Repeat visitors to Taipei — those who have graduated from Taipei 101 and other touristy standbys such as Longshan Temple, National Palace Museum and the original Din Tai Fung restaurant — have many other options for a day out in the city, which is rising in prominence for both corporate and leisure travelers.
Here are a few insider tips on what’s new (or what’s simply hidden in plain sight).
Local Flavor
A day in Taiwan’s capital wouldn’t be complete without taking some time to dip into the culinary scene.
Taipei Eats’ four-hour Xinyi District Backstreets Food Tour helps clients explore under-the-radar spots in Xinyi, Taipei’s financial district. The tour, which can be booked for single travelers, couples or groups, begins with a trip to the neighborhood’s wet market, which proves to be an excellent starting point for what’s to follow. Guests will spend the rest of the excursion hopping to pocket-size, family-run restaurants that specialize in one or two dishes, such as a breakfast pastry with scallions, gua bao (steamed pork buns), stinky tofu or soup dumplings.
This Xinyi tour takes place four times per week, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. It costs $70 for clients 14 years and older and $50 for children 8 to 14 years old.
www.taipeieats.com
Book Taipei Eats for a “backstreets food tour” in Xinyi District.
Credit: 2018 Getty ImagesShop 'Til You Drop
From Taipei 101 to the commercial boulevards of the Daan and Songshan districts, Taipei is awash with spotless malls packed with international chains. But, fortunately, those seeking cutting-edge fashion and home accessories can look to Eslite Spectrum. The decidedly nontraditional “department store” is full of boutiques that showcase independent fashion and decor designers as well as the flagship Eslite Bookstore, known for its handmade stationery, art supplies and art books. Across its lush courtyard are the shops of Songshan Art Park, a former tobacco factory with art galleries and event space. Those shopping on a Sunday should check out the weekend Taipei Jade Market, which is held beneath an overpass. Jewelry and handicrafts sold here are several notches above routine night market souvenirs.
artevent.eslite.com
new.songshanculturalpark.org
A Toast to Cocktails
Cocktail enthusiasts who prefer neighborhood hangouts over manicured hotel lounges will find inventive surprises at independent bars such as Woo Taipei, Dig Out Bar & Cafe, Trio, R&D Cocktail Lab and Ounce. The menus are rich in cocktail classics and new creations that integrate Taiwanese teas, herbs and seasonal fruit with Western spirits and techniques. Suggest clients also pay a visit to the bars tucked cozily into the back streets of Taipei’s Daan district. Many of these establishments share a reverence for locally sourced ingredients that have been purchased from local produce markets.
Spinning Through Town
Taipei’s efficient subway system spans every corner of the city, but it’s probably easier to get around to some the area’s lesser-known temples and neighborhoods with YouBike. Rentals run for about $0.35 per half-hour, with dozens of bike stations around town. Advise clients to register for YouBike online.
Bikes can be leased using the public transportation card that works for local trains and busses.
taipei.youbike.com.tw