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Ask Locals & Meet People in Taipei!
Get authentic advice or meet people in Taipei for travel tips, best food recommendations, hidden gems, or social hangouts with locals, guides, and travelers.
Trends in Taipei
Beitou Hot Spring Honeymoon
Planning a high-end massage and private hot spring experience in Beitou for a February honeymoon. How far in advance should I book?
For a high-end experience in Beitou during February (peak season, honeymooners galore!), I'd recommend booking at least two months in advance, maybe even three if you have your heart set on a specific place. Don't risk disappointment!
fmd_good Taipei Marriott Hotel
High-Floor Views?
Stayed at the Taipei Marriott recently, amazing hotel! Got a room on a high floor, the view was incredible, seriously breathtaking. But the thing is... I couldn't quite make out what all the twinklin… more
That's awesome you got a high floor at the Taipei Marriott! The views from there are seriously next level. Without knowing the exact direction you were looking, it's tough to say for sure. Taipei's got a crazy amount of densely packed neighborhoods, though. It could've been anything from a residential area in one of the surrounding districts like Zhongshan or Da'an, to maybe even a large park like Da'an Forest Park, depending on which way your room was facing. I'd suggest using Google Maps' street view to try and pinpoint the location based on the Marriott's position – that might give you a better idea of what you were seeing.
fmd_good Jiuwushan
Jiuwushan Hike Difficulty?
I'm planning a trip to Jiuwushan in a few weeks. I've seen photos – stunning views! But I'm a bit out of shape. Are the trails mostly manageable for someone who's moderately fit, or should I expect… more
It's definitely doable if you're moderately fit, but don't underestimate it. Jiuwushan isn't a walk in the park, especially some sections. Those photos don't lie about the views though, they're incredible. Trekking poles are a smart idea, particularly on the steeper bits – you'll appreciate the extra stability. Pace yourself, take plenty of water, and maybe even consider breaking the hike up into two shorter ones instead of trying to do it all in one go. Better to enjoy the scenery and not feel like you're gonna die. Have a great trip!
fmd_good Zhongzheng
Zhongzheng District Noodle Mystery
So I'm in this bustling neighborhood, right near the Presidential Office. Spent three days wandering those amazing little side streets, ate more than my fair share of street food – the dumplings were… more
That's rough, man. Zhongzheng is a maze! Clothing stores and a park nearby… Were the noodles soupy or dry? Thick or thin? Any specific ingredients you remember? Even a vague description of the broth (like, was it a dark soy sauce based one, or lighter?) could help narrow it down. Taipei's food scene is insane, so a few more details might jog someone's memory. Good luck with your noodle quest! You'll find it again. I'm sure of it.
fmd_good Gongguan
Gongguan Night Market Food Stalls?
So I'm heading to this bustling night market next week, really excited to try all the street food. I've heard it's amazing, but I'm a bit of a picky eater...mostly just into super spicy stuff. Any… more
Hit up the stalls near the MRT Gongguan Station exit. There's usually a few vendors slinging mala hot pot – some are seriously intense. Don't be afraid to ask how spicy things are before ordering; most vendors understand "hen la" (very spicy) and will adjust accordingly. Also keep an eye out for any stalls selling spicy stinky tofu – it's an acquired taste, but the heat level can be insane. Prepare for a serious sweat session.
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fmd_good Gongguan
Night Market Grub?
I spent a week exploring Gongguan, mostly lost in the maze of tiny alleyways and street food stalls. The sheer variety was overwhelming – spicy stinky tofu, oyster omelets, bubble tea... I tried so… more
Nah, you weren't unlucky. Beef noodle soup is everywhere in Taiwan, but it's not necessarily a night market staple in the same way stinky tofu or oyster omelets are. Gongguan's great for the crazy variety, but you'll probably find more traditional beef noodle soup places in slightly less chaotic areas. Think smaller restaurants, maybe even some tucked away on side streets near the main roads. Next time, venture a bit further from the absolute heart of the night market action – you might stumble on some amazing bowls. You could even try looking around Ximending, it's got a different vibe but still tons of food.
That makes total sense! I was so focused on the night market buzz, I didn't even consider that. Thanks for the Ximending tip – I'll definitely check that out next time I'm in Taipei. I guess I should've expected the most popular dishes to be the ones most heavily represented at the night markets. Live and learn, right? Maybe I’ll hit up some of those smaller restaurants you mentioned too. Sounds like a plan for my next trip.
fmd_good Back Lane of Song Shan Senior High
Mysterious Graffiti?
I was walking down this back lane last week, heading to the night market. It's kinda spooky, all narrow and shadowy with those old brick walls. Anyway, I saw some seriously cool graffiti – not the u… more
That's awesome! Taipei's got some seriously hidden artistic pockets. I've heard whispers about some independent artists doing guerrilla-style projects in the older districts – maybe that's what you stumbled across. It wouldn't surprise me; there's a thriving underground art scene there, especially in the less touristy areas. Try searching on Instagram using hashtags like #TaipeiStreetArt or #TaipeiGraffiti – you might find pics of similar work. Or maybe even find the artists themselves! Good luck; I'm super curious now too.
Wow, thanks! That's a great tip about Instagram, I hadn't thought of that. I'll definitely check out those hashtags. It was in the Ximending area, actually, so maybe it's part of that underground scene you mentioned. The style was pretty unique, not your typical spray-painted tags – more like… intricate, almost illustrative. I should of taken more photos, now I'm kicking myself! I'll let you know what I find.
fmd_good Songshou Rd
Lost in Songshou's Night Market
I wandered Songshou Road last night, completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of food stalls. The smells were incredible – stinky tofu, oyster omelets, everything imaginable. I ended up just grabb… more
Haha, yeah, Songshan Night Market is a beast! It's a beautiful chaos, isn't it? I usually just kinda… drift. Follow my nose, mostly. And if I see something that looks interesting, I try it. Budget? What budget? I’m kidding (mostly). I usually set a mental limit before I go in, otherwise, I'd be eating nothing but delicious street food for a week. Also, pro tip: bring cash! Most places don't take card. And if you get truly, hopelessly lost, just follow the crowds. They always seem to know where the good stuff is.
So true! The sheer scale of it is overwhelming. I ended up accidentally eating three different kinds of stinky tofu before I even realised it. Definitely didn't have a budget, haha. Good call on the cash, I learned that the hard way. Next time I'm bringing a backpack just for food. And yeah, following the crowd is the best way to navigate that maze! I think I saw a guy selling something that looked like a giant, fried scorpion... I should of taken a photo.
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fmd_good Ln 162
Mysterious Ln 162?
So, I'm planning a trip to Taiwan and stumbled across this Ln 162 address. The online maps are...vague, to say the least. The photos are mostly just generic street shots. I'm picturing this quiet,… more
It depends entirely on what you're looking for. Lane 162 isn't exactly a secret – more like... overlooked. Think less "hidden gem" and more "quiet residential street with a few local businesses". No bustling night market vibe, definitely not. It's peaceful, yes, but not in a dramatically "untouched" way. Just... ordinary Taipei life. You might find a small eatery or a little shop selling everyday things – maybe a repair shop or something. Unless you're specifically hunting for that kind of low-key local experience, it's probably not worth going out of your way for. Save your time for exploring other, more vibrant neighborhoods.
Yeah, that makes sense. I was kinda hoping for something a bit more… exciting, I guess. I've been hitting the tourist traps pretty hard the past few days, so I was looking for a change of pace. Ordinary Taipei life sounds… nice, actually. Maybe a bit too "ordinary" for a short trip, though. Thanks for the heads-up! I'll check out some of those busier areas instead. Appreciate it.
fmd_good Vegetarian Tomato Beef Noodle Restaurant
Is this real beef?
I'm a vegetarian visiting @Taipei and stumbled upon this place – Vegetarian Tomato Beef Noodle Restaurant. The name intrigued me, naturally. I mean, vegetarian beef? The menu was all in Chinese, so… more
Probably mushrooms. Seriously good mushrooms though, right? Taiwanese chefs are amazing at getting umami flavor into vegetarian dishes. They often use a combination of techniques and ingredients to mimic meat textures and tastes. Don't feel bad about being fooled; it's a testament to their skill. I've had "vegetarian" things in @Taipei that tasted like actual meat, and it's always a delicious surprise.
Wow, that's impressive! I figured it was something, the texture was so…meaty. I should've guessed it was mushroom-based given how good it tasted. Definitely makes me want to try more Taiwanese vegetarian food. Thanks for the info!
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fmd_good Gongguan
Night Market Chaos?
I'm heading to this bustling hamlet next month. Heard it's insane – a maze of food stalls, game booths, and throngs of people. My biggest worry? Getting completely lost amongst the crowds and missin… more
Taipei night markets are awesome but yeah, they can be a total sensory overload. My advice? Embrace the chaos! Don't try to meticulously plan every single stall; just wander and let your nose lead you. Look for places with long queues – those usually mean good food. Also, try to go a little earlier in the evening to avoid the absolute crush of people. And honestly, getting a little lost is part of the fun. You'll stumble upon cool stuff you wouldn't have found otherwise. Don't sweat it if you miss a few things; there are so many night markets in Taipei, you'll have plenty of chances to revisit.
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