My first hotel for my 2025 trip was the Ginza Hotel. Located not too far from Taipei Main Station, but far enough away that the surroundings were relatively quiet, it offered a nice balance. Admittedly, the Ginza Hotel looks pretty dark and dated from the outside, and a bit worn as well, but once you get into your room, it's quite comfortable, even if it is small.

The room is just big enough for one person. Even though there's a double bed, I feel it would be too cramped for two people in this space. Another example of how small it is, is that there is barely any legroom for the toilet; as you can see in the pictures I've taken, my knees were almost against the wall (and I don't think I'm a very tall guy!). One other minor downside was the view, or lack thereof. Even though I did have a window with a view of the outside, all I could see was the backside of other large buildings around us and their numerous external AC units lining the walls. While that isn't a huge issue, it really set in my mind the overall feel of this hotel.

It's not all terrible, though. The room itself was clean, had all the facilities I needed, and was a decent place to stay to rest up when I really needed it. There is a reception desk that is manned most of the time, and you feel quite safe once inside the hotel since everything is locked with key card access. Hotels in Taipei are usually expensive, so while the price of this hotel is on the higher end of normal accommodation rates, in Taipei, it was actually an alright price for what I got.

My second Taipei hotel for my 2025 trip was the Green World Mai (often referred to as The G3). It had a much more professional and classy feel, featuring a nice reception area, helpful staff, a good location, and clean rooms. The only reason I haven't given it a higher star rating is because my room (admittedly a budget option) had no window and was even smaller than the room I stayed at in the Ginza Hotel. It also cost considerably more than the Ginza, though I'm willing to attribute that to the New Year's Eve price hikes that every hotel does. That being said, it did feel like a "proper" hotel compared to the Ginza: daily room cleaning, staff who speak English well, and I even received a free Green World Mai coaster to take home, which was cute.

It's important to note that you must take the elevator up to reception to check in. You cannot use the stairs (I tried!), and no one will greet you on the ground floor. There are signs explaining this, but I thought I'd mention it as well just to be sure.

The room itself, while tiny, was still very comfortable. There isn't much luggage space, but I was able to make do. The room included a bidet, which I always appreciate, and while the room is small, the bathroom was quite decent.

The hotel itself is well-located, just a short walk from subway services and a few cafes and food spots nearby for a morning meal. Overall, it was a pleasant stay. I'd be happy to stay at Green World Mai again, but next time I would probably choose a larger room.

I had never visited a Hooters before and didn't really know what to expect. Since I wasn't planning on visiting America any time soon, I thought this would be a good chance to see what it's all about, and I'm glad I did. I thought Hooters was just about women in tight tops that show off their curves, and don't get me wrong, it is exactly that; but there's more to it than that! The food was actually really good, the atmosphere was lively and fun. It was quite busy, but the staff were attentive to everyone, and the Xinyi Branch is right across from Taipei 101 on a high floor, offering great views.

The part that surprised me most was that it wasn't just about food and attractive women; they actually put on a little show with different activities, from hula hooping and karaoke with patrons to prize giveaways, and more. I wasn't able to stay too long because I had to catch my flight later that night, but it was truly a fun experience that I hope to have again. I didn't expect a restaurant to have such good food, views, atmosphere, and entertainment all in one place.

The only downside was that my food took quite a long time to arrive. But considering the restaurant was packed, I can't fault them too much for that. I would definitely enjoy visiting Hooters again, and I hope they all have as much fun and energy as this one did.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is one of those iconic landmarks of Taipei that every visitor has to see. It's a large area to stroll around; it's fairly quiet and peaceful. It wasn't very crowded when I visited, and while there isn't a lot to do here, it remains one of Taipei's most recognizable landmarks. The unique and grand front gate is often used as a backdrop in countless Instagram posts and social media content from YouTubers.

I'm sure if I had a guide to explain the history and significance of this place, I would have a better appreciation for it. But as I simply walked around by myself, I can't really say there are many interesting things to see or do if you're looking for something highly entertaining. This spot is better used as time to relax, take in the view, and maybe wind down at the end of a tiring trip.

A place that I completely stumbled upon by chance was Bo-Pi-Liao Historic Street, a lovely little area that maintains the historic architecture of the Wanhua District. The renovated buildings stay true to the heritage of more than 200 years ago. There's even a small museum featuring old games and interactive elements mainly aimed at kids and locals; it was still fascinating to see.

It's not a very large area, but you could probably spend 30 minutes to an hour here, making it a lovely backdrop for photography. A sign about the renovations highlights how important this preservation effort is for the locals and the legacy of the area. I'm glad that a piece of history can be preserved for both locals and tourists to get a glimpse into what Taipei was like many years ago.

As I traveled to Taiwan during the Christmas/New Year period, I was able to experience some unique seasonal events. One of the most notable was "Christmasland." I was surprised by how much Taiwan embraces Christmas, considering Christians make up such a small percentage of the population. Christmasland showcased this enthusiasm with a spectacular display of lights, food stalls, photo opportunities, and small rides.

You can visit Christmasland for free; the festive decorations begin the moment you leave Banqiao Station, where the event is held. Large Christmas trees, light displays, and cute statues of chibi characters are scattered throughout the area and near New Taipei City Hall.

The displays occupy a vast area around Banqiao, so I'm not sure if I saw everything there was to see, I easily spent 1-2 hours wandering the place. While there aren't many formal activities, there's plenty of Christmas cheer, food stalls, and adorable displays for photoshoots. As a solo traveler in my 20s, this wasn't necessarily the highlight of my trip, but I can definitely see it as a great spot for couples or families who want to add a bit of festive spirit to their visit.

One of Taipei's most iconic natural parks is the Yehliu Geopark, which features a vast coastal area scattered with unusually shaped rocks on a sandy cove. I visited as part of a day tour; while I usually feel that these tours don't leave enough time to truly appreciate a destination, I was able to view much of what the park offered in just ~45 minutes.

There isn't much to say beyond the basics: it's ultimately just a collection of cool-looking rocks with a beautiful ocean backdrop. Aside from a cafe and walking trails that would take at least an hour to complete, there's not much else to do. While the iconic "Queen's Head" rock had a long line of people waiting for photos, If i'm being honest, it wouldn't make my "must-see" list for Taipei.

Shifen is another major draw for tourists visiting Taipei. Located about an hour away, it offers a chance to experience a more tranquil, traditional side of the region. The main attraction here is lighting sky lanterns. You can see hundreds of people crowding the busy street, gathering in groups to write wishes on their lanterns before igniting them and watching them drift up toward the clouds.

I visited Shifen on a day tour, which unfortunately didn't allow much time to explore or truly experience the area. From what I saw, there isn't much else to see beyond the main sights. Naturally, the lanterns are the big draw and offer a fun, almost spiritual moment. However, other than the lantern festival and Shifen Waterfall (which is a 30-minute walk away), there wasn't much else to do or even eat in the vicinity.

Lanterns come with a cost and vary depending on your choice: single-color, multi-color, or environmentally friendly options (which I'd recommend). You can include up to four colors on one lantern, each representing different fortunes such as health, wealth, or relationships. The atmosphere is very warm and friendly as everyone writes their wishes and watches them float away, though it is inevitably very crowded given its popularity as a tourist spot.

If you make your way down to Shifen Waterfall, you'll be greeted by a large bridge surrounded by natural landscapes. Again, my day tour didn't allow me to spend much time here; beyond a few shops and the waterfall itself, I wouldn't place it high on my list of must-sees. My experience was likely dampened slightly by the rainy weather, but considering what I've heard about Taiwan, rain is almost expected there. So, I believe I had an accurate representation of what to expect.

Overall, I don't rate Shifen highly on my list of places to see in Taiwan. While I can appreciate its charm in some respects, it feels primarily like a tourist trap with little authentic culture or locals to interact with.

Inside and out, Taipei 101 is an incredible structure to behold. It towers over the Taipei skyline as the iconic landmark of Taiwan. You'll spot this tower from all over the city during your travels, but arriving up close reveals a sight that few other places can replicate. The sheer scale of the tower against the surrounding buildings is simply crazy. What makes it even better is the high-end shopping mall right at its base, featuring luxury brands from Louis Vuitton to Gucci. It's far too fancy for my wallet, but simply walking through the place was a nice experience, with the tower's design motifs scattered throughout the mall itself.

The interior of the tower is just as impressive, if not more so than the exterior. The waiting area for the elevator includes a gift shop, an ice cream store, and a large capsule machine to collect a randomized souvenir. From there, you take the elevator up to the main observation deck, which is larger than any other I've visited (and I've been to quite a few). On this deck, there's another gift shop, food and drinks available, numerous themed areas for photos, and, of course, the large glass windows offering views of the surrounding Taipei landscape.

But that's not all. If you choose to purchase a ticket that includes access to the higher observation deck, you can go right to the highest floor of Taipei 101. The entrance to this upper deck isn't well signed, but it is accessible through the middle of the gift shop on the main observation deck. Once you take another set of smaller elevators up, you're greeted by a space that is smaller in size; however, I think this enhances the experience by providing a quiet, secluded area to lounge, have a chat, and take in the views. I don't think the highest floor is worth the extra cost for most people, but it's a nice, quiet spot if you want to escape the crowds and be seated at the highest point in Taipei.

Once you're done viewing the skyline, you can head back down, but don't miss seeing the giant tuned mass damper (often called the wind damper) which is open for everyone to view as it actively keeps the tower stable during severe weather events. It's impressive how large it is, and there is a video displaying exactly how much the damper can move when a major earthquake occurs.

With all that excitement out of the way, and once you finally leave Taipei 101, I recommend checking out the surrounding buildings. The neighboring areas also have numerous shops, restaurants, and other activities to see and do. It's like a shopping and tourist hub with something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the main reasons I visited Taipei during the Christmas/New Year period was to witness the NYE fireworks from Taipei 101. It's a very unique experience that draws crowds from all over the world. Surprisingly, however, the crowds were not as massive as I expected, especially coming from Australia where large groups line the riverside to watch our firework events. Comparatively, the crowds near Taipei 101 were quite small, though the weather was rainy, which likely turned away many potential attendees.

I chose to view the NYE fireworks from City Hall Civic Square, and I'm glad I did. They put on a completely free concert show that started right when I arrived (around 6 PM) and continued until after the fireworks ended. Even though I couldn't understand most of what the presenters were saying, their energy and musical performances kept me awake until midnight. It was honestly a well-run show for a free event. While Civic Square did get a bit crowded, I always felt safe thanks to numerous security guards around and volunteers providing heat packs to everyone entering to ensure no one froze in the rainy cold.

The countdown to NYE was projected onto the main face of Taipei 101, with everyone around me counting down from 10 until the fireworks shot out of the tower. The fireworks themselves were quite impressive as they shoot up and down the sides of the skyscraper; it's a sight you won't see in many other places because the display accentuates the unique architectural features of the building. It lasted for about 5-10 minutes before the excitement subsided. My only critique is that I wish other areas around Taipei 101 had featured some fireworks displays too, as it seemed like Taipei 101 was the only one putting on a show.

The only negatives about this NYE event were the weather and the ensuing chaos of trying to get back to my hotel after the show. There was no chance of catching the subway in any reasonable manner with large crowds surrounding the entrances. Trying to catch an Uber or a taxi was also difficult as roads were closed to accommodate the large NYE crowds walking around, and with so many people making their way home, securing a ride became tough. In the end, I was able to get an Uber after walking a few streets away from Civic Square. That marked the end of my eventful, rainy NYE.

I think the rain was the main dampener on this event. If it hadn't been raining, I believe this would have been a 10/10 experience. It was still pretty good despite all that, and I'm glad I got to experience it.

The National Palace Museum is a large complex housing many ancient artifacts from Taipei and Chinese history. Hundreds, or even thousands of artifacts, are scattered across three large floors with numerous rooms to explore. It was quite busy on the day I visited, and surprisingly, entry was free that day. Given the usual cloudy and rainy weather, it was a lovely place to visit; I walked around and tried to learn more about Taiwan's history and culture.

I spent an hour or two wandering the halls, admiring wonderful statues, pottery, and more that have been very well preserved and displayed. The museum also has a lovely gift shop with many items, and if you have the budget, you can even purchase large artistic works to hang in your own home. I also visited the restaurant attached to the museum, which served a good variety of traditional foods for a pleasant dining experience.

I think my experience at the museum would have been enhanced by having a tour guide to really explain the history and significance of the objects. However, even just walking around, you can really see many amazing items that tell the story of Taiwan's rich history.

The Taipei Astronomical Museum was a great, lesser-known spot to visit in Taipei. It's only a 10-minute walk from Shilin Station, and you could also visit the nearby Shilin Night Market as well. Unfortunately, I only had an hour or so before closing time, so I couldn't leisurely walk around the museum. Still, with the time I had, it was quite a large museum featuring many different scientific concepts explained, interactive exhibits, and even a mini ride adventure.

This would be a great place to take kids, as everything is kid-friendly and there is so much to see. If I had more time, I think I could easily spend at least a couple of hours there. That's without including specific attractions like the Dome Theater, 3D Theater, and Cosmic Adventure.

I was lucky enough to catch the Cosmic Adventure ride just before it closed. I'm glad I was able to; while it is obviously catered to children, it's still a unique experience with some loose scientific information and a plot to follow. I wish there were more experiences like that in other museums or interactive attractions, as I can see it being a very engaging and fun experience for anyone who visits.

Although I didn't get much time to explore—and the museum is geared more toward kids—it is definitely worth a visit if you have some spare time. There are a few other kid-related attractions around the museum, including Meilun Park and a Ferris Wheel, although it was getting too late for me to properly look at everything, so I decided to head back to my hotel.

If you're looking for a nice hike that's not too far from Taipei, Elephant Mountain is one of the best spots to go. It's a fairly short (but still tiring) hike up to various viewing points along the mountain. If you're really adventurous, you can push on to the "Four Beasts" mountains for a good half-day hike.

I wasn't that adventurous on my trip and only made it to the peak of Elephant Mountain, which offered a great view overlooking Taipei with Taipei 101 prominently towering above it all. While this hike isn't that difficult technically, everything is stairs to the top; it still tired me out and a few others along the way. There's not a lot to see on the hike itself as the main attraction is getting iconic photos with Taipei as a backdrop. The most notable photography spot is the "Photographer's Platform," which provides a great viewing angle of Taipei and isn't too far up if you are very unathletic; stopping at this point and turning back is still worth the trip. The "Six Boulders" is another spot. Featuring large natural stones, one in particular is a great place to sit for poses—you'll often see a long line of people waiting their turn on that boulder. Finally, the peak itself doesn't have many interesting features or even proper signage (at least in English), but it does feature the iconic elephant-shaped bench that lets you sit right next to Taipei 101 for a memorable photo.

Overall, this was a worthwhile hike, and I'd love to go back and try conquering the rest of this mountain range. If you want to avoid the crowds, I suggest arriving in the early morning, as that's when I went and crowds were minimal. I've heard that they can get quite busy towards sunset, but if you want that Instagram-perfect sunset pic, it may be worth fighting the crowds. It's also known as a good spot to witness the New Year fireworks of Taipei 101.

Of course, if there's a Pokémon Center in a city, I will find it, and I certainly did with Pokémon Center Taipei! As an avid Pokémon fan, I couldn't help but take a look at what they have here in Taiwan. While nothing crazy was going on inside, it was a sizable store with a decent range of items and some unique souvenirs for Taipei, such as the Taipei Pokémon Center badge.

There's not much else to add; the store is fairly standard for a Pokémon location, filled with lots of merchandise, Pokémon card packs (in Chinese), and nostalgic vibes throughout. It is worth mentioning that there is a Nintendo Store right next door. However, it is quite small and limited compared to the Nintendo Store I visited in Japan.

Taipei Zoo is a massive area on the outskirts of Taipei filled with a wide variety of animals from around the world. It's one of the largest zoos I've been to, featuring sections for animals based on the region they come from. If you head there early, you'll be able to beat most of the crowds, as it can get quite busy during the day, especially at popular exhibits like the giant pandas, red pandas and monkeys. There's so much to walk around and explore; you'll probably get tired before you actually see everything. If you do get tired though, don't worry, there's a shuttle train that goes around most of the park, so you can hop on and off at different sections.

You can easily spend half a day here with many insects, mammals, sea creatures and everything in between available to see across the zoo. While I'm no expert in animal care, from the looks of it, the animals mostly seemed content, although some looked a bit bored. There were lots of different types of enclosures, from usual glass-walled rooms to more expansive and open areas where you can walk amongst the animals.

This is a great location for a family day out, or even a date night where you can end the day on a romantic cable car ride just outside of the zoo. There's a decent amount of food stalls around the area as well, mostly offering snacks or fast food, but it wasn't bad. As a hobby photographer, I loved visiting this zoo. I was able to get up close to many animals, take my time framing shots and capture some great moments.

The Maokong Gondola was absolutely the best way to end my trip in Taipei. Being able to ride along this gondola and take in the view over Taipei while reflecting on all the places I'd visited, the things I'd done, and the people I'd met; the Maokong Gondola gave me that space to reflect and take in the views as the sunset closed in.

If you start from the Taipei Zoo station, the whole ride is roughly 20-30 minutes long, which is easily the longest cable car ride I've ever been on. It's such a long ride because it doesn't head to one destination; instead, it stops at two other stations along the way to Maokong station. These include Taipei Zoo South Station and Zhinan Temple Station.

I would have loved to explore Zhinan Temple and Maokong more, but due to my limited time and the evening beginning, I only spent a brief moment in Maokong before heading back down the cable car. Maokong in particular looked like a large area with walking tracks, cafes and other landmarks to visit, which may be fun to explore if I return to Taipei in the future.

The gondola ride itself was a very amazing experience at sunset, I think it's the best time to go if you can. The orange hues cover the horizon as you overlook Taipei City. The cable car was a very smooth ride; the only critique would be that the glass wasn't very clear, although there was an option to choose a "Crystal Cabin," which I assume would have clearer glass to look out of.

Easily the nicest accommodation I stayed at on my trip, and the cheapest too, Norway Forest Travel Hotel was everything I would want in a hotel while traveling. The staff were friendly, rooms were clean, it was close to the train station, they served breakfast, and there was some nice decor. On top of that, this hotel was much cheaper than the options in Taipei; and those Taipei stays weren't nearly as good.

While the room was still quite cramped, it included a comfy double bed, a nice bathroom, a good common area on the ground floor, and a 24/7 staffed reception. The hotel is very close to Taichung Station, and many attractions are within walking distance, including Taichung Park, Miyahara, shopping malls, and more.

There's not much else I can say about Norway Forest Hotel. It was a pleasant experience, and if I get to visit Taichung again, I would definitely stay there again.