So that you simply’ve been to Taipei sooner than. Positive, all people and their grandma have heard of or have been to Taipei 101, Shilin Night time time Market, Ximending, and the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial. Nevertheless if you happen to occur to imagine you’ve seen all of it, Taipei’s proper right here to say, “Wait, preserve my bubble tea.”

Taipei is one metropolis we prefer to protect visiting many instances on account of every time we do, we uncover one factor we haven’t seen sooner than. On our most modern journey, we went off the overwhelmed path and dove into Taipei’s quirky underbelly, the place graffiti art work meets peaceful temples, heart-shaped ponds pop up subsequent to wobbly bridges, and hidden markets are full of Michelin-worthy bites.

So if you happen to occur to’re capable of unlock a model new diploma of Taipei that’ll make your Instagram followers go, “Wait, the place is that?” — buckle up. Listed below are a lot of essentially the most underrated factors of curiosity throughout the Taiwanese capital the place you gained’t be dodging selfie sticks and large tour groups.

1. Jian Tan Shan Mountaineering Path & North Eye Platform

Regarding mountaineering for an superior Taipei view, the go-to trip spot has on a regular basis been Elephant Mountain. Nevertheless this is not the one one!

Taipei is surrounded by mountains, and once you’ve received mountains you’ve got received mountaineering trails and lookouts. The Jian Tan Shan Path in Shilin, whereas frequented largely by locals, could be worthy of a trek. It presents panoramic views of Taipei’s skyline that are breathtaking —- figuratively and usually truly.

Tucked throughout the forested slope merely behind the Grand Resort, the start of the trail is not going to be that easy to look out. It is not as crowded, nevertheless numerous the pathway is paved and staired, so it’s beginner-friendly and in addition you gained’t concern about getting misplaced. OK, scratch that, spoiler alert: We purchased misplaced. Nevertheless solely on account of it’s punctuated with a lot of viewpoints, we didn’t know which was which!

You see, our end goal was to reach the so-called North Eye Platform, an commentary deck the place we might catch peeks of iconic buildings on the other facet of the city. Nevertheless there have been a lot of lookouts, we didn’t know if we had been following the precise sign. We even stumbled upon a quiet shrine that moreover permits unimaginable vistas, so all’s good!

Nevertheless merely sooner than sundown, we had been able to find the white railings of the North Eye Platform, and it was worth all the difficulty and confusion. They’re saying it’s rather more stunning at sunset, nevertheless sadly the sky was overcast all through our go to. The simplest half? Apart from a couple of locals, we had been the one ones there!

On the best way during which down, we moreover made a stop at a lot of the totally different viewpoints to admire the city lights! Positive, Taipei 101 is seen from a lot of the stops, too, on the other facet.

2. Bishanyan Temple

Taipei has no shortage of majestic, ornate temples, nevertheless one web site has an edge as regards to its setting –- Bishanyan Temple. Hidden throughout the peaks of the Neihu District, this not solely a spot of worship however moreover a implausible viewpoint.

Perched on a hillside, Bishanyan Temple presents sweeping views of Taipei, acknowledged to be significantly magical at sunset. We visited on a moist, foggy morning, so the photo voltaic was absent and the view was thinly shrouded. Nevertheless we might utterly take into consideration how spectacular the view is from proper right here on widespread fair-weather days.

View aside, there’s heaps to adore on this temple. The construction is rich intimately, with dragon-covered columns and sophisticated carvings. You’ll actually really feel resembling you’re in the midst of an historic legend as you wander the grounds. Plus, not like at most metropolis temples, the ambiance proper right here is serene. Even when vacationers are spherical, there’s a hush to the place that makes it actually really feel sacred and peaceful. Seize a spot, take throughout the metropolis views, and get in touch collectively together with your inside zen.

Not too distant from the temple is Baishihu Suspension Bridge, which swings gently as you cross, supplying you with merely the right amount of thrill. I’m saying that throughout the second explicit individual on account of it was briefly closed all through our go to.

Nonetheless, we purchased to drop by the very Instagrammable star proper right here: the heart-shaped pond shut by. It’s a weird little perform, good for couple images or solely a particular selfie spot.

3. Guandu

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Beitou is best-known for its scorching springs, nevertheless there’s rather more to on this nook of northern Taipei. One in all many areas in Beitou that is often ignored by vacationers is Guandu, recognized for its rich pure magnificence and delightful riverside environment.

It’s the place you’ll uncover Guandu Nature Park, a sprawling wetland the place birdwatchers can spot every native and migratory birds. Contained within the buyer center, you’ll uncover interactive installations that inform the story of the positioning from being a dump web site to the sanctuary that it is within the current day. And on the second floor are massive binoculars to have a look at the wildlife, significantly birds.

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Nevertheless why preserve inside once you presumably can experience the skin? There is a crab-watching walkway, a crescent-shaped pond, and fairly a couple of tree tunnels, with nature-inspired artworks proper right here and there. You can stroll alongside picket trails and take throughout the marshy landscapes that are very calming, considering you’re nonetheless inside Taipei.

Nevertheless that’s merely the start! It’s moreover home to Guandu Temple, formally known as Ling An Temple. It is a historic gem dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the ocean and protector of sailors and fishermen. One in all many oldest in Taiwan, Guandu Temple’s roots might be traced once more to 1661. Nevertheless primarily essentially the most attention-grabbing bit? It was carved into the facet of a mountain.

Judging from the road by the doorway, we actually thought it was pretty small, nevertheless after we entered, we had been greeted by a deep, winding cave tunnel, adorned with statues, altars, and stone reliefs, leading to a small shrine. The experience affords a additional spiritual, almost otherworldly actually really feel. And once you make it to the other facet, you’ll uncover additional buildings along with a pagoda, a lot of halls, and a manicured yard with unnaturally square-shaped timber. Nevertheless that’s not the tip of it. From proper right here, you’ll moreover get to take pleasure in a ravishing view of the world.

In case you get hungry, merely all through the street lies the Guandu Meals Park, the place you presumably can seize quick snacks.

And beside it is Guandu Wharf, subsequent to Tamsui River, the place you presumably can take pleasure in a ship journey or a bicycle journey. It’s very quiet by means of the day, nevertheless from late afternoon until the night time, it includes life as meals stalls open and locals begin to flock throughout the area.

4. Taipei EYE Theater

To be reliable, I’m undecided if I should embrace this on this guidelines on account of it’s not exactly “off-the-beaten-path”. Whereas not as off-the-radar as, say, an obscure temple or a tiny neighborhood market, it’s undoubtedly a lot much less crowded and further low-key compared with Taipei’s important vacationer hotspots. Many vacationers miss it in favor of bigger factors of curiosity.

Taipei EYE is the place to be for a method of typical opera, acrobatics, and people dance. It’s a showcase of performing arts, with a twist! Usually, literal twist. The current we had the pleasure to see was known as Monkey King, based totally on a Chinese language language legend. Nevertheless we’re getting ahead of ourselves proper right here.

Sooner than the current, we tried a lot of free actions obtainable on web site, like coloring a regular masks like a pre-schooler or producing stamp arts like knowledgeable. I spent most of my time ending a masks, whereas Vins was very pleased along with his paper creations. You possibly can moreover try on elaborate costumes, retailer for souvenirs, and watch the actors do their make up for the current.

And when it’s showtime, we sat once more, relaxed, and watched the story unfold. And man was it phenomenal! It was a tremendous mixture of drama, singing, dancing, and stunts! The actors had been all good. Video recording isn’t allowed, nevertheless photos with out flash is OK so listed below are some pics.

Don’t concern 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 that you truly gained’t get misplaced.

It was so good, I truly think about it deserves additional consideration.

5. Taipei Cinema Park

Taipei’s map is shaded with quite a few parks. We’ll be mentioning just some on this text, nevertheless that’s possibly primarily essentially the most alive and vibrant. This isn’t your widespread park. Hidden away throughout the trendy Ximending area, Taipei Cinema Park is a movie-themed superior with open areas and outdoor installations, the place native and worldwide avenue artists unleash their creativity. On the center of it is this indoor gallery with artworks and pictures that narrate the historic previous of the positioning.

However it certainly’s moreover a spot the place art work, metropolis grit, and a splash of weirdness collide. It’s surrounded by graffiti-covered partitions that make you feel resembling you’ve wandered proper right into a rebellious teenager’s sketchbook. The park is an open canvas the place native artists exhibit their experience with vibrant avenue art work.

We first visited it at night, and we stumbled upon this nook that look like it received right here from an otaku’s fever dream. The Japanese have an effect on proper right here is so sturdy that I even joked that I would see Mt. Fuji from proper right here. And I youngster you not, I did see Mt. Fuji proper right here. It was solely a wall painting, nevertheless nonetheless.

We moreover observed Wow Land, a room full of claw machines and prizes, from kitschy toys to snacks to drinks. Now, you’ll uncover a whole bunch of claw machines scattered all by means of the city, nevertheless what models this place apart is that it isn’t rigged (or not as rigged as a result of the others). If in case you have got the expertise, you might presumably actually win one factor. Vins and I had a topic day proper right here. Spent merely NT$ 40 (it’s NT$ 10 per sport) and went home with goodies, Milkis drink, and a toy. Not harmful, not harmful the least bit. It’s in order that good to not be duped by these machines for a change.

Even if you happen to occur to’re not into claw machines or avenue art work, the park is a haven for people-watching and impromptu photoshoots. It’s a slice of Taipei’s cool, youthful facet—unpolished nevertheless wildly fascinating.

We visited it as soon as extra throughout the daytime, and we actually appreciated it increased at night, so merely go to after sundown.

6. Xinzhongshan Park & Chifeng Avenue

Xinzhongshan Park is an enthralling linear park working from Zhongshan Station to Shuanglian Station throughout the Zhongshan District. It’s a bit of little bit of an space favorite hidden retreat, significantly for a lot of who want a quiet spot to settle down away from Taipei’s busier areas. The park has well-maintained strolling paths, lush timber, and open areas the place you’ll often uncover of us unwinding, shopping for, or just having enjoyable with the peaceful setting. Beneath lies Underground Information Avenue, good for bookworms available on the market.

One of many essential attention-grabbing choices of Xinzhongshan Park is its proximity to Chifeng Avenue and its surrounding blocks, a trendy area recognized for its indie boutiques, native cafes, and inventive vibe. Nevertheless what stole our consideration proper right here was the Coach Play – positive, that mannequin — a cultured fusion of a café and a retail home. The menu has a group of coffees, teas, and some pastries.

Nevertheless there are numerous totally different cafes proper right here that are worth your buck and time. My favorite spot is R9 Café’s mural that features quite a few espresso lovers!

Collectively, Xinzhongshan Park and Chifeng Avenue present a mix of nature, custom, and creativity—greatest for anyone keen to find a lesser-known facet of Taipei!

In case 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 most likely the best dishes we’ve had in Taipei and was utterly properly well worth the stroll.

It was the right combination of sweet and savory, and meaty and starchy. Their pink bean pancakes are moreover one factor to jot down home about! We moreover had fried rice, beef noodles, and xiao prolonged bao, nevertheless it is truly their pancakes that it’s best to order.

7. Taipei Expo Park & Maji Sq.

For one factor quirky and vibrant, head to Taipei Expo Park, crammed with character and fulfilling surprises, making it a fulfilling marriage of art work, custom, 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 events.

One in all many highlights is Maji Sq., a meals courtroom docket subsequent to the park the place meals stalls, artisanal retailers, and outdoor cafes create a market-like ambiance. It’s a spot to munch on native and worldwide fare (Indian, Italian, Korean!), buy quirky souvenirs, and luxuriate in dwell music.

On our most modern journey, this wasn’t part of our genuine plan. We had been imagined to go to an outside market but it surely certainly was raining and we might have preferred a Plan B, and Maji Sq. has a roof above it, so we received right here proper right here in its place. And good issue we paid it a go to! We truly liked this area. Nevertheless our native companion Nelly acknowledged it’s significantly fulfilling throughout the evenings when the lights come on, and the place buzzes with vitality. It’s purchased a pageant vitality all 12 months spherical, making it good for casual 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 is recognized for its elegant, typical design. One distinctive aspect of Linji Huguo is its emphasis on the Linji faculty of Zen Buddhism, recognized for its consider inside peace and data. It’s an excellent spot to get a glimpse of Taipei’s spiritual facet.

8. Huashan 1914 Inventive Park

Initially in-built 1914 as a sake distillery, the Huashan 1914 Inventive Park is an industrial superior reworked proper right into a cultural and humanities center. It has a raw, industrial look, full with uncovered partitions and open-air courtyards.

However it certainly’s not all high-brow art work proper right here; Huashan 1914 has a great deal of cafes, boutique retailers, and design studios scattered throughout the superior, so it’s easy to spend a whole afternoon exploring. Whether or not or not you’re a loyal art work lover, a espresso connoisseur, or just anyone attempting to flee Taipei’s common vacationer spots, Huashan 1914 Inventive Park is a inventive playground that has one factor that’ll make you linger. For us, that one factor was ice cream and low.

I had a yogurt ice cream that tasted truly pure and selfmade, whereas Vins is solely on a regular basis comfy alongside along with his espresso.

9. Dihua Avenue

One in all many oldest streets in Taipei, Dihua Avenue is additional identical to the cool great-grandma of strolling streets throughout the metropolis. For the longest time, it was the locals’ go-to spot for tea, dried herbs, and textiles, but it surely certainly has someway managed to stay associated all through generations. It’s a pleasing mashup of historic previous and hipster, with old-school herbalists side-by-side with trendy bookstores and retailers. Assume apothecaries rubbing shoulders with well-liked meals spots—the place else can you determine up some dried ginseng and delicious strawberry mochi and dried squid?

After which there’s the Xiahai Metropolis God Temple, the place hopeful or hopeless romantics make decisions to the god of matchmaking. Yep, you be taught that correct—this little temple is principally Chinese language language Cupid’s Taipei office, well-known for bringing prefer to the lovelorn. In case you’re feeling lucky (or in decided need of romance), delicate just some incense sticks and ask for just a bit divine intervention in your love life.

Don’t depend on a fulfilling, wild get collectively avenue, besides it’s Lunar New Yr. Most of the time, it’s very quiet. It’s additional like a memory lane the place you presumably can retailer, snack, and presumably even meet your soulmate—that is, if the Metropolis God’s feeling generous!

10. Uncrowded Night time time Markets

Taipei is known for its night markets, significantly its three hottest: Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia. Nevertheless the metropolis has so much additional that vacationers don’t usually go to!

One among them is Gongguan Night time time Market, positioned close to the Nationwide Taiwan School, which suggests (1) most of its widespread prospects are faculty college students, and (2) the prices are moderately priced! It’s pretty small. Tiny, compared with totally different night markets, but it surely certainly nonetheless has the mouthwatering aromas wafting from quite a few meals stalls and the mounted chatter from of us having enjoyable with delicious snacks.

On this market, don’t miss Hsiung Chi Scallion Pancake, a Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee. It’s stationed close to the doorway to the market. You gained’t miss it on account of there’s usually an prolonged queue snaking in direction of it. And naturally, we fell in line, too. It moved fast so we had been face-to-face with the flat grill in a short time. There’s an risk in order so as to add cheese, ham, bacon, and egg. We ordered one plain and one with all our favorite trimmings, and we weren’t disenchanted.

The pancakes had been half comfy, half crispy, and completely delicious for its worth. No shock it has garnered a loyal following amongst locals!

One different spot to ponder is Shuangcheng Avenue Night time time Market, tucked away throughout the Daan District. It’s moreover very fast and small, nevertheless full of decisions from fruits like custard apples to Japanese pancakes to Taiwanese sausages.

Merely stroll all through the shut by park and in addition you’ll attain Huang Chi Lu Rou Fan, one different Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, well-known for its signature braised pork rice. It’s on a regular basis crammed with prospects, most prepared for his or her takeaway packing containers. They serve pocket-friendly nevertheless comforting bowl of rice topped with tender, flavorful fatty pork bits that may have you ever ever dreaming about it prolonged after you’ve left. Fatty, positive, but it surely certainly nonetheless ate clear.

Shuangcheng Avenue Night time time Market could be adjoining Qingguang Market, a shopping for arcade lined with meals stalls, apparel retailers, and totally different trinkets catering largely to locals.

Taipei is bursting on the seams with underrated factors of curiosity merely able to be discovered — quirky temples, hidden night markets, and scenic parks. They may not be as well-liked, nevertheless they supply an awesome look into Taipei’s native scene with out the touristy fluff. So even if you happen to occur to’ve been to Taipei sooner than, go ahead and e-book that flight on account of throughout the phrases of 1 world boy band, the simplest is however to come back again.

Positive, I do comprehend it’s BTS they often’re Korean, nevertheless I can’t contemplate one thing from F4 correct now. 😅

The place to Maintain in Taipei

Listed below are a lot of the lodging we have got tried in Taipei by the years.

Look for additional Taipei Lodges!