History is tightly woven into the Taiwanese capital, a place where you’re never far from mouth-watering food, ancient traditions, and green spaces to enjoy
We have put together a three-day itinerary so that you don’t miss the best that Taipei has to offer, from its historic neighborhoods with an eclectic mix of influences to a Michelin-recommended street-food scene.
Day 1: Enjoy Hot Springs and a Museum
10 A.M.
Take a dip in a bathhouse. The mountainous district of Beitou is dotted with hot springs and locals refer to the experience as “steeping in soup,” a nod to how the hot, swirling waters envelop bathers like a rich, simmering broth.
12 P.M.
A winding, sulfuric spring weaves through the landscape at Thermal Valley, which is veiled in steam, and a raised wooden footpath guides visitors. Have lunch at Minhan Beitou, a sleek sukiyaki restaurant with a jet-black interior and produce from local farms. Ingredients are simmered tableside in a sweet soy-based broth.
3 P.M.
With paintings, ceramics, jades, bronzes, calligraphy, and rare books, the National Palace Museum has one of the largest collections of Chinese relics in the world, offering an insight into Taiwan’s historic links with China. Most people come to look at the cabbage-shaped jade and pork belly carved out of stone, but there is so much more to discover.
7 P.M.
Wander around Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, a former tobacco factory-turned-shopping destination with pop-up art galleries, flanked by a bucolic community garden. Le Duet Modern Kaiseki offers an artistic progression of Japanese-style bites with flavors inspired and sourced from the subtropical abundance of Taiwan. Try the delicate sashimi, elevated with the zesty bite of indigenous prickly ash and desserts infused with local oolong tea.
DAY 2: Explore Residential Neighborhoods
The National Palace Museum has one of the largest collections of Chinese relics in the world
10 A.M.
Scallion pancakes are a common staple throughout Taipei, but the ones at Tian Jin Onion Pancake on Yongkang Street command daily lines. Folded like a taco, the pancake is stuffed with a choice of fragrant Taiwanese basil, cheese, or ham. A drizzle of thick, sweet soy paste ties it all together.
12 P.M.
The nation specializes in elegant oolongs, a semi-fermented tea with flavor profiles from bright and flowery to deep and milky. At the Stop By Teahouse, the owner is always eager to share his passion for tea and guide you through each flavor profile. His hospitality and array of eclectic teapots makes it feel like you’ve stumbled across someone’s personal tea collection in their home.
3 P.M.
Head to the largest green space in Taipei, Daan Forest Park, to spot Taipei wildlife making a home in the city, such as the vibrant Taiwan blue magpie or the plump Mikado pheasant. There’s an outdoor amphitheater with regular performances by the local symphony orchestra. Then make your way to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, a striking landmark known for its grand blue-tiled roof and towering white walls. Inside the main hall, watch the changing of the guard ceremony, every hour until 5 p.m.
7 P.M.
Rechao in Mandarin translates to “hot stir-fry” and Baxian Grill is a rechao specialist, a unique genre of restaurant, where family-style dishes are whipped up on a large wok and diners sit with an icy lager in hand.
DAY 3: Immerse Yourself in History
10 A.M.
Taipei’s oldest neighborhood of Dadaocheng is a charming blend of history and modernity with a mix of Baroque-style architecture and ornate vermilion temples. Traditional tea shops sit next to hip cocktail bars and herbal pharmacies are alongside bubble-tea stands. Don’t miss Xiahai City God Temple, packed with local Taoist folk deities, where young singles pray for true love.
12 P.M.
Yongle Fabric Market is an old-school gem and one of the few places left in Taipei where you can have custom garments crafted by local tailors. This century-old market is packed with rolls of fabric in every color, texture, and print. Stop for lunch at Mukuchi Kitchen, a vegan ramen specialist.
3 P.M.
Dadaocheng Pier Plaza hugs the Tamsui river, a major artery that flows through Taipei. Rent a bike and cycle along the riverside paths.
7 P.M.
Stroll the food stalls of the bustling Ningxia Night Market to work up an appetite, where many of the businesses are owned by second-generation proprietors. Enjoy an exquisite dinner at Ad Astra, a one-Michelin-Star restaurant that serves a tasting menu utilizing hyperlocal ingredients. End the night at Kavalan Whisky Bar, where you can savor award-winning whiskies crafted in Taiwan.