Gretchen & Adam
Travel to Taiwan
Taipei 101 Shopping center
The Taipei 101 is a 508-meter-tall, 101-story skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan. It was the world's tallest building from its completion in 2004 until 2010, when it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Taipei 101 is a mixed-use building that houses offices, shopping malls, and a hotel. It is also a popular tourist destination, with observation decks on the 88th and 89th floors offering stunning views of the city.
Elephant Mountain trailhead
Go on a hiking trail and enjoy the city skyline.
Din Tai Fung 101
Din Tai Fung is a world-renowned Taiwanese restaurant chain specializing in soup dumplings (xiaolongbao). Founded in Taipei in 1958 as a cooking oil business, it transitioned to selling steamed dumplings and quickly gained popularity. Known for its meticulously crafted dumplings with delicate skins and flavorful fillings, Din Tai Fung has expanded globally, earning Michelin stars and attracting long queues of eager diners. It's a must-try for anyone visiting Taiwan seeking authentic and delicious Taiwanese cuisine.
Zhongshan, Taipei’s Trendiest Neighbourhood
Taipei’s trendiest district and hipster hangout, Zhongshan is the Taipei neighbourhood for cool cafes, boutique shops and second-hand stores. Every side street in Zhongshan is packed with hole in the wall bars or a treasure trove of thrift stores. At the weekends, thousands of trendsetters and ‘cool kids’ visit the flea markets or pop-up festivals along Zhongshan Linear Park.
Lungshan Temple
Lungshan Temple, located in Taipei's Wanhua District, is a historic and culturally significant temple built in 1738. It's a beautiful example of traditional Taiwanese architecture, showcasing intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and ornate details. Dedicated to a mix of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian deities, including Guanyin (the Bodhisattva of Mercy), it serves as an active place of worship and a community center. Lungshan Temple offers visitors a glimpse into Taiwan's rich religious heritage and is a must-see for those interested in history, architecture, and local culture.
National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum in Taipei houses one of the world's most impressive collections of Chinese art and artifacts, spanning over 5,000 years of Chinese history. This vast collection, originally housed in the Forbidden City in Beijing, was moved to Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War. The museum's holdings encompass paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, bronzes, jades, and rare books, offering invaluable insights into Chinese culture, art, and history. A visit to the National Palace Museum is essential for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of China's rich heritage.
Beitou Hot Spring Museum
This museum is housed in public hot spring bath built during the Japanese colonial era. The Tudor-style building has a brick and wood façade and black tile roof set picturesquely in the surrounding greenery. The building had fallen into a deep state of disrepair when local preservationists saved it from demolition. This is a good spot to learn about Beitou's rich hot spring culture and history.
JiuFen
Jiufen, nestled in the mountains of northeastern Taiwan, is a charming former gold mining town known for its narrow alleyways, teahouses, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Its winding streets are lined with traditional red lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere, especially at night. Jiufen's unique architecture and scenic beauty have made it a popular tourist destination, often drawing comparisons to the Ghibli film "Spirited Away," though the connection is largely based on visual similarities rather than official confirmation. Visitors can explore the historic streets, sample local snacks like taro balls and peanut brittle, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas.
Night Markets in Taipei
A trip to Taiwan is not complete without visiting its famed night markets. Put on your comfortable walking shoes and clothes, and be sure to bring some cash and loose change as it is still the most convenient way to pay at the night markets. Now, get ready to indulge in delectable street food, win prizes at game stalls, shop affordable knick-knacks and memorabilia, and experience vibrant local vibes. Click and check out the top night markets in Taipei.
Bubble Tea
Bubble tea is a Taiwanese tea-based drink invented in Taichung in the 1980s. It typically consists of black tea, milk, ice, and chewy tapioca pearls, but many variations exist with different types of tea, milk, and toppings. Taiwan offers a vast variety of bubble tea drinks, many of which are not offered in Canada, so be sure to head to a bubble tea place and explore their menus.
Massages in Taipei
Taipei offers a diverse range of massage experiences, from traditional Taiwanese foot massages to luxurious spa treatments. Foot massages are particularly popular and affordable, with many shops offering reflexology and pressure point techniques to relieve tension and improve circulation. For those seeking full-body relaxation, numerous spas provide various options, including Swedish, Thai, and aromatherapy massages. Whether you're looking for a quick foot rub after a day of exploring or a more indulgent spa experience, Taipei has something to cater to every need and budget.