Asia is home to many wonderful destinations, with each one being very distinctive worlds that are certain to impress. One of these places is Taiwan.
While its capital city of Taipei is well known for being a central hub of global commerce, it is also a city loaded with culture, a thriving nightlife, and luxurious accommodations. From the magnificence of Taipei 101 to the sights, sounds, and pungent fragrances of the Raohe Night Market, you will quickly come to understand that Taipei is an exponentially symbiotic destination.
Just as I quickly experienced, you will notice that Taiwanese people are very proud of their heritage. A visit to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall will enlighten and inspire you about the history of Taiwan and its road to independence, as well as its founding father. In addition, I highly recommend that you spend an evening experiencing the traditional and dramatic Chinese performing arts at Taipei Eye.
A wide assortment of hotels for every type of budget abounds throughout Taipei. However, there are two hotels that you should not miss. The centrally located Amba Taipei Songshan Hotel is a uniquely fun boutique hotel that boasts amazing views of Taipei, its Keelung River, and Taipei 101. The guest rooms have a contemporary urban style punctuated by a themed door. (For example, the door to Room 2008 is dedicated to President Barack Obama’s TIME‘s Person of the Year nod, and Room 2016 is dedicated to Leonardo Di Caprio’s Oscar win for Best Actor in The Revenant.) The hotel provides several complimentary amenities for guests. So yes, be sure to pack those sets of flip-flops as souvenirs before you check-out!
Amba Taipei Songshan Hotel
Amba Taipei Songshan Hotel / Corner view room at Amba Taipei Songshan Hotel
Another wonderful property to consider is the Regent Taipei. This property is the grand dame of luxury hotels in Taipei, and it continues to be the home away from home for countless visiting VIPs, heads of state, royalty, celebrities, and other notables. As expected with the Regent band, the rooms here are sumptuous, and quality isn’t lacking in any manner. While a luxury hotel, this property exudes an air of casual elegance, and its very attentive staff will ensure that you have a memorable stay. One thing you should experience when staying here is the daily breakfast buffet – as it is one of the most impressive in Asia, not just Taiwan.
Regent Taipei Hotel
Garden Suite at the Regent Taipei Hotel / A bountiful breakfast at the Regent Taipei Hotel
Speaking of food, Taiwanese cuisine is currently making a huge impression with culinarians globally as a result of Din Tai Fung restaurants opening around the world. This restaurant specializes in xiolongbao, or steamed buns, as well as their ever-popular soup dumplings. A visit or two to Din Tai Fung’s original location on Xinyi Road or the modern location within the Taipei 101 complex is a must. The food is always fresh (as demonstrated from the views of its open kitchen) and you will not leave here disappointed. Tip: As you prepare to eat the soup dumplings, it would be wise to burst open the dumpling before eating as its soup will be extremely hot.
Wanna test your culinary skills? You can learn how to prepare Taiwanese and Chinese cuisine with ease by taking a class with Chef Jeff Yu at Taiwan Cooking 101 School in Dadocheng, Taipei. Chef Jeff is very patient and will work with you so that you walk away with a functioning understanding about how to prepare several Taiwanese and Chinese dishes. In addition, Chef Jeff will show you how to make Taiwanese bubble tea which is a local favorite.
Taiwan Cooking 101 School
Learning how to prepare Taiwanese cuisine with Chef Jeff Yu / The yields of the culinary students’ efforts
Once you visit Taipei, you will fall in love with it. It is a city filled with wonderful surprises at every corner and its friendly people will help to make your visit even more enjoyable.
