Spots to chill while biking from Rainbow Bridge to Dadaocheng
A riverside ride for slow days and sunny weather
YouBike is Taiwan’s public bike-sharing service, and it’s one of the cheapest and most enjoyable ways to get around.
On a sunny day, few routes beat the 25 km riverside ride from Rainbow Bridge, just behind Raohe Night Market, to Dadaocheng area.
Although strong cyclists can power through it in around an hour, it also works beautifully as an all-day outing if you take your time and stop along the way to rest.
With YouBike stations at both ends, you can stay off busy streets and keep the ride stress-free. Pack some water, a good book, and a few snacks, and enjoy the journey. Here are three great places to stop when you need a break.
#1: Amal Cafe
A riverside coffee stop with live music and scenic views
Rainbow Bridge is a couple of minutes' walk from Songshan MRT Station. After picking up your bike, cycle for around 7 km, and you'll then reach Amal Cafe in Dajia Riverside Park.
It's a great place to stop if you need a quick caffeine boost or if you want to pause and take in the scenery. When This Is Taipei visited on a Sunday afternoon in February, there was a guitarist singing, which added to the atmosphere.
Coffees were tasty and reasonably priced, with a latte costing NT$150 and an americano NT$120, and if you're worried about being fueled up enough for the rest of the ride, they also have snacks on offer, including truffle fries, nuggets, cakes, and bagels.
There are plenty of tables in the sun and the shade, and the servers were friendly and welcoming. Well worth a quick stop.
Amal Cafe is open from 1 PM to 7 PM in the winter and 2 PM to 8 PM in the summer.
#2: Shezi Daotou Park
A pause for photo stops and a stroll
After another 10 km of cycling along the river, you'll get to Shezi Daotou Park, located at the confluence of the Keelung River and Tamsui River.
The park offers great views of Guandu Temple, the bright red Guandu Bridge, and the hills of Bali District. It is also an excellent place to watch the sun go down.
If you walk across the grass all the way down to the water, you will see a small beach area and a swing — but be warned, this is just for taking photos, not actually swinging.
There are lots of places to chill, including curved stone benches, which are surprisingly comfortable. Next to the seating area is a slide that is a favorite among kids and adults alike.
It is a popular spot for cyclists to stop, as there is a drinks vending machine and a water fountain. It can get busy, but it is still definitely worth a pause to take in the view.
#3: Yanping Riverside Park
A lively finish with riverside sunsets and an easy MRT exit
Another 8 km and you'll reach Dadaocheng Wharf Plaza, an area teeming with bars, restaurants, and often lots of people.
If you want to skip the crowds, continue cycling for a few more minutes, and Yanping Riverside Park will be on your right.
It's expansive, so feels quieter, while at the same time offering great sunset views. You may, however, be able to still hear the dulcet tones of outdoor karaoke.
There are tennis courts if that's your thing, and if you want to settle in a while and need refreshments, the popular Dihua Street and convenience stores are a few minutes' walk away.
When you are ready to leave, Beimen MRT Station is around a 10-minute walk away.
In conclusion...
Whether you ride quickly or stretch it out over a full day, the YouBike route from Rainbow Bridge to Dadaocheng area, with its long, car-free paths, coffee stops, and plenty of places to rest, is a great way to take a break from busy city life.
