Top 10 things to do in Taipei

Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, is a vibrant and interesting travel destination that loves visitors from New Zealand. It has everything on your Asian holiday wish list – exotic culture, fascinating history, incredible food and remarkable scenery – plus some extras that make it really special. To paint a picture of what a Taipei holiday would be like, we've put together a Top 10 of recommended sights and experiences.

1. Visit Taipei 101, the bamboo-inspired skyscraper

No visit to Taipei would be complete without an elevator trip up Taipei 101, the iconic skyscraper that dominates the city's skyline. This 101-story building was once the tallest in the world and is still an engineering marvel. Take the high-speed elevator to the observatory on the 89th floor for stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.

2. Enjoy a multi-course feast of street food at the night markets

Taipei's night markets are a must-visit for foodies and bargain hunters. These bustling markets come alive after dark and offer a dizzying array of street food meals, snacks and souvenirs. Some of the most popular markets include the Shilin Night Market, Raohe Night Market and Ningxia Night Market. Typical dishes include grilled meat skewers, scallion pancakes, oyster omelette, super-crunchy Taiwanese fried chicken, steamed pork buns, hot pot and tempura.

3. Have a meditative moment at Longshan Temple

Taipei's Longshan Temple is one of the most famous and important temples in Taiwan. Built in the 18th century, it's dedicated to the Buddhist goddess of mercy, Guanyin. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings, paintings and sculptures that reflect the rich spiritual and cultural traditions of Taiwan.

4. Browse the delights of Dihua Street

Running between Nanjing West Road and Minquan West Road, Dihua Street is the heart of the historic Dadaocheng river port area. It's packed solid with traditional shops selling Chinese herbs, teas, fabrics and handicrafts. You can also try local snacks, admire historic Qing Dynasty buildings, visit temples and capture the street's vibrant atmosphere with a phone-load of photos.

5. Hike in Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan National Park, located just outside of Taipei, is an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is known for its hot springs, hiking trails, and stunning views of Taipei and the surrounding mountains. A 25-minute taxi ride will get you there.

6. Follow the trail up Elephant Mountain

You don't have to leave the city to enjoy a hike. The Elephant Mountain trail, just minutes from downtown Taipei, offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains. The trail is relatively short, taking about 30 minutes to complete, but it promises a good workout.

7. Learn about Ming and Qing dynasties at the National Palace Museum

Taipei's National Palace Museum is home to more than 700,000 ancient Chinese artefacts and artworks, making it one of the most important museums in the world. Here you can see treasures from the imperial courts of the Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as rare books, jade carvings and more.

8. Take the Maokong Gondola to a tea-growing village

Just minutes from the city's centre, the Maokong Gondola is a scenic cable car ride up to the tea growing village of Maokong. Once in Maokong, you can explore tea shops, traditional tea houses and hiking trails. The village is known for its high-quality oolong, a delicious and unique tea with a rich, earthy flavour and a smooth finish. Pineapple cake - a small, rectangular pastry made with a buttery crust and filled with sweet pineapple filling -is a typical treat served at tea houses.

9. Go Shopping in Ximending

Ximending is Taipei's answer to Tokyo's Harajuku or New York's Times Square. This lively district is filled with shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. Highlights of Ximending include the Wufenpu fashion district, The Red House for art and handcrafts, VVG Something for homewares and UNIQLO for affordable fashion.

10. Relax at Beitou hot springs

Beitou is a district in northern Taipei known for its natural hot springs, and it's only 30 minutes from central Taipei. There are several hot spring resorts in the area where you can soak in the warm waters and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Beitou is also home to several places of interest, including a hot springs museum and Ketagalan Cultural Centre.