Taipei is a real Garden City. Everywhere you look are greenery and blooming flowers, softening the Taiwanese capital’s urban edges. But in every lush corner, there is also a flurry of human life—both at work and play—around the clock. Thanks to cool shopping districts, an abundance of delicious food, vibrant nightlife and bustling markets, Taipei thrives with a rhythm that feels unexpectedly serene for a city of close to three million people. It’s a place like no other—a place where the excitement of modernity, the well-worn patina of the past and the tranquility of nature intertwine.
Stay
W Taipei
Stylish and as central as it gets, the W Taipei is located in the busy Xinyi shopping district. Guests are greeted with a massive wall-mounted vertical garden juxtaposed against glossy, vibrant surfaces that immediately create a sense of space.
The theme continues inside, with hints of greenery throughout common spaces and rooms accented with warm wood. There is plenty to amuse on-site, including the 10th-floor outdoor pool and vibey restaurants and bar—including Yen Bar, which provides a view of Taipei 101, an iconic skyscraper that once held the title of the world’s tallest building. Some suites give you the option to view the landmark from a free-standing soaker tub or that famously comfortable signature W bed.
Shop
Lin Mao Sen Tea Co.
Some of the best tea—oolong in particular—in the world is grown in Taiwan. Look beyond (but don’t overlook) the boba and you’ll find that traditional tea is everywhere here. (Tip: It’s the perfect way to bring home a taste of Taipei, either for yourself or as a gift.) Located in the historic Datong District, Lin Mao Sen Tea Co. was founded in 1883 by a tea farmer and merchant. Now, five generations later, you’ll find an extensive selection of fairly priced high-quality loose-leaf teas, with the OG family offering up knowledge and service to match. Standouts include the rich roasted Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess) and the light, buttery and floral High Mountain Oolong. And if you’re overwhelmed by all the choice, staff will help guide your selections based on your preferences as well as offer advice about how to perfectly brew a cup.
Zhongxiao Dunhua Shopping District
Head to the Breeze Center or Taipei 101 mall in Xinyi for luxury shopping like Celine, Balenciaga and Dior. But for more local flavour (and more affordable price points), the shops and cafés on the small streets and alleyways leading north from the metro station on Zhongxiao East Road in Da’an are where it’s at. Here, you’ll still find some big-brand standouts, like the well-curated Nike Kicks Lounge Dunnan Store, but the real fun is wandering through the lesser-known boutiques. Immense, for example, is a great stop for clothing and accessories that are ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest trends.