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Where to Eat 1
The pastry industry is one of Taipei’s most profitable and creative businesses. Among the many offerings, Yamazaki brand is memorable for its breads with all kinds of fillings. Very addictive. 2
Tea drinking is still a ceremony in Taiwan and many shops in the main districts still pour in style. Rose House teahouse stands out for its elegant atmosphere and impressive selection. 3 Chung San North Road in section 7 is brimming with good restaurants. Most notable is the elegant Tien Mou French with French music, a vegetarian menu and the best herbal tea around. 4 Mint Bar mixes the most talked about (and expensive) martinis in the city. Its colored lights and European music make it the place to go if you’re into seeing and being seen. What to Do 5 In the basement of the small Fine Arts Gallery, Artland bookstore sells high quality design, art and architecture books. The English or Mandarin books are beautiful to look at, if only for the pictures. B1, 122, Ren-ai Road, Sec. 3 6 Next to the Huaxi night market, Snake Alley stalls sell snake soup, snake bile and even snake bladder to strengthen the libido for those who dare to try. This may explain the neighboring sex-shops. The area is a major tourist attraction, but it’s well worth it for the stories you can tell at home. Where to Stay 7 The Grand Hotel: Classic Oriental pagoda-style architecture, buttressed by gold and red columns. A Taipei staple, brimming with Chinese tradition. 1 Chung San North Road, Sec. 4 8 United Hotel: 243 rooms outfitted with ultra-sophisticated décor and a modern, minimalist style. 200 Kwang-Fu South Road 9 The Sherwood Taipei: A business-oriented hotel that combines comfort and an art collection that features 18th and 19th century works as well as some of the best in Oriental art. 111, Min Sheng E. Road, Sec. 3 LAN flights: To Sydney four times a week, with a Qantas connection to Tai Pei. |
