Three days in Taipei: here’s what not to miss

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and Liberty Square

One of the most historic and impressive landmarks of the city, situated in an enormous square surrounded by tranquil gardens and the National Theater. It is easily accessible via MRT (Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall MRT station Exit 5) and open all day and night.

Taipei 101 Observatory

The tallest building in Taipei gives you the opportunity to admire the city’s 360-degree panoramic view from its 89^th floor and the world’s largest wind damper ball. And if you feel like shopping after the view, a luxurious mall is waiting for you (Taipei 101 Shopping center).

228 Peace Memorial Park

A tranquil and relaxing park that hides a lot of history at its every corner. An imposing pavilion that surrounds its lake, a unique memorial monument made with cubes and the National Museum of Taiwan are among the things that you cannot miss when being at this beautiful park.

Night Markets/Markets

When it gets dark, something magic occurs in Taipei: colorful lights, vivid night markets full of people and delicious street food that create a unique atmosphere:

• Raohe night Market: The best Night Market for me full of endless food options next to the impressive temple Songshan Ciyou Temple
• Ximending Walking District : Full of stores, malls, street food among its little streets. One of the most famous and the best bubble tea I have ever tried can be found at this Market. Xing Fu Tang Flagship (https://maps.app.goo.gl/MTTYq7iRmUfmzCvB7). The queue is usually large but it totally worths the wait.
•  Flagship (https://maps.app.goo.gl/MTTYq7iRmUfmzCvB7). The queue is usually large but it totally worths the wait.
• Linjiang Night Market: Another popular night market, smaller than the previous ones but with a variety of street food and usually not that crowded.
• Ningxia Night market: This one reminded me of South Korea. Full of little food benches with a grand variety of food options. Dihua street is also located very close to this market: An old street where you may find a variety of spices, candies and traditional products
• Huaxi Street Night Market: This market is more a massage place than a food market. There are some food options outside the main market but inside you may choose one of its many stores to have a Taiwanese massage. Speaking of massage, don’t miss the opportunity to also try the knife massage at the Taipei Main Station (close to Y13 exit). Even if it sounds scary it is totally relaxing.
• Taipei Main Station Food Court: Taipei Main Station is a labyrinth of malls, food courts, metro, train and bus station. The food court at its basement has extremely delicious food options. I tried one of the best sushi that I have eaten in my life.

Temples

Even if the night markets are the ones that steal all the attention in Taipei, there are also some impressive and beautiful temples that need a visit.

• Songshan Ciyou Temple: Located next to the Raohe night Market, it is soooo impressive especially during the nighttime.
• Lungshan Temple: Another breathtaking temple next to the Huaxi Street Night Market that cannot be omitted from your lists
• Dalongdong Baoan Temple and Taipei Confucius Temple: Situated one next to each other form another perfect mix of temples of the Taiwanese capital.

Chinese Opera

A very unique experience is to watch a Chinese Opera at Taipei Eye (https://www.taipeieye.com/en/) Don’t worry about the translation as there are surtitles next to the scene.

Dare to try a Taiwanese Knife Massage

Speaking of massage, don’t miss the opportunity to also try the knife massage at the Taipei Main Station (close to Y13 exit). Even if it sounds scary it is totally relaxing.