Puri and Sue

experience

“Next, we are heading to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a prominent historical landmark built to honor the former leader and key figure in Taiwan's modern history. This place is massive. It literally took us at least 5 minutes to walk from the entrance to the main hall. You definitely want to catch the changing of guard ceremony which happens every hour between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.”

experience

“Sticking with history, our next spot is the National Palace Museum. This massive four-story complex houses an impressive collection of nearly 700,000 ancient artifacts with some pieces dating back 8,000 years. The absolute must are the Jade cabbage and the meatshaped stone. They are occasionally moved for special exhibitions, but it's likely you'll get to see at least one of these treasures in person.”

shopping

“Our next spot is Ximending. It's one of the busiest walking districts in Taipei, especially after the sun sets when the neon lights take over and street performers start their shows right in the middle of the street. Shopping is the main attraction here, offering a good mix of trendy fashion stores, accessories, and collectibles. You could also find lots of street food, but we'll get to the food scene later on in the video.”

shopping

“Just across the street from the main shopping area is this century old landmark called the Red House. Originally, this is the first public market in Taiwan. It now houses art boutiques by local designers and a popular weekend craft market.”

wellness beauty

“Next on the list is Beitou District. Just a short trip from the city, this area is famous for its natural hot springs and relaxing bath house, but you have to visit the thermal valley. It's a sulfuric lake that's constantly steaming, earning it the nickname Hell Valley. Uniquely, this green tint in the water comes from traces of radium. Yes, it's actually a little radioactive and can only be found in two places on Earth: Japan and right here in Beitou.”

experience

“Just a short distance from the Thermal Valley is the Beitou Hot Spring Museum. This century old building was originally a public bath house. Today, it's a free museum where you can explore the history of the area. The highlights are the stunning Roman style bath and the traditional Japanese Tatami Hall.”

outdoor adventure

“At number 10, we have Bamboo Lake. Seriously, this place feels like a fairy tale. You're surrounded by flower fields and flowing streams, all with volcanic steam rising in the background. It's located within the Yangmingshan National Park and you can easily hop on a tourist shuttle bus from Beitou to get here. The flower displays here are seasonal with kala lilies in the spring and hydrangeas in the summer. To get up close to the flowers, you can pay a small fee to enter one of the local farms.”

day trip

“At number 11, Shifen Old Street is home to the iconic sky lanterns. It's a tradition of sending wishes and blessings straight to the heavens. Each color represents something different like health, wealth, or love. Just write your message, take a picture, and let it fly. To get the full experience, take the local train. It's a scenic ride that rolls directly through the center of the old town.”

day trip

“Another highlight here in Shifen is this incredible waterfall known as the Niagara of Taiwan. It's the widest waterfall on the entire island. It's a scenic 20-minute walk from the old street, and the path even takes you across some pictures suspension bridges and beautiful landscapes. From here, you can also catch a great view of the local trains passing by.”

day trip

“Next is Jiufen. This former gold mining town is iconic for its narrow lantern lit alleys and its striking resemblance to the studio Ghibli film Spirited Away. Although it can get very crowded, it is totally worth the visit. The main street is packed with shops selling unique souvenirs and incredible street food. You have to try the peanut ice cream roll and the famous taro balls dessert. And if you have the chance, relax at the traditional tea house and take in this epic view of the coastline.”

day trip

“Another must see just outside the city is Yehliu Geo Park. This is one of the most interesting natural wonders we've ever experienced. These alienlike rock formations were shaped over thousands of years by wind and sea erosion. Many of them have oddly familiar shapes, but the main attraction is the iconic Queen's Head. I love the fact that you can just roam freely through these formations. It feels like walking through a massive living museum.”

shopping

“Finally, at number 15 is visiting a night market. It's a foodies paradise with endless rows of stalls selling everything from Michelin recommended snacks to unique local treats. While there's a night market in almost every district of Taipei, the most notable ones are Raohe, Shillin, and Ningxia. Each one offers a totally different vibe and flavor. So, no matter which one you pick, it's definitely the perfect way to end your day in Taipei.”

shopping

“Finally, at number 15 is visiting a night market. It's a foodies paradise with endless rows of stalls selling everything from Michelin recommended snacks to unique local treats. While there's a night market in almost every district of Taipei, the most notable ones are Raohe, Shillin, and Ningxia. Each one offers a totally different vibe and flavor. So, no matter which one you pick, it's definitely the perfect way to end your day in Taipei.”

shopping

“Finally, at number 15 is visiting a night market. It's a foodies paradise with endless rows of stalls selling everything from Michelin recommended snacks to unique local treats. While there's a night market in almost every district of Taipei, the most notable ones are Raohe, Shillin, and Ningxia. Each one offers a totally different vibe and flavor. So, no matter which one you pick, it's definitely the perfect way to end your day in Taipei.”

restaurant

“We went to Fuhang Soy Milk. It's incredibly popular, so expect at least a 20-minute wait. The best pastries sell out fast, so make sure to get there early.”

experience

“And right next door is the Beitou Library, one of the most beautiful wooden landmarks in the city.”

experience

“Starting off at number one, Taipei 101. This is the tallest building in Taiwan, and you can catch one of the world's fastest elevators straight to the top. The views from the observation deck are breathtaking. Here you can see the whole city of Taipei. It is an incredible view and it's so relaxing. Once here, you have to check out this massive wind damper. It's one of the most unique features we've seen in a skyscraper. And then there's always the option to upgrade your ticket to access the outdoor terrace and the secret garden on the 101st floor.”

outdoor adventure

“Alternatively, you can head to the top of Elephant Mountain for an awesome view of the city. It's completely free, but it does come with a workout. The hike takes about 20 minutes at a steady pace, and if you time it for sunset, you can watch the entire city light up. It's easily the best photo spot in Taipei.”