TL;DR – So much love!
Taipei is the land of FOOOOD, night markets and shopping. And whether you are a foodie or a hardcore shopper, Taipei is truly a city that never sleeps.
Here’s why we love it!
1. Taipei Metro
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Taipei’s metro is highly efficient – very punctual, clean and a good example for subways across the world to emulate. But just how connected is the metro? With 117 stations, Taiwan’s mass rapid transit system transports a staggering two million people each day. It connects cities Taipei, New Taipei and Taoyuan, and fares are very affordable so that makes it super convenient to get around.
2. The array of streetwear
If you are a hypebeast or sneaker collector, you would already know that Taiwan is one of the fashion capitals in Asia for streetwear. Not only can you find the many international labels like Bape, Supreme, Undefeated, it is also home to many up and coming fashion designers and quirky fashion trends.
3. Good mix of shopping
From department stores with international fashion brands to hidden alleys with hipster boutiques and even underground bazaars, this city is famous for shopping!
4. Night markets
Wherever you travel to in this world, you must admit that night markets make Singaporeans very excited and there is really nothing like the night markets in Taiwan. Here’s our list of our recommended eats you MUST try.
5. Food glorious food
Taipei is most definitely not a place for those on diet. Besides the night markets, you can also feast at numerous old-school eateries, themed cafes, coffee joints and fine dining Michelin-starred restaurants. Plan your meals wisely!
6. Amazing Nightlife
Although Taipei’s clubbing scene is not particularly well-known, there is actually good mix of top-notch bars and lounges to swanky clubs, graced by both locals and expats, to check out.
7. Taipei 101
In a city home to incredible man-made skyscrapers, Taipei 101 is one of the architectural landmarks to check out when you are in Taipei. Previously dubbed as the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2010, Taipei 101 towers over the surrounding cityscape and is a sight to behold. Visitors can head up to the observatory deck from 88th to 91st floors and admire how beautiful Taipei is from above. While you’re at it, have a coffee in the highest Starbucks in the world.
8. Hot Springs
People in Taiwan love hot springs. Health benefits aside, it is an experience like no other to treat yourself and just unwind up in the mountains. The actual hot spring itself is too hot but you can enjoy the Beitou Hot Springs via the many resorts in the area which allow patrons to take a dip in the springs waters after they have flowed away from the main pond and cooled slightly.
9. Ah Zong Mian Xian
This is so good it deserves a point of its own.
10. Jiufen
Technically, this isn’t in Taipei but this mountainous town that inspired the town and bathhouse in Miyazaki’s Spirited Away is just an hour away. Originally built by the Japanese, the decommissioned gold mining mountain town is now a maze of lanes and alleyways with rich history and good food such as sweet potato balls, peanut ice cream, curry fish balls and sausages.
11. Releasing Sky Lanterns
And since you are already at Jiufen, why not indulge in one of the more touristy, but also very fun things to do in Taipei? Shifen is just a short drive away and there, you can release lanterns into the sky. It is believed that if you write your wishes on a sky lantern and send it off, your wishes will come true.
12. Photos for the gram
Instaworthy spots everywhere. Need we say more?
