oh{FISH}iee: [TRAVEL] Top 10 Instagram-Worthy Spots in Taipei, Taiwan

Hello, Taipei! ❤ I am happy to be back to Taipei City during Winter 2019 after my first trip there in Spring 2017. As you may already know, Taipei is always a food and shopping haven, but I am not going to bore you with a list of places of attractions in Taipei which you would've already known.

In this post, let's focus on the must-have photographs that will become part of your travel memories later. So here are 10 Instagram-famed spots in Taipei that you must not miss!

1. Rainbow Road in Ximending (西門町)

How to go: Exit 5 of MRT Ximen (西門) Station

At the intersection road in the bustling Ximending aka Taipei's hipster town, surely you'd spot this colorful stretch of road once you get down from the train. But it can get super busy at times, so be patient to get the perfect shot you want.

2. Tsutaya Bookstore, Songshan Branch

How to go: 1 minute walk from Exit 5 of MRT Songshan (松山) Station

It is a Japanese bookstore located a stone throw away from the popular Raohe Night Market (饒河夜市). The staircase photo spot is the bomb, but be discreet and try not to disturb others who are enjoying the books and coffee there.

Travel Tips: In fact, Taiwan has plenty of similarly beautiful libraries and bookstores - good luck in hunting!

3. Sunset by the Sea in Danshui (淡水)

How to go: Exit 1 of MRT Tamsui Station

Thanks to the beautiful sunset, Danshui (or Tamsui) is my all-time favourite in Taipei, although it requires a 45-minute train ride from Taipei Main Station. Danshui has 2 best spots for sunset – One is along Danshui Riverbank, another is at the Fisherman's Wharf (淡水漁人碼頭).

The sun usually sets around 6pm here, but remember to stay until the sky turns purple / pink and orange before it goes completely dark!

Travel Tips: Check out my previous blog post for the 10 things to do in Danshui.

4. Historical Railway at Jingtong (菁桐)

How to go: Take TRA Fuxing Shuttle from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station (瑞芳火車站),

then switch to Pingxi Line (平溪线) to Jingtong Station

For those who make a day trip to Jiufen and Shifen, I'd strongly recommend you to stop by at Jingtong (last station of Pingxi Line)! Here you can get a full shot of the railway, locomotive train and also historical ruins without having to face the overwhelming crowd like those in Jiufen or Shifen. Take your time and just chill!

5. Peak of Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan Lookout Point)

How to go: Exit 2 of MRT Xiangshan Station then follow

the 20-minute Xiangshan Hiking Trail (象山登山步道)

Don't worry, the hike is easy peasy. As you arrive at the peak, there are 2 photo spots where you can catch the magnificent Taipei 101 standing at the background: (1) Wooden viewing platform with railings, and (2) Big rock. Be sure to come on a sunny day to avoid slippery steps and misty background.

6. Taipei 101, Xinyi District

How to go: 15 minutes walk from MRT Xiangshan Station to arrive at

this Japanese restaurant along Song Ren Lane:

竹村居酒屋, 台北市信義區松仁路253巷1弄2號

Taking a shot of Taipei 101 right in front of the building is too mainstream. If you want to capture Taipei 101 with a different feel, it takes some extra effort to hunt for this restaurant with a clear backdrop of Taipei standing prominently between the alleys. An evening shot would be perfect!

7. Taipei 101 Backdrop at National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (國父紀念館)

How to go: Exit 4 of MRT Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station

For a closer view of Taipei 101, there are a couple of locations worth going for. The open space in front of Taipei City Hall or Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall give an equally good, unobstructed view.

8. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (中正紀念公園)

How to go: Exit 5 of MRT Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station

There is something artsy to capture at this most prominent historical landmark in Taiwan. You can angle your camera from the direction of Liberty Square (自由廣場) towards the CKS Memorial Hall, so you will get a picture of the Memorial Hall "framed" by an arch.

Anyway, the open space is real huge here, so be creative and have fun!

9. Raohe Rainbow Park / Bridge

How to go: 1 minute walk from Exit 1 / 2 / 5 of MRT Songshan (松山) Station

Not many people would stroll along the Rainbow Park when the famous Raohe Night Market is full of delicious temptations. But be sure to take a walk here and you'll love the serenity amidst myriads of lights in the evening. Perfect for lovebirds to spend some quality time together too.

10. Cute cafes in Dongqu ('East District') (東區)

How to go: Exit 3 of MRT Zhongxiao Dunhua Station

Welcome to Taiwan's version of Singapore Orchard Road where all the cutesy cafes and beautifully-concepted eateries are located at. Plenty of Instagram-famous locations are spotted here, including the famous Rilakkuma Cafe (拉拉熊咖啡廳) (unfortunately, it has closed down now).

#BONUS. Chaojing Park (潮境公園), Keelung

How to go: Take TRA Fuxing Shuttle from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station, then switch train to Badouzi Railway Station (八斗子火車站), then take free shuttle to Chaojing Park (only available during weekend)

If you have one day to spare, head up to Keelung and mark the following Instagram spots:
❤ Badouzi Railway Station (八斗子火車站)
❤ Chaojing Park (潮境公園)
❤ Wangyougu (望幽谷)
❤ Badouzi Seaside Park (八斗子海濱公園)
❤ Zhengbin Fishing Port Nostalgia Pier (正濱漁港-懷舊碼頭)
❤ Heping Island Park (和平島公園)

....and you'll be satisfied with your photo collection for this trip!