Overnight at Taipei Cruise Port: Street Food and City Views

Sailing into Taipei cruise port offered the perfect chance to enjoy Taiwan’s vibrant capital before flying home. Taipei (written in Chinese as 臺北市 and pronounced Tai-bay Shee) blends modern architecture with lively markets, making it an exciting stop for even a short visit. The city’s mix of contemporary style and traditional flavor makes it feel both fresh and historic.

The port provides easy access to Ximen and other popular neighborhoods. Known for its street life and diverse food scene, Ximen has been called the “Harajuku of Taipei” for its youthful energy and constant buzz. Even in winter, the streets feel alive with bright colors and warm smells from food vendors.

Taipei also boasts iconic landmarks like Taipei 101 and famous bakeries such as Chia Te. Whether you are here for a day or a week, the city offers enough experiences to fill your itinerary and your appetite.

After disembarking from my NCL cruise, I checked into a hotel in Ximen and began exploring. My first stop was Don Don Donki, Taiwan’s version of Japan’s Don Quijote. This shop had the same colorful displays and endless aisles, perfect for wandering and picking up unique finds.

Hunger soon set in, so I walked to Ramen Nagi Ximen for a bowl of rich pork broth ramen. The open kitchen and busy staff gave the place an authentic feel. Dessert came at the playful Modern Toilet Restaurant, where chocolate ice cream arrives in mini-toilet bowls. It was quirky but definitely memorable.

With some room left for snacks, I explored the street vendors. I tried candy-coated grapes, grilled corn on a stick, and sweet potato balls while weaving through the crowds. The next morning, I made my way to Chia Te Bakery for its renowned pineapple cakes, the perfect edible souvenir. My last stop was Taipei 101, where I rode to the observation deck for sweeping views of the city framed by distant mountains. Even on a rainy day, the panorama was stunning, and I finished the visit with a bag of fresh donuts from Crispy Milk Donuts.