Taipei, Taiwan: An Underrated Melting Pot

Slurp up a bowl of beef noodle soup, ride to the top of an iconic skyscraper for panoramic views, and admire temple architecture overflowing with whimsical motifs in the capital of Taiwan. Taipei invites travelers to discover its diverse intersection of East Asian cultures, traditions, and cuisines. The welcoming atmosphere jolts the senses with neon arcades full of claw machines, exotic bites, and bustling shopping districts.

Brad and I spent a week in Taipei as a sort of extended stopover before landing in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We took it easy most days to gradually adjust to the disruptive jet lag. Fortunately, the main attractions and tantalizing night markets were easy to reach with the affordable and efficient metro system. Below I cover our favorite highlights, restaurants, and day trip to Jiufen to help you organize a memorable itinerary. Just be sure to kick off each morning with a creamy bubble tea full of chewy tapioca pearls!

Ximending

Trendy clothing stores, street performers, souvenir shops, and eye-catching billboards make up the heart of the Ximending neighborhood. Tourists and locals mingle in this crowded area reminiscent of Times Square in New York City. Take a picture on the Rainbow Six Crossing, belt your favorite tune at a karaoke bar, or hit up the glowing pedestrian zone at night to crank up the energy!

Check out America Street for funky graffiti and creative murals before indulging in a crispy milk donut at the corner stand next to Shinjuku Plaza. Built in 1908, the Red House is an octagonal brick landmark with boutiques and rotating exhibits. The surrounding exterior transforms into a lively LGBTQ+ hangout in the evening with several bars and music venues. Taipei has a progressive outlook, values inclusivity, and ranks as one of the safest cities in the world. Feel free to come as you are!

Dihua Street

Browse tables stacked with dried seafood, mushrooms, teas, fruits, and vegetables as you wander along Dihua Street. Chinese Zodiac amulets, medicinal herbs, fabrics, housewares, and incense sticks also line the covered sidewalks. The oldest street in Taipei has façades with Japanese, Chinese, and European architectural elements dating back to the 1850s. Keep an eye out for family crests and symbols of good fortune on the decorative parapets.

Taipei 101

Marvel at the expansive city below from the 89th floor of Taipei 101! Opening hours are every day, 11:00 AM-9:30 PM, and tickets cost $19 USD per person. Your ears may pop on the world's third-fastest elevator as you ascend at a top speed of 60.6 kmph (37.7 mph). Engineers constructed a 660 metric ton yellow tuned mass damper to offset strong typhoon winds. After you soak up the skyline, head downstairs to eat the famous pork xiao long bao (soup dumplings) with shredded ginger and black vinegar at Din Tai Fung.

Work off your tiny morsels with a steep hike up Xiangshan Trail to see Taipei 101 from a different perspective. The exterior design resembles a green pagoda or bamboo stalk with eight modules, a number that represents success and growth in Chinese culture. The skyscraper combines ancient symbolism, such as silver ruyi talismans on the sides, with its postmodernist architectural style.

Lungshan Temple

A mesmerizing blend of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian religious art seems to cover every inch of Lungshan Temple. Originally constructed in 1738, the most famous temple in Taipei had to undergo major renovations over the years due to earthquakes, fires, and a World War II bombing raid. The traditional design features hanging lanterns, concrete pillars with animated figures, upward sloping roofs with glazed ceramic tiles, and spectacular gilded ornamentation.

Pass through the Dragon Gate by stepping over the raised threshold to reach the main shrine dedicated to Guanyin, the goddess of mercy. Many worshippers give offerings, including orchids and fruits, before prayers. Jiaobei (red wooden moon blocks) are often used in pairs and thrown on the ground to seek divine answers to yes/no questions. Opening hours are every day, 6:00 AM-10:00 PM.

Daan Forest Park

Take a break from the hustle and bustle with a stroll in Daan Forest Park. Bring some Taiwanese snacks from 7-Eleven and enjoy a relaxing picnic beneath the blooming trees. Brad and I decided to make the most of an early morning with a bit of birdwatching. The park is a prime spot in Taipei to find the Taiwan Barbet, an endemic bright green bird with a face full of primary colors. We also observed a Swinhoe's White-eye, Eurasian Moorhen, Light-vented Bulbul, Oriental Magpie-Robin, and Gray Wagtail.

Yongkang Street

One of the best places to eat, drink, and look for unique souvenirs is along Yongkang Street. Bright signs, cute displays, massage parlors, cozy cafés, and takeout restaurants line the main road and side streets. I highly recommend visiting at night with a group food tour via GetYourGuide. We tried several Taiwanese staples including pineapple cake, crispy tofu on a stick, pork/bamboo buns, and scallion pancakes with basil at Tian Jin. Learning the ropes with a friendly local helped us navigate the busy night markets with more confidence!

National Palace Museum

A permanent collection of roughly 700,000 artifacts spanning 8,000 years of Chinese history awaits at the National Palace Museum. The impressive skill and beauty of these treasures is truly remarkable! Visitors can behold intricate bronze metalwork, colorful ceramics, exquisite calligraphy, rare books, and stunning jade carvings. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see the famous Jadeite Cabbage since it was overseas at the time.

Initially, the collection was moved around China to prevent the Imperial Japanese Army from obtaining it. After World War II, several institutions decided to ship crates of precious items to Taiwan for safekeeping as the Chinese Civil War intensified. Due to the current and controversial political status of Taiwan, the museum doesn't conduct exhibitions in China. Only countries with laws to protect against judicial seizure, such as the United States, are granted temporary possession.

Night Markets

Taipei is a food paradise with scrumptious bites at every turn! Make your way over to the Raohe Night Market for pork pepper buns, fried chicken, sugar-glazed strawberries, cold noodles, and sheng jian bao (fried buns). The Shilin Night Market is the largest in the city with over 500 vendor stalls. Brad and I were somewhat intimidated to order certain things because Taiwanese cuisine has a nose-to-tail and beak-to-feet culinary philosophy. We weren’t brave enough to try stinky tofu, simmered intestines, or chicken butt on a stick!

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Political history takes center stage at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a national monument honoring the late leader of Taiwan. After the Chinese Civil War, Chiang Kai-shek established the Republic of China government in Taipei. Even though his economic reforms led to future prosperity, he imposed martial law to suspend civil liberties, make arrests, and carry out executions. His controversial legacy continues to divide public opinion today, especially between older and younger generations. Don't miss the changing of the guard, which happens every hour on the hour from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Jiufen

The small mountain town of Jiufen is an easy day trip full of picturesque tea houses, narrow alleyways, kitschy souvenirs, sea views, hiking trails, and glowing lanterns. Hop on public bus #965 at the Ximen station for a direct route from Taipei. Unfortunately, Brad and I felt overwhelmed by the crowds along Jishan Street. We sipped comforting hot oolong tea and shared a delicious matcha tiramisu at Siidcha to escape the chaos for a while. I highly recommend visiting in the morning for a more peaceful experience!

Final Thoughts

This metropolis packs a punch with its cultural mix of history, spirituality, and modernity. Traditional storefronts merge with sparkling skyscrapers, humble night market stalls hold Michelin stars, and locals embrace technology while appreciating their layered heritage. Previously overlooked, Taipei is spiking more interest with travelers who desire to explore beyond typical East Asian destinations. Whether you come for the fusion of flavors or vibrant sights, Taipei's under-the-radar appeal will pass the vibe check!