Shopping
One of Taipei's best place to go not just for shopping but also for sightseeing. You will go there around 10AM for the opening ceremony and you feel like you are a majesty in a castle. Most visited!
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遠東SOGO台北
45號 Section 4, Zhongxiao E RdOne of Taipei's best place to go not just for shopping but also for sightseeing. You will go there around 10AM for the opening ceremony and you feel like you are a majesty in a castle. Most visited!
This is Taipei's most renowned bookshop, with locations all over town. The flagship Dunhua S Rd location is open 24 hours. The Xinyi Branch is the largest bookstore in Taiwan and the B2 level is dedicated to local designs, including innovative jewellery, bags, shoes, stationery, knick-knacks and home furnishings.
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Eslite Bookstore
20號 Jingye 3rd RdThis is Taipei's most renowned bookshop, with locations all over town. The flagship Dunhua S Rd location is open 24 hours. The Xinyi Branch is the largest bookstore in Taiwan and the B2 level is dedicated to local designs, including innovative jewellery, bags, shoes, stationery, knick-knacks and home furnishings.
Easily the largest clothing market in the city, Wu Fen Pu encompasses several square blocks of lanes and alleys. You'll find everything from the latest fashions (most shops cater to women) to T-shirts with comically bad Chinglish slogans. To get here take MRT Exit 5 and then turn left on Songshan Rd.
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Wufenpu Shopping District
Alley 9, Lane 443, Yongji RoadEasily the largest clothing market in the city, Wu Fen Pu encompasses several square blocks of lanes and alleys. You'll find everything from the latest fashions (most shops cater to women) to T-shirts with comically bad Chinglish slogans. To get here take MRT Exit 5 and then turn left on Songshan Rd.
Six storeys of electronics, software, hardware, laptops, peripherals, mobile phones and gadgets of all kinds. Dozens of smaller shops in the surrounding neighbourhood.
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Guanghua Digital Plaza
8號 Section 3, Civic BlvdSix storeys of electronics, software, hardware, laptops, peripherals, mobile phones and gadgets of all kinds. Dozens of smaller shops in the surrounding neighbourhood.
This is perhaps the largest market for jade and other semiprecious stones in Asia. It's a good place to buy jewellery, trinkets and religious items, but it lacks appeal if you are just browsing. The market is literally under Jianguo Overpass. Just south is a weekend flower market.
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建國假日玉市
Jianguo Elevated RoadThis is perhaps the largest market for jade and other semiprecious stones in Asia. It's a good place to buy jewellery, trinkets and religious items, but it lacks appeal if you are just browsing. The market is literally under Jianguo Overpass. Just south is a weekend flower market.
Food Scene
McDonald's
262號 Section 7, Chengde RdMcDonald's 麥當勞
Pillow caf'e
133 Rui'an StThe Pillow Cafe is the perfect place for breakfast/lunch in the area
History, nostalgia and fine tea combine in this charming former Japanese-era wooden dormitory. Wistaria was built in 1920 for naval personnel and later used as a hangout for artists, literati and political dissidents following the 1979 Kaohsiung Incident (which led to the arrest and imprisonment of most of the top democracy advocates in Taiwan).
The teahouse has a fine selection of oolongs, Tie Guanyin, green teas, and some rare pu'er (dark fermented tea) that could set you back thousands in one afternoon of drinking. Light meals and snacks are also served.
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Wistaria Tea House
1號 Lane 16, Section 3, Xinsheng S RdHistory, nostalgia and fine tea combine in this charming former Japanese-era wooden dormitory. Wistaria was built in 1920 for naval personnel and later used as a hangout for artists, literati and political dissidents following the 1979 Kaohsiung Incident (which led to the arrest and imprisonment of most of the top democracy advocates in Taiwan).
The teahouse has a fine selection of oolongs, Tie Guanyin, green teas, and some rare pu'er (dark fermented tea) that could set you back thousands in one afternoon of drinking. Light meals and snacks are also served.
This is Taipei's top spot for Taiwanese food. Though James Kitchen has a warm down-home setting, the presentation and freshness of each dish is anything but commonplace. Try the oysters with bread sticks, the bamboo shoots, the bean curd mushroom rolls, or pretty much anything that catches your eye. It's best to make a reservation.
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James Kitchen
65號 Yongkang StThis is Taipei's top spot for Taiwanese food. Though James Kitchen has a warm down-home setting, the presentation and freshness of each dish is anything but commonplace. Try the oysters with bread sticks, the bamboo shoots, the bean curd mushroom rolls, or pretty much anything that catches your eye. It's best to make a reservation.
Locals have mostly abandoned this market as a place to eat, but it's still hugely popular with travellers, who come to enjoy the carnival of streetside snacking, shopping, games and people-watching. It's best to avoid the basement food court area across from Jiantan MRT station, however, as the smoke and grease in the indoor venue can be unpleasant.
439 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Shi Lin Night Market
101 Jihe RdLocals have mostly abandoned this market as a place to eat, but it's still hugely popular with travellers, who come to enjoy the carnival of streetside snacking, shopping, games and people-watching. It's best to avoid the basement food court area across from Jiantan MRT station, however, as the smoke and grease in the indoor venue can be unpleasant.
Set in an 80-year-old gutted Japanese-era private residence, and serving single-origin coffee from places such as Rwanda and Brazil, this place looks so inviting you'd stop in even without a recommendation.
滴咖啡 Drop Coffee House(伊通店)
5 Lane 66, Yitong StSet in an 80-year-old gutted Japanese-era private residence, and serving single-origin coffee from places such as Rwanda and Brazil, this place looks so inviting you'd stop in even without a recommendation.
Taipei's oldest night market, Raohe St is a single pedestrian lane stretching between two ornate gates. In between you'll find a great assortment of Taiwanese eats, treats and sometimes even seats. Look for pork ribs in herbal broth, vermicelli and oysters, spicy stinky tofu and steamed buns.
At the eastern end of Raohe St sits the multistorey Ciyou Temple , dedicated to the goddess Matsu. The rooftop jiannian (mosaic-like decoration) is delightfully vibrant. To get here, head out of Exit 5 at Yongchun MRT, turn left on Songshan Rd and follow it for about 10 minutes.
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I-Raohe Night Market
Raohe StreetTaipei's oldest night market, Raohe St is a single pedestrian lane stretching between two ornate gates. In between you'll find a great assortment of Taiwanese eats, treats and sometimes even seats. Look for pork ribs in herbal broth, vermicelli and oysters, spicy stinky tofu and steamed buns.
At the eastern end of Raohe St sits the multistorey Ciyou Temple , dedicated to the goddess Matsu. The rooftop jiannian (mosaic-like decoration) is delightfully vibrant. To get here, head out of Exit 5 at Yongchun MRT, turn left on Songshan Rd and follow it for about 10 minutes.
It's hard to believe but you can actually enjoy a coffee (or beer or meal) here on the stone terrace of Zhongshan Hall that authoritarian leader Chiang Kai-shek used to stand on to deliver speeches to the people.
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
中山堂堡壘古蹟餐廳
98號 Yanping S RdIt's hard to believe but you can actually enjoy a coffee (or beer or meal) here on the stone terrace of Zhongshan Hall that authoritarian leader Chiang Kai-shek used to stand on to deliver speeches to the people.
Guizhou cuisine, like that of nearby Sichuan province, is noted for its spice, but dishes generally have a greater range and more delicate flavours. The restaurant's blog has a good introduction in English to Guizhou cuisine though the link is in Chinese.
Qing Tian Xai
358之2號 Section 1, Dihua StGuizhou cuisine, like that of nearby Sichuan province, is noted for its spice, but dishes generally have a greater range and more delicate flavours. The restaurant's blog has a good introduction in English to Guizhou cuisine though the link is in Chinese.
Everything Else
7-Eleven is an international chain of convenience stores that operates, franchises and licenses some 58,300 stores in 17 countries.
44 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
7-Eleven
89號 Section 1, Yanping N Rd7-Eleven is an international chain of convenience stores that operates, franchises and licenses some 58,300 stores in 17 countries.
The Shandao Temple is a temple in Zhongzheng District, Taipei, Taiwan. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Taipe
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Shandao Temple Station
58 忠孝東路1段The Shandao Temple is a temple in Zhongzheng District, Taipei, Taiwan. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Taipe
Get a glimpse of Taipei on this three-hour tour. See how the people live in this interesting city. Visit Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Martyrs's Shrine, a classic Ming Dynasty architecture and later onto the National Palace Museum. Conclude with a visit to a Handicraft Center to view typical Taiwanese craftsmanship.
You'll be picked up from your Taipei city hotel and guided around Taipei's best attractions. Visit the grandiose Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, in downtown Taipei to pay homage to the late President Chiang Kai-Shek. Travel to Martyrs' Shrine to see an excellent example of classical Ming Dynasty architecture dedicated to the fallen war heroes of the country and see the hourly changing of the guard ceremony. The three-hour Taipei tour continues to the National Palace Museum, which houses the world's largest and most valuable collection of Chinese art treasures. There are permanent displays of ceramics, bronzes, oracle bones, porcelain, paintings, calligraphy, enamelware, jade, Ching dynasty costume, carvings, and cabinets, as well as temporary exhibitions of other items.
Travel to one of the many traditional Chinese temples that surround Taipei city. Then it's time for some shopping at the Handicraft Center, the center offers Taiwanese craftsmanship including jewelry, art and furniture. Tour Highlights
Drive past Presidential Building
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
Martyrs' Shrine (War Memorial)
National Palace Museum
Chinese Temple
Handicraft Center
MyTaiwanTour
69 Section 2, Nanjing East RoadGet a glimpse of Taipei on this three-hour tour. See how the people live in this interesting city. Visit Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Martyrs's Shrine, a classic Ming Dynasty architecture and later onto the National Palace Museum. Conclude with a visit to a Handicraft Center to view typical Taiwanese craftsmanship.
You'll be picked up from your Taipei city hotel and guided around Taipei's best attractions. Visit the grandiose Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, in downtown Taipei to pay homage to the late President Chiang Kai-Shek. Travel to Martyrs' Shrine to see an excellent example of classical Ming Dynasty architecture dedicated to the fallen war heroes of the country and see the hourly changing of the guard ceremony. The three-hour Taipei tour continues to the National Palace Museum, which houses the world's largest and most valuable collection of Chinese art treasures. There are permanent displays of ceramics, bronzes, oracle bones, porcelain, paintings, calligraphy, enamelware, jade, Ching dynasty costume, carvings, and cabinets, as well as temporary exhibitions of other items.
Travel to one of the many traditional Chinese temples that surround Taipei city. Then it's time for some shopping at the Handicraft Center, the center offers Taiwanese craftsmanship including jewelry, art and furniture. Tour Highlights
Drive past Presidential Building
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
Martyrs' Shrine (War Memorial)
National Palace Museum
Chinese Temple
Handicraft Center
Drinks & Nightlife
In the aptly named ATT4FUN building, you'll find the city's biggest dance floor and a swoon-inducing view of Taipei.
90 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Club Myst
12 Songshou RoadIn the aptly named ATT4FUN building, you'll find the city's biggest dance floor and a swoon-inducing view of Taipei.
Taipei's first speakeasy-style bar is everything you'd expect it to be, including being hidden behind a secret door, heavy on the dark hardwood and dim lights, and serving top-rated cocktails. The establishment is fronted by Relax cafe.
23 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ounce Taipei
309號 信義路四段Taipei's first speakeasy-style bar is everything you'd expect it to be, including being hidden behind a secret door, heavy on the dark hardwood and dim lights, and serving top-rated cocktails. The establishment is fronted by Relax cafe.
In the basement of Taipei 101, this club is renowned for the pulsating lights of the dance floor and ceiling.
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
spark 101
45 City Hall RdIn the basement of Taipei 101, this club is renowned for the pulsating lights of the dance floor and ceiling.
Just outside the bright lights of the Xinyi District is this classic long, dark and friendly Irish bar with a good range of pub grub such as cottage pie. English premier league games are shown on weekends.
62 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Speakeasy Bar
554號 Guangfu South RoadJust outside the bright lights of the Xinyi District is this classic long, dark and friendly Irish bar with a good range of pub grub such as cottage pie. English premier league games are shown on weekends.
Sightseeing
Home to the world's largest and arguably finest collection of Chinese art, this vast collection covers treasures in painting, calligraphy, statuary, bronzes, laquerware, ceramics, jade and religious objects. Some of the most popular items, such as the famous jade cabbage, are always on display, but, given the size of the museum's collection, much is on rotation.
The historical range at this museum is truly outstanding. Even within a single category, such as ceramics, pieces range over multiple dynasties, and even back to Neolithic times.
The museum offers free guided tours in English at 10am and 3pm. If you prefer to move about at your own pace, there's an English headphone guide (NT$100).
An annex at the front of the museum (to the left as you head up the stairs) holds regular special exhibitions, which cost extra to attend.
To reach the museum from Shilin MRT station, head out Exit 1 to Zhongzheng Rd and catch R30 (red 30), minibus 18 or 19, or buses 255, 304 or 815. It's about 15 minutes to the museum. From Dazhi MRT station take bus B13 (brown 13).
391 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
National Palace Museum
221 Sec 2, Zhi Shan RdHome to the world's largest and arguably finest collection of Chinese art, this vast collection covers treasures in painting, calligraphy, statuary, bronzes, laquerware, ceramics, jade and religious objects. Some of the most popular items, such as the famous jade cabbage, are always on display, but, given the size of the museum's collection, much is on rotation.
The historical range at this museum is truly outstanding. Even within a single category, such as ceramics, pieces range over multiple dynasties, and even back to Neolithic times.
The museum offers free guided tours in English at 10am and 3pm. If you prefer to move about at your own pace, there's an English headphone guide (NT$100).
An annex at the front of the museum (to the left as you head up the stairs) holds regular special exhibitions, which cost extra to attend.
To reach the museum from Shilin MRT station, head out Exit 1 to Zhongzheng Rd and catch R30 (red 30), minibus 18 or 19, or buses 255, 304 or 815. It's about 15 minutes to the museum. From Dazhi MRT station take bus B13 (brown 13).
Towering above the city like the gigantic bamboo stalk it was designed to resemble, Taipei 101 is impossible to miss. At 508m, Taipei 101 held the title of 'world's tallest building' for a number of years, though it now must be content with the world's tallest green building (as in eco-friendly, not envious).
Ticket sales are on the 5th floor of the Taipei 101 Shopping Mall. The pressure-controlled lift up is quite a rush; at 1010m per minute it takes a mere 40 seconds to get from ground level to the 89th-floor observation deck. Observation decks are on the 88th and 89th floors, with an outdoor deck on the 91st floor opened on some occasions, weather permitting. Don't miss the massive gold-coloured iron wind damper that keeps the tower stable through typhoons and earthquakes.
In the basement is a decent food court, and the first five floors are taken up by one of Taipei's swankiest malls. By the time you read this the Taipei 101/World Trade Centre MRT station should have opened. Otherwise get off at Taipei City Hall and walk.
For views of Taipei 101, climb Elephant Mountain or head to WOOBAR at the W Hotel.
1120 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Taipei 101
45 號 Section 5, Xinyi RdTowering above the city like the gigantic bamboo stalk it was designed to resemble, Taipei 101 is impossible to miss. At 508m, Taipei 101 held the title of 'world's tallest building' for a number of years, though it now must be content with the world's tallest green building (as in eco-friendly, not envious).
Ticket sales are on the 5th floor of the Taipei 101 Shopping Mall. The pressure-controlled lift up is quite a rush; at 1010m per minute it takes a mere 40 seconds to get from ground level to the 89th-floor observation deck. Observation decks are on the 88th and 89th floors, with an outdoor deck on the 91st floor opened on some occasions, weather permitting. Don't miss the massive gold-coloured iron wind damper that keeps the tower stable through typhoons and earthquakes.
In the basement is a decent food court, and the first five floors are taken up by one of Taipei's swankiest malls. By the time you read this the Taipei 101/World Trade Centre MRT station should have opened. Otherwise get off at Taipei City Hall and walk.
For views of Taipei 101, climb Elephant Mountain or head to WOOBAR at the W Hotel.
Essentials
This former 'Centre Street' has long been known for its Chinese medicine shops, fabric market and lively Lunar New Year sundry market. After a decade of restoration, the street has also become a magnet for young entrepreneurs eager to breathe new life into the neighbourhood with cafes, restaurants, art studios and antique shops.
Díhuà Jiē was constructed in the 1850s after merchants on the losing side of an ethnic feud (all too common in Taiwan's history over different groups' ancestor origins) in the Wanhua area fled to Dadaocheng (now Datong). The merchants prospered here (and some might say got their revenge) as the Wanhua port, further downstream, eventually silted up.
147 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Dihua Street
Section 1, Dihua StreetThis former 'Centre Street' has long been known for its Chinese medicine shops, fabric market and lively Lunar New Year sundry market. After a decade of restoration, the street has also become a magnet for young entrepreneurs eager to breathe new life into the neighbourhood with cafes, restaurants, art studios and antique shops.
Díhuà Jiē was constructed in the 1850s after merchants on the losing side of an ethnic feud (all too common in Taiwan's history over different groups' ancestor origins) in the Wanhua area fled to Dadaocheng (now Datong). The merchants prospered here (and some might say got their revenge) as the Wanhua port, further downstream, eventually silted up.
Parks & Nature
This is Taipei’s central park, where the city comes to play. And play it does, from kids rollerblading and playing tag to teens playing basketball and ultimate Frisbee to old men engaged in xiàngqí (Chinese chess). The park is a great place to hang out or to stroll about after a meal on nearby Yongkang St.
In the early mornings, you’ll see folks practising tai chi, and in the evenings, ballroom dancing. On big holidays, especially Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year, the amphitheatre hosts free stage shows featuring some of the biggest names in Taiwanese entertainment.
274 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Daan Forest Park
1號 Section 2, Xinsheng S RdThis is Taipei’s central park, where the city comes to play. And play it does, from kids rollerblading and playing tag to teens playing basketball and ultimate Frisbee to old men engaged in xiàngqí (Chinese chess). The park is a great place to hang out or to stroll about after a meal on nearby Yongkang St.
In the early mornings, you’ll see folks practising tai chi, and in the evenings, ballroom dancing. On big holidays, especially Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year, the amphitheatre hosts free stage shows featuring some of the biggest names in Taiwanese entertainment.
The family mansion of Lin Ying-yin boasts wood and stone carvings, traditional architectural motifs representing luck and fortune and a beautiful traditional garden. You can tour the garden area – which includes ponds, pavilions and numerous buildings – on your own, but to visit the residence (三落大厝, Sān Luò Dà Cuò) you need to sign up for a tour (also free) at the entrance.
Tour times are at 10am, 11am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. To get here take Fuzhong MRT Exit 3 and follow the English signs (about a 10-minute/700m walk).
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I-Lin Family Mansion and Garden
9 Ximen StThe family mansion of Lin Ying-yin boasts wood and stone carvings, traditional architectural motifs representing luck and fortune and a beautiful traditional garden. You can tour the garden area – which includes ponds, pavilions and numerous buildings – on your own, but to visit the residence (三落大厝, Sān Luò Dà Cuò) you need to sign up for a tour (also free) at the entrance.
Tour times are at 10am, 11am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. To get here take Fuzhong MRT Exit 3 and follow the English signs (about a 10-minute/700m walk).
Established in 1908, this was the first urban public park in Taiwan built on European models. Known as Taihoku (Taipei) Park under the Japanese, then Taipei New Park under the Kuomintang (KMT), its present name hails from 1996 in recognition that one of the pivotal events in Taiwanese modern history began here: the massacre known as the 2-28 Incident. The incident involved an uprising in which Taiwanese protested against the post-WWII Chinese government set in place by Chiang Kai-shek. Tens of thousands were killed in the months following.
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Iparke yasePeace 2/28
3號 Ketagalan BoulevardEstablished in 1908, this was the first urban public park in Taiwan built on European models. Known as Taihoku (Taipei) Park under the Japanese, then Taipei New Park under the Kuomintang (KMT), its present name hails from 1996 in recognition that one of the pivotal events in Taiwanese modern history began here: the massacre known as the 2-28 Incident. The incident involved an uprising in which Taiwanese protested against the post-WWII Chinese government set in place by Chiang Kai-shek. Tens of thousands were killed in the months following.
An oasis in the city, this 8-hectare park has well-stocked greenhouses, literature- and Chinese-zodiac-themed gardens, a lotus pond and myriad lanes where you can lose yourself in quiet contemplation. The gardens were established by the Japanese in 1921 and are part of a larger neighbourhood that maintains an old Taipei feel.
Within the park itself look for the Qing administrative office (built 1888) and a herbarium (from 1924). On Nanhai Rd check out the Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School (built 1909), the National Taiwan 228 Memorial Museum (1931), and the buildings associated with the National Museum of History and the adjacent Nanhai Academy.
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Isithole Sase-Taipei - Isitolo Sase-Ginger
53號 Nanhai RdAn oasis in the city, this 8-hectare park has well-stocked greenhouses, literature- and Chinese-zodiac-themed gardens, a lotus pond and myriad lanes where you can lose yourself in quiet contemplation. The gardens were established by the Japanese in 1921 and are part of a larger neighbourhood that maintains an old Taipei feel.
Within the park itself look for the Qing administrative office (built 1888) and a herbarium (from 1924). On Nanhai Rd check out the Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School (built 1909), the National Taiwan 228 Memorial Museum (1931), and the buildings associated with the National Museum of History and the adjacent Nanhai Academy.