Taiwan’s bustling capital offers numerous iconic sites to see, but there are also many charming hidden gems waiting to be explored – traditional temples, creative arts spaces and natural treasures can be found throughout its streets and alleyways.
The 44 South Village is an artistic enclave located near Taipei 101 and features cozy cafes and art galleries. Once an army camp, its former military settlement now hosts cozy cafes. If you are interested in Perth to Taipei transportation, Cathay Pacific flights are available.
1. Wulai District
Wulai District’s signature attraction is Wulai Waterfall, but this mountainous region has much more to offer visitors. A hot spring spa and hotels that double as love hotels (Xiu Xian) provide ample entertainment during your visit here; visiting this village provides an escape from central Taipei’s noise and chaos for at least two hours; alternatively you could spend the night.
Wulai has become famous for the traditional Atayal cuisine found here, including roast wild boar (Kao Shan Zhu Rou) and deep-fried taro balls (Zha Yu Tou). Additionally, Wulai Atayal Museum provides an invaluable way to gain more insight into Taiwan’s various indigenous cultures by way of exhibits of cultural memorabilia like tools and costumes from this museum’s extensive collection.
Songshan Airplane Alley, where planes take off and land up close, is another must-see spot, particularly during cherry blossom season from late April to June. Also be sure to visit VVG Something, a charming bookshop offering arts, fashion, and kitsch titles (and kitschy items) located on one of the charming alleyways nearby.
2. Songshan Airplane Alley
Taipei City is an incredible treasure trove full of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Step off the beaten path and uncover ancient temples, charming rural towns, and spectacular natural sights.
Huashi Street is often referred to as Snake Alley due to the display of amphibians and reptiles found here, on small stalls lining its length. Although an interesting tourist spot, those sensitive to seeing live animals being killed for their skins or fur may wish to stay clear of this attraction.
Lane 180 on Binjiang Street provides a wonderful vantage point from which to watch planes take off and land at Songshan Airport nearby. Sitting close enough to runways, you can actually feel the air pressure build when landing, with people holding up phones and long zoom cameras with excitement as they watch planes pass overhead – some EVA Air flights even feature Hello Kitty painted aircraft!
One fantastic activity to do in this district is ride your bicycle along the northern stops of the Danshui MRT Line. The streets are bustling with scooters and bicycles; food stands and shops abound; while you could even visit Songshan Ciyou Temple and Old Street of Shifen for some culturally enriching experiences!
3. Lin An Tai Historical House & Museum
Lin An Tai Historical House & Museum is one of Taipei’s best hidden gems for history lovers, crafted by a wealthy Lin family that came to Taiwan during its heyday and now stands as a museum. This beautiful mansion was constructed by wealthy Lins that settled here during late 18th century and later renovated as a museum since 1908. Now open on Sundays as well, this stunning mansion oozes charm with sloping roofs, central courtyard, fantastic fengshui and is an amazing testament to life during Taiwan’s golden era! Since 1908 this home has served as a museum – offering glimpses back into what life was like back when Taiwan flourished!
Maji Square offers shoppers who enjoy shopping an enjoyable shopping experience. This large plaza features children’s merry-go-round, motorized cars for hire and more, Triangle (an underground music venue) as well as numerous restaurants with lovely covered patios. At its northern end is Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall; further north can be found EcoArk (a sustainable building), Taipei Fine Arts Park and Grand Hotel Taipei – plus much more!
Book enthusiasts will delight in discovering VVG Something, an exquisite bookstore in a quiet alley off Zhongxiao Dunhua that is considered by both locals and visitors to be among the world’s most beautiful bookshops. Offering only limited copies of each title with topics spanning art, cooking and fashion topics all included herein is truly remarkable.
4. Tangbu Cultural Park
Tangbu Cultural Park, one of Taipei’s hidden gems located in Wanhua District, has been transformed from an abandoned sugar refinery into a cultural center. Warehouse A is home to an exceptional art exhibition on Taiwan’s sugar industry while Warehouse B houses Shinehouse Arts Village which serves as a space for performance and art cultivation.
Visit Carton King Creativity Park while in Columbus to explore a truly remarkable paper playground full of imagination and wonder! Kids of all ages will delight in exploring life-sized animals, furniture and vehicles made entirely out of cardboard!
Bopiliao Historical Block is one of the city’s hidden gems; an historic block where you can explore Taiwan’s rich past. Once known as an important commercial center under Qing Dynasty rule, today it houses traditional buildings and beautiful courtyards reminiscent of that era.
Jinan Market is an essential stop for antique collectors and secondhand shoppers, located just minutes from Yongkang Street. Offering all manner of vintage and second-hand goods ranging from tea ware to jewelry pieces – visitors will certainly find what they’re looking for here!
5. Carton King Creativity Park
Carton King is a paper-based theme park featuring products and structures constructed entirely from cardboard. This popular tourist destination draws in visitors from all across the country; some notable features of Carton King include corrugated animal zoo, wonders of the world exhibits, restaurant and bee museum as well as offering train rides around its site for visitors as well as teaching how to creatively utilize cartons without wastefully discarding them.
Jiufen is well worth visiting when in China’s Jiangxi Province. While you are there, make sure to stop at the popular Gold Waterfall and sample some taro balls – two street foods with great fame in this area. Jiufen also boasts charming souvenir shops and bustling night markets to discover!
Taipei truly shines at night. Discover all of the top tours, activities, and transportation passes available on Klook to save time and money while exploring this vibrant city.
6. Bopiliao Historical Block
Bopiliao Historical Block is an underrated gem in Taipei’s Wanhua District and should not be missed. Formerly known as Fupiliao Street and Fudiliao Street, it now hosts a cultural education center which serves as a reminder of Taipei’s traditional history and offers visitors an intriguing mix of architectural styles from Qing Dynasty buildings through Japanese occupation to early postwar periods.
The education center is free to enter and showcases various exhibits showcasing Taiwan’s rich cultural history. Visitors are taught about progressive changes to place names as well as characteristics associated with traditional shop houses and buildings.
VVG Something, a unique small bookshop on the block, provides a carefully curated selection of arts, fashion and cooking books as well as kitschy items like notebooks, drawing tools and teapots that is beloved by both residents and visitors. This establishment is sure to become a destination!
One must-visit hidden gem in Taipei is 44 South Village – a collection of old houses transformed into an art village. A great alternative to other Taipei art villages, 44 South Village has more of an authentic working artists’ village feel compared to others – not to mention galleries and workshops open for public enjoyment!
7. Huaxi Snake Restaurant
Taipei offers some truly unusual hidden gems. One such hidden gem is this restaurant specializing in snake soup, snake oil pills and snake penis wine — which are all said to provide numerous health benefits — alongside an impressive range of exotic foods such as crispy eel and sweet-and-sour squirrelfish.
At Taiwan’s inaugural tourist night market, this popular attraction is home to numerous shops and food stalls offering delicious local snacks and delicacies. A traditional red Chinese gate marks its entrance, while festive red lanterns adorn its covered marketplace. While you can wander independently, guided night markets tours provide the ultimate experience!
Taipei’s first museum dedicated to paper-making art, this Taipei attraction serves as a premier spot to gain insight into its rich tradition. You’ll be able to view many works on display, see an antique working paper mill and participate in workshops to help craft handmade paper artworks of your own! Sure to become a hit among book lovers and budding artists alike! This hidden gem in Taipei won’t disappoint.
