Destination Inspiration: Taipei, Taiwan

Why go?

Arrive in Taipei hungry – this city is made for eating. Make your way down busy streets to night markets like Shilin, Raohe or Ningxia. Here hawkers sell clothes, trinkets and ‘small eats’ called xiaochi as loudspeakers blast fast-paced tunes.

Some favourites are the piping hot hujiao bing, little bread buns stuffed with meat and pepper, or gua bao, pork belly and pickled mustard greens sandwiches. To snack on the go, try squid on a stick, deep-fried mini crabs, or a skewer of stinky tofu.

In between feasting stop off at the National Palace Museum, Liberty Square and National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The towering Taipei 101 holds one of the city’s best shopping centres, though high-end Bellavita Shopping Mall is a close tie.

Head to Elephant Mountain for an escape from the city’s bustle. At sunset you can watch Taipei turn glittery in the valley below. Then there’s Yangmingshan National Park and its misty hiking trails, or the steamy baths of Beitou Hot Springs – both are easy day trips.

When to go?

Summers in Taipei are hot and humid – and also the busiest time for tourists. For the driest and most pleasant sightseeing, try November or April when temperatures hover around 20-25°C. It’s also fun to visit in February, when the magnificent Taiwan Lantern Festival takes place.

Where to stay?

Houze Hostel & Capsule Hotel – Taipei, Taiwan

This hostel is located in the entertaining Siping Street shopping district and has a modern feel. Everything is designed for convenience – you’ll find useful things like reading lamps and sockets with USB adapters in every room. The shared bathrooms are super clean, with shampoo and shower gel provided.

citizenM Taipei North Gate – Taipei, Taiwan

Guests really appreciate the attention to detail at citizenM Taipei. Every part of the hotel has an artsy, high-tech feel, from the compact, moderns rooms down to the 24/7 hotel bar. The hotel looks out over the historical North Gate right in Taipei’s city centre, just 400 metres from the bustling neighbourhood of Ximending.

Gloria Residence – Taipei, Taiwan

These modern apartments are warmly decorated, with wooden furnishings and extra touches like stainless steel pans and an espresso machine. You can feel like you’re at home here, with a washing machine and shops nearby for cooking supplies. Guests really appreciated the way the staff helped those travelling with babies and children.

Green World Grand NanJing – Taipei, Taiwan

The bathrooms at Green World Grand NanJing are really big and modern, with bathtubs facing a built-in screen so you can watch TV while you soak. Its central location puts you only 2 stops from Taipei Main Station, and a 9-minute walk from Liaoning Night Market.

Lacle Hotel-Luzhou Taipei – Taipei, Taiwan

The standout of this boutique hotel is its sun terrace, which looks out over the city and has comfy outdoor furniture for relaxing after a day’s sightseeing. Guests also love the fashionable design of the rooms. The hotel is situated about 15 minutes from the city centre, right next to an MRT station.