So that you’ve been to Taipei earlier than. Sure, everybody and their grandma have heard of or have been to Taipei 101, Shilin Night time Market, Ximending, and the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial. However when you suppose you’ve seen all of it, Taipei’s right here to say, “Wait, maintain my bubble tea.”
Taipei is one metropolis we like to hold visiting repeatedly as a result of each time we do, we uncover one thing we haven’t seen earlier than. On our most up-to-date journey, we went off the overwhelmed path and dove into Taipei’s quirky underbelly, the place graffiti artwork meets peaceable temples, heart-shaped ponds pop up subsequent to wobbly bridges, and hidden markets are full of Michelin-worthy bites.
So when you’re able to unlock a brand new degree of Taipei that’ll make your Instagram followers go, “Wait, the place is that?” — buckle up. Listed below are a few of the most underrated sights within the Taiwanese capital the place you gained’t be dodging selfie sticks and large tour teams.
1. Jian Tan Shan Climbing Path & North Eye Platform
With regards to climbing for an superior Taipei view, the go-to vacation spot has all the time been Elephant Mountain. However this isn’t the one one!
Taipei is surrounded by mountains, and when you have got mountains you have got climbing trails and lookouts. The Jian Tan Shan Path in Shilin, whereas frequented principally by locals, can be worthy of a trek. It affords panoramic views of Taipei’s skyline which might be breathtaking —- figuratively and typically actually.
Tucked within the forested slope simply behind the Grand Lodge, the beginning of the path is just not that straightforward to search out. It isn’t as crowded, however a lot of the pathway is paved and staired, so it’s beginner-friendly and also you gained’t fear about getting misplaced. OK, scratch that, spoiler alert: We received misplaced. However solely as a result of it’s punctuated with a number of viewpoints, we didn’t know which was which!
You see, our finish aim was to achieve the so-called North Eye Platform, an statement deck the place we might catch peeks of iconic buildings on the opposite facet of the town. However there have been a whole lot of lookouts, we didn’t know if we had been following the right signal. We even stumbled upon a quiet shrine that additionally permits unimaginable vistas, so all’s good!
However simply earlier than sunset, we had been capable of finding the white railings of the North Eye Platform, and it was price all the hassle and confusion. They are saying it’s much more gorgeous at sundown, however sadly the sky was overcast throughout our go to. The very best half? Aside from a few locals, we had been the one ones there!
On the way in which down, we additionally made a cease at a few of the different viewpoints to admire the town lights! Sure, Taipei 101 is seen from a few of the stops, too, on the opposite facet.
2. Bishanyan Temple
Taipei has no scarcity of majestic, ornate temples, however one web site has an edge on the subject of its setting –- Bishanyan Temple. Hidden within the peaks of the Neihu District, this not only a place of worship but additionally a incredible viewpoint.
Perched on a hillside, Bishanyan Temple affords sweeping views of Taipei, stated to be particularly magical at sundown. We visited on a wet, foggy morning, so the solar was absent and the view was thinly shrouded. However we might completely think about how spectacular the view is from right here on common fair-weather days.
View apart, there’s loads to adore on this temple. The structure is wealthy intimately, with dragon-covered columns and complicated carvings. You’ll really feel such as you’re in the midst of an historic legend as you wander the grounds. Plus, not like at most metropolis temples, the ambiance right here is serene. Even when vacationers are round, there’s a hush to the place that makes it really feel sacred and peaceable. Seize a spot, take within the metropolis views, and get in contact together with your interior zen.
Not too far-off from the temple is Baishihu Suspension Bridge, which swings gently as you cross, providing you with simply the correct amount of thrill. I’m saying that within the second individual as a result of it was briefly closed throughout our go to.
Nonetheless, we received to drop by the very Instagrammable star right here: the heart-shaped pond close by. It’s a unusual little characteristic, excellent for couple photographs or only a distinctive selfie spot.
3. Guandu
Beitou is best-known for its scorching springs, however there’s much more to on this nook of northern Taipei. One of many locations in Beitou that’s typically missed by vacationers is Guandu, identified for its wealthy pure magnificence and gorgeous riverside surroundings.
It’s the place you’ll discover Guandu Nature Park, a sprawling wetland the place birdwatchers can spot each native and migratory birds. Contained in the customer middle, you’ll discover interactive installations that inform the story of the location from being a dump web site to the sanctuary that it’s in the present day. And on the second ground are big binoculars to look at the wildlife, particularly birds.
However why keep inside when you’ll be able to expertise the outside? There’s a crab-watching walkway, a crescent-shaped pond, and quite a few tree tunnels, with nature-inspired artworks right here and there. You’ll be able to stroll alongside wood trails and take within the marshy landscapes which might be very calming, contemplating you’re nonetheless inside Taipei.
However that’s simply the beginning! It’s additionally house to Guandu Temple, formally often called Ling An Temple. It’s a historic gem devoted to Mazu, the goddess of the ocean and protector of sailors and fishermen. One of many oldest in Taiwan, Guandu Temple’s roots will be traced again to 1661. However essentially the most fascinating bit? It was carved into the facet of a mountain.
Judging from the highway by the doorway, we really thought it was fairly small, however after we entered, we had been greeted by a deep, winding cave tunnel, adorned with statues, altars, and stone reliefs, resulting in a small shrine. The expertise offers a extra non secular, nearly otherworldly really feel. And when you make it to the opposite facet, you’ll discover extra constructions together with a pagoda, a number of halls, and a manicured backyard with unnaturally square-shaped timber. However that’s not the tip of it. From right here, you’ll additionally get to get pleasure from a beautiful view of the world.
Should you get hungry, simply throughout the road lies the Guandu Meals Park, the place you’ll be able to seize fast snacks.
And beside it’s Guandu Wharf, subsequent to Tamsui River, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from a ship journey or a bicycle journey. It’s very quiet through the day, however from late afternoon till the night, it involves life as meals stalls open and locals start to flock across the space.
4. Taipei EYE Theater
To be sincere, I’m unsure if I ought to embody this on this checklist as a result of it’s not precisely “off-the-beaten-path”. Whereas not as off-the-radar as, say, an obscure temple or a tiny neighborhood market, it’s positively much less crowded and extra low-key in comparison with Taipei’s main vacationer hotspots. Many vacationers miss it in favor of larger sights.
Taipei EYE is the place to be for a style of conventional opera, acrobatics, and people dance. It’s a showcase of performing arts, with a twist! Typically, literal twist. The present we had the pleasure to see was referred to as Monkey King, primarily based on a Chinese language legend. However we’re getting forward of ourselves right here.
Earlier than the present, we tried a number of free actions obtainable on web site, like coloring a standard masks like a pre-schooler or producing stamp arts like a professional. I spent most of my time ending a masks, whereas Vins was very pleased with his paper creations. You would additionally attempt on elaborate costumes, store for souvenirs, and watch the actors do their make up for the present.
And when it’s showtime, we sat again, relaxed, and watched the story unfold. And man was it phenomenal! It was an amazing mix of drama, singing, dancing, and stunts! The actors had been all nice. Video recording isn’t allowed, however images with out flash is OK so listed below are some pics.
Don’t fear 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 you actually gained’t get misplaced.
It was so good, I really imagine it deserves extra consideration.
5. Taipei Cinema Park
Taipei’s map is shaded with numerous parks. We’ll be mentioning a couple of on this article, however that is maybe essentially the most alive and colourful. This isn’t your common park. Hidden away within the stylish Ximending space, Taipei Cinema Park is a movie-themed complicated with open areas and outside installations, the place native and worldwide avenue artists unleash their creativity. On the middle of it’s this indoor gallery with artworks and photographs that narrate the historical past of the location.
However it’s additionally a spot the place artwork, city grit, and a splash of weirdness collide. It’s surrounded by graffiti-covered partitions that make you are feeling such as you’ve wandered right into a rebellious teenager’s sketchbook. The park is an open canvas the place native artists showcase their expertise with vibrant avenue artwork.
We first visited it at night time, and we stumbled upon this nook that seem like it got here from an otaku’s fever dream. The Japanese affect right here is so robust that I even joked that I’d see Mt. Fuji from right here. And I child you not, I did see Mt. Fuji right here. It was only a wall portray, however nonetheless.
We additionally noticed Wow Land, a room full of claw machines and prizes, from kitschy toys to snacks to drinks. Now, you’ll discover 1000’s of claw machines scattered all through the town, however what units this place aside is that it isn’t rigged (or not as rigged because the others). You probably have the ability, you would really win one thing. Vins and I had a discipline day right here. Spent simply NT$ 40 (it’s NT$ 10 per sport) and went house with sweets, Milkis drink, and a toy. Not dangerous, not dangerous in any respect. It’s simply so good to not be duped by these machines for a change.
Even when you’re not into claw machines or avenue artwork, the park is a haven for people-watching and impromptu photoshoots. It’s a slice of Taipei’s cool, youthful facet—unpolished however wildly fascinating.
We visited it once more within the daytime, and we really preferred it higher at night time, so simply go to after sunset.
6. Xinzhongshan Park & Chifeng Avenue
Xinzhongshan Park is an enthralling linear park working from Zhongshan Station to Shuanglian Station within the Zhongshan District. It’s a little bit of an area favourite hidden retreat, particularly for individuals who desire a quiet spot to chill out away from Taipei’s busier areas. The park has well-maintained strolling paths, lush timber, and open areas the place you’ll typically discover folks unwinding, purchasing, or simply having fun with the peaceable setting. Beneath lies Underground Guide Avenue, excellent for bookworms on the market.
Some of the fascinating options of Xinzhongshan Park is its proximity to Chifeng Avenue and its surrounding blocks, a classy space identified for its indie boutiques, native cafes, and artistic vibe. However what stole our consideration right here was the Coach Play – sure, that model — a trendy fusion of a café and a retail area. The menu has a choice of coffees, teas, and a few pastries.
However there are lots of different cafes right here which might be price your buck and time. My favourite spot is R9 Café’s mural that includes varied espresso lovers!
Collectively, Xinzhongshan Park and Chifeng Avenue provide a mixture of nature, tradition, and creativity—excellent for anybody eager to discover a lesser-known facet of Taipei!
Should 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 probably the greatest dishes we’ve had in Taipei and was completely definitely worth the stroll.
It was the right combination of candy and savory, and meaty and starchy. Their crimson bean pancakes are additionally one thing to put in writing house about! We additionally had fried rice, beef noodles, and xiao lengthy bao, however it’s actually their pancakes that you need to order.
7. Taipei Expo Park & Maji Sq.
For one thing quirky and colourful, head to Taipei Expo Park, filled with persona and enjoyable surprises, making it a enjoyable marriage of artwork, tradition, and meals. Initially the location for the 2010 Taipei Worldwide Flora Expo, the park now serves as a year-round hotspot for festivals, markets, and pop-up occasions.
One of many highlights is Maji Sq., a meals courtroom subsequent to the park the place meals stalls, artisanal outlets, and outside cafes create a market-like ambiance. It’s a spot to munch on native and worldwide fare (Indian, Italian, Korean!), purchase quirky souvenirs, and luxuriate in reside music.
On our most up-to-date journey, this wasn’t a part of our unique plan. We had been speculated to go to an outside market nevertheless it was raining and we wanted a Plan B, and Maji Sq. has a roof above it, so we got here right here as an alternative. And good factor we paid it a go to! We actually loved this space. However our native companion Nelly stated it’s particularly enjoyable within the evenings when the lights come on, and the place buzzes with power. It’s received a competition power all yr spherical, making it excellent for informal 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’s identified for its elegant, conventional design. One distinctive facet of Linji Huguo is its emphasis on the Linji college of Zen Buddhism, identified for its deal with interior peace and knowledge. It’s an ideal spot to get a glimpse of Taipei’s non secular facet.
8. Huashan 1914 Artistic Park
Initially inbuilt 1914 as a sake distillery, the Huashan 1914 Artistic Park is an industrial complicated remodeled right into a cultural and humanities middle. It has a uncooked, industrial look, full with uncovered partitions and open-air courtyards.
However it’s not all high-brow artwork right here; Huashan 1914 has loads of cafes, boutique outlets, and design studios scattered across the complicated, so it’s straightforward to spend an entire afternoon exploring. Whether or not you’re a devoted artwork lover, a espresso connoisseur, or simply somebody trying to escape Taipei’s traditional vacationer spots, Huashan 1914 Artistic Park is a artistic playground that has one thing that’ll make you linger. For us, that one thing was ice cream and low.
I had a yogurt ice cream that tasted actually pure and home made, whereas Vins is simply all the time completely satisfied together with his espresso.
9. Dihua Avenue
One of many oldest streets in Taipei, Dihua Avenue is extra just like the cool great-grandma of strolling streets within the metropolis. For the longest time, it was the locals’ go-to spot for tea, dried herbs, and textiles, nevertheless it has in some way managed to remain related throughout generations. It’s a pleasant mashup of historical past and hipster, with old-school herbalists side-by-side with glossy bookstores and outlets. Suppose apothecaries rubbing shoulders with common meals spots—the place else are you able to choose up some dried ginseng and scrumptious strawberry mochi and dried squid?
After which there’s the Xiahai Metropolis God Temple, the place hopeful or hopeless romantics make choices to the god of matchmaking. Yep, you learn that proper—this little temple is mainly Chinese language Cupid’s Taipei workplace, well-known for bringing like to the lovelorn. Should you’re feeling fortunate (or in determined want of romance), gentle a couple of incense sticks and ask for a bit divine intervention in your love life.
Don’t count on a enjoyable, wild celebration avenue, until it’s Lunar New 12 months. More often than not, it’s very quiet. It’s extra like a reminiscence lane the place you’ll be able to store, snack, and perhaps even meet your soulmate—that’s, if the Metropolis God’s feeling beneficiant!
10. Uncrowded Night time Markets
Taipei is understood for its night time markets, particularly its three hottest: Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia. However the metropolis has lots extra that vacationers don’t normally go to!
One in every of them is Gongguan Night time Market, located near the Nationwide Taiwan College, which suggests (1) most of its common clients are college students, and (2) the costs are inexpensive! It’s fairly small. Tiny, in comparison with different night time markets, nevertheless it nonetheless has the mouthwatering aromas wafting from varied meals stalls and the fixed chatter from folks having fun with scrumptious snacks.
On this market, don’t miss Hsiung Chi Scallion Pancake, a Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee. It’s stationed near the doorway to the market. You gained’t miss it as a result of there’s normally a protracted queue snaking towards it. And naturally, we fell in line, too. It moved quick so we had been face-to-face with the flat grill very quickly. There’s an choice so as to add cheese, ham, bacon, and egg. We ordered one plain and one with all our favourite trimmings, and we weren’t dissatisfied.
The pancakes had been half delicate, half crispy, and totally scrumptious for its worth. No marvel it has garnered a loyal following amongst locals!
One other spot to contemplate is Shuangcheng Avenue Night time Market, tucked away within the Daan District. It’s additionally very quick and small, however full of choices from fruits like custard apples to Japanese pancakes to Taiwanese sausages.
Simply stroll throughout the close by park and also you’ll attain Huang Chi Lu Rou Fan, one other Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, well-known for its signature braised pork rice. It’s all the time filled with clients, most ready for his or her takeaway bins. They serve pocket-friendly however comforting bowl of rice topped with tender, flavorful fatty pork bits that can have you ever dreaming about it lengthy after you’ve left. Fatty, sure, nevertheless it nonetheless ate clear.
Shuangcheng Avenue Night time Market can be adjoining Qingguang Market, a purchasing arcade lined with meals stalls, attire shops, and different trinkets catering principally to locals.
Taipei is bursting on the seams with underrated sights simply ready to be found — quirky temples, hidden night time markets, and scenic parks. They will not be as common, however they provide look into Taipei’s native scene with out the touristy fluff. So even when you’ve been to Taipei earlier than, go forward and ebook that flight as a result of within the phrases of 1 international boy band, the perfect is but to come back.
Sure, I do know it’s BTS they usually’re Korean, however I can’t consider something from F4 proper now. 😅
The place to Keep in Taipei
Listed below are a few of the inns we have now tried in Taipei via the years.
Seek for extra Taipei Inns!
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