A Week in Fabulous Taipei

Welcome to Taipei

Fly in Starlux Airlines business class, where even the pre-meal cocktail is thoughtfully designed (think osmanthus spritzes and high-altitude Negronis). The seats feel like your own private suite, and the service? Unmatched.

Check in to the Mandarin Oriental, a destination in itself with palatial interiors, a heavenly spa and one of the most beautiful hotel lobbies in Asia. Drop your bags, refresh and maybe sneak in a steam before dinner.

Tonight, walk just a few minutes from the hotel to Sushi Ryu, a Michelin-starred omakase experience known for its precision, warmth and incredible seafood flown in daily from Japan. Expect around 20 courses, from seasonal sashimi to melt-in-your-mouth nigiri. Ask for a sake pairing and trust that you’re in good hands.

Kick off your Taipei journey with a visit to the Presidential Office and nearby Chungshan Hall, beautiful, historic spaces that give you a glimpse into Taiwan’s unique political evolution.

Lunch is at Ramen Nagi, tucked into the buzzy ATT 4 FUN complex near Taipei 101. Choose your spice level, broth richness and noodle firmness. The offerings here are fully customizable and always hit the spot.

Later, explore the city on a guided “Road to Democracy” tour, a narrative journey through Taiwan’s transformation into one of Asia’s most progressive democracies.

Dinner is street-style at Raohe Night Market, where savory pepper buns and taro milk teas should be high on your list.

Today’s focus is Taipei’s art and cocktail culture. Spend your morning at MOCA Taipei, a beautifully restored heritage building turned cutting-edge museum. The exhibitions rotate often and always include standout Taiwanese artists.

Lunch is low-key and local near the museum — think rice bowls, pickled veggies and lots of iced green tea.

Afternoon stop: Draft Land, the city’s original cocktails-on-tap bar. Go for a flight of pours and watch the mixologists work their magic.

Dinner is a full experience at Indulge Bistro, where cocktail legend Aki Wang curates tasting menus that blend Taiwanese flavors with culinary artistry. Yes, it’s that good. The menu is outstanding, and every concoction is a masterpiece.

This morning, discover the city’s progressive side on a Taipei LGBTQ History Tour through Ximending. You'll learn about the first pride marches, visit queer-owned shops and cafés and see why Taipei is often called the most LGBTQ-friendly city in Asia.

For lunch, grab a bite at Fuhong Beef Noodles nearby. Rich broth, handmade noodles and generations of flavor are the name of the game here.

In the afternoon, climb Elephant Mountain for iconic skyline views. It’s steep, but the payoff is pure drama — especially at golden hour.

Dinner tonight is at the original Din Tai Fung on Xinyi Road, where the global soup dumpling sensation began. Go classic with the xiao long bao, stir-fried greens and fried rice. The space is always buzzing, but polished, professional and absolutely iconic.

Today’s theme: treasures, old and new. Spend the morning shopping the Zhongxiao East Road boutiques and indie labels in the Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a former factory turned design-forward cultural center.

Lunch is at Orange Shabu Shabu House, a chic hot pot experience that feels more high-end than DIY. The seafood is pristine, the wagyu options are worth it and the sauces are deeply addictive. It’s low-key luxe and totally on-theme.

In the afternoon, explore Dadaocheng, one of Taipei’s oldest neighborhoods, full of red brick buildings, herbal tea shops and indie art galleries. Pop into Tieh Museum, a mini hidden gem focused on local craftsmanship.

Dinner is at Robin’s Teppanyaki, located inside the Regent Taipei and just a short ride from the Mandarin Oriental. Expect refined teppanyaki classics — perfectly grilled wagyu, buttery scallops, seasonal vegetables — prepared tableside with polish and precision. The space is elegant but not overly formal, making it a relaxed, flavorful close to the day.

For a nightcap, keep it chill back at the Mandarin Oriental’s Champagne Bar, one of the city’s chicest cocktail spots.

Spend the morning at the National Palace Museum, home to one of the world’s greatest collections of Chinese art. Even if you’re not a “museum person,” the scrolls, ceramics and carved jades are truly stunning.

Lunch is at Silks Palace, right next door, where the menu reinterprets artifacts as edible art (yes, there’s a dumpling that looks like a jade cabbage).

In the afternoon, visit SunnyHills for pineapple cake tastings and high-quality Taiwanese oolong served in a beautiful Japanese-style tea house.

Dinner is relaxed but nonetheless superb at Public House, a neighborhood spot with izakaya-style bites and thoughtfully crafted cocktails. So good!

Today’s a full-day escape to Jiufen, a mountainside town that inspired Spirited Away. Meander through lantern-lit alleys, sip tea with a view and snack your way through nostalgic Taiwanese sweets and savory bites.

Back in Taipei, your farewell dinner at Mountain & Sea House is a perfect send-off. The setting is elegant, the food rooted in tradition and every bite feels like a love letter to Taiwan.

Take your time with breakfast. Café Un Deux Trois at the Mandarin Oriental is a gorgeous, low-key spot with fresh croissants, house-made jams and strong coffee.

Before heading out, stop by Eslite Spectrum Songyan for last-minute gifts, local design and the kind of souvenirs you’ll want to keep for yourself.

Then it’s wheels up with Starlux Airlines, cocktail in hand, looking back on a week that hit all the right notes.