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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 choice to not analysis earlier than the journey, as a substitute hoping to wander the streets and bump into town by happenstance. Because it seems, this isn’t essentially the most very best technique to see Taipei. The town itself is sprawling and unfold out, however fortunately the general public transport is straightforward to navigate and effectively related. Right here’s what to do in Taipei in your first time should you’re hoping to expertise the hidden gems of town, in addition to the highest points of interest.

Your first time in Taipei

Once you land in Taipei, it’s straightforward sufficient to catch public transport from the airport into town. There’s a direct prepare from the airport to town, with only a few stops in between earlier than you attain the Taipei Most important Station.

As soon as within the metropolis, you’ve got a number of selections for getting round. The general public metro is straightforward to make use of and navigate, but when your resort is situated near the prepare station you may also select to stroll as town is flat and pathways broad for rolling your suitcase. A remaining choice is to hop in a cab to take you on to the door of your resort, nonetheless I’d say that is the least enjoyable choice!

The place to remain in Taipei

There isn’t any scarcity of motels and guesthouses in Taipei. I selected to e-book my keep at CitizenM, as I used to be on the lookout for a resort that was central and I all the time love these motels for his or her simplicity, affordability and better of all: the views! My most important advice for staying at CitizenM can be to decide on a room on the next flooring, so that you get to benefit from the views over town.

The place to eat in Taipei

Taipei is a metropolis virtually made for foodies. There are infinite Taiwanese delicacies to attempt however much more importantly for me was the sweets choice. Taiwan can be the birthplace of bubble tea (boba tea), so you’ll be able to anticipate 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 in the hunt for the most effective matcha on the town. Because it seems, this matcha retailer is very celebrated with rave critiques. Regardless of being a bit out of the best way, I made some extent to go to not as soon as however twice, for arguably the most effective matcha mushy serve ice cream on this planet (or definitely the most effective matcha ice cream I’ve ever loved!)

My subsequent advice is Comida. I stumbled upon this place close by my resort when in the hunt for a espresso. Not solely did they’ve a terrific 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 the most effective issues I ate in Taiwan and I’d completely advocate 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 checklist once I journey. Though this wasn’t my type of cookie (it was way more dry and dense than my most well-liked 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 attempt my type of cookie, you would possibly wish to try my on-line cookie class.

Should 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 town and is very lovely at sundown.

The Beitou scorching springs are a preferred spot half-hour from downtown and a good way to flee town hustle and bustle.

Fancy a hike? Xiangshan Path is a brief 45-minute hike that gives a terrific view of Taipei, particularly at sundown.

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