Find out why Taipei makes a great laid-back vacation on a budget.
Closing Hour At Shida Cafés
BBC names Taipei one of the world’s best coffee cities, and no wonder — in the absence of an endemic pub-crawling culture, cafes take on the function of city’s main hang-out space. Drink craft beers, strong coffees, rice wines past midnight at Le Chat, Café Odeon, Salt Peanuts, or T-Loafer. Rub shoulders with South Taipei’s students, activists and concert organizers. Check the Taipei Cafes Tumblr for more ideas.
Via pinterest.com
Omakase Meals At Tiny Sushi Bars
Taipei’s blog-driven food trend cycle puts most of the world’s to shame, and for now, pint-sized sushi bars are all the rage. For the price of 3 cocktails in New York, you can have one of the best 12-course omakase meals of your life. Sit at the tiny bars at Nomura, Niu, Yun, Jian1, Jubei or Man Zhe Die, and their young proprietors will regale you with tales of slicing seafood around the world. Lunch hours are good for a bargain. Be sure to book reservations early.
The Alleys Near Zhongshan MRT Station
Zhongshan MRT Station has an unmatched saturation of Taipei-ness. The SPOT Taipei Film House anchors a series of alleys with some of the best design studios, cafes, and restaurants in town, while below street level, break dancers practice next to underground malls lined with book stores. Walk further south to Section Y of the underground Taipei City Mall to find the ‘Otaku Street’ hawking anime and video game-related wares (maid café included). Walk further north and you’ll find street food surpassing Shilin’s at Ningxia Nightmarket. To get a good sense of the everyday Taipei charm, Zhongshan Station’s a good place to start.
Rita Hsu / Via urstaipei.net
Beitou’s Hot Springs
A weekend hot-tubbing and drinking near volcanic forests at Beitou will make you feel like the star of your own Hou Hsiao Hsien movie. Those looking to spend a little more (and maybe score a better mountain view) can try Spring City Resort or Villa 32. Wulai boasts a few solid soaking spots as well. Make sure to book in advance.
Eddy Sei / Via panoramio.com
