Last updated on July 9, 2024
Pink luggage in tow, I head on to Taipei Main Station (TMS) from Taoyuan International Airport. I was excited and nervous at the same time. This was my first ever solo trip out of my country.
Where have I been? What did I do?
1. Watch sunset while binge eating at Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf
A kilo of fresh boiled squid ready to eat on take out, skewered strawberry glazed with sugar and cottony baked moon cake. These and many more are all available in Tamsui. Aw! I instantly fell in love with the area. Who would not? Food is life.
Direction
- From TMS → Take Red Line to Tamsui → Get off at Tamsui Station → Walk to Fisherman’s Wharf
- From Ximen Station → Take Green Line to Songshan → Get off at Zhongshan Station → Transfer to Red Line to Tamsui → Get off at Tamsui Station → Walk to Fisherman’s Wharf
2. Read under Cherry Blossom Tree in Wuji Tianyuan Temple
I get to enjoy all the places I have been to whenever I leave something in it. In this case, my memory of vengeance of Edmond Dantes to Fernand Mondego. What am I saying? I remember sitting under the cherry blossom tree, digesting every bit of words from the book The Count of Monte Cristo and eating what was left of boiled squid I bought from the seaside. Fulfilling! Teary eyed of the memory! Huhu.
Direction
- From TMS → Take Red Line to Tamsui → Get off at Tamsui Station → Walk to Fisherman’s Wharf
- From Ximen Station → Take Green Line to Songshan → Get off at Zhongshan Station → Transfer to Red Line to Tamsui → Get off at Tamsui Station → Walk to Fisherman’s Wharf
3. Stroll and get lost around Jiufen
It was a big of a change from sparkling city of Taipei to a provincial life in Jiufen. From tall buildings scattered everywhere in the city to small ones interestingly cramped on top of a mountain in Jiufen. I could not believe my eyes when I got there. It felt like I was transported back to Baguio in the Philippines just with more choices of local crafts and delicacies.
More photos on Quick Peek below.
Direction
- From TMS → Take Blue Line to Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre → Get off at Zhongxiao Fuxing Station, Exit 1 → Bus 1062 to Jiufen
- From Ximen Station → Take Blue Line to Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre → Get off at Zhongxiao Fuxing Station, Exit 1 → Bus 1062 to Jiufen
4. Be amazed of artists in Ximendeng District
I call myself creative but those who really show others what they can offer are more than that. They connect with people in an interesting way. They are powerful.
5. Eat yummy street food at Shilin Market
Who does not love food? I made my way through every alley in Shilin Market. It was a touristy spot but I had fun looking around, searching for nothing and eating tons. Haha! And, hey, there’s so much to buy in this market.
Remember to be cautious because the place is always crowded.
Direction
- From TMS → Take Red Line to Tamsui → Get off at Jiantan Station, Exit 1 → Shilin Market
- From Ximen Station → Take Green Line to Songshan → Get off at Zhongshan Station → Transfer to Red Line to Tamsui → Get off at Jiantan Station, Exit 1 → Shilin Market
6. Watch pandas eat bamboo and flamingos flock together in Taipei Zoo
Huh! This was my first time seeing panda eat bamboo like it was some kind of soft food easy to bite and digest. Flamingos stand together beautifully wearing their pink cape! Woah!
Direction
- From TMS → Take Blue Line to Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre → Get off at Zhongxiao Fuxing Station → Transfer to Brown Line to Taipei Zoo, Exit 1 → Walk to Taipei Zoo
- From Ximen Station → Take Blue Line to Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre → Get off at Zhongxiao Fuxing Station → Transfer to Brown Line to Taipei Zoo, Exit 1 → Walk to Taipei Zoo
- From TMS → Take Red Line to Xiangshan → Get off at Xiangshan Station, Exit 2 → Walk to Elephant Mountain
- From Ximen Station → Take Green Line to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall → Get off at Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall Station → Transfer to Red Line to Xiangshan → Get off at Xiangshan Station, Exit 2 → Walk to Elephant Mountain
- From TMS → Take Red Line to Tamsui → Get off at Beitou Station → Transfer to Pink Line to Xinbeitou
- From Ximen Station → Take Green Line to Songshan → Get off at Zhongshan Station → Transfer to Red Line to Tamsui → Get off at Beitou Station → Transfer to Pink Line to Xinbeitou
- From TMS → Take Red Line to Tamsui → Get off at Beitou Station → Transfer to Pink Line to Xinbeitou → Follow direction to the Library
- From Ximen Station → Take Green Line to Songshan → Get off at Zhongshan Station → Transfer to Red Line to Tamsui → Get off at Beitou Station → Transfer to Pink Line to Xinbeitou → Follow direction to the Library
- From TMS → Take Red Line to Tamsui → Get off at Beitou Station → Transfer to Pink Line to Xinbeitou → Walk to Fuxing Park
- From Ximen Station → Take Green Line to Songshan → Get off at Zhongshan Station → Transfer to Red Line to Tamsui → Get off at Beitou Station → Transfer to Pink Line to Xinbeitou → Walk to Fuxing Park
- Beginner’s Guide on Taipei Metro by LibotTayo
- Fuxing Park Foot-Soaking Pool by LonelyPlanet
- Sherlock Holmes by ArthurConanDoyle
- Alexandre Dumas Official Page
- Taipei MRT Rapid Transit Subway by GuideToTaipei
- Where to stay in Taipei City on a Budget by LibotTayo
7. Hike up Elephant Mountain
I took the long trail up the mountain for a little less than an hour. I thought I was lost because I was the only person on the trail. In the end, I was thankful I took that route. The short cut was steep. Steep steps up the mountain. Wew!
Direction
8. Get a photo with the famous Taipei 101
9. Calm tired feet in Beitou Hot spring, Fuxing Park
It took me a little while to find Fuxing Park. I was with kind locals enjoying their afternoon with their foot to leg soaked in hot tub. The place was interesting and open to the public. Some elderly tried to talk to me but I just gave them my kindest smile. English please? I was thankful, I had a glimpse of their daily life.
Direction
10. Watch people come and go in Taipei Library in Beitou
I know what you’re thinking. I could not let this chance slip. I’m a bookworm.
Direction
11. Ask a stranger to get your photo with Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
When was the last time you handed your camera to a stranger? Mine has an amazing result. Some of them really know how to shoot.
Direction
My trip to Taipei was not perfect. I got lost many times, confused of different answers from the same question, ate a bowl of noodles with so much cilantro (which I do not like), got nervous of my failed MRT pass and so many other things. But I felt like I was Sherlock Holmes trying to figure out my way in and out of a strange place. I learned a lot. In the end, I was happy.
Do you want to know more of my trip to Taipei? Leave a comment below. I would be happy to help you out. Share and Subscribe!
Quick Peek
