This is my first time to Taiwan, Taipei!
When we were planning, a 7 days of travel in Taiwan is not enough to cover the whole of Taiwan.
So we decided to explore the entire days in Taipei and day trip from Taipei.
We split them up between 4 days day trip and 3 days exploring in Taipei.
Today, I'll be sharing our recent family trip to Taipei, Taiwan - a fabulous 7 days itinerary of non-stop fun, yummy food, and memorable experiences!
Inspired by our Australia trip (which you can read about here), we have crafted this itinerary to guarantee the kiddos have a blast while we adults unwind and indulge in local culture.
So, let's dive right in!
Facts About Taipei
- Taipei is the capital city of Taiwan, located in the northern part of the island.
- The city has a population of over 2.7 million people.
- Taipei 101, a towering skyscraper, was once the tallest building in the world and is now a major tourist attraction.
- The city is known for its night markets, offering a wide variety of street food and souvenirs.
- Taipei has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. In December, temperatures range from 13°C to 19°C.
- The official currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD).
- Taipei is in the GMT+8 time zone.
- The best time to visit Taipei is from October to December when the weather is mild and comfortable.
Day 0: Departure Day and Settling Down in Taipei
Our thrilling journey began with a morning flight from Singapore to Taipei.
The kids were buzzing with anticipation, and we couldn't wait to discover Taiwan's treasures.
Upon landing in Taipei, we grabbed an airport transfer to our hotel for the week - Midtown Richardson Hotel in Xi Men Ding.
Stay: Midtown Richardson Hotel
Looking for a family-friendly hotel right in Taipei's heartbeat?
Midtown Richardson Hotel, conveniently situated in Xi Men Ding, one of the city's most lively shopping districts, is your answer!
This chic hotel boasts modern, spacious rooms with all the amenities you and your kiddos need - free Wi-Fi, cozy beds, and a luxurious bathroom (ahhh, The kids can't wait to soak in that tub!).
This is one of the few hotels that is convenient, 2 queen bed and value for money!
Plus, its prime location makes it easy to explore Taipei's amazing attractions, both day and night. But first things first - let's talk about food!
Eat: Supper Food at Xi Men Ding Street Market
After settling into our hotel, we ventured out into the bustling Xi Men Ding Street Market. The aroma of mouth-watering street food filled the air, and our tummies were rumbling!
We treated ourselves to some late-night snacks, like grilled corn, authentic real delicious Taiwan Sausage, and bubble tea.
The kids especially loved the Taiwan Sausage - the sausage was steamed before grilled. So they are soft on the outside yet charred grilled by the flame.
Day 1 - Day Trip: Yilan Adventure
Eat: Breakfast at Midtown Richardson Hotel
We began our day with a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel. The kids devoured the delicious Lu Rou Fan (braised pork rice), and we adults indulged in some other local delights.
A hearty breakfast was just what we needed to fuel our Yilan adventure.
10am - Day Trip Starts
With excitement in the air, we boarded a 40-seater bus reserved just for our family of 10. Talk about traveling in style!
Our first stop: Zhang Mei Ah Ma Farm at Yilan.
Go: Zhang Mei Ama Farm
The kids were beyond excited to meet and feed the farm's adorable inhabitants - happy sheep, curious llamas, funny big rodents, and even some friendly Japanese deer.
These cute encounters left our hearts full and our cameras packed with adorable photos.
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Next up, we visited the National Center for Traditional Arts. We enjoyed learning about the fascinating history and techniques behind pottery, papermaking, and woodcarving, to name a few.
The kids particularly enjoyed the outdoor and the soap making experience in the center.
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Day 2 - Day Trip: Tao Yuan Xpark Aquarium and Da Xi Old Street
Go: Tao Yuan Xpark - Aquarium
At noon, we arrived at the Tao Yuan Xpark Aquarium, where we spent an incredible four hours exploring the marine wonders.
The kids were mesmerized by the colorful fish, playful sea lions, and majestic manta rays. The highlight was the kids' play area, where they could color their own fish drawings and watch them come to life on a giant screen!
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Go: Da Xi Old Street (大溪老街)
After the aquarium, we headed to Da Xi Old Street for dinner. This charming, nostalgic street was lined with delicious street food and interesting shops.
It was a chilly evening, but the warm atmosphere and tasty bites kept our spirits high. Because of the cold spell, most of the shops closed early.
We ended up at Mcdonald’s for our late dinner while waiting for our bus to pick us up.
Day 3 - Day Trip: Green World Ecological Farm and Night Markets
Go: Green World Ecological Farm
Our next adventure took us 90 minutes from our hotel to the Green World Ecological Farm. This unique attraction offered a blend of ecological education and recreational activities for the whole family.
We marveled at the diverse flora and fauna, and the kids loved the interactive exhibits and the chance to get up close and personal with some of the farm's friendly creatures.
The ilamas here are enclosed in their own enclosure - different from what we see at the Zhang Mei Ah Ma Farm. Nothing much to boast about but just simply another farm. If you are choosing between the 2 to go and only have time for 1.
I suggest just go for the Zhang Mei Ah Ma farm.
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Go: Beipu Old Street (北埔老街)
Next, we visited Beipu Old Street, a historic area rich in culture and teeming with local flavors. The kids enjoyed sampling traditional snacks, while we adults appreciated the architecture and the stories behind this charming neighborhood.
Go: Guangzhou Street Night Market 廣州街夜市, Bangka Night Market 艋舺夜市
The day ended with a visit to two bustling night markets: Guangzhou Street Night Market and Bangka Night Market. We feasted on an array of street food, from juicy grilled sausages to refreshing fruit smoothies.
The lively atmosphere and the never-ending food options made this an unforgettable experience.
Day 4 - Day Trip: Yeh Liu Geo Park and ShiFen Sky Lanterns
Go: Yeh Liu Geo Park
The fifth day brought us to Yeh Liu Geo Park, a geological wonderland boasting fascinating rock formations shaped by years of erosion. We snapped photos with the iconic Queen's Head and marveled at the breathtaking coastal views. The kids had a blast, exploring and learning about the park's unique geological features.
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Go: ShiFen (十分天灯)
Afterward, we ventured to ShiFen to take part in a tourist favorite - releasing sky lanterns. With our wishes scribbled on the lanterns, we watched them soar into the sky, carrying our hopes and dreams along with them. It was a magical, heartwarming experience that none of us will ever forget.
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Day 5 - Free and Easy Day at Taipei
Eat: Breakfast Yong He You Tiao Dough Stick
We kicked off our free and easy day in Taipei with a local breakfast favorite - Yong He You Tiao (dough sticks). Delicious and satisfying!
Eat: Lunch at Sushiro XimenDing
For lunch, we opted for Sushiro, a popular conveyor belt sushi restaurant in XimenDing. The sushi was fresh, tasty, and reasonably priced, making it a great choice for the whole family.
Go: Shin Kong Mitsukoshi
After lunch, we visited Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, a luxurious department store similar to Takashimaya. While the family shopped, I snuck away for a quick haircut.
Go: Shilin Night Market
Our day ended at Shilin Night Market, one of Taipei's largest and most famous night markets. The array of street food, shopping, and entertainment options was endless, making it a must-visit destination for families.
Day 6 - Free and Easy Day at Taipei
Go: Taipei 101
On day 6, we visited the iconic Taipei 101, a stunning skyscraper that was once the tallest building in the world. We marveled at the incredible city views from the observation deck and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon hanging out in the mall below.
Pro tip: arrive before sunset to enjoy both daytime and nighttime views of the city from the top.
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Day 7 - Free and Easy Day at Taipei
Go: Raohe Street Night Market
Our final night in Taipei brought us to Raohe Street Night Market, another lively destination for food, shopping, and fun.
We feasted on milk tea, BBQ corn, mushrooms, bacon, pepper buns, fried chicken chops, and BBQ chicken thighs.
Must Eat: Cheese Butter Bolo Bun
Among the scrumptious street food, the Cheese Butter Bolo Bun stood out as a highlight. This delightful pastry combined a crispy, crumbly crust with a rich, gooey cheese filling - an irresistible treat for young and old alike.
Day 8 - Arrival Day
With full hearts and even fuller bellies, we arrived back in Singapore, reminiscing about our incredible Taipei adventure.
PS: Since day 1, my stomach is filled with delicious food and have never been hungry since.
Conclusion
Our 7 Days in Taipei were filled with unforgettable memories, delectable food, and endless fun for the whole family.
Whether you're exploring the city or venturing on day trips, Taiwan offers a wealth of family-friendly activities and experiences to enjoy.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your kiddos, and embark on your very own Taiwanese adventure!
Remember, a family trip doesn't have to break the bank or be stressful.
With a little planning and flexibility, you can create an itinerary that suits everyone's needs and preferences.
We hope our Taipei experience inspires you and your family to explore new destinations, make lasting memories, and indulge in the rich, diverse cultures of the world.
Safe travels, and happy adventuring!
Hi Don, I chanced across your blog while researching for our family trip to Taiwan. Am planning for a day trip to Yilan from Taipei too, can I check how do you arrange the transportations from Taipei to yilan, within yilan, and back pls? Thanks
Thanks Cindy!
We used Taiwan Ezgo – https://en.ezgotaiwan.com/.
Alternatively I have been recommended to use klook as well.
Here’s the Klook Link
Thank you so much for sharing!