If you slow your pace around Beimen and take a moment to look up at the streetscape, you will notice that some buildings do not try to catch your attention, yet quietly carry the weight of time. The old building that houses MEANDER 1948 was once part of the Shilin Paper Company. Its colonnades, beams, columns, and proportions preserve the atmosphere of an era when industry and commerce shaped Taipei’s foundation. Staying here is not only about accommodation, but about quietly encountering a piece of architectural history left behind by the city.

Staying at MEANDER 1948 means mornings do not need to be rushed. Step outside, and the aroma of coffee naturally points the way. Around Beimen, cafés are quieter than those in tourist areas, yet filled with spaces that feel just right. Some are longtime local spots where regulars show up every day, some are calm corners dedicated to pour-over coffee, and others are coffee stands made for grabbing a cup and continuing your walk. Here, coffee is not just about waking up. It is how you ease into the rhythm of Taipei.

If you ask Taipei locals, “Where can you truly eat your way through a city on foot?” the answer is rarely a tourist night market. For those who know the area well, starting from Beimen and slowly walking toward Taiyuan Road and Huayin Street, the rhythm of meals for the entire day is already set. This is not a checklist route. It is a slice of everyday city life where, at the right time, you simply find yourself lining up.

If you mention “Taiyuan Road” to older Taipei locals, they might pause for a second. But add “the Back Station,” and memories come rushing back. This is not a place featured prominently in travel guides, yet it quietly carries the everyday lives of countless families. From shopping for daily necessities and stocking supplies, to preparing for holidays, opening shops, and moving homes, Taiyuan Road has always been there.

If you’re visiting Taipei for the first time, there’s something we often say: “Start with a walk around Beimen.” From a Qing Dynasty city gate to Japanese-era railways, and now a hub where high-speed rail and the airport line converge, Beimen has always stood between departure and arrival. It’s an ideal first stop for getting to know Taipei.