Calliope

Taipei is a big city. At first glance, you might not be a fan of the "architecture" because there is not much visual cohesion. Huge, very modern buildings sit right next to old, two-story structures. However, the city also has many beautiful (and imposing) monuments in a rather Asian-Chinese style (the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial, the Confucius Temple) and very well-maintained gardens, which makes it a legitimate tourist destination. It is also a very dynamic city. Lots of shops in the city center. And otherwise, the Taiwanese love night markets! Once you get used to the smell (of food! like stinky tofu), you can snack and eat all kinds of amazing things there. A big advantage of the capital is the public transportation network. The subway is impeccable and takes you everywhere. For example, you can easily go north to the hot springs of Beitou (or Peitou) or to the Yangmingshan volcano. Small downside: the pollution is quite noticeable. Traffic is heavy. There are tons of scooters, the preferred mode of transport for the Taiwanese (it makes sense, they can get anywhere). But you have to be careful as a pedestrian. Overall, what makes Taipei, and Taiwan in general, so charming is the kindness of its people. It is hard to get lost because as soon as you look like you are looking for your way, someone runs over to help you.