Each day in Taipei can offer a unique experience. Photo / Getty Images
Travellers are raving about Taipei, encouraging more and more globetrotters to visit this vibrant city. Does it live up to the hype? Ash Juberg takes a look
Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, is poised to become the next big destination for travellers. With its blend of modern attractions and rich cultural heritage, this bustling city offers an array of experiences that cater to everyone and is set to become a global tourism hotspot this year.
On a four-day break, my wife and I explored Taipei’s bustling night markets, enjoyed scenic outdoor adventures, indulged in affordable Michelin-starred dining, and uncovered a deep well of history. We found that each day offered a unique experience, and the days flew by.
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On our first morning, we took a free three-hour walking tour of the west end, the heart of the city’s political and economic life. The tour gave us a fascinating insight into Taiwan’s rich history, highlighting landmarks such as the Presidential Palace, the national monument of Chiang Kai-Shek (C.K.S.) Memorial Hall, the enormous 228 Peace Memorial Park, and the peaceful Longshan Temple.
The blend of history, culture, and religion made the tour engaging, and our guide didn’t shy away from difficult topics. He offered insight into Taiwan’s complex relationship with China and the country’s evolution toward democracy, providing a great introduction to the city that went far beyond the usual tourist attractions. After soaking up the city’s history, we were ready to explore Taipei’s incredible food scene.
No visit to Taipei is complete without sampling its diverse food offerings. We started our gastronomic adventure at the famous Din Tai Fung, home to arguably the world’s best dumplings.
Din Tai Fung opened in 1958 in Taipei and has since expanded to locations worldwide, earning several Michelin stars. We went to the original location on Xinyi Rd, where there was a big crowd outside and an hour-long wait. Thankfully, staff were on hand to distribute numbers, so we used the wait time to explore nearby shops, returning right as our number was called.
The food was definitely worth the wait. The house speciality, Xiao Long Bao—Shanghai Soup dumplings — is a must-try. Eaten off a spoon to catch the burst of soup inside, the dumpling’s silky texture and sweet, salty, and umami flavours left me in awe. These were easily the finest dumplings I’d ever tasted—our waiter revealed the secret: each dumpling is meticulously folded eighteen times.
Our culinary exploration continued with Taiwan’s most famous export: bubble tea. We sipped on this sweet, chewy concoction at a local shop, marvelling at the variety of flavours and toppings available. The chewy tapioca pearls, or “boba”, added an interesting texture to the drink and provided a refreshing treat in Taipei’s warm climate.
To experience authentic Taiwanese street food, head to Raohe Night Market in the Songshan District, where locals and tourists flock each evening. We loved taking in the sights, smells, and sounds of the market as we tried grilled squid, pepper buns, fried pork, deep-fried milk, and more.
There was one smell, however, that wasn’t as enjoyable: the pungent aroma of Chou Doufu. This dish is fermented bean curd and is appropriately known as stinky tofu. People compare the smell to dirty, wet socks—and I couldn’t have agreed more. I was brave enough to try it, but one bite was more than enough, with the vendor laughing good-naturedly at my gagging reaction. Lesson learned: stick to the dumplings.
After indulging in so much delicious food, we needed to balance it with some physical activity. A few locals had recommended the Nangang District Hiking Trail, an unmissable trail close to the Xinyi Shopping District. The 45-minute hike is surrounded by lush subtropical vegetation and is suitable for people of moderate fitness. It is well-signposted and very popular for sunsets.
The humid climate made sure we worked up a sweat, with several water breaks along the way. The view from the top is spectacular, with Taipei 101 — once the tallest skyscraper in the world — towering over the cityscape.
If you prefer riding lifts to hiking, visit Taipei 101 and head up to the observation deck on the 89th floor for a superb 360-degree city perspective.
While Taipei offers plenty to explore, we wanted to venture beyond the city limits and hired a driver for a half-day trip to see some of Taiwan’s natural wonders. One of the highlights was visiting Shifen, a charming village split by a train track, about 45 minutes from the capital. Between train arrivals, people flood the tracks to release sky lanterns. It is a tradition to write wishes on the lanterns and then release them to the sky in the hope they come true. The sky is full of brightly coloured lanterns, making for spectacular photos - my wish was to return again.
Yehliu Geopark, famous for its unusual rock formations sculpted by centuries of wind and waves, was another highlight of our trip. The most famous is the “Queen’s Head,” a mushroom-shaped rock that does resemble a queen. Our final stop was Shifen Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Northern Taiwan. The roar of the water and the refreshing mist made this a great stop.
Of course, there needs to be plenty of time for relaxation on a holiday, and what could be better than a relaxing head massage? For around NZ$17, you can get a 30-minute treatment that includes two rounds of shampooing, a scalp treatment, a blow-dry, and the most relaxing head massage I’ve ever had. By the end, I felt refreshed, and my hair looked great, too.
Less calming but more memorable is a knife massage. Massages usually mean relaxation, but I felt a surge of nervous anticipation this time. Volunteering for this unusual activity would have been daring enough—yet here I was, paying for the experience. Seated backward on a chair, elbows resting on my knees, I watched nervously as my masseur dramatically sharpened his knives. “Are you ready?” he asked with a mischievous grin. I hesitated, then let out a meek “I think so,” already questioning what I do for travel articles. I was about to experience my first knife massage, an ancient Taiwanese therapy unique to Taiwan, believed to relieve tension and promote healing.
While the cleavers look dangerous, they are blunt, and knife therapy is said to have physical and emotional healing powers. Once I relaxed, the rhythmic tapping of the cleavers across my back was surprisingly soothing, and by the end, I felt invigorated. It was a unique experience that encapsulated what makes Taipei special—a blend of tradition and the unusual.
Taipei’s rise in popularity is no surprise. The city offers a dynamic blend of cultural richness, culinary wonders, natural beauty, and urban adventures. From its mouth-watering street food to its serene temples, bustling markets, and tranquil hiking trails, Taipei offers a perfect balance of experiences, and it should be on your travel bucket list. Whether you’re chasing adventure, craving relaxation, or a foodie eager to taste it all, Taipei offers an unforgettable experience for every traveller– including, if you’re brave enough, a massage with a twist.
GETTING THERE
Air NZ flies direct from Auckland to Taipei three times per week, taking approx. 11 hours. Alternatively, fly from Auckland to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport with one stopover with China Southern, China Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific.
DETAILS
From skipping the queues to planning your parade spot, here's all you need to know.