Taipei is renowned for its bustling atmosphere and thriving cafe culture, but this time, I ventured beyond the capital city to New Taipei City, seeking charming sea views. Perched at the northernmost tip of Taiwan, Cafe Caoli is a beloved local jaunt known for its exceptional coffee and desserts.
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This two-storey cafe offers breathtaking vistas of the East China Sea, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. On a sunny afternoon, the shimmering expanse of water is truly mesmerising.
Tip: If you’re visiting during the summer, try to be there early before the crowd sets in and grab an indoor seat facing the sea to escape the sweltering heat.
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Cafe Caoli isn’t just about the scenery, though. The coffee and desserts live up to their reputation, making it clear why this spot has become a local institution. Time seems to stand still as I linger over a perfectly brewed cup and indulge in mouthwatering treats. Their Basque Cheesecakes and Tiramisu are impressive, you can taste that they were made with lot of care and precision. The combination of panoramic sea vistas and well-crafted refreshments makes for a therapeutic escape.
If you’re planning to take photos at the cafe’s iconic traffic crossing, exercise extreme caution. The adjacent lane sees vehicles, particularly buses, travelling at high speeds. So always be alert and watch for oncoming traffic before stepping onto the road.
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Getting There – How to go to Caoli Cafe
Take the Taipei metro to Tamsui Station (Red Line). Once you’ve arrived at Tamsui Station, go to their bus interchange which is just a 1 minute walk way.
Take bus 862 or 863 and alight at Zhuzhihu Rd Intersection (about 65 stops). The bus ride will cost NT$60 (S$2.50) This cafe is right next to the bus stop.
Keep in mind that you’ll need at least four hours available, as the trip from Taipei Main Station to this location takes approximately 1.5 hours each way.
On the return trip to Taipei, I suggest waiting for the bus on the same side of the cafe and take Bus 863 which will take you to Huang Xi Bridge (about 12 stops). Alight at Huang Xi Bridge and wait for Bus 1815 which will take you to Taipei Main Station (about 54 stops).
Alternatively, if you are travelling in a large group, you can use Uber but the fees for a round-trip can cost up to NTD2500 (S$100+).
