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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 resolution 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 probably the most perfect solution to see Taipei. Town itself is sprawling and unfold out, however fortunately the general public transport is simple to navigate and nicely related. Right here’s what to do in Taipei to your first time if you happen to’re hoping to expertise the hidden gems of the town, in addition to the highest points of interest.

Your first time in Taipei

Whenever 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 could have just a few decisions 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 extensive for rolling your suitcase. A last 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 isn’t a scarcity of accommodations and guesthouses in Taipei. I selected to e-book my keep at CitizenM, as I used to be in search of a resort that was central and I all the time love these accommodations for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My major suggestion for staying at CitizenM could be to decide on a room on a better ground, 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 limitless Taiwanese delicacies to strive however much more importantly for me was the sweets choice. Taiwan can also be the birthplace of bubble tea (boba tea), so you’ll be able to look forward to 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 searching for one of the best matcha on the town. Because it seems, this matcha retailer is extremely celebrated with rave evaluations. Regardless of being slightly out of the way in which, I made a degree to go to not as soon as however twice, for arguably one of the best matcha comfortable serve ice cream on the earth (or actually one of the best matcha ice cream I’ve ever loved!)

My subsequent suggestion is Comida. I stumbled upon this place close by my resort when searching for a espresso. Not solely did they’ve an amazing espresso, however additionally they concentrate on well-known Taiwanese cheese toasties – with almond butter! If that sounds bizarre, don’t overthink it. I promise you this was among the finest 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 listing once I journey. Though this wasn’t my model of cookie (it was rather more dry and dense than my most popular underbaked cookie with a crispy exterior), it was a cool store to go to and nice to see the cookie pattern has reached Taipei. If you wish to strive my model of cookie, you would possibly need 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 selection for a view over the town and is very 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 amazing view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.

In case you fancy a day journey, Jiufen is a lovely mountainous city with genuine teahouses. It feels a bit like stepping again in time.