Getting to know Taipei

Taipei has been many things, from a Qing-dynasty walled city to a Japanese colonial command post. Today, this island metropolis of 2.51 million strikes a near-perfect balance between embracing the future and cherishing its past. Heading to the city for a weekend getaway? We’ve curated the perfect two-day itinerary for your travels.

What to see and do

Landmarks
Looming over the eastern half of the city is Taipei 101 . While the former tallest building on Earth no longer makes the top 10, it remains an impressive example of earthquake-proof engineering and is an incredible point to take in sweeping views of the city. For the best sights head to the the 89th-floor observatory or the 91st-floor deck — be sure to pick a day with clear weather conditions for the best viewing experience.  

Temples
Taipei’s skyscrapers are far outnumbered by its halls of worship, at least two of which should be on your itinerary. 

The 286-year-old Mengjia Lungshan Temple , like many local shrines, is a multifaith establishment where Taoism and folk traditions complement Buddhism. Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, has pride of place, while many Gen Y/Z worshippers direct prayers to the Old Man Under the Moon, hoping this matchmaker deity can find them a partner.

Meanwhile, the quieter Dalongdong Baoan Temple boasts sublime art. Dusk is an especially good time to appreciate all of its carvings and images; the enthralling murals that decorate the exterior of the central shrine were executed by Pan Li-shui (1914–1995), one of Taiwan’s most accomplished temple artists.

Museums
Taipei’s roster of museums includes exhibition spaces dedicated to contemporary art, astronomy, railways, and drinking water. But in terms of scale and wow-factor, none compares to the Taipei Palace Museum (NPM), home to a world-class collection of bronzes, ceramics, ink paintings, works of calligraphy, and jade treasures. Sign up for the morning guided tour (at no extra cost), then spend the rest of the day revisiting any exhibits that caught your eye at your own speed.

Just down the road from the NPM, Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines presents artefacts from several of Taiwan, China’s 16 Austronesian indigenous tribes. Save money — and explore more Taiwanese culture — with a joint NPM-Shung Ye Museum ticket .

Alternative activities
Japanese rule in Taiwan, China brought with it onsen culture, which you can indulge in at Beitou’s hot springs. If it’s too hot to soak or to join one of the city’s walking tours, consider a cooking class or a tea tasting-blending session instead – there are plenty available to book online. Travelling with kids? Ride the Maokong Gondola to Taipei’s spacious zoo.

Day trips from Taipei

History has made its mark on the riverfront town of Tamsui, located just a short 45-minute drive from Taipei. The Dutch booted out the Spanish in 1642 and rebuilt the latter’s stockade as a mini castle. Now called Fort San Domingo, it’s open to the public, as is the adjacent two-storey landmark added 250 years later when the entire site served as the British consulate. Nearby buildings were occupied by 19th-century missionaries and tea traders. 

40-minutes south of Taipei, Wulai is a scenic outpost of the indigenous Atayal people. Hot springs, waterfalls and hiking trails abound in the Neidong Forest Recreation Area . If you prefer a more leisurely outing, stick to the Old Street and its Austronesian culinary surprises. Ice cream flavoured with maqaw (lemony peppercorn), anyone?

Where to eat

Few foods are as comforting as Taiwanese beef noodle soup, so it’s no surprise that Taipei’s best beef noodle eateries draw big crowds. Xiao Wu Beef Noodles — at 45-11 Luoyang Street — manages to be delicious, affordable, and lively without being too busy. Among the usual condiments on each table, you’ll find a tub of butter; regulars say that adding a dab would make the soup even more satisfying.

At two locations on Dihua Street, Tongan Le celebrates the long local history of the Chen clan, serving traditional dishes typical at family gatherings. Mains are constructed around stewed or braised pork, sweet potato, taro, clams, shrimps, and scallops, ensuring something for everyone. Don’t miss the fried pork onion roll: wrapped in caul fat rather than the tofu skin preferred by 21st-century chefs, it’s legitimately old school.

Not far from Dihua Street, the after-dark foodie magnet that is Ningxia Night Market has vendors specialising in sugarcane juice, pork liver soup, and a hundred delectables in between. Brace yourself for crowds.

Where to shop

Taipei has plenty of malls and department stores, but for local character try the shops along Dihua Street and markets such as the flower-vendor and jade-dealer gathering on Jianguo South Road Section 1 every weekend. You don’t have to be an oolong connoisseur to find Wang Tea a fascinatingly historic business.

Where to stay

If the authenticity of Wanhua District appeals to you more than the glitz of Xinyi District — and you want a place geared to the needs of families — you can’t do better than the family-friendly Caesar Metro hotel.

Alternatively, drawing a younger clientele, the chic and well located W Taipei embodies the city’s style and self-confidence. It also boasts a top-notch watering hole, Woobar.

There’s much more to Palais de Chine than its renowned triple Michelin starred restaurant. The hotel blends old-world European opulence with retro-themed Shanghai decor, transporting guests back in time as they step through the hotel’s doors.

Getting around 

Get a stored value EasyCard on arrival so the Taipei Metro can whisk you directly to Lungshan Temple, Taipei 101, or Tamsui. For other attractions, notably the NPM and Wulai, buses are a good last-mile solution. And YouBikes (both conventional and electric-assisted) provide a two-wheeled eco-friendly option for exploring the city.