Best Things To Do in Taipei

Welcome to the capital of Taiwan where one of the richest cultures in the world awaits you! Its streets are a crossroads of modern life and traditions, where the Chinese and Japanese heritage is palpable. To discover it for yourself, you should lose yourself in its temples and traditional markets.

Hidden treasures such as tea plantations, volcanic mountains, waterfalls and national parks await you in the surrounding area. From stinky tofu (only for the brave) to irresistible Xiao Long Bao, I'd go so far as to say that the food is another highlight. Here's a guide to the must-visits in Taipei.

Asian cities are famous for their temples and in Taiwan there are more than 1,200 of them. In fact, walking around the Wanhua district you can discover the beauty and rich history of Longshan Temple, one of the oldest and most important temples in Taipei. It is mainly used to worship Guanshiyin Buddha, but there are also worship services for about 165 Taoist and Buddhist deities.

It has several levels and is exquisitely decorated with sculptures of mythological figures, high-relief doors and worship halls with traditional lamps. Rituals and religious ceremonies can be seen every day, and it is common to see believers lighting incense or carrying offerings.

There are also purification rituals and the Lion Dance which is reserved for special occasions such as the Chinese New Year or the Festival of Ghosts. In addition, the temple's name translates as "the Mountain Dragon" and many people come here to pray, as it is associated with various miracles. The most famous is the statue of the spirit of Yuelao who grants miracles of love.

If you would like to learn about the history of the temple you can book a guided tour of Taipei. It is a comprehensive experience that allows you to combine the visit with the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial, Grand Hotel and Lin An Tai House Museum.

Taipei is a vibrant and colourful city, and proof of this is Dihua Street, a shopping street that has been active since the 19th century. Along the street you'll find shops decorated with red lanterns, banners and colourful signs selling traditional Taiwanese products such as herbal medicines, souvenirs and knick-knacks.

Here you will see Taipei's most beautiful and picturesque teahouses, as well as a variety of street stalls that fill the air with enticing aromas. The most popular dish here is Zongzi (glutinous rice bags), although there are a variety of fried snacks on offer.

As night falls, you can meander through the dimly lit shops and enjoy the cosy, enigmatic atmosphere. In some corners, cultural rituals are performed in honour of the ancestors, permeating the atmosphere with incense and offerings. During the Lunar New Year, everything becomes even more vibrant, turning the street into a place full of cultural activities and traditional decorations.

Its colonial buildings will transport you back to the 1850s and you can see wonders such as the Xiahai Chenghuang Temple. If you would like to discover the secrets of this street with a professional guide, I invite you to book a private tour of Taipei. This type of experience is often customisable and allows you to take advantage of other tourist attractions.

Oriental cuisine, especially that of Taipei, is very appealing for its fusion of Japanese, Chinese and local elements. Seafood and high-quality produce predominate, so you can expect colourful and flavourful dishes. Most recipes are steamed, stir-fried, stir-fried or marinated in sweet and sour dressings and this adds a special flavour to each preparation.

Booking a food tour in Taipei is a great way to visit the best places with a tour guide and take part in a fairly comprehensive tasting. You can stop by:

• Dongmen Market, considered a traditional food stop in the city.
• Tamsui Zhongzheng Market, the best place to try sushi and fish balls.

Eating is undoubtedly one of the best things about travelling and in Taipei you are in for an amazing gastronomic experience, the only condition is to let yourself be surprised!

Cycling through the streets of Taipei is an activity not to be missed. You'll find a tourist-friendly city, well signposted and with bike lanes to get around comfortably.

If you plan to visit Ximending, I recommend booking a bike tour of Taipei, as it is the most chaotic district, hence why it is known as the Harajuku of the capital. You'll find it's easier to cycle to avoid the traffic and crowds, and it's most enjoyable when someone explains the context behind each stop. This neighbourhood is a shopper's paradise with international brands, pop culture spaces, graffiti streets and street performances awaiting you.

Bopiliao is close to Ximending, allowing you to combine a visit to both neighbourhoods. Traditional architecture predominates here and it is common to find buildings from the Japanese colonial period.

If you continue cycling, you can lose yourself among Taipei's traditional markets and visit monuments such as the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial and Longshan Temple. Of course, there are recommended scenic adventure trails to take in every extreme, from Daan Park to the Tamsui River.

If there's one place to learn how to cook, it's definitely Taipei, where the cuisine delights visitors. You don't need any experience, as Taiwanese hospitality will welcome you in a cosy room, where a chef will explain you step by step. There are different proposals, but most people take the opportunity to book a Xiao Long Bao class.

Xiao Long Bao is a variation of Chinese steamed dumplings, which originated in Shanghai during the 19th century. It differs in that the dough is thinner, has vegetarian and seafood variants, as well as a juicy jelly-based filling.

Get hands-on with the dough and perfect your dumpling shaping skills. You'll also learn how to prepare the delicious filling and how to use a bamboo steamer.

Of course, you can't miss the secrets of Taiwanese-style cucumber salad, whose distinct flavour comes from being mashed and prepared in a sweet and sour sauce. To sweeten the palate, you will prepare the famous bubble tea, which is drunk cold with milk, ice and small tapioca pearls. The best thing about this experience is that at the end you will eat all the preparations made by your own hands.

If you want to experience Taipei from above, make sure you set aside time to visit Taipei 101 This iconic skyscraper offers two breathtaking panoramic observation decks. On the 89th floor, an indoor observation deck awaits you with large windows offering spectacular views of the city. But if you dare to brave the vertigo, head to the 91st floor, where you can walk on an open-air platform and enjoy 360° views at a height of 400 metres.

It was the tallest building in the world between 2004 and 2007 and is famous for its earthquake protection system. Specifically, it works with a mass damper between the 87th and 92nd floors, which in case of winds or earthquakes, swings back and forth to secure the structure. From the observatory you can appreciate it better and learn about its history in detail, although its peculiar accordion shape does not go unnoticed when walking through the streets of Taipei.

You don't have to worry about vertigo or climbing stairs! The building has a lift that will take you up to the 89th floor in just 37 seconds. Also, if you're looking for fine dining or shopping, take advantage of the unmissable shopping mall with luxury options on the lower floors.

Another memorable visit is the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, dedicated to the memory of former Chinese President Chiang Kai-Shek. If you are looking for abundance and good fortune, this hall is where you can recharge your batteries, as its blue octagonal roof is believed to provide blessings to the building and those who visit it.

Be prepared to climb 89 steps representing the age of the president before he died, although it seems like a lot, I assure you it's worth it. The main attraction is the changing of the guard which takes place every hour from 9am to 5pm. Previously, it took place inside the hall and included a bow to the sculpture of Chiang Kai-shek.

However, following a law banning the cult of authority and personality worship, it was moved to Democracy Boulevard in front of the building. Be sure to arrive early to get a good seat and take precautions during the summer, as the performances under the sun can be exhausting.

During the ceremony you can watch the guards in their official uniforms and admire the solemn atmosphere as they rotate their positions. Pay attention to their choreographed movements and the laying down of arms. Inside you can also visit its cultural venues including the National Theatre and the National Concert Hall.

In Taipei you must try stinky tofu, the famous stinky tofu that is considered a snack only for the brave. It is fermented in brine for months, giving it a particular smell that resembles dirty socks. It sounds scary, but I promise you that in comparison the taste is quite light and pleasant, with a crunchy and provocative texture. It is somewhat popular, especially at night markets such as:

• Shilin Night Market, is the most popular for indulging in street food, the stars being dumplings and stinky tofu. Here every stall competes to offer the best prices and the stinkiest tofu.
• Raohe Night Market is the place to try curious snacks such as snake meat and pancake soup!
• Ningxia Night Market is in the heart of Taipei and is noted for its bustling, colourful atmosphere and stalls offering oyster pancakes, taro cake and pork shank rice.

For a thrilling and intense ride, take the Maokong Cable Car or Taipei Gondola. This circuit connects the city with the mountains and as you ascend, the panoramic views become more impressive. The total distance is 4 kilometres and usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes to complete. It has two intermediate stops linking to the south of the zoo and Zhinan Temple.

You can hop on or off at any of the available stations and even take advantage of a hiking trail. If you like lush greenery and such a plan, you could also visit Elephant Mountain. It's not connected by cable car, but it's easy to get to from Xiangshan MRT station. It's worth it for a low-key ride to see Taipei 101 from above.

While Taipei's bustling areas are unforgettable, it's also worth exploring the wilder side of the capital. In the north lies the old mining town of Chiufen, which invites you to lose yourself in alleyways and teahouses.

Here you should make the most of a visit to the Yehliu Geological Park, which delights with ocean views and rock formations that are quite striking up close. Can you imagine seeing a city built on a railway? In the north it's possible to wander around Shifen and discover its past, when it was the starting point for the country's minerals. You are also welcome at the Shifen Waterfall, which is known as the Niagara Falls of Taiwan because of its impressive waterfall.

If I were you, I'd take the opportunity to book a guided tour north of Taipei so you don't have to worry about organisation or transfers. If you book the experience in advance, you may be offered the choice of adding a visit to Yehliu, Houtong or Yangmingshan National Park.

In addition to the north of the city, there are other wonderful getaways that put you in touch with the capital's diversity. From volcanoes to coastal areas, the fun seems endless - let me tell you more!

Yangmingshan Volcano Tour

When booking a trip to Yangmingshan Volcano you'll probably start at the Xiaoyoukeng Viewpoint that overlooks the city at 805 metres above sea level, as well as the powerful fumaroles surrounding the mountains and Menghuan Lake.

Of course, you'll hike between volcanic mountains and be treated to hot springs that emanate a pronounced smell of sulphur. In addition, you will pass through the Qingtiangang circular route which is ideal for low-intensity hiking. The bravest hikers climb Taiwan's highest peak, known as the Mount of Seven Stars, where there is a dormant volcano.

Keelung Coastal Excursion

If you'd like to get a breath of fresh air, you might consider booking a trip to the Keelung Coast- welcome to the Rainy City! It has this nickname because it is very common to coincide with rainy days due to the high rainfall in the area. For swimming and snorkelling, the famous Dawulun Beach and a stroll along the colourful Zhengbin Harbor await.

Such experiences often take a detour to visit some of Taipei's inland attractions such as Dihua Street and the National Palace Museum which houses 5,000 years of history. Other stops include Yongkang Food Street, where tourists stop for sweet potato or shallot pancakes.

And if you'd like to see the Taipei Martyrs' Shrine, this might be your chance. It sits atop a hill and is a testament to the architecture of the Ming dynasty. Or why not head to Bao'An Temple, which stands out for its spectacular red pagoda.

Tea culture is in Taipei's DNA and if you'd like to discover its secrets, you must visit the Pinglin plantations, a tea-growing region par excellence. To get there you need to take the bus from MRT Muzha station, the trip will take about 30 minutes.

Oolong tea is produced here and interesting anecdotes await you during the tour, narrated by a local who is an expert in the field. Surrounded by the mountains, you can participate in the cultivation process as well as pick tea leaves and learn how to brew it.

The experience is usually accompanied by delicious desserts made from this local ingredient, such as tea rice cakes and tea oil noodles.