When we travel, we seek out the unusual things to do. Taipei was no different.
We are not always looking for the postcard-perfect views everyone else has; we are hunting for the offbeat, the unexpected, and the delightfully weird. Whether it is an unusual attraction or simply an experience that makes us laugh, finding places that sit outside the typical tourist trail is always part of the adventure.
Taipei is the perfect city for travellers looking for something different. You can visit the world's first cat café, drink bubble tea in its birthplace, hunt for street art, discover hidden speakeasies and, if you really want to, eat dessert from a miniature toilet bowl.
If you are looking for unusual things to do in Taipei, hidden gems in Taipei, or simply a different side of the city beyond the famous attractions, Feet Do Travel share some of our favourite discoveries.
We are not always looking for the postcard-perfect views everyone else has; we are hunting for the offbeat, the unexpected, and the delightfully weird. Whether it is an unusual attraction or simply an experience that makes us laugh, finding places that sit outside the typical tourist trail is always part of the adventure.
Taipei is the perfect city for travellers looking for something different. You can visit the world's first cat café, drink bubble tea in its birthplace, hunt for street art, discover hidden speakeasies and, if you really want to, eat dessert from a miniature toilet bowl.
If you are looking for unusual things to do in Taipei, hidden gems in Taipei, or simply a different side of the city beyond the famous attractions, Feet Do Travel share some of our favourite discoveries.
Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, it won't cost you any extra; the small commission we may earn will help support the FeetDoTravel community.
Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, it won't cost you any extra; the small commission we may earn will help support the FeetDoTravel community.
Cats are the boss at the worlds' first cat cafe, Taipei
Visit the World's First Cat Café
As animal lovers, we are extremely selective about animal attractions and will not visit anything that does not put animal welfare first.
When we discovered the world's first cat café was in Taipei, we wanted to visit—but only after satisfying ourselves that the animals were the priority rather than simply part of a money-making attraction.
After doing our research, we found Kitten Coffee Garden to be an ethical, animal-first establishment with happy, well-cared-for residents.
As animal lovers, we are extremely selective about animal attractions and will not visit anything that does not put animal welfare first.
When we discovered the world's first cat café was in Taipei, we wanted to visit—but only after satisfying ourselves that the animals were the priority rather than simply part of a money-making attraction.
After doing our research, we found Kitten Coffee Garden to be an ethical, animal-first establishment with happy, well-cared-for residents.
Outside of the world's first cat cafe, Taipei
Originally known as Cat Flower Garden, it opened in 1998 and helped inspire the cat café phenomenon that later spread around the world.
When we visited, there were eight resident cats and two dogs sharing the space.
When we visited, there were eight resident cats and two dogs sharing the space.
It's a privilege to be in cat company in the worlds first cat cafe
The atmosphere felt more like visiting somebody's home than a commercial attraction. The animals clearly set the rules. If a cat wanted attention, you were honoured with its presence. If it wanted to sleep, everyone left it alone.
In other words, exactly how cats prefer things.
In other words, exactly how cats prefer things.
The coffee is good - and served in cute paw print mugs
We came simply to enjoy being in the company of cats, with no expectation of petting, cuddling, picking them up or playing with them. The animals were free to interact on their own terms, which is exactly how it should be, and we were not disappointed.
As a side note - the coffee was great, and was served in cute cat mugs. For us though, the coffee was secondary to the surroundings.
As a side note - the coffee was great, and was served in cute cat mugs. For us though, the coffee was secondary to the surroundings.
Take a Trip to Houtong Cat Village
If a cat café is not enough feline content for one trip, Taiwan has a solution.
You can visit an entire village dedicated to cats.
Located around an hour from Taipei, Houtong Cat Village has become one of Taiwan's most unusual attractions. Once a coal mining town, it reinvented itself as a cat-friendly destination where visitors can wander among resident cats, cat-themed shops, cat artwork and cat statues.
If a cat café is not enough feline content for one trip, Taiwan has a solution.
You can visit an entire village dedicated to cats.
Located around an hour from Taipei, Houtong Cat Village has become one of Taiwan's most unusual attractions. Once a coal mining town, it reinvented itself as a cat-friendly destination where visitors can wander among resident cats, cat-themed shops, cat artwork and cat statues.
Credit: Taiwan Obsessed - cat at Houtong Cat Village, Taiwan
One of the things we appreciate about Houtong is that the cats are not simply a tourist attraction. Over the years, local residents, volunteers, veterinarians and animal welfare groups have worked together to care for the population through feeding programmes, veterinary treatment, vaccinations and spaying and neutering initiatives.
No community cat project is perfect (we lived on a cat island in Gili Air and volunteered at a cat clinic), but there has been a long-standing effort to prioritise the cats' welfare alongside tourism.
The village is easily reached by direct train from Taipei Main Station and also combines perfectly with a day exploring the famous Pingxi Line. For a detailed guide on how to get there and what to see, take a look at this excellent Houtong Cat Village guide by Taiwan Obsessed.
For cat lovers, it is a purr-fect day trip.
No community cat project is perfect (we lived on a cat island in Gili Air and volunteered at a cat clinic), but there has been a long-standing effort to prioritise the cats' welfare alongside tourism.
The village is easily reached by direct train from Taipei Main Station and also combines perfectly with a day exploring the famous Pingxi Line. For a detailed guide on how to get there and what to see, take a look at this excellent Houtong Cat Village guide by Taiwan Obsessed.
For cat lovers, it is a purr-fect day trip.
Taiwan is the birthplace of bubble tea!
Drink Bubble Tea in Its Birthplace
No visit to Taiwan feels complete without drinking bubble tea.
After all, Taiwan is where it all began.
Bubble tea originated in Taiwan during the 1980s and has since become one of the country's most famous exports. Several tea houses claim to have invented it, with both Chun Shui Tang in Taichung and Hanlin Tea Room in Tainan playing important roles in its history. What everyone agrees on is that bubble tea was born in Taiwan before spreading around the world.
No visit to Taiwan feels complete without drinking bubble tea.
After all, Taiwan is where it all began.
Bubble tea originated in Taiwan during the 1980s and has since become one of the country's most famous exports. Several tea houses claim to have invented it, with both Chun Shui Tang in Taichung and Hanlin Tea Room in Tainan playing important roles in its history. What everyone agrees on is that bubble tea was born in Taiwan before spreading around the world.
Bubble tea has chewy tapioca pearls at the bottom of milk tea
The drink evolved from Taiwan's iced tea culture, with chewy tapioca pearls eventually finding their way into milk tea and creating the global phenomenon we know today.
For visitors from the Philippines, where bubble tea shops seem to be on every other street corner, drinking bubble tea in Taiwan feels a little like experiencing karaoke in Japan. Both originated elsewhere before becoming beloved parts of Filipino culture.
There are shops everywhere, with entire menus devoted to combinations you never knew existed.
On a hot Taipei afternoon, we grabbed our drinks, found a park bench and spent an hour people-watching.
Simple. Refreshing. And one of the most authentically Taiwanese experiences you can have.
For visitors from the Philippines, where bubble tea shops seem to be on every other street corner, drinking bubble tea in Taiwan feels a little like experiencing karaoke in Japan. Both originated elsewhere before becoming beloved parts of Filipino culture.
There are shops everywhere, with entire menus devoted to combinations you never knew existed.
On a hot Taipei afternoon, we grabbed our drinks, found a park bench and spent an hour people-watching.
Simple. Refreshing. And one of the most authentically Taiwanese experiences you can have.
Search for street art in Taipei
Search for Taipei Street Art
We love searching for street art whenever we travel.
It gives purpose to wandering and often takes us into neighbourhoods we would never otherwise discover.
In Penang , we did our own cycling tour, allowing us to travel further. Our hunt led us through side streets and hidden corners of the city.
We love searching for street art whenever we travel.
It gives purpose to wandering and often takes us into neighbourhoods we would never otherwise discover.
In Penang , we did our own cycling tour, allowing us to travel further. Our hunt led us through side streets and hidden corners of the city.
Vibrant colour wall mural in Taipei
In Singapore, it encouraged us to explore districts and food spots we might otherwise have missed.
Taipei proved equally rewarding.
Taipei proved equally rewarding.
Taiwan has a reputation as one of Asia's most progressive societies and was the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage.
We hoped that spirit would be reflected in the city's street art scene.
It was.
We hoped that spirit would be reflected in the city's street art scene.
It was.
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Many of the murals and artworks were tucked away on side streets far from the tourist crowds. Finding them became a treasure hunt that revealed a completely different side of Taipei.
Dogs in Taipei are "walked" in pram strollers
Spot Taipei's Pampered Pets
One thing we found fascinating during our time in Taiwan was just how much people adore their pets.
The term "fur baby" is taken to a whole new level here. Dogs (and on one occasion, even a rabbit) are treated very much as family members.
On the MRT, it is completely normal to see pets travelling in prams or strollers, protected from the heat, rain and busy city streets.
We saw tiny dogs riding in designer pushchairs. We saw fluffy dogs travelling in greater comfort than some airline passengers. As animal lovers, it was impossible not to smile.
One thing we found fascinating during our time in Taiwan was just how much people adore their pets.
The term "fur baby" is taken to a whole new level here. Dogs (and on one occasion, even a rabbit) are treated very much as family members.
On the MRT, it is completely normal to see pets travelling in prams or strollers, protected from the heat, rain and busy city streets.
We saw tiny dogs riding in designer pushchairs. We saw fluffy dogs travelling in greater comfort than some airline passengers. As animal lovers, it was impossible not to smile.
Stinky Tofu being cooked
Try Stinky Tofu at Least Once
Some foods become famous because everyone loves them.
Others become famous because everyone argues about them (Marmite? You either love it or hate it right?)
Stinky tofu belongs firmly in the second category.
Arguably one of Taiwain's most famous and iconic street foods, stinky tofu is made by fermenting tofu in a seasoned brine before cooking it.
You will smell it before you see it. It's unmistakable.
Some foods become famous because everyone loves them.
Others become famous because everyone argues about them (Marmite? You either love it or hate it right?)
Stinky tofu belongs firmly in the second category.
Arguably one of Taiwain's most famous and iconic street foods, stinky tofu is made by fermenting tofu in a seasoned brine before cooking it.
You will smell it before you see it. It's unmistakable.
We tried ours for the first (and only!) time at Raohe Night Market.
The flavour was far better than the aroma suggested, although "acquired taste" remains the most diplomatic description.
Would we order it every week? Probably not.
Would we recommend trying it? Absolutely. Because when in Taipei, it feels almost compulsory.
The flavour was far better than the aroma suggested, although "acquired taste" remains the most diplomatic description.
Would we order it every week? Probably not.
Would we recommend trying it? Absolutely. Because when in Taipei, it feels almost compulsory.
Taipei Gorgeous Manhole Covers Project
Look Down at the Manhole Covers
Japan is famous for its decorative manhole covers, but Taiwan has some surprisingly attractive examples too.
While wandering Taipei, keep an eye on the pavement. Launched in 2019, there are at least 24 different designs spread across many Taipei city districts. It's called the Taipei Gorgeous Manhole Covers" project.
Many feature local designs, artwork or cultural references - almost like an alternative street art hunt
It sounds like a strange activity until you find yourself excitedly pointing at drains, and then photographing them!
Japan is famous for its decorative manhole covers, but Taiwan has some surprisingly attractive examples too.
While wandering Taipei, keep an eye on the pavement. Launched in 2019, there are at least 24 different designs spread across many Taipei city districts. It's called the Taipei Gorgeous Manhole Covers" project.
Many feature local designs, artwork or cultural references - almost like an alternative street art hunt
It sounds like a strange activity until you find yourself excitedly pointing at drains, and then photographing them!
Hanko 60 when we visited
Find a Genuine Taipei Speakeasy
Speakeasy cocktail bars have become trendy worldwide, but many no longer feel particularly secret.
A true speakeasy should require a little effort, a bit of mystery, but above all some detective work. That is why we enjoyed Hanko 60.
When we visited, it was hidden behind an old cinema-style entrance and genuinely felt like a secret worth discovering.
Speakeasy cocktail bars have become trendy worldwide, but many no longer feel particularly secret.
A true speakeasy should require a little effort, a bit of mystery, but above all some detective work. That is why we enjoyed Hanko 60.
When we visited, it was hidden behind an old cinema-style entrance and genuinely felt like a secret worth discovering.
Hanko 60 entrance since it's renovation
Since then, the venue has undergone renovations and evolved into more of a movie-themed cocktail bar, with drinks inspired by blockbuster films.
Although it may no longer be the hidden gem we originally experienced, it remains a good example of Taipei's creative cocktail scene.
Generally, speakeasy drinks are more expensive than your average bar, but you are paying for the experience as much as the alcohol. And the experiences we have discovered are always interesting.
Although it may no longer be the hidden gem we originally experienced, it remains a good example of Taipei's creative cocktail scene.
Generally, speakeasy drinks are more expensive than your average bar, but you are paying for the experience as much as the alcohol. And the experiences we have discovered are always interesting.
Cocktails are served in interesting glasses at Hanko 60
Taipei has a fantastic cocktail scene. We started chatting to the owner who pointed us towards his newly opened venture around the corner. Sometimes the best travel discoveries happen completely by accident.
Lunch is served in a toilet at Taipei's toilet theme restaurant
Have Lunch in a Toilet-Themed Restaurant
Lastly, we have to feature Taipei's famous toilet-themed restaurant. It appears on almost every list of unusual things to do in Taipei and unusual places to eat.
Naturally, we had to see what all the fuss was about.
Lastly, we have to feature Taipei's famous toilet-themed restaurant. It appears on almost every list of unusual things to do in Taipei and unusual places to eat.
Naturally, we had to see what all the fuss was about.
The aptly named Modern Toilet fully commits to the theme. Toilet seats replace dining chairs, miniature toilet bowls hold your food, and drinks arrive in tiny urinals. It is one of Taipei's most unusual attractions and has been amusing, (and confusing) maybe occasionally grossing out visitors for years.
 Toilets as seats in Modern Toilet |  Bathroom themed food |
There are currently two Modern Toilet branches in Taipei. We visited the one near Shilin Night Market after discovering the Ximending branch was closed during our trip. Thankfully for future visitors, the Ximending location has since reopened.
Feeling hungry? You will be relieved to know the menu is surprisingly good. You can tuck into a "Poo-Poo" hot pot or satisfy your sweet tooth with a Mr Whippy-style chocolate ice cream served in a miniature squat toilet. It is difficult not to laugh when your dessert resembles something that would normally have you reaching for the flush.
Feeling hungry? You will be relieved to know the menu is surprisingly good. You can tuck into a "Poo-Poo" hot pot or satisfy your sweet tooth with a Mr Whippy-style chocolate ice cream served in a miniature squat toilet. It is difficult not to laugh when your dessert resembles something that would normally have you reaching for the flush.
Ice cream tastes better than it looks
The entire experience was gloriously ridiculous.
The décor is packed with toilet jokes, the presentation shows complete commitment to the theme, and the whole concept should have gone down the pan years ago. Yet somehow, it works.
It is difficult to think of another restaurant where hearing someone say, "that was a lovely bowl of poo", would be considered a positive review.
The décor is packed with toilet jokes, the presentation shows complete commitment to the theme, and the whole concept should have gone down the pan years ago. Yet somehow, it works.
It is difficult to think of another restaurant where hearing someone say, "that was a lovely bowl of poo", would be considered a positive review.
Unusual Things to Do in Taipei FAQ’s
Is the Modern Toilet restaurant in Taipei worth visiting?
Yes, if you enjoy unique attractions and unusual dining experiences. The food is secondary to the experience of eating meals and desserts served in toilet-shaped bowls while sitting on toilet seats. It is one of Taipei's most famous novelty restaurants and remains a popular stop for visitors looking for something different.
Did bubble tea really originate in Taiwan?
Yes. Bubble tea was invented in Taiwan during the 1980s and has since become one of the country's most famous exports. Today, bubble tea shops can be found across Taipei, making Taiwan the best place to try the drink in its birthplace.
Where is the world's first cat café?
The world's first cat café opened in Taipei in 1998. Known today as Kitten Coffee Garden, it helped inspire the cat café trend that later spread across Asia, Europe and North America.
Is stinky tofu actually worth trying?
Most visitors agree it is worth trying at least once. Stinky tofu is one of Taiwan's most famous street foods, known for its strong smell and surprisingly mild flavour. Even travellers who do not enjoy it often consider it a memorable Taipei experience.
What are some unusual things to do in Taipei besides Taipei 101?
Some of the most unusual attractions in Taipei include eating at the Modern Toilet restaurant, visiting the world's first cat café, taking a day trip to Houtong Cat Village, hunting for street art, discovering hidden speakeasy bars and trying famous local foods such as bubble tea and stinky tofu.
Is the Modern Toilet restaurant in Taipei worth visiting?
Yes, if you enjoy unique attractions and unusual dining experiences. The food is secondary to the experience of eating meals and desserts served in toilet-shaped bowls while sitting on toilet seats. It is one of Taipei's most famous novelty restaurants and remains a popular stop for visitors looking for something different.
Did bubble tea really originate in Taiwan?
Yes. Bubble tea was invented in Taiwan during the 1980s and has since become one of the country's most famous exports. Today, bubble tea shops can be found across Taipei, making Taiwan the best place to try the drink in its birthplace.
Where is the world's first cat café?
The world's first cat café opened in Taipei in 1998. Known today as Kitten Coffee Garden, it helped inspire the cat café trend that later spread across Asia, Europe and North America.
Is stinky tofu actually worth trying?
Most visitors agree it is worth trying at least once. Stinky tofu is one of Taiwan's most famous street foods, known for its strong smell and surprisingly mild flavour. Even travellers who do not enjoy it often consider it a memorable Taipei experience.
What are some unusual things to do in Taipei besides Taipei 101?
Some of the most unusual attractions in Taipei include eating at the Modern Toilet restaurant, visiting the world's first cat café, taking a day trip to Houtong Cat Village, hunting for street art, discovering hidden speakeasy bars and trying famous local foods such as bubble tea and stinky tofu.
Art can be found in many forms
Final Thoughts on Taipei's Quirky Side
Taipei is a city that embraces individuality. One moment, you are sipping bubble tea in its country of origin.
The next minute, you are eating lunch from a toilet bowl.
Then you are searching for street art, visiting cats, discovering hidden cocktail bars and spotting rabbits riding public transport.
Not every attraction needs to be world-famous; sometimes, soaking up a different cultural experience provides something meaningful.
And Taipei did that in abundance.
Taipei is a city that embraces individuality. One moment, you are sipping bubble tea in its country of origin.
The next minute, you are eating lunch from a toilet bowl.
Then you are searching for street art, visiting cats, discovering hidden cocktail bars and spotting rabbits riding public transport.
Not every attraction needs to be world-famous; sometimes, soaking up a different cultural experience provides something meaningful.
And Taipei did that in abundance.
