Updated February 5, 2020
Located in the East China Sea, Taiwan is called the “heart of asia”. Its capital city, Taipei, is an underrated travel destination. It’s like Hong Kong, but it has not fully succumbed to westernization. And for me it’s rather an advantage.
My first blog post was about the first time I’ve been to Taipei on the summer of 2016. Summer there runs from June to August. Truth behold I fell in love. As a result, I came back after three years. It was December just as when winter has started. Winter in Taipei though is not as cold as Tokyo and Seoul. The temperature is between 16-20 degree celsius.
Most visitors of Taipei stay for 2-4 days. Whether you want to explore Taipei’s history and nature, or eat your heart out, this city has got you covered. Are you wondering what you can do? Take a pick from my top recommendations. Enjoy reading!
Getting to Taipei
Direct flights from Manila take 2 hours and 5 minutes. Most likely you’ll arrive at Taoyuan International Airport. It is the international airport serving Taipei and northern Taiwan and is located about 40 km west of Taipei.
There are many transportation options to choose from in going to your accommodation. We once tried taking the bus (Kuo-Kuang Bus). Tickets can be purchased at the airport basement. Most tourists will be heading to Taipei Main Station, which happens to be the last stop. It will be a 50-minute drive. From Taipei Main Station, you can take the metro (train) or grab a taxi to your destination.
There isn’t really an issue riding a taxi in Taipei. It is generally safe and drivers don’t take advantage of tourists. Writing your destination in Mandarin will be of help though as most of them hardly understands English. Or if you have internet connection, google it for the driver.
Other options available are Taiwan High Speed Railway, hotel shuttle (depends on the hotel), and car service either shared or private.
If you’re in a group, it’s more cost effective to avail private pick up. Sweet Destinations offer this kind of transportation services.
And also while in the airport, buy a local sim card for your connectivity. It’s necessary for navigation specially if you’re traveling on your own. When you exit the customs, turn right at the arrival hall and you’ll find the counter. Price varies depending on how many days you’ll use it.
Things to do
Survey the city from Taipei 101
Taipei was known because of this 508-meter tall bamboo-shaped skyscraper that used to be the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2010. It has 101 floors above the ground and five floors underground. The first few levels is a shopping mall which is worth exploring.
Tickets to the observation deck are purchased at the 5th floor of 101 mall or through online. The indoor observatory is at the 89th floor. And on a good weather, the outdoor observatory deck at the 91st floor is open. Taipei 101 observatory’s two elevators was also named the world’s fastest passenger elevator from 2004 to 2015 by Guinness World Records. Both elevator can transport passengers from the 5th to 89th floor in 37 seconds.
Taipei 101 retains the title for tallest and largest green building.
Operating hours: 09:00 – 22:00
Entrance fee (adult): TWD 500 (PHP 830)
Access: Taipei 101 MRT station
Enjoy a gastronomic experience in Din Tai Fung (101)
This Michelin star awardee is famous for their xiao long bao (steamed dumplings). It is definitely a must try.
Once you reach DTF, get a queue number. Queues are separated into 1-2 pax, 3-5 pax, and 6 and above. While waiting you’ll be given an order form to tick off the items you want to order. Be prepared to wait longer during the peak hours . Do note that they don’t accept reservation.
Access: Taipei 101 MRT station
Snack while walking at a night market
Going to a night market is one of the things you have to do in Taipei. Taipei’s night markets offer that classic Taiwanese street food eating experience.
Shilin Market
Being the largest and most popular, Shilin Night Market has the most crowd locals and foreigners alike. I guess it must be the reason I found the prices to be expensive, not ‘market’ price if you know what I mean. Nevertheless, we were overwhelmed with all the delicious local food. And so we forgot to take pictures. Here are some of them;
It is worth mentioning that there are three stalls in Shilin Night Market that garnered spots on the Michelin Taipei Street Food List: Hai You Pork Ribs in 2018 and Chung Chia Sheng Jian Bao and Good Friend Cold Noodles in 2019. I hope you find them.
Access: Jiantan MRT station
Raohe Market
Next to Shilin’s popularity is Raohe Night Market. It’s smaller thus manageable to explore. Raohe Night Market got three spots on the 2018 Michelin Taipei Street Food List: Fuzhou Shizu Black Pepper Buns, Chen Dong Ribs stewed in medicinal herbs and Shi Boss Spicy Tofu. In 2019, Michelin added two new food stalls to the Bib Gourmand list: Beef Noodles and Beef Antrails Soup and A Kuo Luwei.
Access: Songshan MRT station
Visit Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
Probably the second most recognizable building in Taipei is the CKS Memorial Hall. It was built in honor of Chiang Kai-Shek, the former President of Taiwan. Climb up the 89 steps that signify his age at the time of his death. Alternatively, elevator is also available. You’ll find a sitting bronze statue of the late president. It was like visiting Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. Also a highlight of this attraction is the changing of the guards’ ceremony, which is an hourly event.
This important landmark of Taipei is impressive with its elegant building surrounded by beautiful gardens in the Liberty Square, which also houses the National Theater and National Concert Hall.
Access: CKS Memorial Hall MRT station
Check out National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine
The National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine was built in honor of the fallen soldiers after the Chinese Civil War. Explore the fascinating Chinese architecture of this complex. In case you missed to witness the changing of the guards in CKS Memorial Hall, there is also such ceremony here in the shrine.
The complex is located on the outskirt of the city. During our visit, it was part of a small group city tour. You may arrange such tour through Sweet Destinations.
Tip: Between CKS Memorial Hall and NRM Shrine, CKS is more visually striking and easily accessible so it should be on top of your list.
Immerse in Chinese history and culture at National Palace Museum
The museum’s origins are tied to the Palace Museum in the Forbidden City of Beijing, from where many of the artifacts were carried across China to Taiwan in the final years of the Chinese Civil War. It has expansive collection of nearly 700,000 pieces. An hour or two is not enough to explore everything. Must see are the jadeite cabbage, meat shaped stone and mao caldron. This was also part of our city tour.
Tip: No camera, backpack, and food allowed. Comply to avoid delays.
Venture into Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan National Park is the closest national park to Taipei. The park is about 40-minute drive out of the city proper. However, it was unfortunate that the park was under a major renovation at the time of our visit. It is expected to be finished by the time you’re reading this. And they say it is spectacular.
Tip: Best time to visit is on spring (March – May)
Soak in Beitou Hot Spring
After a day of sight-seeing, it maybe a good time to relax in a hot spring bath. Beitou is included in our Yangmingshan tour. Excited as we were, we did not get the name of the place. We knew though that it was a public bath house. A kit with small towel, hair cap, comb, and sachet of shampoo and body wash was provided. Males and females are separated. As for the women section, there are 2 hot spring pools with different temperature in an open air. I could only stay in for a few minutes as it was so hot. The women I was with were in their 40s to 50s. It was a pretty busy place so it is not the type you would want to spend that much time in. We spent roughly an hour there. Probably if I come back I will book in a private resort.
Tip: No camera allowed. Bring regular-sized towel.
Access: Xinbeitou MRT station
Experience Ximending
The vibe in Ximending is like that of Myeongdong in Seoul, cool neighborhood with great restaurants and shops.
Modern Toilet Restaurant
I came across this restaurant during my research for my first trip. It looked interesting so I made sure to visit it. From the name itself, this restaurant is famous for its toilet theme. It would make for instagrammable photos. Each customer is obligated to order a minimum of TWD 90 (PHP 150).
Ximen Red House
The Ximen Red House was built in 1908 and Taiwan’s first public market before being converted into a theater in 1945. Presently it features products by local artists and designers.
Access: Ximending MRT station
Once you exit from Ximending station, don’t miss the LGBTQ sign on the road. Hello, instagram!
Day trip to the Northeast Coast
You can go to Yehliu, Shifen and Jiufen through public transportation, but there are no direct connections from Taipei City. The most convenient way is to either join a small group tour or hire a private car.
Yehliu Geopark
Yehliu Geopark is home to unique geological rock formations as part of the Daliao Miocene Formation. Some were named based on their shapes, most popular being the Queen’s head. As it was raining and the location of the Queen’s Head is a bit far, we didn’t make it to see it up close.
Queen’s Head over that area
Operating hours: 08:00 – 17:00
Entrance fee (adult): TWD 80 (PHP 135)
Release sky lanterns
Shifen has gained a lot of attention over the past few years. Both sides of Shifen Old Street just beside the train tracks are lined by stalls offering sky lanterns. Different colors have their own meaning which you can refer alongside the pile of lanterns. Wishes are written on it to set into the sky. But it isn’t necessarily the most environmentally friendly thing to do.
Be captivated by Shifen Waterfalls
Shifen is also known for this 20-meter tall waterfalls. Due to its horseshoe shape, Shifen waterfalls is considered as the Niagara Falls of Taiwan.
Operating hours: 09:00 – 17:30
Entrance fee: free
Jiufen Old Street
Jiufen is an old gold mining town that is now famous for its tea houses. Due to the narrow road and number of visitors, there are selected drop off areas away from Jiufen Old Street. It’s not practical to go here if you’re traveling with elderly or person with disability. Also, the pedestrian lane is too narrow that at times we thought we’d be hit by the bus.
It’s really crowded when you reach the entrance to Jiufen Old Street. Other than tea houses there is variety of shops selling food and local products.
My honest take on this is, you may skip it. I’d be contented with night markets.
Dine in PS BuBu Cafe
Have you watched Meteor Garden? It’s a Taiwanese TV series that was a hit during the 1990s. You’ve got to experience dining here if you’re a fan. PS BuBu Cafe is a family run vintage car-themed cafe. In the TV series, it’s where the main characters Dao Ming Si and Shan Cai had their first date. You may reserve the exact table they sat at. Mind you, the food is great. But since it’s run by the family members, it takes time for the orders to arrive.
How to get there? Believe me when I say, just take an uber. Our first attempt was via a bus. Google brought us to the wrong bus stop. And then when we found it, I realized everything’s written in Chinese. Second attempt was a taxi. But the driver didn’t know PS BuBu Cafe. So yeah. Book an uber.
How to make reservation? Look for their Facebook page and send them a message. Request for the ‘Meteor Garden table’. Response time is quick so don’t you worry.
Operating hours: 12:00 – 21:00
Address: No. 1, Lane 140, Section 7, Chun Shan North Road, Shilin District
Shop at Gloria Outlets
Who doesn’t love shopping? If you have time, include it in your itinerary. Gloria Outlets is Taiwan’s first US-style open-air outlet mall. Some of the brands featured are Bottega Veneta, Valentino, Coach, Hugo Boss, Jimmy Choo, Loewe, Michael Kors, Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Timberland, Tod’s, Guess, Balenciaga, Burberry, Gucci, Kate Spade, Prada, Levi’s, Tumi, Samsonite and many more.
Tip: For purchase over TWD 2,000, bring your passport and receipt to the information center (near Coach) to procure a tax refund form. You can claim your refund in cash or through your credit card at the airport.
For shopaholics out there, here’s how to get there. At Taipei Main Station follow the signs towards the ticket counters or machines for the High Speed Railway (HSR). I recommend to purchase reserved seating as most seats would be occupied. You don’t want to stand for 20-30 minutes. Gloria Outlets is located in Taoyuan. At Taoyuan station take exit 6 and cross the street. Tadaaah! You have reached your destination 😊
Operating hours: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 – 21:00, Friday to Saturday 10:00 – 22:00
Discover Huashan 1914 Creative Park
Huashan 1914 Creative Park was built in, you’re right, 1914 as a Japanese sake brewery. It was later transformed into arts and culture center where it features shops with best design products of the region, cafes, activity areas and exhibits. The park is a fun place filled with local vibe. It is best to buy your souvenirs there. What a place for those gram photos too.
Access: Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT station
Wander at Chung-she Flower Garden
I love flowers for sure! And that’s why I had to visit Chung-she Flower Garden. Located in Taichung, the flower fields are six hectares covering in flowers for all seasons. So that whenever you plan to visit, you’re assured to see the blooming and colorful flowers. It was a bit challenging though to reach there. I think it deserves a separate write up. Please watch out for it.
Where to stay
There are a lot of accommodation options in Taipei. Look for a hotel or AirBnb in the Xinyi, Da’an or Zhongzheng district if you want to stay somewhere central.
Home Hotel is conveniently located in Xinyi District. The room is small, but clean and room rate is reasonable. ATT 4 FUN shopping mall is just across and a 10-minute walk to Taipei 101.
With ❤️,
Sugar
