Local Must-Visit Gems in Taipei

2023/08/18
Local Must-Visit Gems in Taipei

 

Presented below are locations and cuisines frequently frequented by the locals. Eager to explore these spots? Just pick your preferred destinations, enroll in the Private Guided Taipei Tour, and allow MyTaiwanTour to craft an ideal itinerary tailored to you!

 

Savoring the Local Flavors

 

  • Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan) (滷肉飯)

Indulge in the mouthwatering charm of lu rou fan, a beloved Taiwanese delicacy where succulent ground pork is slow-cooked in a harmony of soy sauce, five-spice powder, and rice wine—savor it traditionally over rice or venture into noodle-infused innovation!

 

  • Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken (鹽酥雞)

This traditional Taiwanese dish features tender chicken chunks marinated in a delectable blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, rice wine, and an array of spices, followed by a crisp coating of potato or corn starch before being deep-fried to golden perfection.

 

  • Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵)

Taiwan's pride, the beef noodle soup, is a beloved national dish, perfect for warming winters. This comfort food features beef, vegetables, noodles, and spices in a flavorful broth. With roots tracing back to the 1940s and a significant Sichuan influence, the dish's cross-provincial origin infuses it with chili bean sauce and Sichuan peppercorns.

 

Hangout Hotspots

 

  • Zhongshan

Today, the alleys near MRT Zhongshan Station have evolved into a hotspot for hip cafés, curated boutiques, and designer stores. Chifeng Street, once "Blacksmith Street," blends Taipei's history with modern flair, adorned with graffiti-covered buildings and hosting creative markets in Xinzhongshan Linear Park on weekends – an aesthetic haven.

 

  • Ximending

Ximending (Ximen), Taipei's leading entertainment district, captivates with its neon storefronts and lively arcades. Amidst the vibrant commercial buzz, it's easy to miss one of the trendiest spots in the city with just a blink.

 

  • Huashan 1914 Creative Park

This destination unquestionably caters to the younger generation on weekends. Moreover, it serves as a hub for music festivals, adding another layer of excitement to its offerings. Inside this creative park, a small theatre screens non-mainstream movies, and creative markets often take place, creating a dynamic and vibrant atmosphere.

 

Historical Sites

 

  • The Grand Hotel

Undoubtedly Taiwan's most renowned hotel, The Grand Hotel (圓山大飯店) has been a hub for pivotal events both on and off screen for nearly 70 years. Its grand and opulent classical Chinese architecture is a city landmark, rivaled only by Taipei 101. Hosting foreign dignitaries, celebrities, and film crews, the hotel's grandeur extends to its rooms and dining halls.

 

  • Longshan Temple

Longshan Temple holds a place among Taipei's esteemed "big three" temples. It's a revered site for worshipping ten deities, including the sea goddess Mazu (who occupies her own northern hall), the deity of marriage Yue Lao, and the goddess of mercy, Guanyin.

 

  • Dadaocheng

In Dadaocheng, Dihua Street is a hub for wholesale food, Chinese medicine, and fabric stores. Once favored by shoppers, it has evolved into a mix of historic charm and modern allure. With cafes, shops, and a vibrant atmosphere, it's now a magnet for the young and tourists, particularly on sunny days.

 

  • Traditional Market​​​

Traditional markets truly shine as iconic and authentic destinations waiting to be discovered. They are the preferred choice for locals in search of fresh groceries and an undeniable sense of tradition. These markets are renowned for offering an array of fresh vegetables and meats. It's a common sight to come across establishments that have been catering to the community for decades, if not longer. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this enduring tradition firsthand!

 

Natural Sites

 

  • Yangmingshan

Nestled within a basin, Taipei, the capital of the nation, is surrounded by verdant mountains that rise steeply around it. The urban skyline presents a striking contrast between modern, towering skyscrapers and the ancient, towering hills. Exploring within Taipei City's boundaries reveals an abundance of breathtaking waterfall scenes just waiting to be explored.

 

  • Maokong

Nestled in the hills of Wenshan District lies Maokong, once the foremost tea-producing region in Taipei. Although tea cultivation persists, this renowned location in the southeastern part of the city is now celebrated as a hub of tea culture. It draws crowds of visitors eager to indulge in tasting and discovering more about their beloved brew.

 

  • Taipei Zoo

Taipei Zoo stands as Taiwan's largest and most varied zoo, serving both as a tourist magnet and an educational hub. If you're eager for an enthralling exploration of diverse animal habitats and lifestyles, consider Maokong for a charming city escape.

 

 

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