TAIPEI
A dynamic force, the Taiwanese capital is centred amongst mountains with centuries-old temples, a buzzing aura, and sleek skyscrapers. It’s a seamless mix of sizzling street eats (or Hello Kitty 7 Eleven stores), wellness, outdoor escapes, and designer boutiques.
At night, the city boasts night markets across the various districts, Michelin-starred restaurants, rooftop bars, and luxury shopping in the Xinyi district. By day, there is a thriving cafe culture, a booming shopping scene, and endless historical sites for the culture-curious (notably, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall).
THINGS TO DO
Visit a night market
The various night markets across the city bring the buzz year-round for local favourites like stinky tofu, oyster omelettes and bubble tea. Shilin Night Market may be considered the most famous, however, Ximending Night Market is perfect for first-timers for the store-lined streets and flea markets open well into the evening.
Shopping
Taipei has an abundance of shopping, but most notably, a thriving thrifting and vintage scene. 2nd Street has multiple locations across the city that also host a variety of high-end designer pieces. Chifeng Street in the Datong District is the old-world Taipei hub for vintage hunts, at All You Can Eat, Mitty, and Banana Cats. The nearby Nanjing Road is a hugely popular shopping district, with various boutiques hidden in the lanes off Lane 23, Nanjing W Road.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Opened in 1980, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is symbolic of Taiwan’s evolution towards democracy. Formerly an army headquarters, the memorial is impressively in size and pays honour to the former President of the Republic of China.
Taipei 101
Formerly the world’s tallest building, Taipei 101 offers broad views of Taipei from the 89th-floor (509 metres) observatory and has numerous luxury boutiques in the upscale Xinyi district.
Beitou Hot Springs
Escape the bustle to Beitou (a short MRT ride from the Taipei city centre), where natural springs, bathhouses and a thermal valley establish the ideal escape. There are also multiple luxury hotels for an extended stay, offering thermal bathing for the ultimate wind-down.
Take a cooking class
As a foodie-fuelled hub, learn to replicate the flavours of Taiwanese cooking and sample the local ingredients through a market tour. Master the Xiao Long Bao or Taiwanese popcorn chicken, or take the leisurely option of local tastings of the gua bao (Taiwanese burger) or beef soup at a 125-year-old restaurant on a guided Taipei food tour.
Elephant Mountain
For the full panoramic view of Taipei, and a short (although steep) trail to capture the sunset skyline.
Day trips
There is much to see beyond the city, if the itch to escape the hustle and bustle is there. Jiufen is a 30-minute express train ride from Taipei, where the mountain town of narrow streets are lantern-lined (best seen at night) and an abundance of traditional dumpling restaurants with sprawling views, with various tea houses (including the famed 100-year old A-Mei Tea House (阿妹茶楼)). Houtong Cat Village is also nearby on the Jiufeng rail line, where hundreds of cats and kittens trawl the town.
Other worthy mentions include Sun Moon Lak (an alpine oasis at the foot of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range) and Yehliu Geopark (an impressive landscape of peculiarly shaped rocks overlooking the coast).
CAFES
Taipei is known for its street foods, and its breakfast. Fuhang Soy Milk in the Zhongzheng District is considered the most “famed” breakfast spot for a traditional breakfast offering signature thick breads with donut sticks (you tiao), salty soy milk, egg rolls, and sesame flatbreads . Be mindful that it’s popularity has the queues starting from 5 am, indicative of its Michelin-recommended status.
A meerkat-themed restaurant for lunch, and a spot of cuddles. A highly interactive visit, expect meerkats dressed in a Winne-The-Pooh onesie to climb onto your shoulder, or their sibling to fall asleep in your lap. A minimum spend is required (an easy purchase of truffle fries and Taiwanese caramel latte).
With no shortage of dessert cafes in Taipei, Jingimoo elevates the offering. Expect a decadent multi-layered shaved ice selection (notably, homemade strawberry jus and honey), bowls of warm sesame paste, and various sweet fruit-packed cakes.
The afternoon pick-me-up for fresh, milky, made-to-order mochi. A takeout-only store in the Datong District, the wide range of flavours are incredibly smooth (from experience, the peanut and sesame mochi were top tier).
A laidback and suave vinyl cafe, for the moody vibes. Situated in the Daan District and for music lovers, expect expertly crafted coffees, milky teas (a non-negotiable Hojicha), and various fluffy sandwich offerings.
Nestled in a quiet alley, it is impossible to select just one item off Lost and Found’s extensive menu (guilty of ordering three different coffees). The affogato with whipped ice cream, pistachio latte or tiramisu coffee makes for sensationally sweet choices, or a bowl of traditional Taiwanese fried chicken as a Saturday starter. The merchandise will also tug at the wallet, which balances out the free hug you can add-to-cart when scanning the QR code to order.
RESTAURANTS
If there is a sushi conveyor belt outside of Japan that meets its standards, this is it. Perfect for solo travellers with a private booth, the prices are a steal for the made-to-order sushi delivered fast on its high-speed train to the table. Bonus points for the Kura Sushi character you “win” at the end of your meal.
Taipei might be the birthplace of Din Tai Fung (with multiple branches across the city), Liangshan Po Soup Dumplings is a fierce rival that is worth the wait. A small hole-in-the-wall restaurant with a petite menu, the soup dumplings serve a flavour punch in the Wanhua District. Super quaint, super authentic.
To steer away from the street food trawling, Embers is a Michelin-approved escape. Redefining Taiwanese cuisine, the 12-course menu focuses on indigenous cooking and native ingredients paper mulberry leaf. With wood furnishings throughout the space, it sets a scene for intimate dining.
Michelin-rated, blending new and traditional Taiwanese cooking. Expect bottarga and seared scallop spins on traditional fried rice, and a wide set of stir fries, in a super chic backdrop.
As a globally recognised foodie capital, Taipei is not short of innovative options. Hosu pairs contemporary French with traditional Taiwanese flavours, in a rustic setting that reflects Taipei’s mountainous backdrop. With a set menu that adapts to seasonal ingredients, from sashimi with local bittercress or Mua Lau (sesame rice) with chestnut.
STAY
A boutique hotel that checks all the requirements, in the Da’an District. Nestled near the multiple hidden cafes and restaurants in a tree-lined district, the hotel is sleek metropolitan luxury with 124 rooms, atrium and roof terrace, and various packages to maximise the two restaurants or indulge in La Mer travel sets.
For an upscale Taipei stay, in the Songhshan District. Utilise the outdoor swimming pool in the warmer months, or escape the city buzz with the ancient healing methods of the hotel spa but regardless, the European-designed Mandarin Oriental presents a premium stay with the marble bathrooms of the suites and exclusive member benefits at The Oriental Lounge.
From the sleek architectural silhouettes and subtle balance of old meets new, Taipei is a city that pulses with style and energy. It’s wellness in the Beitou district, street-snack delights at the Shilin Night Market, vintage piece hunting in Datong, or high-end rooftop bars in Xinyi.