So that you’ve been to Taipei earlier than. Sure, everybody and their grandma have heard of or have been to Taipei 101, Shilin Night time Market, Ximending, and the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial. However if you happen to suppose you’ve seen all of it, Taipei’s right here to say, “Wait, maintain my bubble tea.”
Taipei is one metropolis we like to preserve visiting time and again as a result of each time we do, we uncover one thing we haven’t seen earlier than. On our most up-to-date journey, we went off the overwhelmed path and dove into Taipei’s quirky underbelly, the place graffiti artwork meets peaceable temples, heart-shaped ponds pop up subsequent to wobbly bridges, and hidden markets are crammed with Michelin-worthy bites.
So if you happen to’re able to unlock a brand new degree of Taipei that’ll make your Instagram followers go, “Wait, the place is that?” — buckle up. Listed here are among the most underrated points of interest within the Taiwanese capital the place you gained’t be dodging selfie sticks and large tour teams.
1. Jian Tan Shan Climbing Path & North Eye Platform
With regards to mountaineering for an superior Taipei view, the go-to vacation spot has all the time been Elephant Mountain. However this isn’t the one one!
Taipei is surrounded by mountains, and when you may have mountains you may have mountaineering trails and lookouts. The Jian Tan Shan Path in Shilin, whereas frequented principally by locals, can also be worthy of a trek. It gives panoramic views of Taipei’s skyline which might be breathtaking —- figuratively and typically actually.
Tucked within the forested slope simply behind the Grand Lodge, the beginning of the path just isn’t that simple to search out. It isn’t as crowded, however a lot of the pathway is paved and staired, so it’s beginner-friendly and also you gained’t fear about getting misplaced. OK, scratch that, spoiler alert: We received misplaced. However solely as a result of it’s punctuated with a number of viewpoints, we didn’t know which was which!
You see, our finish objective was to achieve the so-called North Eye Platform, an commentary deck the place we may catch peeks of iconic buildings on the opposite aspect of the town. However there have been a variety of lookouts, we didn’t know if we have been following the proper signal. We even stumbled upon a quiet shrine that additionally permits unbelievable vistas, so all’s good!
However simply earlier than sunset, we have been capable of finding the white railings of the North Eye Platform, and it was value all the hassle and confusion. They are saying it’s much more beautiful at sundown, however sadly the sky was overcast throughout our go to. The perfect half? Aside from a few locals, we have been the one ones there!
On the way in which down, we additionally made a cease at among the different viewpoints to admire the town lights! Sure, Taipei 101 is seen from among the stops, too, on the opposite aspect.
2. Bishanyan Temple
Taipei has no scarcity of majestic, ornate temples, however one web site has an edge with regards to its setting –- Bishanyan Temple. Hidden within the peaks of the Neihu District, this not only a place of worship but in addition a improbable viewpoint.
Perched on a hillside, Bishanyan Temple gives sweeping views of Taipei, mentioned to be particularly magical at sundown. We visited on a wet, foggy morning, so the solar was absent and the view was thinly shrouded. However we may completely think about how spectacular the view is from right here on common fair-weather days.
View apart, there’s quite a bit to adore on this temple. The structure is wealthy intimately, with dragon-covered columns and complex carvings. You’ll really feel such as you’re in the midst of an historic legend as you wander the grounds. Plus, not like at most metropolis temples, the ambiance right here is serene. Even when vacationers are round, there’s a hush to the place that makes it really feel sacred and peaceable. Seize a spot, take within the metropolis views, and get in contact together with your internal zen.
Not too distant from the temple is Baishihu Suspension Bridge, which swings gently as you cross, supplying you with simply the correct amount of thrill. I’m saying that within the second particular person as a result of it was quickly closed throughout our go to.
Nonetheless, we received to drop by the very Instagrammable star right here: the heart-shaped pond close by. It’s a unusual little function, good for couple pictures or only a distinctive selfie spot.
3. Guandu
Beitou is best-known for its sizzling springs, however there may be much more to on this nook of northern Taipei. One of many locations in Beitou that’s typically ignored by vacationers is Guandu, identified for its wealthy pure magnificence and beautiful riverside surroundings.
It’s the place you’ll discover Guandu Nature Park, a sprawling wetland the place birdwatchers can spot each native and migratory birds. Contained in the customer middle, you’ll discover interactive installations that inform the story of the positioning from being a dump web site to the sanctuary that it’s as we speak. And on the second flooring are large binoculars to observe the wildlife, particularly birds.
However why keep inside when you’ll be able to expertise the outside? There’s a crab-watching walkway, a crescent-shaped pond, and quite a few tree tunnels, with nature-inspired artworks right here and there. You possibly can stroll alongside picket trails and take within the marshy landscapes which might be very calming, contemplating you’re nonetheless inside Taipei.
However that’s simply the beginning! It’s additionally house to Guandu Temple, formally often known as Ling An Temple. It’s a historic gem devoted to Mazu, the goddess of the ocean and protector of sailors and fishermen. One of many oldest in Taiwan, Guandu Temple’s roots may be traced again to 1661. However essentially the most attention-grabbing bit? It was carved into the aspect of a mountain.
Judging from the street by the doorway, we really thought it was fairly small, however after we entered, we have been greeted by a deep, winding cave tunnel, adorned with statues, altars, and stone reliefs, resulting in a small shrine. The expertise provides a extra non secular, virtually otherworldly really feel. And when you make it to the opposite aspect, you’ll discover extra buildings together with a pagoda, a number of halls, and a manicured backyard with unnaturally square-shaped timber. However that’s not the top of it. From right here, you’ll additionally get to take pleasure in a beautiful view of the world.
Should you get hungry, simply throughout the road lies the Guandu Meals Park, the place you’ll be able to seize fast snacks.
And beside it’s Guandu Wharf, subsequent to Tamsui River, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a ship experience or a bicycle experience. It’s very quiet through the day, however from late afternoon till the night, it involves life as meals stalls open and locals start to flock across the space.
4. Taipei EYE Theater
To be trustworthy, I’m unsure if I ought to embody this on this listing as a result of it’s not precisely “off-the-beaten-path”. Whereas not as off-the-radar as, say, an obscure temple or a tiny neighborhood market, it’s undoubtedly much less crowded and extra low-key in comparison with Taipei’s main vacationer hotspots. Many vacationers miss it in favor of larger points of interest.
Taipei EYE is the place to be for a style of conventional opera, acrobatics, and people dance. It’s a showcase of performing arts, with a twist! Typically, literal twist. The present we had the pleasure to see was referred to as Monkey King, based mostly on a Chinese language legend. However we’re getting forward of ourselves right here.
Earlier than the present, we tried a number of free actions accessible on web site, like coloring a conventional masks like a pre-schooler or producing stamp arts like a professional. I spent most of my time ending a masks, whereas Vins was very happy with his paper creations. You could possibly additionally attempt on elaborate costumes, store for souvenirs, and watch the actors do their make up for the present.
And when it’s showtime, we sat again, relaxed, and watched the story unfold. And man was it phenomenal! It was an excellent mix of drama, singing, dancing, and stunts! The actors have been all nice. Video recording isn’t allowed, however pictures with out flash is OK so listed here are some pics.
Don’t fear in case your Mandarin is rusty or non-existent; the drama and expressions say all of it. Plus, there are subtitles in English, Korean, and Japanese, so you actually gained’t get misplaced.
It was so good, I really imagine it deserves extra consideration.
5. Taipei Cinema Park
Taipei’s map is shaded with numerous parks. We’ll be mentioning just a few on this article, however that is maybe essentially the most alive and colourful. This isn’t your common park. Hidden away within the stylish Ximending space, Taipei Cinema Park is a movie-themed complicated with open areas and outside installations, the place native and worldwide avenue artists unleash their creativity. On the middle of it’s this indoor gallery with artworks and pictures that narrate the historical past of the positioning.
But it surely’s additionally a spot the place artwork, city grit, and a splash of weirdness collide. It’s surrounded by graffiti-covered partitions that make you are feeling such as you’ve wandered right into a rebellious teenager’s sketchbook. The park is an open canvas the place native artists exhibit their expertise with vibrant avenue artwork.
We first visited it at evening, and we stumbled upon this nook that appear like it got here from an otaku’s fever dream. The Japanese affect right here is so robust that I even joked that I would see Mt. Fuji from right here. And I child you not, I did see Mt. Fuji right here. It was only a wall portray, however nonetheless.
We additionally noticed Wow Land, a room crammed with claw machines and prizes, from kitschy toys to snacks to drinks. Now, you’ll discover hundreds of claw machines scattered all through the town, however what units this place aside is that it isn’t rigged (or not as rigged because the others). If in case you have the ability, you might really win one thing. Vins and I had a area day right here. Spent simply NT$ 40 (it’s NT$ 10 per recreation) and went house with candies, Milkis drink, and a toy. Not dangerous, not dangerous in any respect. It’s simply so good to not be duped by these machines for a change.
Even if you happen to’re not into claw machines or avenue artwork, the park is a haven for people-watching and impromptu photoshoots. It’s a slice of Taipei’s cool, youthful aspect—unpolished however wildly fascinating.
We visited it once more within the daytime, and we really preferred it higher at evening, so simply go to after sunset.
6. Xinzhongshan Park & Chifeng Avenue
Xinzhongshan Park is a captivating linear park working from Zhongshan Station to Shuanglian Station within the Zhongshan District. It’s a little bit of a neighborhood favourite hidden retreat, particularly for individuals who need a quiet spot to chill out away from Taipei’s busier areas. The park has well-maintained strolling paths, lush timber, and open areas the place you’ll typically discover individuals unwinding, buying, or simply having fun with the peaceable setting. Beneath lies Underground Guide Avenue, good for bookworms on the market.
One of the attention-grabbing options of Xinzhongshan Park is its proximity to Chifeng Avenue and its surrounding blocks, a stylish space identified for its indie boutiques, native cafes, and artistic vibe. However what stole our consideration right here was the Coach Play – sure, that model — a trendy fusion of a café and a retail area. The menu has a collection of coffees, teas, and a few pastries.
However there are a lot of different cafes right here which might be value your buck and time. My favourite spot is R9 Café’s mural that includes numerous espresso lovers!
Collectively, Xinzhongshan Park and Chifeng Avenue provide a mixture of nature, tradition, and creativity—ultimate for anybody eager to discover a lesser-known aspect of Taipei!
Should you get hungry, stroll a bit to Chuan Mu Yuan, a hole-in-the-wall eatery serving Michelin-approved beef pancakes, served like a burrito. It’s probably the greatest dishes we’ve had in Taipei and was completely well worth the stroll.
It was the right combination of candy and savory, and meaty and starchy. Their purple bean pancakes are additionally one thing to write down house about! We additionally had fried rice, beef noodles, and xiao lengthy bao, however it’s actually their pancakes that you need to order.
7. Taipei Expo Park & Maji Sq.
For one thing quirky and colourful, head to Taipei Expo Park, filled with character and enjoyable surprises, making it a enjoyable marriage of artwork, tradition, and meals. Initially the positioning for the 2010 Taipei Worldwide Flora Expo, the park now serves as a year-round hotspot for festivals, markets, and pop-up occasions.
One of many highlights is Maji Sq., a meals court docket subsequent to the park the place meals stalls, artisanal outlets, and outside cafes create a market-like environment. It’s a spot to munch on native and worldwide fare (Indian, Italian, Korean!), purchase quirky souvenirs, and revel in stay music.
On our most up-to-date journey, this wasn’t a part of our unique plan. We have been imagined to go to an outside market nevertheless it was raining and we would have liked a Plan B, and Maji Sq. has a roof above it, so we got here right here as a substitute. And good factor we paid it a go to! We actually loved this space. However our native companion Nelly mentioned it’s particularly enjoyable within the evenings when the lights come on, and the place buzzes with vitality. It’s received a pageant vitality all 12 months spherical, making it good for informal get-togethers.
On the outskirts of the park lies Linji Huguo Temple, a lesser-known cultural treasure in Taipei. It’s a Buddhist temple that isn’t as crowded as Longshan Temple. It’s identified for its elegant, conventional design. One distinctive facet of Linji Huguo is its emphasis on the Linji college of Zen Buddhism, identified for its give attention to internal peace and knowledge. It’s an ideal spot to get a glimpse of Taipei’s non secular aspect.
8. Huashan 1914 Artistic Park
Initially inbuilt 1914 as a sake distillery, the Huashan 1914 Artistic Park is an industrial complicated remodeled right into a cultural and humanities middle. It has a uncooked, industrial look, full with uncovered partitions and open-air courtyards.
But it surely’s not all high-brow artwork right here; Huashan 1914 has loads of cafes, boutique outlets, and design studios scattered across the complicated, so it’s simple to spend an entire afternoon exploring. Whether or not you’re a devoted artwork lover, a espresso connoisseur, or simply somebody trying to escape Taipei’s normal vacationer spots, Huashan 1914 Artistic Park is a inventive playground that has one thing that’ll make you linger. For us, that one thing was ice cream and occasional.
I had a yogurt ice cream that tasted actually pure and do-it-yourself, whereas Vins is simply all the time glad together with his espresso.
9. Dihua Avenue
One of many oldest streets in Taipei, Dihua Avenue is extra just like the cool great-grandma of strolling streets within the metropolis. For the longest time, it was the locals’ go-to spot for tea, dried herbs, and textiles, nevertheless it has someway managed to remain related throughout generations. It’s a pleasant mashup of historical past and hipster, with old-school herbalists side-by-side with modern bookstores and outlets. Suppose apothecaries rubbing shoulders with in style meals spots—the place else are you able to choose up some dried ginseng and scrumptious strawberry mochi and dried squid?
After which there’s the Xiahai Metropolis God Temple, the place hopeful or hopeless romantics make choices to the god of matchmaking. Yep, you learn that proper—this little temple is principally Chinese language Cupid’s Taipei workplace, well-known for bringing like to the lovelorn. Should you’re feeling fortunate (or in determined want of romance), gentle just a few incense sticks and ask for slightly divine intervention in your love life.
Don’t count on a enjoyable, wild get together avenue, until it’s Lunar New Yr. More often than not, it’s very quiet. It’s extra like a reminiscence lane the place you’ll be able to store, snack, and possibly even meet your soulmate—that’s, if the Metropolis God’s feeling beneficiant!
10. Uncrowded Night time Markets
Taipei is thought for its evening markets, particularly its three hottest: Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia. However the metropolis has lots extra that vacationers don’t often go to!
Certainly one of them is Gongguan Night time Market, located near the Nationwide Taiwan College, which suggests (1) most of its common prospects are college students, and (2) the costs are inexpensive! It’s fairly small. Tiny, in comparison with different evening markets, nevertheless it nonetheless has the mouthwatering aromas wafting from numerous meals stalls and the fixed chatter from individuals having fun with scrumptious snacks.
On this market, don’t miss Hsiung Chi Scallion Pancake, a Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee. It’s stationed near the doorway to the market. You gained’t miss it as a result of there’s often a protracted queue snaking towards it. And naturally, we fell in line, too. It moved quick so we have been face-to-face with the flat grill very quickly. There’s an choice so as to add cheese, ham, bacon, and egg. We ordered one plain and one with all our favourite trimmings, and we weren’t disillusioned.
The pancakes have been half gentle, half crispy, and totally scrumptious for its value. No surprise it has garnered a loyal following amongst locals!
One other spot to think about is Shuangcheng Avenue Night time Market, tucked away within the Daan District. It’s additionally very quick and small, however crammed with choices from fruits like custard apples to Japanese pancakes to Taiwanese sausages.
Simply stroll throughout the close by park and also you’ll attain Huang Chi Lu Rou Fan, one other Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, well-known for its signature braised pork rice. It’s all the time filled with prospects, most ready for his or her takeaway bins. They serve pocket-friendly however comforting bowl of rice topped with tender, flavorful fatty pork bits that can have you ever dreaming about it lengthy after you’ve left. Fatty, sure, nevertheless it nonetheless ate clear.
Shuangcheng Avenue Night time Market can also be adjoining Qingguang Market, a buying arcade lined with meals stalls, attire shops, and different trinkets catering principally to locals.
Taipei is bursting on the seams with underrated points of interest simply ready to be found — quirky temples, hidden evening markets, and scenic parks. They will not be as in style, however they provide a great look into Taipei’s native scene with out the touristy fluff. So even if you happen to’ve been to Taipei earlier than, go forward and ebook that flight as a result of within the phrases of 1 international boy band, the perfect is but to come back.
Sure, I do know it’s BTS they usually’re Korean, however I can’t consider something from F4 proper now. 😅
The place to Keep in Taipei
Listed here are among the accommodations we have now tried in Taipei via the years.
Seek for extra Taipei Inns!
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