Country code: +886
Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (TW$1 = PHP1.44/US$0.031)
TRIVIA
The art scene is growing in Taipei. The internationally renowned National Palace Museum offers an inexhaustible collection of precious historical Chinese arts and artifacts.
TOUCHDOWN
Taxis to the city cost TW$1,100 (PHP1,586.73), but private bus companies run from both terminals and cost TW$110–140 (PHP159–202). To get around, take the MRT.
BY DAY
Visit the Taipei Zoo, which is the biggest city zoo in Asia. Check out the popular panda facility for the very cute pandas. You can also ride the tram to see the bird sanctuary.
BY NIGHT
Shilin Night Market, built in 1899, is centered on Yangming Theater and Cicheng Temple. It boasts many shops along Wenlin Road, Dadong Road and Danan Road.
SLEEP
The 15-storey Cosmos Hotel is next to the Taipei Railway Station and the underground Taipei MRT Station. It is clean, comfortable and convenient. www.cosmos-hotel.com.tw
LOCAL LIFE
Jennie Lo
fashion designer
Best breakfast
Sandwiches and burgers made in a particular Taiwanese way. So cheap and juicy!
Best night out
Thursday nights at the Brass Monkey; ladies get in for free
Best dinner
At Casa de la Pasta in Dajhih, everything is delicious!
Best buys
Clothes or any creative products made by Taiwanese designers
Best souvenirs
Have a signet stamp made with your Chinese name on it; don’t forget to buy red ink paste
Must-do experience
Take a lomographic picture of a street cat or dog and remember the moment
Must-learn…
The 7-11 song or the Family Mart jingle — it’s just like a friendly “Hello!”
Insider tip
Make sure that whatever it is you are buying was made in the place you expect it to be
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