What are the "Must" things to do in Taipei?
Mar 18th, 2007, 09:24 PM
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What are the "Must" things to do in Taipei?
Hey everyone
For those of you who have been to Taipei, Taiwan, I would like to know what are the things that a 1st timer must do there? I know a little bit about the Taipei 101 building which is the tallest building in the world. But, are there any other places or things that I should do there? How's the local shopping and food?
I will be heading there in August.
For those of you who have been to Taipei, Taiwan, I would like to know what are the things that a 1st timer must do there? I know a little bit about the Taipei 101 building which is the tallest building in the world. But, are there any other places or things that I should do there? How's the local shopping and food?
I will be heading there in August.
Mar 18th, 2007, 09:36 PM
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I think the National Palace Museum should be the "must see" for Taipei. The Nationalist government moved a lot of the best treasures from Beijing to Taipei in 1949. It just completed an extensive renovation and more stuff are being exhibited. Shouldn't miss it.
Longshan Temple is one of the most popular in Taiwan.
Lots of shopping and dining areas, but I don't know which are the best right now.
Longshan Temple is one of the most popular in Taiwan.
Lots of shopping and dining areas, but I don't know which are the best right now.
Mar 18th, 2007, 09:49 PM
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When I visited Taipei last year there were several all-day tours available through the front desk that I took and enjoyed. I especially liked the tour that included an hour or so at a hot springs spa. A delightful pause in mid-day - and it's always nice to spend a day in the countryside.
I also visited the National Palace Museum, and found it magnificent! My favorite was the Map Room, with maps dating back to the 1400's; some maps displayed the voyages of Admiral Cheng.
You will probably encounter hot, humid weather in August similar to St. Louis, or New York or any other East Coast city in the U.S. Short sleeves, but long pants, will stand you in good stead.
A nice point about Taipei is that the electrical outlets are exactly the same as in the U.S. ie: two parallel blades, 110 watts, no converter nor adapter plug needed. This is good if you carry small appliances that require electricity.
There is a city map available at the Tourist Desk in the airport and also at your hotel front desk. Get a copy, as it is helpful and bilingual Chinese and English.
I found many interesting textiles available, and the night markets especially Snake Alley are a sight to behold and enjoy!
Be aware though that for garments, Taiwan sizes are smaller than comparable North American sizes. Thus if you ordinarily need a Large size shirt, you would need to look for XtraLarge and so on.
Taipei was the one city in Asia where I could always and easily get my fill of tea: green tea, black tea, fruit tea (my favorite). The tea was always authentic and local: no Lipton teabags in town that I encountered.
You ask how many nights to stay: if you will never pass that way again, than stay for 4 nights. If there is a chance you might return, then stay for only 3 nights.
Enjoy your travels, and keep us posted upon your return!
I also visited the National Palace Museum, and found it magnificent! My favorite was the Map Room, with maps dating back to the 1400's; some maps displayed the voyages of Admiral Cheng.
You will probably encounter hot, humid weather in August similar to St. Louis, or New York or any other East Coast city in the U.S. Short sleeves, but long pants, will stand you in good stead.
A nice point about Taipei is that the electrical outlets are exactly the same as in the U.S. ie: two parallel blades, 110 watts, no converter nor adapter plug needed. This is good if you carry small appliances that require electricity.
There is a city map available at the Tourist Desk in the airport and also at your hotel front desk. Get a copy, as it is helpful and bilingual Chinese and English.
I found many interesting textiles available, and the night markets especially Snake Alley are a sight to behold and enjoy!
Be aware though that for garments, Taiwan sizes are smaller than comparable North American sizes. Thus if you ordinarily need a Large size shirt, you would need to look for XtraLarge and so on.
Taipei was the one city in Asia where I could always and easily get my fill of tea: green tea, black tea, fruit tea (my favorite). The tea was always authentic and local: no Lipton teabags in town that I encountered.
You ask how many nights to stay: if you will never pass that way again, than stay for 4 nights. If there is a chance you might return, then stay for only 3 nights.
Enjoy your travels, and keep us posted upon your return!
Mar 19th, 2007, 06:16 AM
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I definitely second National Palace Museum. It's a massive structure, recently renovated, and a reasonably good explanations in English. Can't recall if they had audio self-tour as I didn't use one. I spent about 6 hours there--could have stayed for the whole day. Don't miss the miniature jade sculpture collections.
It is out of central Taipei, around 20min or so by taxi. (I heard you can use the combination of subway and bus, but chickend out to use an easy way). The place does get quite crowded, so I recommend you get there first thing in the morning. I also took a taxi back--there are plenty waiting at the borrom of the entrance.
There is a very odd-looking hotel on the way from the airport. It's a very tall, massive structure that looks like traditional chinese gate/palace. I think it's called National Hotel or something, and someone said it is really a neat place to have a cocktail, though I haven't tried it.
I didn't get to go to the night markets, but there is one in Shilin (easily reachable by subway) that's famous for food stalls. Just be careful--the closest subway station is not shillin but one stop before.
As for the transportation, note that the airport is quite far away from the city. It can easily take 2hours, esp on the way back. Taxis are quite expensive, I usually take one of those airport limousines that drops you off at the hotel. Another thing--many western hotels use different names in chinese. I also recommend carrying a hotel's business card, in case you need to show it to the cabbie.
It is out of central Taipei, around 20min or so by taxi. (I heard you can use the combination of subway and bus, but chickend out to use an easy way). The place does get quite crowded, so I recommend you get there first thing in the morning. I also took a taxi back--there are plenty waiting at the borrom of the entrance.
There is a very odd-looking hotel on the way from the airport. It's a very tall, massive structure that looks like traditional chinese gate/palace. I think it's called National Hotel or something, and someone said it is really a neat place to have a cocktail, though I haven't tried it.
I didn't get to go to the night markets, but there is one in Shilin (easily reachable by subway) that's famous for food stalls. Just be careful--the closest subway station is not shillin but one stop before.
As for the transportation, note that the airport is quite far away from the city. It can easily take 2hours, esp on the way back. Taxis are quite expensive, I usually take one of those airport limousines that drops you off at the hotel. Another thing--many western hotels use different names in chinese. I also recommend carrying a hotel's business card, in case you need to show it to the cabbie.
