Taipei is an unimaginable metropolis to go to in Taiwan. It’s buzzing with exercise, cool neighbourhoods, and among the greatest bars we visited in Asia. It’s a completely epic metropolis and one which’s properly value exploring in the event you’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 below the pores and skin of what makes Taipei particular on a visit. Not solely that, it’s a very protected, well-connected metropolis that ’s tremendous straightforward to get round – even when it may really feel fairly unfold out.
So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your time in Taipei, I’m sharing the highest locations we cherished visiting within the metropolis: cool speakeasies, scrumptious evening markets, and, in fact, the temples.
Have a look under at the very best issues to do in Taipei in your journey. Have the best possible time.
1.) Taipei Night time Markets
Night time 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 evening markets in Taipei to select from. So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your go to, I’ve created a complete publish on the very best Taipei Night time Markets you gained’t wish to miss.
We cherished Linjiang Night time Market, Yong Le Night time Market, Raohe Road Night time 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, they usually hate breaking larger notes.
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2.) Taipei 101 Observatory (台北101)
Most likely considered one 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 unimaginable and the lookout permits you to see everywhere in the complete of Taipei itself.
Now, in the event you do head as much as the 101 Remark Deck, you’ll miss the enduring skyline view of the 101 constructing itself. This isn’t a nasty factor; it’s simply that among the greatest views (in my view) embrace the 101 constructing inside 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 unimaginable views over the broader shoreline from the Bitou Cape Mountaineering Path within the Ruifang District of the town. It’s lovely if you would like a while away from the town streets. Plus, if you would like some nice views of Taipei itself, head up Elephant Mountain. The views are breathtaking.
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3.) Da’an District, Neighbourhood bar district
Okay, so the Da’an Neighbourhood of Taipei is considered one of my favourites to go to in the event you’re seeking to go to among the greatest bars and eating places in Taipei. Not solely that, it’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Taipei in the event you’re on the lookout for an evening out within the metropolis.
There are heaps round this space, they usually’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, notably for cocktails.
Now, we now have some absolute favorite bars in Taipei that you may’t miss – but it surely’s not exhaustive. There’s a new, always opening or pop-up bar that’s properly value 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 postpone by having to walk down a tiny alley – PUN could be very properly hidden. Now, that is the Google Maps spot of the bar itself.
While 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 just press. Press that button! It will then open the unmarked door to the fitting, which is able to lead you into PUN itself. The vibe right here could be very cool, and the cocktails are scrumptious.
As with most higher-end cocktail bars in Taipei, there’s sometimes a minimal spend. This normally equates to 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks.
Afterwards, be certain that to move to Bar Pine (松) (Google Maps hyperlink, right here).
One other great place that has round 8 tables inside. These guys know their stuff in terms of spirit-led cocktails and every drink has it’s personal story. We cherished it right here.
Oh, and don’t overlook about Tei by Obound (Google Maps hyperlink, right here). This place is really particular.
Right here, they concentrate on tea-based cocktails which can be so yummy. To enter, you must pour your tea on the aspect desk that may open a secret door to the bar itself. Don’t fear, although, in the event you can’t discover the tea, the crew will show you how 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, rooster, and heaps extra whereas we have been there.
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4.) Nationwide Dr. Sunn Yat-Sen Memorial Corridor
Not too removed from Taipei’s Excessive Velocity Prepare Station, the Nationwide Dr. Sunn Yat-Sen Memorial Corridor is properly value a gander at while visiting the town. Right here, you’ll be able to wander the memorial corridor to study extra about China’s founding father. From a world perspective, it’s a good way to study extra concerning the lengthy historical past of Taiwan.
Visits are free and take round 20-Half-hour.
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5.) Ximen Neighbourhood
Now, Dihua Road is as busy because it comes! It sort of jogs my memory of Occasions 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. While you’re right here, you’ll discover iconic shops like PopMart, the Ximending Night time Market and the broader strolling district that’s full of stalls and retailers.
It’s an amazing place to go to, particularly for an hour or two, however I wouldn’t spend all night right here, particularly in the event you’re on the hunt for a great foodie spot. For my part, a great 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’ll be able to’t discover them, it’s simply you must analysis rather more to discover a gem that isn’t simply catering for vacationer footfall.
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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 in the event you’re already within the space.
As soon as right here, take a wander contained in the temple that’s actually centuries previous. It’s mentioned 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 in the event you’re already within the native space.
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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 positioning can get extremely popular within the noon. There’s little or no shade, so be certain that to take water with you and SPF. The solar will be so intense right here in Taiwan.
Visits are free, and it’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Taipei in the event you spend just a few days within the metropolis.
If you would like a guided journey, e-book this unimaginable 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 a good way to expertise extra of the broader space round Taipei.
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8) Taipei High quality Arts Museum
We cherished the Taipei High quality 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 nice arts museum, however it’s so value it. They’ve heaps of everlasting and seasonal reveals throughout round three flooring (it could be one or two extra; I simply can’t bear in mind precisely).
Visits take round 90-240 minutes, and it’s properly value visiting within the warmth of the noon solar. This manner, you’ll be able to chill out within the air-conditioned reveals and wander at a pleasant, stress-free tempo.
Additionally, to make issues straightforward to get round, you’ll be able to e-book this hop-on-hop-off bus tour that may drop you off at a few of Taipei’s greatest locations to go to. This can be a nice technique to maximise your time, particularly in the event you’re solely within the metropolis for a day or two.
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9.) Nationwide Palace Museum
Simply outdoors the town limits of central Taipei itself, the Nationwide Palace Museum is value visiting if you wish to study extra concerning 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’ll 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 charge, however just like the Taipei High quality 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 for a protracted afternoon journey from Taipei. A taxi takes round 50 minutes or 90 minutes by way of public transport. Keep till the early night, when the realm has probably the most vibrant indicators. It actually is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Taipei if you wish to wander off from the town itself.
Oh, one ultimate factor—if it’s raining, be certain that to put on smart footwear! The alleys will be very slippery.
To make issues straightforward, e-book this Juifen day journey tour, which is able to take you to the important thing spots you gained’t wish to miss. It’s a lot enjoyable and unimaginable to see. Simply remember to e-book this tour earlier than arriving in Taipei, as tickets can promote out.
11.) Huashan 1914 Inventive Park
We cherished the Huashan 1914 Inventive Park. Visiting is well top-of-the-line issues to do in Taipei if you would like 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 facility 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.
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12.) Grand Lodge tunnels
Most likely considered one of Taipei’s most iconic inns, the Grand Lodge is value visiting, even in the event you’re not staying there. Throughout our time in Taipei, we stayed at each the Grand Lodge and Regent Lodge, and while each are iconic properties, we did love the rooms extra on the Regent Lodge.
That being mentioned, the Grand Lodge is nice! Even in the event you’re not staying, be certain that to e-book a tour of the Grand Lodge escape tunnels, which you’ll be able to really discover on a guided tour.
Excursions take round Half-hour, and also you’ll study extra concerning the historical past of Taiwan, the enduring Grand Lodge, and the way the tunnels got here into existence.
Additionally, you’ll be able to simply e-book this personal tour of Taipei by automobile. The very best factor about this tour is that it’s all in your phrases, you’ll be able to keep as little or so long as you need at Taipei’s must-visit locations.
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