Huashan 1914 Creative Park
This collection of century-old buildings once housed Taipei Winery, a sake and ginseng wine producer. After several reiterations the park opened as an artistic space in 2005—a venue where theater groups, painters and designers come to showcase their talents. Check the schedule before you turn up to see if there are any markets, concerts or creative workshops in the offing. Alternatively, it’s a great spot to spend an hour with an urban picnic. Walk here past the famous Huashan Market and make a breakfast pit stop at the popular Fu Hang Soy Milk cafe.
Address: No 1, Section 1, Bade Road, Zhongzheng District
Dihua Street
Once a vital thoroughfare to Da-Dao Cheng’s trading basin, Dihua Street also witnessed the city’s development under Japanese occupation—and stands unscathed to tell some tales. The well-preserved street is now famous for its Chinese New Year market, when the promenade is taken over by open-air stalls decorated with Chinese lanterns and crowds jostling to buy trinkets. Carve out some time for the Xia Hai City God Temple, which is renowned as a matchmaking temple among the faithful. Or simply take a breather at one of the many vintage coffee shops along the strip.
Address: Section 1, Dihua Street, Datong District
Bopiliao Historical Block
This narrow, winding street is a portal to the Qing Dynasty, with its red-brick walls, arched arcades and engraved window frames offering a display of traditional Taiwanese architecture. Throw into the mix some Japanese-era touches and a few nods to the 1980s gangster film Monga for a really atmospheric neighborhood stroll. This block draws visitors who are on the hunt for the historic side of Taipei, as well as arty types who come for the creative murals and craft stores. If you have more time, Lungshan Temple and Huaxi Street Night Market (Snake Alley) are a short walk away.
Address: 101 Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District
The Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel is within 15 minutes of each of these sites.Share your historic Taipei finds with @momentum.travel on Instagram.
Photo: Flickr: Alexander Synaptic