In Taipei for 24 hours? Explore the best of the city.
Less9AM : Swap morning coffee for a pot of oolong tea from the high mountains of Nantou at Lin Mao Sen. The dark wood and woven bamboo ceiling might look swish, but the history of this teahouse dates back to 1883.
10AM : Fill up on sushi and oysters from the market at Addiction Aquatic Development as it’s never too early in the morning to enjoy such delights. Find an outdoor seat to take in the comings and goings of the adjacent Binjiang Market.
11AM : Admire unparalleled collections of Chinese art at the National Palace Museum. Among the 650,000 treasures spanning ancient Chinese history are rare books, calligraphy, lacquerware and ceramics.
NOON : Explore the chic, cutting-edge style of Douchanglee at the design house's two-storey flagship in the heart of Zhongshan, Taipei’s most stylish neighbourhood, where art and fashion coalesce.
1PM: Chow down on xiao long bao at the world-famous Din Tai Fung. This is the flagship store so expect a queue, but the famous soup dumplings with minced pork are worth it. The wonton noodle soup is equally delectable.
3PM: Browse vintage furniture and trinkets from around the world at B.A.B Restore, whose extensive rustic-chic collection spans the 1920s to the 1980s, from chairs made of reclaimed wood to retro wall clocks. B.A.B arranges for shipping services for clients from overseas.
4PM : Peruse photography books at Moom Bookshop. This chic-looking establishment has an exhaustive range of famous and obscure photo books and magazines from around the world, as well as rotating exhibitions.
6PM: Wash away the day’s fatigue with a dip in one of Beitou’s hot springs. Water from Thermal Valley is pumped into the hot springs of hotels and public baths. Make time to admire the stunning Beitou Public Library, built with eco-friendly materials and solar panels.
10PM : Sample the innovative cocktail scene at Ginspiration. This 1930s-style gin bar occupies three floors of an old Baroque-style building in Dadaocheng. Order a cocktail made with Da Hong Pao Tea Gin from Bimber Distillery or a limited-edition Japanese dry gin from Sakurao Distillery.
MIDNIGHT : Dance the night away at Pipe Live Music. Local indie bands play techno and hip-hop in this decommissioned water pumping station near Treasure Hill and its twinkling lights.
8PM : Savour locally sourced ingredients and flavours at Nobuo. Chef Nobu Lee’s French-inspired meals are multi-course affairs comprised of seafood, produce and protein curated from the best Taiwan has to offer, served in a warm, inviting atmosphere.