There aren’t many cities quite like Taipei, which stands as a dynamic tapestry of culture, history, and modernity. To help plan your trip, The MICHELIN Guide has created a suggested itinerary, recommending the best places to eat, stay, and explore. Our route takes you from the bustling streets surrounding Taipei 101 to the art district of Dadaocheng. Watch the video to see all of our recommendations for yourself – and read on for more details.
Nestled in the heart of Taiwan, Taipei stands as a dynamic tapestry of culture, history, and modernity. Its bustling streets are a testament to the vibrant spirit of its people and the fusion of traditions that have shaped this captivating city.
Ancient temples standing alongside tall skyscrapers. Lush parks and vibrant gardens. Outdoor performances and avant-garde art installations. MICHELIN starred restaurants and diverse local delicacies. These come together to create a captivating cultural landscape that reflects the city's ever-evolving identity.
Make the most of the city with this two-day itinerary that takes in the best of the restaurants and hotels selected by the MICHELIN Guide.
Day 1 – Explore the area surrounding Taipei 101
MorningTake a soothing night rest at Humble House Taipei after arrival. The hotel boasts its convenient location near Taipei 101 and all the mega department stores nearby. Choose a room that has a perfect view of the whole district and Taipei 101 to feel your first impression of this dynamic city. Don’t forget to enjoy a relaxing me-time by the outdoor pool, where you can swim, have some drinks al fresco, and enjoy Taipei 101 as close as you can reach and the beautiful skyline of Taipei.
The hotel is also an oasis for escaping from the city jungle, with its sixth-floor garden and a collection of more than 600 original artwork. Starting from the main lobby to the outdoor garden and even inside the guest room.
Lunch and afternoon
Later, for your first lunch in Taipei, head to the MICHEIN-selected restaurant 85TD located in Taipei 101. Dishes here are no second to its view – the chef has spent over 50 years honing his skills in Cantonese cuisine to present diners with traditional classics and contemporary interpretations.
“I have been in this business for so long and I wish to use all my experiences and bring the delicious food to the guests.” said Tse Man, Executive Chef of 85TD. Don’t miss its Signature Barbecued Pork with Honey, which has only limited order per day and Oven-baked Crab Shell stuffed with Crab Meat and Onion, the meat was taken out from a whole blue crab and then stir-fry with onion before baked in the oven, with each bite bursts with umami and sweetness of the ingredients.
Before leaving Taipei’s tallest building, be sure to check out the Taipei 101 observatory.
The observatory offers panoramic views of the whole city -- from iconic buildings such as domes and memorial halls to the mountains and rivers cutting through the city, all above the clouds, and below your feet.
Also remember to check the world’s largest and heaviest wind damping ball, the system to reduce the building from swaying when strong winds or earthquake hit and make staying in such a tall building comfortable; and enjoy a tour of wonder with the infinite horizon that is created by the mirroring on the floor. You can even send a postcard at the world’s highest postbox.
Dinner and late night
For dinner, go to Taïrroir - the world’s first three-MICHELIN-starred restaurant featuring Taiwanese cuisine.
The restaurant’s name is a portmanteau of Taiwan and terroir, and the restaurant is chef Kai’s love letter to this island, where he cleverly incorporates western cooking techniques to showcase local culture and flavours.
“I am Taiwanese, and I am doing what I love.” said Chef Kai Ho, “You put your heart into it and let the guests feel your heart. “ (Photo: Taïrroir)
Chef Kai’s philosophy is perfectly exemplified by this Foie Gras, Smoked Milkfish, Red Plum, Pear, and Galangal dish, which sees him smoke Taiwanese milkfish using the Chinese technique of smoking with black tea and golden sugar. The smoked milkfish is then made into a foie gras terrine, an homage to Spanish chef Martin Berasategui's famous dish with foie gras and smoked eel.
RELATED: A Love Letter to the Land: Chef Kai Ho of the World’s First 3-Star Taiwanese Restaurant Taïrroir
In another dish he was taking inspiration from common braised fish in Taiwan. Crimson sea bream is pan-fried and paired with traditional Taiwanese braised sauce made with scallion, ginger and garlic, as well as French vanilla bechamel, making this dish a wonderous combination of Taiwanese and French cuisine.
It’s time for a nightcap. Check out Le Salon at Palais de Chine Hotel, a MICHELIN Guide-recommended hotel famous for its ornate interior of plush fabrics, imported furniture and antiques.
Pick a quiet corner to reflect on your first day in Taipei, while listening to the centenary disc-style music box – all with a cocktail in hand. Take the astonishing night view into your heart before a sweet night of sleep.
Explore more around Taipei 101
Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei W Taipei
Do It True (Xinyi)
Muji Beef Noodles
Chope Chope Eatery
Sinchao Rice Shoppe
Day 2 – Have an adventure near Dadaocheng
Brunch and afternoonBefore leaving Palais de Chine, have a dim sum brunch at Le Palais – a three-MICHELIN-starred Cantonese restaurant located on the 17th floor of the hotel.
Chef Ken Chan (Photo: Le Palais) started working in a kitchen at the age of 12. He’s honed and perfected his culinary skills to bring out the best of every ingredient.
“When at Le Palais, you should order dim sum dishes like siew mai, shrimp dumpling, and egg tarts. “ he recommended. “We always make the filling (of dim sum) every morning by ourselves.”
With a hearty brunch out of the way, it’s time to discover a different side of Taipei. Head to the historic district of Dadaocheng, a charming neighbourhood where old meets new, and modern becomes the new classic.
Once the most important commerce center for wholesale of local products such as rice, sugar, tea, and camphor in Northern Taiwan and the distribution center for tea export, Dadaocheng is now a trendy neighborhood with independent boutiques, traditional shophouses selling dried goods and Chinese herbs, and art galleries.
Take inBloom for example, it’s a design brand focusing on Taiwanese Patterns such as its signature Taiwan Crested Myna. Browse and shop through the store located in a beautiful historical house that has 100 years of history or even take a workshop at the back of the house to create your own screen-printing artwork.
Walk upstairs to enjoy a tranquil moment and the beautiful sunlight at the coffee shop. COFE is located on the second floor of the house, featuring local Taiwanese drip coffee, as well as Taiwanese bean to bar chocolates with unique local flavors such as black queen muscat or ruby black tea. Slow down and enjoy a moment of your own.
Afternoon snack
Dadaocheng is also home to several MICHELIN-listed establishments. And the famous Bib Gourmand establishment Ah-guo Soup Noodles is one definitely worth checking out.
From its flavorsome broth that is simmered with pork bone for hours every day to its fried crispy scallions and sauces. That's perhaps the secret to its success.
Ah-guo is recognized as a bib gourmand since the second edition of the MICHELIN Guide Taiwan. Make sure you order their signature Qie Zai noodles that features a flavorsome broth that is simmered with pork bone for hours every day, as well as house-fried shallot on rice. Sichuan spicy wonton in red oil, deep-fried pork marinated in red yeast rice, and braised pork knuckles are also recommended.
RELATED: MICHELIN-Recommended Restaurants in Taipei’s Dadaocheng District
Evening
Lastly, no tour of Taiwan would be complete without a walk around a night market - It is befitting to end your varied two days in Taipei in a place that brings together Taiwan’s diverse cultures and food.
One of the most popular night markets in Taipei, the famous Ningxia Night Market is located near Dadaocheng, featuring up to 200 stalls.
From oyster omelets to soybean puddings, grilled squid to papaya milk, you can eat to your heart’s content and experience the variety of Taiwanese street food and the human touch of the local people.
And that’s two days in Taipei!
Just like how it’s impossible to cherry pick the best thing to eat in a night market, it’s impossible to put a finger on what makes Taipei so special. Its culture, cuisine, architecture, language, and people are interwoven to give an ever-evolving identity and experience unlike any other.
Find out more around Dadaocheng
Regent TaipeiThe Okura Prestige Taipei
Artbrosia
Cabbage Rice and Pork Rib Soup
Da-Qiao-Tou Tube Rice Pudding
Mai Mien Yen Tsai
Shih Chia Big Rice Ball
