How to Spend a Day Exploring Taipei City?

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is a sprawling metropolis rich in history, culture and vibrant entertainment. With tons of activities in and around the city, there’s never a shortage of things to do in this wonderous city! So if you’re ever in Taipei city, here’s our guide on how to spend a whole day exploring Taiwan’s capital.

Start the Day with a Delicious Traditional Taiwanese Breakfast

No trip to Taipei is complete without indulging in the deliciousness of Taiwanese cuisine! To start your day, and get your palates primed for the rest of your itinerary, visit Fu Hang Dou Jiang, an iconic breakfast institution since the 1940s. Here, you can tuck into a plate of signature local dishes such as silky taro pudding, mochi-filled shaobing (a type of flatbread), and heavenly chewy youtiao (fried dough sticks).

Visit the National Palace Museum for an Educational Detour

After waking up with a hearty traditional breakfast in the morning, take a detour from all the hustle and bustle and spend some time exploring the National Palace Museum. It houses an impressive collection of ancient Chinese artifacts including jade carvings, paintings, calligraphy and porcelain art, making it one of the world’s largest and most renowned galleries of its kind. With over 700,000 artifacts, the National Palace Museum fascinates tourists with its rich history and intricate artistry that tell the story of Chinese civilization through the ages.

Hit Up Shilin Night Market for Some Good Old Taiwanese Bites

Next, head over to Shilin Night Market for some quintessential Taiwanese eats. Beginning as a small street market in 1932, it has now grown to become one of Taiwan’s most popular and iconic night markets. Here you’ll be greeted by endless rows of local vendors selling an array of eats from bubble milk tea, barbecued squid, deep-fried cuttlefish, grilled cobs of corn, stinky tofu and more. Night market hoppin’ is an activity that drops no jaws when it comes to Taiwanese culture – it provides a glimpse into the social lives of locals and a foodie paradise altogether.

Go Shopping at Ximending – Taipei’s Most Rambunctious Shopping District

After munching away at Shilin Night Market, make a beeline for Ximending. This 500-year-old market is one of the most popular districts in Taipei. From fashion boutiques to book stores, Ximending is crammed with quality items at affordable prices. That said, don’t forget to practice your bargaining skills when shopping here – locals are always willing to haggle for a lower price!

Continue Your Journey of Discovery at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Nestled within CKS Memorial Park is the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall – an imposing national monument honoringTaiwan’s former first president Chiang Kai-shek. Besides its educational significance, this complex also serves as an excellent photographic spot with its Chinese-style gardens and soaring octagonal symmetrical structures. After exploring the grounds and learning more about Taiwan’s history, spend some time in the memorial hall itself which houses a permanent exhibit on President Chiang’s life and presidential museum.

Enjoy a Scenic Sunrise or Sunset at Elephant Mountain

For some fresh air and spectacular views of Taipei cityscape, head over to Elephant Mountain for an impressive summit climb. Located opposite Taipei 101 building, Elephant Mountain is perhaps the city’s most popular hilltop hike. It takes about 30 minutes on foot from MRT Xiangshan Station to reach the top where hikers can then relax and savor sweeping views of downtown Taipei over a picturesque sunrise or sunsets.

Catch a Live Show at a Live House

End your day with some live music at one of Taiwan’s coolest live music venues called live house – which plays host to regular performances by local indie bands ranging from punk rock to blues. Popular live houses in Taipei such as Riverside Live House and The Wall serve up loads of weekly gigs as well as solo artists and comedy shows every now and then – so fun times are guaranteed! We hope this guide has given you some inspiration on how to spend a full day exploring Taipei City! From cultural institutions to traditional cuisine, Taipei has plenty to offer visitors and there is something for everyone. Spend some time navigating around this vibrant city and immerse yourselves in all things Taiwanese!

Insider’s Guide to Exploring Taipei City: A Day of Hidden Gems

Taipei City is a bustling urban hub with a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. While it’s easy to get lost in the crowd of tourists flocking to popular attractions, exploring a city’s lesser-known gems is what sets a memorable experience apart from a mundane one. Whether it’s tasting local delicacies or immersing oneself in Taipei’s art and culture, this insider’s guide has got you covered.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems Only Locals Know About

If you’re looking for a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience, make sure to visit Huashan 1914 Creative Park. This trendy spot showcases vibrant Taiwanese art and music, and also has a jazzy nightlife scene. Another hidden gem is the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, located in an industrial area of Taipei, features a blend of contemporary and traditional architecture, a modern art center, and local artists’ shops. Also, don’t miss the Snake Alley Night Market, a foodie’s delight, with streets lined with restaurants serving up unique delicacies such as snake soup, crispy fried scorpions, and juicy oyster omelets.

Dining Spots: Discovering Local Cuisine

Taipei’s culinary culture is rich and diverse with influences from China, Japan, and other parts of Asia. For the best Taiwanese food experience, head to Yongkang Street. Tucked in alleys and featuring brightly-lit storefronts, this food street abounds with traditional delights such as beef noodles, steamed dumplings, and pork buns. For something different, Lao Zhang Beef Noodles has been serving the best noodles in the city since the 1970s. Taipei is also renowned for its street food, and the Shilin Night Market, with its endless food stalls, is the perfect place to enjoy popular local delicacies such as stinky tofu, fried chicken, and shaved ice.

Cultural Experiences: Immersing in Taipei’s Art and Tradition

One of the unique cultural experiences Taipei has to offer is attending the Dragon Boat Festival, where locals race elaborately decorated long boats to commemorate the life of ancient poet Qu Yuan. You can also get to know the city’s distinctive tea culture by visiting a traditional tea house or museum such as the Wistaria or Lin Family gardens. The city also boasts an exciting art and design scene, and you can visit Taipei Fine Arts Museum or the National Palace Museum to indulge in top-notch contemporary and classic art.

Local History: Captivating Stories From Taipei’s Past

Taipei has a fascinating history that stretches back to the 18th century. One of the oldest and most impressive remnants of the past is Longshan Temple, a historic but ever-pulsing monument to Taiwan’s religious traditions. The Taipei 228 Memorial Museum, located in a former government building, commemorates the deadly crackdown that happened on February 28th, 1947, against pro-democracy activists. You can also visit the Civilian Memorial Park to understand the tragedy of Typhoon Morakot, Taiwan’s deadliest natural disaster that claimed thousands of lives.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Tips

If you’re seeking adventure, head to the Elephant Mountain hiking trail, located on the outskirts of Taipei, for some of the most stunning city views. The Beitou Thermal Valley is also another fascinating attraction, with its steaming hot springs, surrounded by lush green landscapes. For a unique shopping experience, explore one of Taipei’s quirky night markets, such as the Shida or Gongguan Night Markets, where you can buy anything from quirky trinkets to local vintage clothing.

In conclusion, Taipei City boasts an authentic, living culture that is just waiting to be discovered. Taking the road less traveled allows one to connect more deeply with the city while also creating unforgettable memories. Whether it’s exploring hidden gems or indulging in the local cuisine, Taipei has everything to offer, making it a must-visit destination.