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Taipei, Taiwan, is nothing short of an aesthete’s dream. With its dramatic landscapes and lush vegetation, there’s a reason Taiwan was nicknamed ilha formosa, or “beautiful island,” when the Portuguese stumbled upon it in the 16th century. Decades later, the isle’s capital is still worthy of the name, though now it’s full of soaring buildings, centuries-old temples, and modern-day marvels. Don’t worry, though: Taipei may be a bustling urban metropolis, but you’ll still find that Taiwan’s capital has no shortage of verdant nature among its built wonders. The city is full of captivating architecture and design, and below you can see AD’s guide to the must-visit spots in Taipei.
Where to stay
Opened in 2019, Kimpton Da An Hotel is the boutique brand’s first foray into Asia. Designed by Shanghai-based Neri & Hu, the 129-key property was built with an urban sanctuary in mind, best exhibited by the water installation in the lobby and the garden outside. As you walk around, you’ll find that many of the elements have been drawn from Taiwanese architecture and culture, such as the thin white tiles that line the guest room bathrooms; decorative vintage window grills; mini rice-cooker-shaped containers that hold the mini bar’s coffee pods; and benches at the entrance of your room to remove your shoes, a customary practice when entering a home. Accommodations are cozy and largely neutral, save for brass details and a forest-green-hued wall. For added space, opt for a suite, which features a separate living area and an elongated stone bathroom complete with a deep soaking tub, harkening to the country’s Japanese influence. Make sure to stop by the hotel’s restaurant, The Tavernist, where you’ll find a creative menu inspired by chef James Sherman’s travels.
Don’t be disheartened by its drab facade; if you’re looking to channel your creative side, Play Design Hotel will do just the trick. Tucked away on the fifth floor of a residential building, this five-room hotel is unlike anything else in the city. Guests have the option to either customize their room by selecting 10 pieces of furniture to decorate their temporary abode or choose one of the pre-curated accommodations. This boutique property is also set apart with its dedication to exclusively highlighting the work of Taiwanese designers. You’ll find pieces that embody everything from modern reinterpretations of traditional techniques, sustainable and eco-friendly philosophies, unique technological features, and creations made for compact living. And if you fall in love with a particular item, you might be able to take it home depending on availability, or you can pay a visit to the hotel’s shop for other design-forward trinkets. While you’re here, make sure to stop by Play Design Salon, a quirky space that combines antiques from the hotel that originally occupied the building with present-day objects. This space also doubles as a café on the weekends.
What to See and Do
With a beautiful mix of old and new architecture, there’s plenty to see in Taipei. When it comes to historical sites, the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is Taiwan’s most prominent landmark, as it was built in honor of their first president. Inspired by Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, the structure uses white marble and is similarly adorned with a dark blue roof. There’s also the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, which was constructed in honor of the man who is often referred to as the father of the Republic of China. And all around the city you’ll find ornate temples, including Lungshan Temple, arguably Taipei’s most famous, and Songshan Ciyou Temple, right outside the west entrance to Raohe Night Market.
Still, when you think of Taiwan’s capital, the first thing that likely comes to mind is Taipei 101. Formerly the world’s tallest building, it’s now the 11th highest and still soars above all others in the city. Apart from its staggering height and an observation deck boasting the best panoramic views of Taipei, the edifice also uses low-flow water fixtures to reduce water usage, proving that skyscrapers can be sustainable. For another prime example of eco-conscious towers, check out Tao Zhu Yin Yuan, a twisting, carbon-eating residential complex by Paris-based Vincent Callebaut covered in greenery with a LEED Gold certification. And with forthcoming projects like Zaha Hadid’s Danjiang Bridge and MVRDV’s Taipei Twin Towers underway, there will be much more to appreciate in the years to come.
While checking off all of your sightseeing spots, make sure to also explore Taipei’s creative scene. While the National Palace Museum is best for those interested in ancient Chinese artifacts and artwork, the city also has some great contemporary venues, such as Taipei Fine Arts Museum and MOCA Taipei, along with galleries like Bluerider Art or Parkview Green Art Taipei. For something that combines tradition with modernity, check out the exhibitions held at Yiyun Art. The city is also home to multipurpose venues like Huashan 1914 Creative Park and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (SCCP)—occupying what was previously a winery and tobacco factory, respectively—where you’ll find rotating exhibits, shops, restaurants, and the Taiwan Design Museum at SCCP.
One of the hottest tables in town, two-Michelin-starred Raw is the brainchild of acclaimed Taiwanese chef André Chiang. While known for highlighting seasonal local produce carefully selected based on the island’s 24 micro-seasons, there’s also something to be said about its interiors, where undulating sculptures made from southern pine are the centerpiece. If you’re looking for something a little more casual or a spot for a quick coffee break, you’ll find that Taipei is filled with numerous stylish cafés, many of which also have a shopping component. Some really stellar venues include Real Guts Café and Scandinavian-influenced Fika Fika Café. If tea is more your speed, check out ASW Tea House, known for its high-quality black tea, or make a day trip out to Jiufen and visit the famed Amei Tea House, which inspired Hayao Miyzaki’s animated film Spirited Away. Just don’t forget that Taiwan is where bubble tea was invented, so stop by cult favorites like Chun Shui Tang and Tiger Sugar for a sweet treat.
But no visit to Taipei would be complete without visiting the city’s legendary night markets. There are dozens to choose from, but some of the most popular options include Shilin, Raohe, and Ningxia. Come with an empty stomach, and keep an eye out for Taiwan’s famed dishes like braised pork rice, oyster omelette, guo bao (pork belly buns), fried chicken, and stinky tofu. And if you do end up going to Raohe or Ningxia, don’t miss out on Fuzhou Black Pepper Buns and Fang Chia Shredded Chicken on the Rice, respectively. Both recognized by the Michelin Guide with Bib Gourmands, they’re also completely worth all of the hype and will undoubtedly be some of the best bites you’ll have while in town. To round out the ultimate food experience, head over to Yonghe Soy Milk King the next morning for a traditional Taiwanese breakfast of dan bing (egg crepes), rice rolls, shao bing (a flatbread usually stuffed with either egg or meat), turnip cakes, and soy milk with youtiao (fried dough), followed by a lunch of beef noodle soup.
Where to Shop
Whether you’re in search of Taiwanese crafts, handmade shoes, or a custom notebook, Taipei is a dream for every type of shopper. For those who want to spruce up their home, make a beeline for Earthing Way to pick up some rustic goods or 3,co for minimalist ceramic tableware. If you’d like to make some additions to your closet, Oringo makes high-quality, handmade footwear; Glasense Studio has an incredible array of stylish specs; and Immense stocks Taiwanese-designed avant-garde fashion and streetwear. Meanwhile, anyone who still likes putting pen to paper will thoroughly enjoy the offerings at Plain Stationery & Homeware, Tools to Liveby, and Vision Stationery. You’ll definitely want to leave some extra space in your luggage.
