The creative’s guide to Taiwan: where to stay, eat, drink and unwind…

Not many cities can pride themselves on having world-class bars and glitzy high-rises bumping up next to traditional street food night markets, with old-fashioned architecture hidden around every corner. Taipei boasts exactly that, with colonial-era charm and modern metropolis vibes all easily accessible on foot. Spread over just 250 square kilometres, Taiwan’s tourist-friendly capital offers travellers a hi-tech public transport system, while locals often prefer to get around on scooters – it’s one of the few cities in the world where there may be more motorbikes than people, let alone cars.

And while the city has gradually emerged as one of East Asia’s most popular tourist and luxury destinations over the past few decades, there’s still much to explore in the rest of the island, which often gets overlooked by international visitors.

Below, we break down why you should consider travelling beyond Taipei on your next trip to the area, as well as everything you should cover.

Stay for spa time at Radium Kagaya Taipei

The white sulphur hot spring at Radium Kagaya Taipei, a five-star hotel in the Taiwanese capital. Photo: Handout

The Beitou hot springs are among Taipei’s hottest tourist destinations – no pun intended. Millions of locals and visitors alike make the trek year-round to relish in the soothing natural steam baths here, but for those looking for more privacy, consider booking a private hot spring, or submerging in the public white sulphur hot spring, at the five-star Radium Kagaya Taipei hotel.

The suites on offer at Radium Kagaya feature tatami mats, sliding doors and sleek wooden details. Photo: Handout

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

Fusion restaurant Longtail has held its one-Michelin-star rating for six years running. Photo: Handout

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.