Things to do in TAIPEI
Saturday, September 01, 2012Taiwan is one of the four Asian Tiger or Asian Dragon Countries together with Hong Kong, Singapore & South Korea. Taipei City is the capital, economic and cultural center of Taiwan. Going to Taipei is like going to Hong Kong minus the Disneyland.
What I really enjoyed doing here was the morning walk with my friends going to the Taiwan Metro. Walking was a pleasurable experience in Taipei because of the cold weather the time we're there.
So here's a list of things to do in Taipei with the help of our friend/tour guide, Joycen
1. Take a picture with TAIPEI 101 and go up the Observatory Deck
It is officially known as Taipei International Financial Center. It is the most famous landmark in Taiwan, kumbaga kung may Petronas ang KL, Merlion ang Singapore at Pearl Tower ang Shanghai syempre ang Taiwan may Taipei 101 :)
It is the second tallest skyscraper in the world next to Burj Khalifa in Dubai and is called so because it has 101 floors. You can also go up the observatory deck to have a wonderful view of the city but we're discouraged to go because the weather is foggy, we won't see anything naman daw so we take pictures outside instead. Entrance fee costs NT$ 450 (P637) for adults & NT$400 (P567) for children under 12 from 9am-10pm daily. For more information visit www.taipei-101.com.tw
Address:
No.7, Sec.5, Xin Yi Rd. Taipei City
2. Visit CHIANG KAI SHEK MEMORIAL HALL
It is located at the heart of Taipei City, it was built to commemorate the former Taiwan president Chiang Kai-Shek and is one of the most important landmark in Taipei.
It is open & free to public from 9am-5pm daily.
 |
| guard or statue? |
Address:
No.21, Zhongshan S. Rd., Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
3. Observe Taiwan worshippers at LONGSHAN TEMPLE
It is one of the most famous worshipped temples in Taiwan, Longshan Temple is located in Wanhua Disctrict. It is also considered as one of the oldest Buddist temples in Taiwan. It became a famous temple as it has the best traditional Chinese architecture in the country.
While I was taking a picture of the yellow lanterns, I accidentally leaned my foot on the lower part of the wall then a local woman reprimanded me in Mandarin, I said sorry then she realized I wasn't Taiwanese and apologized right ahead. (I could pass as a Taiwanese pala! :) hehehe)
Local worshippers
No. 211, Guangzhou St., Wanhua District, Taipei City
4. Learn Taiwan's history thru art at NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM
It is an art museum in Taipei and is the national museum of Taiwan. It has collections of ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks making it one of the largest museum in the world. Displays several ancient Chinese ceramics, coins, jades, paintings & calligraphies. It's well kept, intimidating & sobrang laki, I really wish we have something like this in the Philippines.
Admission costs NT$ 60, opens daily from 8:30am- 5:30pm (Wednesday & Friday extended until 7:30pm) and they don't allow cameras inside the museum.
5. Visit SUN YAT-SEN MEMORIAL HALL
In commemoration of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the first president of Taiwan. The hall includes the statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, exhibition halls & library with no entrance fee.
Every hour there is a formal honor guard shift which made it a tourist attraction. When we arrived there tamang-tama naabutan namin yung changing of guards but there were too many people, luckily we found a place in front.
 |
| changing of the guards |
One of a popular tourist attraction as well is the group exhibition of honor guards outside the hall. They were doing steps & movements with their guns in a focused & very choreographed way. They were amazing & fun to watch :)
 |
| street dancing? |
6. Witness the sunset at the FISHERMAN'S WHARF
Located at the western tip part of Taipei (Chatt & I even fell asleep at the Metro because of the travel) is a fishing port well known for having the best place to watch the sunset.
 |
| Lover's bridge |
Address:
Guanhai Rd., Tamsui District, New Taipei City
7. Ride the ferris wheel in MIRAMAR MALL
Be a kid once again & try this one out. It is a 230 feet tall Ferris Wheel which costs NT$150, wait for the number 9 cabin because it's crystal/clear glass.
 |
| inside the crystal cabin |
8. Ride the MOAKONG GONDOLA & visit the ZHINAN TEMPLE
Another bonding experience in Taipei if you want to escape the hustle & bustle of the city. Gondola ticket cost NT$180 two-way & be sure to choose the crystal cable car without extra charge.  |
| inside a clear glass bottom gondola |
Zhinan Temple
Joycen taught us how to worship like one of the locals
 |
| being buddists |
There is a also a Zoo in this area perfect if you have kids.
Address:
Sec. 2, Xinguang Rd., Wenshan District, Taipei City
9. Go shopping at SHILIN NIGHT MARKET & XIMENDING
The 2 most popular shopping places in Taipei are Shilin Night Market & Ximending. Ximending is a shopping district in Wanhua District that is catered to young audience. Filled with people & lights even at wee hours in the evening. I saw several shops I love like Muji & Etude House.
Shilin Night Market on the other hand is the most famous & largest night market in the city. Kaya syempre hindi kami papahuli ni Chatt sa shopping! :) More like Mongkok of Hong Kong but the people are a lot nicer here :)
Though I saw pieces I bought in my recent Bangkok trip, it is more pricey here. Kaya for me BKK is still the best shopping haven! :)
10. Eat at Taipei's STREET FOODS
Don't ever fail to try out Taiwan's local street foods! Joycen gave us a bit of a tour around Shilin Night Market & ordered some of Taiwan's best :)
 |
| dimsums, soups, teas, tofu, chicken |
Joycen made us eat fried tofu na sobrang baho, but it was surprisingly good and gulaman with ICE (kahit nangangatog na kami sa ginaw!)
 |
| tired shopper :) |
11. Eat at TOASTERIA CAFE
Where Joycen works :) They sell sandwiches, fries, salad & pasta which is becoming quite popular to tourists & locals alike. Here you can find the best grilled cheese panini! YUM!
Joycen at work :)
Last visit at the Cafe before leaving Taipei </3 I'm gonna miss it here :,)
For more information about Toasteria, visit their website - www.toasteriacafe.com
For first time Taiwan travelers check out ---> TAIPEI TAIWANderers Must Know
0 comments