This was my first trip to Asia! I did fear the language barrier (unlike most European or Latin American countries, it is nearly impossible to translate the language). But in today's society, there are enough apps to help you translate, and there are many people in Taiwan who speak English. I still do recommend having a native speaker with you, if possible.
Before You Go
-When booking, you’ll notice many flights via EVA air, which is a Taiwanese airline. I had a very positive experience with this airline and recommend traveling with them.
-Decide if you want to stay in Taipei the whole time or if you’d like to stay in other parts of the island. This will help you best coordinate and plan out your trip and outside excursions. I stayed in Taipei and ventured out for day trips.
Taipei Accommodations
The Imperial Hotel is located right in the heart of Taipei. You are within walking distance of several shops, restaurants, and attractions. The rooms are comfortable, inviting, clean, and feature Asian-inspired decor that will help immerse you in the culture. The staff is kind and helpful, and most of the staff members speak English. The hotel has three restaurants, a coffee shop, and a bar. Not to mention, one of the largest continental breakfast buffets I’ve ever seen!
What to do in Taipei
Transit: You can get around Taipei by foot, taxi, bus, or subway. You’ll find that the buses are beautifully decorated, and some of the subways offer art exhibits, libraries, and shops.
Art: The National Palace Museum. This museum is separated into two buildings. Building one houses hundreds of thousands of Chinese artifacts, while building two hosts rotating collections from around the world. The most famous piece of art to see in building one is the Jade Cabbage. It’s like the Mona Lisa of Taiwan. There is a lot of other beautiful jade in their collection, as well as preserved manuscripts and paintings. Overall, it’s a pretty small museum compared to the Louvre or the Met and will only take you a few hours to see everything.
Massages: There are many walk-in massage parlors with the same kind of feel as informal nail salons in the US. Every place offers an inexpensive deal. I paid $42 for a 60 minute full body massage (clothed), 50 minute foot massage, and 10 minute foot massage. Perhaps not the best massage I've ever gotten but a lot of bang for my buck!
Night Markets: Night markets are popular shopping opportunities in certain parts of town. They are only open at…NIGHT! They feature clothing stores, food stands, restaurants, and more. This is a good place to get inexpensive souvenirs. The biggest and most famous one is the Shilin night market in Taipei. Another night market worth exploring is Snake Alley. While it used to be a center for debauchery, Snake Alley is a little more family friendly now, but still features the chance to drink a shot of snack venom, blood, and alcohol…that’s in fact, how it got it’s name…Snake Alley. Delicious.
711: From traditional snacks to exotic and a one-stop shop for errands, 711 has everything you need to make your trip a smooth success. You can mail your letters, get concert tickets, pay your bills, (obviously) get food, and so much more! Also, you get stickers and coupons with you receipt AND they'll microwave some pretty delicious spaghetti for you! There's pretty much one 711 on every street corner.
Theater: I love theater. So, of course, I had to put this on my agenda. First of all, just finding a traditional Taiwanese show was nearly impossible (I didn't want to go all the way to Taiwan and see a production of "Mamma Mia"...actually, I don't even know that I would see that in Manhattan). After a lot of searching, I found a traditional Taiwanese opera at the Metropolitan Hall: "The Legend of the Purple Hairpin." I left during intermission. I NEVER leave halfway through a show, but this was rough. So, do this at your own risk.
Restaurants: Just because you’re in Taiwan doesn’t mean you have to stick strictly to Asian cuisine (though, I recommend including some in your diet). Like any major city, Taipei offers an array of food from around the globe.
-For something fancy, go into the luxury mall Bellavita, where you’ll find this Michelin Star French restaurant. TIP: overall, I learned to avoid steak in Taiwan, it was always a let-down. But the other food here was very good and shockingly, very inexpensive for a Michelin Star Restaurant.
-For a little less fancy, but still very nice option, go to Diamond Tony's. Don't let the ridiculous name throw you, this was THE BEST restaurant I went to in Taipei. The food was great, but the view alone wwas spectacular. It's in the Taipei 101 building and has panoramic views of the city...even in the BATHROOM! You can go to the top of the building as well. There are serval gift shops on your way out.
-Shabu Shabu, named after the popular Japanese dish, is a fun time. It's pretty much fondu except you’re not melting cheese or chocolate, you’re cooking meat. You’re presented with different types of thinly sliced meat and vegetables to dip in a hot broth. Tasty, exciting, AND interactive.
-I have this tacky tradition of going to McDonald's in every country I visit and compare McFlurry's. Taiwan's were very good, though, I was disappointed they didn't have M&M's...just Oreo's.
Outside of Taipei
If you can, hop on a train or bus and explore outside of Taipei, because other areas of Taiwan are very scenic and remind you that you’re on a tropical and mountainous island.
-Juifen: What was once a gold miners village hosting just a few families has become a booming attraction. My favorite part of the trip, I’d have to say. In some sections, you can barely move because there are so many people. This town is basically a labyrinth of shops, restaurants, and museums overlooking the ocean and mountains. You can find outstanding authentic food (the best I had on my whole trip) just in a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. There’s also a cool mask shop, old theater, unlimited friendly cats, but it’s all about the views, views, views.
-Jiaoxi: See some more jaw-dropping views and experience serious spa treatments in the township of Jiaoxi. This is one of Taiwan’s many hot spring areas, complete with a cluster of hotels, but the Hotel Royal stands out above the rest. It is another day trip from Taipei via bus, however, consider staying at the Hotel Royal because it’s a real stunner. Hotel guests and passerby’s may use their facilities, including the luxurious outdoor thermal springs, pools with fish to eat the dead skin off your feet, jetted seats and heated pools, and herbal and vanilla scented springs all complete with tranquil views, peaceful atmosphere and pretty extensive lunch buffet.
-Yangmingsham Mountain: This is like the Central Park of Taipei. Take a quick bus trip to the outskirts of Taipei and up the mountain. Have a refreshing day away from the crowds hiking, biking, or taking an eco tour.
Overall, I didn't find Taiwan to be one of the most amazing places I've ever been, but it is an inviting introduction to Asian travel. The people are friendly, and I felt very safe throughout my trip. My favorite takeaway from the trip: there is always a chance to find serenity among the hustle and bustle.
Thank you for reading! Feel free to ask any questions, and I'll see you next time on 10-Minute Travel Tips.
