Designer dining: 9 luxury brand restaurants in Tokyo, from Gucci to Dior

Stay for spa time at Radium Kagaya Taipei

Designed in the style of a traditional Japanese home, the suites on offer at Radium Kagaya feature tatami mats, sliding doors and sleek wooden details. Some have balconies and panoramic views from the bathtub looking out at the Beitou area, offering a moment of relaxation while embedded in Taiwan’s lush green nature.

Enjoy fusion fine dining at Longtail

Taiwan’s authentic street food scene is well documented, but it’s quickly become one of the world’s top destinations for fine dining as well, with its list of Michelin-starred restaurants growing year after year. It’s quite the accomplishment, then, that fusion restaurant Longtail has held its one-Michelin-star rating for six years running, and many of its most popular dishes have been menu mainstays since its 2017 opening.

Where to stay for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Singapore

Inspired by his travels and the many international flavours that make up modern Asian cuisine, many of his creations fuse classic Asian dishes with Western standards. For starters, consider the classic Taiwanese scallion pancake, a popular street food on the island, topped with beef tartare, ginger and mustard leaf (also a common sight in Taiwanese cooking).

For something slightly heavier, we loved the shrimp sliders, reminiscent of shrimp croquettes you might find in Japan, topped with a healthy dose of sriracha, arugula and pickled onion. Our personal favourite, however, would be the kaya French toast – topped with a luscious serving of caramel-infused soy sauce and made with brioche bread, the dish somehow brings together two of the most beloved desserts from East and West, respectively, to create a Longtail signature.

Immerse yourself in the arts scene at Huashan 1914 Creative Park

As its name might suggest, Huashan 1914 Creative Park is home to dozens of humble storefronts and art spaces dedicated to highlighting the very best of Taipei’s creative scene – but it got its start as a winery, and there are still distillery buildings here to this day. From The Gala Asia’s well-curated selection of quality design brands from around Taiwan and the region, to Spot, a popular independent cinema, one can easily spend a whole day here taking in all the cultural charm the area has to offer.

Why the Desa Hay eco-resort should be your guilt-free go-to stay in Bali

The concert hall has a long history, with its organisers being among the most prominent pioneers of Taiwan’s indie music scene. And, in true Taiwanese fashion, there’s still plenty of good food and drink to be found here, like popular pizza chain Alleycat’s and craft beer brewery Zhang Men, which also has outposts here in Hong Kong.

Shop local at Dadaocheng

As a trading port dating back to the 19th century, Dadaocheng first boomed thanks to the arrival of merchants seeking to cash in on tea exports. Taiwanese tea culture is still big these days, but for different reasons – you’ll likely find more than one or two cute cafes around the neighbourhood, which has been transformed into a major tourist attraction and shopping area with historic buildings. While Dadaocheng underwent a mass transformation during the Japanese colonial era, Dihua Street – Taipei’s oldest – retains certain sections which go all the way back to the Dutch colonial period.

Aside from the plethora of local souvenirs, snacks and other dried goods on offer – especially before the Lunar New Year holiday – the area also plays host to no small number of artisans and designer boutiques, including one by recently announced LVMH Prize semi-finalist Chiahung Su.

Go glamping at CMP Village

Most of Taiwan’s interior is mountainous, with its sprawling urban centres largely located along the western and eastern coastlines. Miaoli County, a short high-speed rail ride away from Taipei, straddles the best of both worlds. Tucked in between Taipei to its north and Taichung to its south, Miaoli offers gorgeous mountainside hikes and strolls through nature alongside a slice of Taiwan’s aboriginal history. For those looking for a more relaxed, laid-back experience, Miaoli also has its fair share of glamping choices.

Ecological park CMP Village is an ideal choice for people of all ages, with family-friendly activities and a variety of educational workshops catering towards those looking to deepen their connection with the great outdoors. Dotted by all sorts of tree houses and tents, the campgrounds are aesthetically informed by Taiwan’s history of sustainable practices and affinity for nature, and designed with your Instagram feed in mind. And after a long day lying out in the sun, who doesn’t want to dine under the moonlight and find a spot for stargazing?

Live out your old-school Cali motel dreams in style at Palihotel Hollywood

Have a creative cocktail at Moonrock

Much has been said about Taipei’s eclectic bar scene, but Taiwan at large has some excellent mixologists working all around the island. Moonrock, a neighbourhood bar in Tainan to the south, exemplifies the industrious and resourceful creativity of Taiwanese bartenders and sommeliers. Tucked inside an unassuming alleyway near the city centre, the local joint houses some of the best home-grown cocktails Taiwan has to offer, using popular local ingredients such as mango and guava leaf. Don’t just take our word for it – the bar has been climbing up the ranks of Asia’s 50 Best Bars list for two years running, last placing at 71st in 2023.

The quiet and humble location also reflects Taiwan’s inimitable charm, home to what appears to be a teahouse inside a chaotic corner surrounded by dozens of scooters and residential blocks – a classic scene which is emblematic of the island’s cosy, homey vibe. Only the dimly lit atmosphere once you step inside gives away its true nature as a bar – a hidden gem among many the island has to offer.

Soak in the sun at Kenting National Park