Five things you must do in Taipei

It is a no-brainer why Taipei is one of the favourite short getaways for Singaporeans. The relatively short distance and multitude of low-cost carriers means you can visit one of the most energetic cities in Asia at the drop of a hat. Here are five things you must do in the Taiwanese capital over that long weekend.

1. CHECK OUT THE NIGHT MARKETS

It is logistically impossible to cover all the night markets in Taipei in one weekend (or even over a month). Essentially, night markets offer a smorgasbord of food options and some light shopping for clothes and mobile device accessories.

Shihlin Night Market (nearest metro: Jiantan) is the largest and most famous of the night markets, where foodies join queues to satisfy new food finds, such as pepper pork buns, stinky tofu and blow-torched steak.

Tonghua Night Market (nearest metro: Xinyi Anhe) is where you’ll find a much smaller, homelier crowd. This market is home to comfort food that the locals like, such as barbecued sausages, fried chicken feet and Taiwanese tempura.

On weekends, check out the flea market by the Red House at Ximending (nearest metro: Ximen). Unlike the other night markets, you will find artisanal aromatherapy products, and artfully done accessories, such as jewellery and leather bags.

2. VISIT THE WORLD’S FIRST CAT CAFE

Ever wondered where the first cat cafe is? Perhaps you should visit the Cat Flower Garden, located opposite Zhishan Station.

Touted as the world’s first cat cafe, the owners were humble enough to say they weren’t the first cafe in the world to have cats but were the first to be reported in the media as a cat cafe.

As you might have guessed, the cafe is known more for their cats than food quality so leave your foodie expectations at the door. If you really want to catch the cats’ attention, buy cat treats at the counter. Dog people won’t feel too left out as the cafe also has a pair of dogs.

3. HUNT DOWN HIPSTER CAFES

Taipei prides itself on its trendiness and innovation. You can see it in the fashion, quirky food offerings at night markets and also in the hipster cafes.

Drip Cafe (Alley 6, Lane 170, Section 4, Zhongxiao E Road) is a bistro that seems to have been designed for Instagram. Every item on the menu is thoughtfully and beautifully presented.

Indulge in the cronut craze at Cronutt (46 Lane 187, Section 1, Dunhua S Rd, Da’an District). Conveniently located among the bevy of boutique shops, it is the perfect place to rest your feet for some sweet indulgence.

4. SHOP TILL YOU DROP

Taipei is a shopper’s paradise. One of the hippest shopping districts is at Zhongxiao East Road, which is bordered by Zhongxiao Fuxing and Zhongxiao Dunhua metro stations. You will spend at least half a day wandering down the meandering streets filled with cafes, fashion boutiques and toys stores.

There are large department stores such as Sogo here too, so you can duck in for some air-conditioned comfort without resting your restive shopping spirit.

5. SOAK IN A HOT BATH

The Taiwanese love their hot springs almost as much as the Japanese. Work away your stress with a hot bath and spa session at the hot springs in Xin Beitou. The sleepy town may not look like much but time slows down here. Stay a night in a hotel with hot springs and wake up totally refreshed.