Taipei Travel

East Town The Trendy Fashion Route
 

08:30

44 South Village

In the splendid Xinyi district, there’s a warm and rustic corner with a relaxing atmosphere. 44 South Village (四四南村) has preserved the setup it had when it was a military dependents village. The old, townhouse-style bungalows have been transformed into exhibit spaces, food emporia, and shops offering sundry cultural and creative goods. All products sold at these businesses have been designed and made in Taiwan using only top quality, which will surely make visitors want to take their wares home. Guests often snap pictures in front of these red, blue and green doors and windows, or just sit on the grass basking in the sun and admiring the nearby Taipei 101.

MRT Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station

10:00

Songshan Cultural and Creative Park

This park was once the Songshan Tobacco Factory (松山菸廠), but now, with its Baroque garden courtyard and well-preserved historic warehouse complex, it serves as a popular space for art and culture exhibits. Next to the park is the Taipei New Horizon Building (台北文創大樓), which, after the Eslite Spectrum Songyan Store (誠品生活松菸店) opened in it, grew to include a popular bookstore, performance hall, cinema, and hotel complex. You can stroll around, have a coffee or just read and let the morning while away easily.

MRT Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station

12:00

Bib Gourmand Selection – Song Kitchen

This is one of the most-famous chargrilled duck restaurants in Taipei. It used to be called Quanjude (全聚德), but later changed its moniker to Song Kitchen (宋廚菜館). It serves up delicate Northern Chinese dishes, and you won’t want to miss seeing the chef slicing the duck to perfection! Every dish is carefully prepared and presents an unforgettable taste.

MRT Taipei City Hall Station

14:00

Xinyi Commercial District, Taipei 101

Xinyi Commercial District (信義商圈) is considered a “front-line battlefield” when it comes to department store competition, and it’s always packed with shoppers on weekends. From Shanti Boulevard (香堤大道) all the way to the pedestrian area at Vie Show Cinemas Taipei Hsin Yi (信義威秀), street performers display their amazing variety of skills, each vying for your attention. And if you like a particular performance, why not toss a few coins into the tip basket? Don’t be shy!

MRT Taipei City Hall Station

18:00

Michelin 1-Star –Da-Wan

In this area, where the top grill restaurants compete for your dollar, Da-Wan (大腕) is the only one to have received a Michelin star. You simply cannot dine there without trying the signature dish: grilled Wagyu (or Japanese cow). The owner will carefully remind you which seasoning and dip goes with which, helping you fully appreciate the flavor of the meat. 

MRT Zhongxiao Dunhua Station

20:00

Treasure Hunt Down East Town Backstreets

On the business circle near Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road (忠孝東路4段), you’ll find big shopping malls and many unique clothing stores. The “Online Auction Street” is the new favorite choice of local fashionistas for budget clothing. This area is a good place to hang out after work, and you’ll find exotic restaurants, taverns, grill eateries and Isakaya, or Japanese style pubs, to satisfy your gustatory cravings! Making a reservation on weekends is highly recommended. 

MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing Station

21:30

Michelin 1-Star –Longtail

Open until 3 in the morning, this is a perfect place for night owls with picky taste buds. The chef specializes in preparing his contemporary fusion cuisine with creativity. As an example, Longtail’s BBQ Pork Bun borrows the coriander flavor of the classic Taiwanese street snack, guabao (刈包; braised pork bun) to create a whole new taste.

MRT Technology Building Station