48 Hours in: Taipei

Just a short hop from Hong Kong, Taipei is the perfect destination for a quick getaway with the girls!

Cocktails with a view
At 101 stories high, Tapei 101 was the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010. The building was architecturally created as a symbol of the evolution of technology and Asian tradition. There is a public Observatory on the 91st floor (NT$450), however expect long queues at peak times and the outside deck is closed in windy weather. Opt for a drink at the bar on the 85th floor instead, and for a minimum spend of NT$930 you can walk around the restaurant to enjoy the view at sunset, with a cocktail in hand. The view from the Ladies Bathroom was priceless!
OUR TIP: Access is via the lift in the Office Tower - don't follow signs to the Observatory!

The Shangri-la's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel
The highlight of this centrally located hotel is the roof-top swimming pool on the 43rd floor. Heated year round it offers fantastic views over Taipei to the 101 building, and comfy sun loungers to complete the relaxation experience. There is also a spa and the Marco Polo lounge on the 38th floor for afternoon tea or cocktails with a view!
OUR TIP: The breakfast buffet should not be missed with its extensive choice of great food.

Hot Spring
Xin Beitou (or New Beitou) is an easy 30 minutes on the Taipei MRT but feels a million miles from the city with its mountain greenery - and smell of sulphur! The Hot Spring Museum (free entry) is housed in a Japanese colonial bathhouse and walks you through the history of Beitou's spas. Follow the road up through the thermal valley to view the steaming source before taking a dip in the hot springs. There is a wide choice of hot spring resorts, or the public Millennium Hot Spring bathhouse next to the museum. For just NT$40 (around HK$10) it offers a choice of hot spring pools of varying temperatures in 3 hour sessions. Unlike many of the hot springs visitors are required to wear bathing suits!

Shilin Night Market
Shilin Night Market is the largest night market in Taiwan, covering a large area of outdoor shops and an indoor market hall. Vendors sell food, clothes, toys and accessories - shoes are a great buy with ladies sandals starting from around HK$100. There is a large food court downstairs with over 500 stalls offering everything from stinky tofu and squid on sticks to steamed pork buns and peanut cookies.

OUR TIP: Go for a foot massage first - try the place opposite the MRT station.