Disclaimer: I have not visited the capital of Taiwan yet, this guide is formatted from an interview conducted with my Taiwanese university course mate I-Hsuan.
Looking for a spellbinding getaway combining skyscrapers and stinky tofu? The capital of Taiwan offers the curious traveller breathtaking views, ample culinary experiences, and rich cultural heritage…
Where is it?
Taipei City, a bustling metropolis of just over two and a half million inhabitants, is located on the island of Taiwan, off the coast of China.
Why should I go?
Boasting a world-class foodie scene, striking architecture and stunning national parks just a stone’s throw away from the central districts, there are plenty of reasons why this global hub may be next on your travel list, but local resident I-Hsuan explains it is the residents of the city which make it so special:
“I think all the people in Taipei are really friendly…whoever you meet, they will be friendly and nice, and you can ask them if you don’t know the meaning of something or you don’t know how to go to a place.”
Furthermore, Taipei’s public transport is very convenient according to I-Hsuan, and remarkably affordable, with metro fares starting at 50 p.
What can I do there?
Taipei’s attractions are seemingly endless, but thanks to I-Hsuan we’ve boiled them down to a few key highlights. If you only spend two days in the Taiwanese capital, here are a few unmissable sights.
It’s Friday evening and it’s time to get your bearings. Taipei 101, the skyline’s iconic tower, is a must-visit. “It has one hundred and one floors and a lot of terraces…I think it’s really beautiful,” I-Hsuan says, specifying that night is the optimal time to visit the tower’s observatory, for magnificent vistas of the city. Taipei 101 is open to visitors from 10 am to 9 pm, and observatory tickets starting at £15 can be purchased from the tower’s official website: https://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/observatory
Of course, a trip to Taipei City would not be complete without feasting upon its bounty of delicacies. Perfect for an introductory meal to Taiwan on a Friday night. I-Hsuan says a visit to one of Taipei’s many night markets is a must. Famous spots include Raohe, Ningxia and Tonghua markets, but her personal favourite is Shilin Night Market, situated a few metro stops away from Taipei 101. “The night market is really noisy…lots of delicious food and then you can buy stuff, eat food, and you can also play some games.”
Alongside more street-food stalls than can be counted, Shilin also offers fairground-style games and attractions. My guide shares with me her favourite street snacks to sample, beginning with Taipei’s fried chicken and “special bubble tea,” which can be customised with different flavours and “bubbles”. Especially iconic is “stinky tofu”, a fermented soybean curd which is very popular amongst locals. The list doesn’t stop there.
“Pork blood cake, it’s also yummy, and the Taiwanese will put peanut powder on the pork blood cake and will also put cilantro on it” I-Hsuan says. She also recommends oyster omelettes, Taiwanese sausage wrapped in sticky rice and beef noodles. Truly, a visitor here is spoilt for choice. What’s more, street-food prices start at around £1, so these cravings are kind to your wallet. Shilin Night Market is open from 4 pm to 12 am every night.
Saturday is ideal for soaking up the city’s sights and sensations. If you are seeking culture and history, the National Theatre and Concert Hall is for you, a cultural centre and event space showcasing both Taiwanese and foreign talent. The exterior façade alone, a sublime example of Taiwanese architecture, makes the visit worth it. Guided tours start at a mere £3.80 for adults and £2.50 for students, and tickets to events vary greatly in price depending on the nature of the show. Both can be purchased from the National Theatre and Concert Hall site: https://npac-ntch.org/en. The centre is open daily from 12 to 8 pm.
I-Hsuan also recommends a visit to the Xia Hai Temple, located a 40-minute commute from downtown Taipei. Admission is free, and the temple is open from 7 am to 7 pm every day. Xia Hai famously houses the statue of “The Old Man on the Moon,” a kind of matchmaking deity in Chinese mythology. This attracts scores of hopeful singletons every year, who believe a prayer to the God may improve their chances of finding romance. I-Hsuan explains:
“They want to find a partner. They want to find love. So, they will go to this temple, and they say this temple is really good at finding love.” One to bear in mind if you’re feeling romantic, or if you simply want to dip your toes into the spiritual traditions of Taiwan.
Saturday dinner plans? It would be completely understandable for you to return to one of the city’s night markets to discover more weird and wonderful treats, but if restaurants are on your radar, head to Taipei’s infamous Ding Tai Fung. What began as a small family-owned business here in Taipei has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, serving up their infamous Xiaolongbao to hungry customers from Seoul to London. There are several branches across the city, including a Taipei 101 branch which is open daily from 11 am to 8.30 pm. A portion of 10 Kurobuta Pork Xiaolongbao will set you back about £14, and you can book and check waiting times on the Ding Tai Fung website: https://www.dintaifung.com.tw/eng/. A Ding Tai Fung waiting list app is also available on Apple and Android.
If by the time Sunday arrives you are craving an escape to the great outdoors, Yangmingshan National Park is an easily accessible option, with regular buses and shuttles (fares starting at 75 p) connecting the heart of the city to this mountainside haven. In less than two hours, you can come and refresh your senses by tranquil lakes, verdant slopes, and idyllic waterfalls. The park is free to enter. More information is available to tourists at https://www.ymsnp.gov.tw/main_en/.
Where should I stay?
I-Hsuan recommends a central stay, at the heart of the city’s action. Formosa 101 is an affordable hotel in downtown Taipei, only a ten-minute walk from Taipei 101. Room rates begin at a modest £35 for the night, providing decent hospitality in a strategic location for sightseeing. Bookings can be made on booking.com.
This brief guide only scratches the surface of what this city has to offer, but we hope these recommendations can help make your short stay an unforgettable one. Many thanks to I-Hsuan for taking the time to share her local insider tips.
More information on visiting Taipei City is available on Taiwan’s official tourism site: https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/w1.aspx.
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