About taipei..
During a recent stopover on the way to Japan, I had 3 days to discover some of Taipei’s hidden gems, and fell in love with the city! In just a few short days, I found so many unique and interesting places that will make you want to come back again and again. To help others experience Taipei’s charm, I have crafted a tried and true 3-days in Taipei itinerary that navigates the city’s diverse districts, ensuring you make the most of your time. Of course, the true magic of Taipei lies in the spontaneous discoveries that await those who are willing to wander and get delightfully lost in its vibrant streets, around every corner revealing new treasures. Taipei is a city that seamlessly blends the old and the new, the familiar and the foreign, creating a captivating tapestry that will linger in the hearts of all who are fortunate enough to experience its boundless allure.
Taipei is the dazzling capital of Taiwan, and a city that perfectly merges the contemporary and the traditional. Being the economic, political, and cultural hub of the country, Taipei is indeed a cosmopolitan treasure trove, brimming with an infectious energy that will surely captivate your heart. From the world-renowned Taipei 101, which was once the tallest building on the planet, to the historic Dihua Street, with its variety of tea, medicine, herbs, fabrics, and souvenirs, this city is full of contrasts that are simply fascinating. With its user-friendly infrastructure, wealth of attractions, and captivating blend of the contemporary and the timeless, Taipei emerges as a destination that is far less complicated – and far more captivating – than one might initially expect.
Day 1
ximending + dadaocheng
Start your Tiapei adventure at the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial. Before the Taipei 101 was built, this memorial hall served as the city’s most iconic structure! Make sure to schedule your visit to see the changing of the guard ceremony that happens every hour on the hour.
After exploring the Memorial, you can catch a quick cab over to the famous Lungshan Temple. Lungshan Temple, built in 1740, was created for worshiping Guanshiyin Budda and other divine spirits. Due to natural disaster and damages caused by men over the years, the temple has been restored several times, and is now a protected national heritage site.
From there, start your journey over to Ximending for some shopping. Ximending is a neighborhood and shopping district that was the first “Pedestrian Zone” for walking and shopping in Taipei. The district caters to a youthful crowd, and includes the “Rainbow 6” crossing, symbolizing Taipei City’s respect for human rights and its active efforts in promoting sex equality and gender friendliness.
XIMENDING HIGHLIGHTS
- Red House-Heritage Building + Gallery with local vendors
- Raindow 6 Crossing
- Shimen Ting (Harajuku Style Shops)
- Pop Mart collectible toys + blind boxes
- Wannian Building- clothes, toys, gachpon arcades
- Sanrio 7-11 (One of several themed 7-11 locations in Taipei)
- Lao Shandong Home Made Noodles
After exploring Ximendeng, transport yourself to the Oldest street in Taipei, Dihua Street in the Dadaocheng area! This colonial era part of town has been rejuvenated, but still retains plenty of traditional shops. You’ll find Chinese medicine stores interspersing with cafes and antique shops as well as the traditional “Ga Ji Dai” woven plastic shopping totes (great souvenir). There’s even a modern Le Labo Fragrance shop tucked in between the traditional merchants.
End your day with a stroll along the Dadacheng Pier Plaza enjoying delicious street food with sunset views.
OLD DIHUA STREET/DADAOCHENG HIGHLIGHTS
- Palas Cafe- Aesthetic Cfae w/ specialty coffee
- Da Chun’s Soap Shop
- Rice and Shine (lunch and dinner sets in heritage building)
- Lee Cake’s Pastry Shop
- Museum 207 (Free Art Exhibits)
- Art Yard 67 (Inside Heritage Home) sells local crafts and ceramics
- Le Zinc Cafe (At the back of Art Yard 67)
- Dadacheng Pier Plaza Sunset Street Food Stalls (late afternoon for sunset views)
day 2
Fujin street, xiny +
huashan creative park
Start your second day in Taipei by exploring a local neighborhood with unique shops and cafe’s. Fujin street is located in the Songshan District and is a tranquil and green oasis among the metropolis of Taipei. The boutique style shops have created a simple and relaxing atmosphere, making Fujin Street a nice place to take a walk and enjoy the buildings, discover a unique shop, order a cup of coffee, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon.
FUJIN STREET HIGHLIGHTS
- Sunny Hills Pineapple Cake Shop
- Fujin Tree Cafe + Fujin Tree 355 Clothing
- Beams Japan / Taipei
- Kyushu Pancake
- Popover Sweet Shop
- Freitag Bag Shop
Tucked behind The modern Taipei 101 are the remains of the 44 South Military Village. The distance is close enough for a quick stroll after your 101 Building visit. In the late 1940’s military personnel and their families lived here. The village was set to be demolished, but a campaign successfully kept the area protected as a heritage estate. Today you can find the tiny homes filled with Cafe’s, small businesses and shops. Its also one of the best spots to view Taipei 101, and ponder the juxtaposition of the modern metropolis in front of this historic step back in time..
Top off the day with a trip to the Huashan 1914 Creative Park in the Zhongzhen District. Once an abandoned distillery from the Japanese era, Huashan 1914 Creative Park has undergone an incredible transformation, thanks to the dedication of civil activists and artists. Today, this urban renewal project stands as a bustling hub of creativity and serves as one of the trendiest destinations in the capital city of Taipei.
The history of Huashan 1914 Creative Park dates back to the time when Taiwan was under Japanese rule. Originally known as the Taihouku Distillery, it produced a variety of alcoholic beverages. However, as time passed, the distillery fell into disuse, leaving the complex to decay amidst the urban landscape.
Recognizing the immense potential of the space, civil activists and artists rallied together to save the former distillery from demolition. Their relentless efforts paid off, as the government decided to transform the site into a cultural and creative hub. With its revitalization, Huashan 1914 Creative Park was born.
Today, the Huashan Park encompasses several buildings and warehouses that have been beautifully repurposed. One can now find an independent cinema showcasing thought-provoking films, local pop-ups that highlight up-and-coming talents, and an array of shops and cafes that offer unique and artisanal creations throughout the former Taihouku Distillery complex.
By stepping foot into this buzzing hub of culture and creativity, visitors will witness firsthand the unique blend of history, art, and innovation that defines Taipei’s dynamic spirit.
Day 3
yongkang street
+ da'an district
Yongkang Street in Taipei, Taiwan has been hailed as one of the “coolest streets in the world” by the renowned travel guide Time Out Magazine. This unassuming residential area surrounding the serene Yongkang Park has quietly blossomed into a vibrant hub of culinary delights and trendy establishments, drawing in both local Taiwanese and international visitors alike. The street’s prime location adjacent to the lush greenery of Da’an Forest Park, as well as its proximity to the bustling Dongmen MRT station, has helped foster an eclectic mix of eateries and boutiques that cater to a diverse array of tastes and preferences. As the area’s popularity has grown, larger, more acclaimed restaurants and stylish cafes have set up shop, further enhancing Yongkang Street’s allure and appeal to worldly travelers. In addition to these sought-after dining destinations, the neighborhood also boasts several Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants, a designation awarded for providing high-quality cuisine at a reasonable price point of under NT$1,000 per person. Strolling down this charming, tree-lined stretch, one is treated to a delightful array of independent boutiques, artisanal bakeries, as well as the original location of the renowned Din Tai Fung restaurant. Start your journey at Yongkang Park, and stroll along the street for a perfect afternoon in Taipei!
YONGKANG ST HIGHLIGHTS
- Ruian Soymilk, Traditional Taiwanese Breakfast
- Ten Ren’s Tea Xinyi Branch- Milk Tea
- A Yuan Soap Store
- Lai Hai Taiwanes Gifts
- Tian Jin Onion Pancake
- SOMA Tea & Mocktail + Soft serve
- Ice Monster Shave Ice
- Dongmen Market- opens early morning-good for local breakfast
As the sun dips below the horizon, make your way to the bustling back alleyways of Taipei’s Da’an District. This vibrant enclave, largely untouched by the throngs of tourists that flock to the city’s more well-known landmarks, exudes an authentic, local charm that is truly captivating. Da’an has long been regarded as an incubator for innovative food and drink concepts, attracting a new generation of passionate restaurateurs who bring their big dreams and boundless creativity to this dynamic neighborhood. The youthful population, bolstered by a high concentration of students from nearby universities, infuses the district with a constant state of evolution, as novel eateries and bars continually sprout up to cater to their discerning palates and evolving tastes. In the wake of the pandemic, this trend has only accelerated, with a veritable explosion of new openings transforming the district into one of Taipei’s most exciting and ever-changing destinations. Whether you’re seeking a hidden speakeasy, a cutting-edge fusion restaurant, or simply the chance to immerse yourself in the lively, community-driven vibe of this neighborhood, an evening spent wandering the back alleys of Da’an promises to be a truly memorable experience. This is the place to be, where the city’s creative energy converges to create an urban landscape that is constantly in flux, always offering something new and compelling to discover.
DA’AN DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS
- The Master Spicy Noodle
- BRUN (Anhe) Chic Breakfast and Brunch Cafe
- Soypresso- Beyond Milk- Soymilk, soy ice cream, soy pudding etc
- Kure8- Kombucha and Boba Tea
- Relax Jazz Bar
- Bar Mood Taipei
- Yu Chocolatier
With so many captivating sights and cultural gems to discover, there’s truly no shortage of ways to customize your Taipei adventure. I encourage you to tweak my itinerary as needed, so go ahead, mix and match the recommended activities, and let this be your springboard to uncovering the endless wonders that await in captivating Taipei.
Taipei possesses a distinct simplicity that lends it a unique charm and elegance. This pared-back quality allows the city’s true character to shine through, revealing an alluring blend of modernity and tradition. This guide only serves as a starting point to uncover the city’s diverse charms.
If you are planning a trip to Taipei, make sure to check out my Taiwan Destination Guide to discover everything you need to know about planning a trip to Taiwan! From what time of year to visit, to airport airport tips and transportation tricks, I’ve got you covered!
Keep checking my blog posts and follow the Wunder.lustre Instagram feed for the latest adventures, and more tips on finding beautiful architecture and design around the globe!
