right here.
Oh, and don’t neglect about Tei by Obound (Google Maps hyperlink, here). This place is really particular.
Right here, they specialize in tea-based cocktails which are so yummy. To enter, you need 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 staff will make it easier to!
Lastly, for an additional late-night opening, head to Monkie (Google Maps hyperlink, here). It is a nice cocktail bar to cease for iconic cocktails and scrumptious meals. We had scorching steak, rooster, and heaps extra whereas we have been there.
Read more: Best places across Taiwan to visit
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 effectively price a gander at while visiting the town. Right here, you possibly can wander the memorial corridor to be taught extra about China’s founding father. From a world perspective, it’s an effective way to be taught extra in regards to the lengthy historical past of Taiwan.
Visits are free and take round 20-Half-hour.
Read more: Taipei’s best night markets to visit
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. If you’re right here, you’ll discover iconic shops like PopMart, the Ximending Evening Market and the broader strolling district that’s crammed with stalls and retailers.
It’s an ideal 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 a superb foodie spot. For my part, a superb hour is sufficient to get the flavour of the place, and we discovered it fairly exhausting to seek out top-rated eating places on this space.
That’s not saying you possibly can’t discover them, it’s simply you need to analysis rather more to discover a gem that isn’t simply catering for vacationer footfall.
Read more: Best places across Taiwan to visit
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 this present day.
Visits take round 15-25 minutes and it’s really easy to see if you happen to’re already within the native space.
Read more: Taipei’s best night markets to visit
7.) Chang Kai-Shek Memorial Corridor
Completely free to enter, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Corridor is totally colossal and effectively price 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 website is simply lovely.
One factor to notice is that the location can get extremely popular within the noon. There’s little or no shade, so be certain to take water with you and SPF. The solar may 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 a number of days within the metropolis.
If you would like a guided journey, book this incredible day tour that not solely takes in Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Corridor, but it surely’ll additionally take you to the well-known sizzling springs. It’s such an effective way to expertise extra of the broader space round Taipei.
Read more: Taipei’s best night markets to visit
8) Taipei Superb Arts Museum
We cherished the Taipei Fine Arts Museum. There’s something so zen and calming in regards to the house they’ve created within the metropolis.
There’s a small entrance payment to discover contained in the superb arts museum, however it’s so price it. They’ve heaps of everlasting and seasonal reveals throughout round three flooring (it is likely to be one or two extra; I simply can’t bear in mind precisely).
Visits take round 90-240 minutes, and it’s effectively price visiting within the warmth of the noon solar. This fashion, you possibly can chill out within the air-conditioned reveals and wander at a pleasant, enjoyable tempo.
Additionally, to make issues straightforward to get round, you possibly can book this hop-on-hop-off bus tour that can drop you off at a few of Taipei’s finest locations to go to. It is a nice method to maximise your time, particularly if you happen to’re solely within the metropolis for a day or two.
Read more: Best places across Taiwan to visit
9.) Nationwide Palace Museum
Simply outdoors the town limits of central Taipei itself, the National Palace Museum is price visiting if you wish to be taught extra in regards to the heritage and tradition of the broader area.
Right here, you’ll discover heaps of Chinese language artefacts, with some relationship again 1000’s of years.
It’s a completely colossal place to go to, and you may simply spend all day wandering across the reveals. In any case, it’s one of many largest reveals in Taiwan.
There’s a small entrance payment, however just like the Taipei Superb Arts Museum, it’s effectively price 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 effectively price 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 by way of public transport. Simply be certain to remain till the early night, when the realm is lit up with essentially the most vibrant indicators. It actually is likely one of the finest issues to do in Taipei if you happen to fancy a wander off from the town itself.
Oh, one last factor – if it’s raining, be certain to take wise sneakers! The alleys get very slippery.
To make issues straightforward, book this Juifen day trip tour that can take you to the areas key spots you received’t wish to miss. It’s a lot enjoyable and unimaginable to see. Simply make sure to book this tour earlier than arriving in Taipei as tickets can promote out.
11.) Huashan 1914 Artistic Park
We cherished the Huashan 1914 Creative Park. Visiting is definitely among the best issues to do in Taipei if you’d like a calming out afternoon of cafes, cool unbiased shops, cinema and extra in a single space.
The Huashan 1914 Artistic Park is located inside a historic manufacturing unit advanced 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 cherished it.
Read more: Best places across Taiwan to visit
12.) Grand Resort tunnels
Most likely one in all Taipei’s most iconic accommodations, the Grand Resort is price 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 certain to ebook a tour of the Grand Resort escape tunnels, which you’ll truly discover on a guided tour.
Excursions take round Half-hour, and also you’ll be taught extra in regards to the historical past of Taiwan, the enduring Grand Resort, and the way the tunnels got here into existence.
Additionally, you possibly can simply book this private tour of Taipei by car. The most effective factor about this tour is that it’s all in your phrases, you possibly can keep as little or so long as you need at Taipei’s must-visit locations.
Read more: Best places across Taiwan to visit
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