Ariel & Tyler
Things To Do
Taipei 101
From its grand opening New Years Eve 2004 until construction was finished on the Burj Khalifa in 2010, Taipei 101 was the world's tallest building. From the observation floors (88, 89, 91) you get the best view of the city and surrounding mountains. If heights aren't your thing, it's still worth your while to see the massive gyroscope that keeps the tower stable during Taiwan's many earthquakes. Furthermore, Taipei 101 is in the heart of Taipei's shopping and nightlife district, Xinyi district, surrounded by Taipei's best malls, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Tickets for the observation floors start at $18.
Breeze Nan Shan
Breeze Nan Shan is a combination of Taiwan's largest shopping mall, second largest skyscraper, and a massive indoor entertainment district. Located next to Taipei 101 in the chic Xinyi district, this is a must-see spot during the day if shopping is on your list, and a must-see at night if you're looking for Taipei nightlife.
ATT 4 FUN Xinyi Store
Last but not least for Xinyi district is ATT 4 Fun. This is THE nightclub and entertainment location in Taipei's Xinyi district. ATT 4 Fun is 10 floors and a rooftop entirely dedicated to bars and clubs. All districts offer their own bar and restaurant scene, but Xinyi, and especially ATT 4 Fun, is where the most popular and trendy bars and nightclubs are.
Linjiang Street Night Market
Night market culture is huge in Taiwan. Think county fairs, but much busier, denser, and more food-centric. There are fun little shops and fair games, but the main draw is food. If you visit a night market, BRING CASH. Linjiang Street Night Market (also known as Tonghua Street Night Market) is the closest night market to the venue hotel, about a 10 minute walk. Linjiang Street Night Market boasts over 200 stalls, four of which have earned Michelin Bib Gourmand awards, and is open every day from 6PM to 2AM.
Shida Night Market
Shida night market is a bit further away than Linjiang, but is certainly worth the trek. Named after the nearby Taiwan Normal University, this night market has deep history and has remained one of the trendiest night markets in Taipei due to the consistent college student clientele. Shida night market is open every day from 4PM to 11PM
TOOLS To LIVEBY
Stationary stores may seem like a mundane use of your travel time, but I assure you in Taiwan it's quite the contrary. There are multiple, massive stationary stores with an amazing selection of stationary, pens, books, etc. Tools to Liveby is not one of those massive stores. Located only a 4 minute walk from the venue hotel, Tools to Liveby is an unassuming looking stone slab of a store from the outside, but inside it is a perfect combination or warm, cozy, and chic. The owner speaks perfect English and is always willing to assist, or just leave you alone and let you settle into their beautiful reading room.
Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain)
A lot of foreigners travel to Taiwan not for the mega city atmosphere, but for the nature. Xiangshan is a thickly forested, large mountain that cuts deep into the southeast quadrant of Taipei city. The mountain has well developed trails and multiple stations for breathtaking views of the city. The start of the trail is a 15 minute drive from the venue hotel. Check the weather ahead of time as June is the monsoon season in Taiwan and due to the verticality of the hike, you don't want to be heading back in a downpour. We highly suggest timing your hike during sunset as the viewing stations face west into the city.
MaoKong
In a similar theme of getting out of the city and into nature, we cannot recommend MaoKong enough. High up in the mountains south of Taipei, MaoKong is a city locked in time, comprised of Taiwanese oldest still operating tea houses. To get to MaoKong, you take a glass-bottom cable car ride which gives you not only one of the best views of Taipei, but also a tour of the ancient tea fields which utilize the high altitude and temperate climate to produce some of the best oolong tea in the world. The station for the cable cars is a 20 minute drive from the venue hotel. Make a day of it, eat some old-style Taiwanese bites, and bring a haul of tea back with you.
Beitou Hot Springs
Beitou District (北投區) is a bit further than the other spots on our list, but offers a entirely different experience. Beitou is famous for its wide expanse of natural hot springs and the district is almost entirely dedicated to spa services around these springs. There are multiple beautiful resorts for an overnight or single day trip, and countless hot pot restaurants and izakayas to match the laid back vibe that a day at the spa offers. Beitou is a 25 minute drive, or 45 minute metro from the venue hotel.