Herb Alley

The tiny alley of no longer than a few dozen metres contains the wealth of knowledge on traditional medicinal herbs and potions passed down through generations of healers. Shop around and do not miss the medicinal drinks in Xichang St.

• Address:

  Lane 224, Xichang Street, Wanhua District, Taipei

Lin Hua Tai Tea Company

The city's oldest tea shop still sells a wide variety of teas, all available for sampling upon request. Prices are indicated per 600 grams. Those who wish to take a tour of the factory may feel free to approach the staff and be shown around.

• Web:

  linhuatai.okgo.tw

• Address:

  193 Chongqing North Road, Section 2, Datong District, Taipei

• Phone:

  +886 2 2557 3506

Snake Alley

Huaxi Street, or Snake Alley as it is better known, is located in the Wanhua district and is more a bizarre tourist attraction than a real market. Ophidiophobics beware! Here you will find everything: snake-performances, snake blood drinks and all manner of snake dishes.

• Address:

  Huaxi Street Night Market, Huaxi Street, Wanhua District, Taipei

• Phone:

  +886 2 2388 1818

Taipei 101

Taipei 101 was ranked officially as the world’s tallest building from 2004 until the opening of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2010. The building stands at a height of 508m/1,667 ft. This Taipei landmark was designed in eight sections, since the Chinese lucky number is just that. The building has 101 floors with some of the fastest elevators in the world, travelling at a speed of almost 61 kilometres per hour. The first 5 floors are occupied by upscale stores and boutiques.

• Web:

  www.taipei-101.com.tw/en/index.aspx

• Address:

  Xinyi Road, Taipei

• Phone:

  +886 2 8101 8800

• Opening hours:

  Daily 09.00-22.00

• More info:

  No.7, Sec. 5

• Subway:

  Exit 4, Taipei 101 MRT Station.

Tonghua Night Market

Also known as Linjiang Street Night Market, Tonghua Night Market is a not-so-touristy market buzzing with commercial life, packed with street food vendors selling all manner of exotic delights, from dumplings to sushi. Clothing, jewellery, souvenirs and knick knacks are also sold in abundance.

• Address:

  Linjiang Street, Da’an District, Taipei

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 6pm–2am, Sun 6pm–midnight

• More info:

  Another very popular market selling a similar assortment of goods and snacks is Raohe in the Songshan district.

Ximending District

Perhaps the hippest neighbourhood in Taipei, Ximending (or Shi-men Ting) is a pedestrian-only area that truly comes to life after sundown. Loud music plays and bright shopfront lights flicker, enticing local youths and tourists with their offerings, some beyond wacky: maid cafes, knife massage, curious bubble tea concoctions, KTV booths, and more – all this along with a few very well preserved historic buildings, such as the Red House. It's a great place to experience the dynamic, young side to Taipei.

• Address:

  Ximending, Taipei