A Day in Keelung: Hidden Gems, Skyline Views & Night Market Feasting

#newyearnewtrip #travelanywhere After an adventurous morning at Heping Island and the Shenao Rail Bike, we made our way into the heart of Keelung, eager to uncover more of the city's hidden gems. Tucked away in a quiet alley that only locals seem to know, we found a tiny, old-school eatery serving up some of the best comfort food we had on the trip. Their fried pork ribs were perfectly crispy, the fried shrimp golden and juicy, all served over steaming rice with a rich, runny-yolk egg on top. Simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. From there, we wandered to Maritime Plaza, where Keelung’s bustling harbor stretched before us. Boats and ferries moved steadily in and out, their rhythmic motion blending with the vibrant, seafaring energy of the port. The salty sea breeze mixed with the scent of street food as we explored the area, then made our way to Keelung Tower. The cloudy winter sky gave the city a unique, atmospheric vibe—modern high-rises standing alongside older, charming buildings, with glimpses of the ocean in the distance. From the free observation deck, we took in panoramic views of the rugged coastline and dense urban sprawl. Inside the same building, a quiet library with floor-to-ceiling windows gave us a peaceful spot to sit and take in the scene. Just beside the tower, we crossed the Magpie Bridge, where Keelung’s seamless blend of old and new was on full display—age-old architecture blending with the modern cityscape in a way that felt both nostalgic and refreshing. As night fell, Keelung Miaokou Night Market came alive. The glow of yellow lanterns illuminated the narrow streets, vendors calling out their specialties as waves of locals and visitors wove through the bustling market. We couldn’t resist the rich crab soup and sticky, savory oil rice from one of the stalls—each bite of crab was tender and full of flavor, and the oil rice was the perfect complement. We also grabbed a classic pork belly bun—soft, fluffy, and stuffed with tender, melt-in-your-mouth braised pork. To end the meal, we picked up a bubble tea from Guiji Tea, the perfect sip to wash everything down. Before heading back to Taipei, we made a quick stop at a themed 7-11—an unexpected but fun little detour. Then, as if we hadn’t already eaten enough, we ended the night with a bubbling hotpot feast at Meat More Meat Hotpot, where we finally sat back, warmed up, and reflected on an incredible day in Keelung. #taiwan #couplestrip #travel #myitinerary