DADAOCHENG & XIMENDING

Dadaocheng is one of the oldest districts in Taipei, home to a lively tea export industry in the 17th century. The architecture here features a fascinating mix of baroque, Chinese and Japanese influences.

Start the day at Dihua Street, the oldest street in the city, and grab breakfast at Old

Noodle Shop, a champion of hot sesame noodles. Afterwards, cross the street to try your luck at Xiahai City God Temple, which houses more than 600 statues of deities and is popular among those praying to find love. Right next door is Yongle Fabric Market, the largest of its kind on the island. As well as a vast array of fabrics and haberdashery in various colours and styles, you’ll find a busy wet market on the first floor.

Stay on Dihua Street and pop into Yong

Xing, which sells traditional kitchen utensils, such as woks, hand-carved spoons and bamboo steamers. Or, stop by Da Chun’s Soap, a family company that’s been making soaps with local ingredients since the 1950s. For lunch, head to Black Spot Chicken, which serves briny cold cuts of chicken on warm rice, before visiting Wang Tea. Founded in 1890, the tea shop also serves as a de facto museum.

Head south to the neighbourhood of Ximending, which is to Taipei what Times Square is to New York. The Red House Theatre is a popular gathering spot and event space for the LGBTQ+ community, and is surrounded by a bevy of bars catering to it. For dinner, order deep-fried pork chops and rice at Jin Man

Yuan Pai Gu. Finish off with craft beer at The 58 Bar, which features a roster of Taiwanese craft brews, including some varieties infused with local tea.