It's not just about Christmas Town – here’s a lazy guide to Banqiao’s popular food and must-visit attractions

▲The New Taipei City Christmas Town is about to open. (Photo / Reporter Lin Shih-wen)

Reported by Yu Jiayun / Compiled by HowToTrip

The “New Taipei City Christmas Town” will begin on November 19, drawing not only residents of New Taipei City. This grand Christmas event is also attracting visitors from all over Taiwan.But it would be a pity to come to Banqiao and leave after just visiting Christmas Town. There are actually plenty of other attractions worth exploring in Banqiao. The area around the New Taipei City Government is a hotspot for brunch spots, plus there are tons of popular dessert shops. These alone are enough to keep you in Banqiao for a whole day!

Lin Family Mansion and Garden

The Lin Family Mansion and Garden is a beloved destination for many tourists visiting Taiwan. The residence features a rigorously structured layout with elegant proportions and richly decorated interiors. The garden’s pavilions, terraces, towers, and chambers are exquisitely refined, surrounded by corridors and complemented by rockeries and ponds, earning it the reputation as “Taipei’s finest garden.”

Address: No. 9, Ximen St., Banqiao District, New Taipei City
Phone: (02)2965-3061~3
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. (Closed on the first Monday of every month; open on holidays.)

▲Banqiao’s Lin Family Garden is the most well-preserved traditional Chinese garden architecture in Taiwan. (Photo / Provided by New Taipei City Cultural Affairs Bureau)

435 Art Zone

The Banqiao 435 Art Zone is another place worth visiting. It’s a public space that allows people to experience and appreciate art. The entrance of the park features a European neoclassical-style design reminiscent of the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, along with various unique architectural designs, plants, trees, and a large lawn. There’s also a white sand area and a fountain, making it perfect for family outings.

Address: No. 435, Zhongzheng Rd., Banqiao District, New Taipei City 22052

▲The 435 Art Zone is also great for photos. (Photo / Provided by New Taipei City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau)

Crescent Bridge

Connecting the Xinzhuang Temple Street shopping district and the Banqiao 435 Art Zone, Crescent Bridge is a fantastic spot for locals to cycle or take an evening stroll. In addition to the riverside scenery, the bridge’s light display at night illuminates the entire embankment. After checking out the Christmas Town light show, why not come here to enjoy the breeze and unwind?

▲Crescent Bridge is Taiwan’s longest dual-span steel arch bridge. (Photo / Screenshot from My New Taipei City fan page)

New Taipei City Government Observation Deck

The 32nd-floor observation deck of the New Taipei City Government features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a 60-degree panoramic view. On clear days, the visibility is excellent, allowing you to take in the night views of both New Taipei City and Taipei City. During Christmas, it’s also a great place to admire the sea of lights without the crowds, letting you soak in the festive atmosphere from above.

▲The 360-degree glass windows offer unobstructed views. (Photo / Provided by netizen Chen Borui. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Merci

Merci Café and Merci Petit are conveniently located right across from the New Taipei City Government. Merci offers a diverse menu, including a wide selection of brunch options, as well as Italian pasta, curry rice, and sandwiches. The prices are also very affordable—you can get a main dish and drink for just NT$200, making it a great nearby choice.

Merci cafe
Address: No. 17, Lane 7, Xinmin St., Banqiao District, New Taipei City
Phone: (02)8953-3906
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

Merci Petit
Address: No. 29, Lane 7, Xinmin St., Banqiao District, New Taipei City
Phone: (02)8953-39907
Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

▲Merci Petit and Merci Café are conveniently located. (Photo / Provided by netizen wenhueinacy. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

The Toast Heaven

THE TOAST HEAVEN (Toast Heaven) lives up to its name by specializing exclusively in toasts. It offers four sweet flavors and four savory flavors—all toast-based dishes. The savory options include a massive steak that’s incredibly generous in portion, and there’s also a cute and eye-catching French toast shaped like a little flower.

Toast Heaven (Xinpu Branch)
Address: No. 48, Lane 3, Alley 270, Section 1, Wenhua Road, Banqiao District, New Taipei City
Phone: 02-2258-8098
Business Hours: Monday to Thursday 10:00–18:00; Friday 10:00–21:00; Saturday and Sunday 09:30–21:00

Toast Heaven (Fuzhong Branch)
Address: No. 7, Fuhou Street, Banqiao District, New Taipei City
Phone: (02)8969-8111
Business Hours: 08:30–17:30 (Closed on Tuesdays)

▲THE TOAST HEAVEN (Toast Heaven). Photo by Huang Shiyuan

Haochu Deli

Haochu can be considered a pioneer of brunch in Banqiao. Ever since it opened, it has consistently been a popular spot with long queues—expect to wait at least half an hour if you want to eat here. Because of its popularity, a second branch was later opened. The highlight of Haochu’s dishes is its use of local ingredients. Signature items include the Yilan Cherry Duck Burger and the basil bacon thick-pressed pancake.

▲The variety of brunch options at Haochu. (Photo provided by Xiaohu’s Dream Food Network)

Haochu Breakfast
Address: No. 70, Lane 125, Section 2, Wenhua Road, Banqiao District, New Taipei City
Business Hours: 08:00–16:00
Phone: (02)22532087

Haochu Deli
Address: No. 118, Jianguo Street, Banqiao District, New Taipei City
Business Hours: 08:00–16:00
Phone: (02)29600788
Sweet Fuku Brunch

So popular that it has two locations in Banqiao, Sweet Fuku is a top brunch choice for many locals during weekends. The shop offers a wide range of dishes including brunch, sandwiches, and fried chicken waffles—all generously portioned and flavorful, even enough to satisfy the appetite of men.

Sweet Fuku
Address: No. 70, Songjiang Street, Banqiao District, New Taipei City
Business Hours: 08:00–17:00 (food served until 15:30, drinks until 16:00, closed every Wednesday)
Phone: 02-8253-606 (currently only accepts weekday reservations)

Sweet Fuku No. 2
Address: No. 86, Gongguan Street, Banqiao District, New Taipei City
Business Hours: 08:00–17:00 (closed every Thursday)
Phone: 02-2969-0076

▲Sweet & Fortunate brunch features exquisitely plated dishes. (Photo / Reporter Yu Jiayun)

Ten Ten Den Den 'Dian Dian Tian Tian'

Dian Dian Tian Tian is a new dessert shop launched by Banqiao’s famous brunch spot “Hao Chu,” offering “freestyle desserts” that are neither French nor Japanese. With a simple variety but solid craftsmanship, its delightful flavors leave a lasting impression and make you want to come back again.

Address: No. 2, Lane 2, Alley 45, Guangzheng St., Banqiao District, New Taipei City
Phone: 02-2960-2487
Business Hours: 12:00–20:00

▲Dian Dian Tian Tian’s Kyoto Komatsuyama matcha chiffon cake. (Photo / Screenshot from Dian Dian Tian Tian’s official fan page)

Ponpie

Originally an online shopping business, Ponpie Bakery opened a small physical store in Banqiao in 2015, offering a variety of handmade desserts. With their simple yet refined appearance, these desserts pack a surprisingly addictive taste, making this a highly popular spot in Banqiao.

Address: No. 1, Lane 2, Alley 202, Minquan Rd., Banqiao District, New Taipei City
Phone: 02-2272-2224
Business Hours: 12:00–20:00 (Closed on Mondays)  

▲Handmade desserts made with local produce and French ingredients. (Photo / Screenshot from Ponpie’s official fan page)

Rice Town Forest French Pastry Shop Jouons Ensemble Patisserie

This French pastry shop was opened in Taiwan by two visionary young women who returned from a French culinary academy. With its boutique-style white decor, the shop displays an array of elegantly crafted French pastries in its display case—just looking at them makes your mouth water. Though tucked away in an alley, this pastry shop is already very well-known in Banqiao, and you might miss out if you go too late.

Address: No. 86, Guixing Rd., Banqiao District, New Taipei City
Phone: 02-2958-8806
Business Hours: 13:00–19:00 (Closed on Tuesdays)

▲Jouons Ensemble Patisserie’s black sesame yuzu white cheese mille-feuille. (Photo / Provided by Xiao Hu)