Taipei

What a city! Taipei has this energy that's busy but not overwhelming. I loved starting my day with a soy milk and egg crepe at a breakfast joint on the corner, then hiking up Xiangshan and ending at Shilin night market. The night market was chaotic in the best way — the scent of fried chicken, the glow of lanterns, locals shouting over their stalls. The subway system never made me feel lost, and the people were unbelievably helpful when I was trying to find the bus to Jiufen. Honestly one of my favorite cities in Asia.

Taipei completely charmed me. I loved wandering the narrow lanes of Dihua Street early in the morning, watching shopkeepers set out dried goods and herbs. Every corner had a little temple or a food stall worth stopping at. The beef noodle soup at a random shop in Zhongshan was one of the best things I've eaten anywhere. Also the public transport is so clean and quiet — a dream compared to other cities. I already miss the mountains visible from the city center. Highly recommend.

I wanted to love Taipei, but I didn't quite click with it. Maybe it was the constant drizzle and heavy humidity that made everything feel sticky. The famous night markets were fun in small doses, but honestly felt repetitive after two days — same fried stuff, same queues. Also, the air quality seemed worse than I expected. I can see why people enjoy it, but for me it was just okay. Not a bad trip, but not the amazing city I'd built up in my head.

Taipei is a solid city break — lots to see, eat, and do. The thing I loved most was the blend of old and new: temples tucked between convenience stores, dutiful breakfast shops next to hipster cafés. The weather in December was cool and drizzly which made the city feel a bit damp, and I wish a few more signs had English translations off the beaten path. But overall I had a great time and would definitely come back for the food alone.

Fell in love with Taipei the moment I stepped out of the airport and felt that warm humid air. The MRT is ridiculously easy to navigate, and by day two I was hopping between night markets like a local. The smell of stinky tofu and grilled squid on Raohe, the sizzle of scallion pancakes, and the view from Elephant Mountain at sunset — absolutely unreal. The people are so friendly too. I came for three days and stayed five. Can't wait to go back.

Honestly, Taipei didn't click with me. Maybe I came with too high expectations. The weather was oppressively hot and sticky, making it hard to enjoy walking. Also had a rude encounter at a night market vendor who overcharged me. Not terrible, but I'd pick other Asian cities over this one.