Taipei is a vibrant, bustling city with so much to see. #Taipei … Claustrophobes and my fellow anxiety sufferers, be warned — descending the stairs after the sun sets is a neverending hellscape of people. I’d at least recommend a trip to Shifen Waterfall or Jiufen, as both were huge highlights of my time in Taipei and easily doable as a half-day or full-day excursion.Most likely you will fly into Taoyuan International Airport. Expect to share the magic with approximately 75,000 other people, all trying to cram down a few tiny staircases. While Taipei is certainly busy, I found it so much more down-to-earth, calm, and livable than other cities in Asia I’ve visited.To say Taipei was a surprise is an understatement. Last bus to the entrance leaves at 5pm and the park closes at pm. The buses are really crowded on the way back, so I’d suggest taking a collective taxi back to Taipei. It’s popular with families but I also really enjoyed walking around ordering from all the different street food vendors and drinking way too much bubble tea.I recommend going at sunset so you can photograph the beautiful Tamsui Lovers’ Bridge, which is gorgeous silhouetted against the sky.One of my favorite foods to eat in Taipei is the tasty xiao long bao, aka Shanghai soup dumplings. I recommend bringing a tripod if you want crystal-clear night shots!Ximending is one of the most bustling areas of Taipei, and it kind of reminds me of Tokyo’s Shinjuku or Osaka’s Dotonbori. I won’t be tone policed.I do agree with Allison in this case, that she has all her rights to say whatever she wants in whatever way she wants on her own travel blog.But come on Allison, Mansplaining? 1. Taroko and Sun Moon Lake are a bit far for day trips from Taipei but they are a great idea if you have a bit more time to explore Taiwan!
The boba don’t really taste like anything — the point is the chewiness.The Taiwanese are obsessed with the texture of food, and chewy textures are one of their favorites (hence why fish cakes are such a popular ingredient in Taiwanese cooking). I ate a piece of chicken that about twice the size of my face at Hot Star Fried Chicken in Ximending and adored every bite. There’s also the more benign Hello Kitty cafe, a Lego cafe, and even an alpaca café (however, this is located way out of the center of Taipei and is quite a trek unless you are a huge llama enthusiast! Be sure to select the express train to get there quickly.From there, you can then transfer to the regular citywide MRT, where tickets are even cheaper (based on zone, but roughly 20-40 Taiwanese dollars per ride, less than $1.50 USD).This is only an option from 6 AM to 11:30 PM, so if your flight is outside of those times, you will need to select another option.There are two buses that take you downtown. ThanksSo glad the article was helpful. From chowing down on Taiwanese delicacies15 Awesome Things to Do in Taipei, Taiwan (2020 Guide)From lounging at a Taiwan speakeasy to trying out best street food at a night market, these are just some of the best things to do in Taipei, Taiwan!We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best possible user experience on NOMADasaurus. in Taipei’s Eastern District, an area filled with upscale shops and all manner of eateries.Eslite is also known for its beautiful design; the branch at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, with its connected hotel, has even won design awards.On your list of what to do in Taipei, visiting Wulai is maybe not an obvious choice.The tiny aboriginal village of Wulai makes a great half or full day from Taipei.Its residents belong to the Atayal tribe, the third largest of Taiwan’s 16 officially recognized aboriginal groups.Atayal women were traditionally known for their facial tattoos.Wulai boasts natural scenery, located deep into a lovely green valley, and also hot springs.You’ll arrive at the market street, where you can try all sorts of Taiwanese and aboriginal snacks, such as mountain greens, grilled boar, rice cooked in bamboo tubes, millet wine and fried river shrimp.There are several hot spring spas in the area, mostly offering private rooms with city views.You can also take a mini-train or walk to Wulai Waterfall.Yes, the speakeasy-style bar trend has even made it to Taipei.Alchemy, located near Taipei 101 in Xinyi district, replicates a secretly run Tavern in prohibition-era America.We won’t give you the secret directions (they aren’t that secret; just search online).The menu features classic and creative cocktails and a reservation is a must on weekends.Another option in the same area is Ounce, found behind a hidden door in Relax Café.There’s no menu; just tell the bartender some flavors you like, and he’ll mix you something that will make your jaw drop.No reservations here, so you’ll have to try your luck.While it may have a weird name, Addiction Aquatic Development foodies and sushi/sashimi lovers can’t miss this Taipei attraction.The complex is a fancy addition to the more traditional Taipei Fish Market.The many sections include a room of water tanks containing huge spider crabs, lobsters, etc., standing oyster and seafood bars, hot pot, seafood barbecue, home decoration shopping, and more.If you’re on a budget, grab a very reasonably priced to-go sushi or sashimi set (and some beer or wine!)