so what's there to do in taipei?
 

About to hop on a plane for a business trip. Not sure how much free time I'll have. I know I'd like to see the Taipei 101, but what other things should I try to see/do while there?

The national museum is worth a look.

Check out some of the night markets, they can be interesting. I have a friend that just arrived in Taipei last this morning, I'll ask him for some tips and post later.

Where are you staying?

If I recall correctly, "barber polls" have meaning beyond a haircut:cool:

dude!!!

two things:
cold noodles, and bow wan (a noodle covered meatball thing)
screw it, three things:
beef noodle soup.

and karaoke/hostess clubs are not what you think. proceed with caution.

i love the night markets.

National museum, night markets, snake blood. As said above, barber polls are for a different kind of trim.

I spent two weeks in Taiwan teaching the RTN how to land H-60's on the back of Frigates. Great people.

My Daughter was two at the time and I bought sooo much stuff at the night markets...silk pajamas she wore for her entire childhood.

Thanks for the memories.

Great food everywhere. Good public trans. There was a costco w/peking duck pizza IIRC. The snake alley was ok but shin lin night market was better. There is a tour that goes up to the mountains where the native people actually live which was interesting as it is nothing like the taiwan you see on the news (industrial manufacturing Chiang Kai shek taiwan- there is his palace you can visit too). Lots of non Taipei stuff that we didnt get to do as well.

I agree, great people. I worked with ITRI on a project, fantastic to work with.

I just got back a few months ago.. DO NOT EAT ANYTHING AT THE NIGHT MARKETS!!!
Try the japanese steak house in the 101,, not bad
High speed train is cool.. Get ready for heat, humidity, and lot's of scooters!!

Why not? Watch it go into the boiling oil, cool, & eat.... The food court at the mall next to 101 was more fun (imo) than any restaurant....

Currently at Narita waiting on the next flight. Staying at the Golden Hotel Taipei. Thanks for the suggestions so far.