You should drink bubble tea.  You should drink bubble tea every day you’re in Taipei.  In fact, you could have bubble tea with every meal if you really wanted to.  If it costs you less than a dollar, why not?

Chiang Kai Shek memorial

You should take the subway.  The map is easy to understand.  The trains and train stations are clean.  Trains are rarely behind schedule.  The signs are clearly marked and are in English and Chinese.  The people working at the stations are helpful when clueless visitors like me get lost.

You should eat.  You should eat more than you thought was humanly possible.  You should eat at a night market.  You should eat a fancy restaurant.  You should eat at a hole-in-the-wall where two dogs are lazing by the door.  You should eat noodles.  You should eat dumplings. You should eat braised pork and rice.  You should eat dumplings.  You should try different types of hot pot.  Did I mention you should eat dumplings?

downtown Taipei

You should climb up Elephant Hill.  You will be rewarded with an amazing view of the city.  It will be worth your angry calf muscles screaming at you.

the map for Elephant Hill

Taipei 101

You should also have a pleasant conversation with Taiwanese people.  That’s the easiest and probably most fun thing to do.