Anyone been to Taipei?

[radiatorhums]

Hey VC folks,

I'm going to be spending about 8 days in Taipei next month and I'm wondering if anyone here has been there and could give me some suggestions on things to do!  I'm going to be spending this weekend doing some research, but I think advice from someone who's been always helps.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

 

[TheGhostOfRandySavage]

::insert obligatory Archer reference to ladyboy hookers and cobra whiskey::

[GradedOnACurve]

I've never been but I want to go. I know Anthony Bourdain did two episodes on food there and I always wanted to swim in the hot springs there.

 

Sorry this post didn't help, but have fun!

Edited August 27, 2016 by GradedOnACurve
Aliens

[radiatorhums]

1 hour ago, GradedOnACurve said:

I've never been but I want to go. I know Anthony Bourdain did two episodes on food there and I always wanted to swim in the hot springs there.

Hot spring weren't on my radar, so you did give me something to look into

[GradedOnACurve]

Awesome!

[Recon]

One general tip: You can use the Taipei subway, called MRT to go everywhere super fast. Once you figured out the routes and the map it's super easy.

• Hot Spring is a great tip, you should definitely check this out. I never been there, but I know the Beitou Hot Spring is famous in Taipei. It is around 30 Minutes from Taipei Main Station. The only problem could be the weather, since it is alway super hot and humid. Maybe you won't feel like going into hot water.
• Taipei 101: Probably you already found this, since the 101 is always a standard tip for Taipei. I would recommend to buy the tickets in advance, so you don't need to wait. I think you can also buy for the next days. It seems you can even buy the tickets online now, check some information here: http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/observatory.aspx Just one tip: Choose a day that is not cloudy, so you will have a good view. You also need to decide, if you rather want to see Taipei at day or night. Or you could try to time you visit, so you have the sunset.
• Night Market: As the name already says, it's a market at night. It is always really crowded, but for me a must in Taiwan. You will find all kind of foods and drinks, some are super delicious, some are just disgusting and some you cannot even tell what this might be. But you will definitly smell the famous Stinky Tofu, almost all Taiwanese are super crazy about. I tried and can say: It taste just like the smell. Besides food you will also find many of shops selling cloths and all kind of souvenirs. Here is a list of some night markets, the most famous and biggest is the Shi Lin Night Market 士林夜市. https://www.englishintaiwan.com/shopping-in-taiwan/taipei-night-markets
• Elephant Mountain (Xiàngshān 象山): If you don't mind a little hike, this place is really great. It is a small mountain in Taipei with a great view on the city. I have been there two or three times and I like it more at night, when you have all the lights of the town. The hike is not too exhausting and around 20-30 minutes. Just go to Xiangshan station (象山) by MRT, take Exit No. 2 and from there you will have signs. https://guidetotaipei.com/visit/elephant-mountain-象山-xiangshan

• Xi Men Ding 西門町 Shopping area: One of the most famous shopping areas, especially for young people. You will find a lot of nice shops and I always liked this more than going to a big shopping mall. There are also plenty of restaurants and coffee shops.

• Tamsui/ Danshui 淡水: It is a district located at the sea north of Taipei, maybe 40 minutes by MRT. It is a really beautifull place to walk around and also famous for it's sunsets. Not a really big place but definitly worth a visit. https://guidetotaipei.com/visit/tamsui-淡水-danshui

• Longshan Temple: Taiwan has so many temples and you should visit at least one. This one is famous in Taipei. https://guidetotaipei.com/visit/longshan-temple-龍山寺

• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: Probably you also found this already. Most people visiting Taipei go there since it is one of the top spots besides Taipei 101. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiang_Kai-shek_Memorial_Hall

• National Palace Museum: I never been inside, but I often heard it's great. http://www.npm.gov.tw/en/

 

What I also really liked are the coffee shops in Taiwan. I'm not so familiar with the shops in Taipei but you can check this blog and search for Taipei. http://taiwanlovescoffee.tumblr.com/

There are so many shops offering all kinds of coffee drinks like at Starbucks but often cheaper and for me with better atmosphere inside.

 

Another tip for Taiwan. There is WiFi in almost every restaurant and bar, but you also could buy a cheap SIM Card at the airport and get mobile internet. I always used FarEaston. The SIM card costs like 10 USD and you can choose Internet by volume or unlimited. They always want to offer you the unlimited for around 25 USD/ 30 days. But I think you better go with the 1,2GB for 6 USD or 2,2GB for 10 USD. Should be enough for 8 days. Not sure, if FarEaston is the cheapest option, you may check this http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Taiwan

 

That is what I have in mind right now. If I can think of something else later, I will post it here.

Edited August 28, 2016 by Recon

[radiatorhums]

^ thank you so much for that!  I just woke up a bit ago, so I'll need to re-read it when I'm more awake, but it looks like a nice start to go on