After immigration and collecting your luggage at Taoyuan International Airport, follow the signs for the Airport MRT. The express train takes about 35 minutes from Terminal 1 or 39 minutes from Terminal 2 to Taipei Main Station; allow roughly 50–70 minutes overall for walking, ticketing, and collecting bags. An EasyCard is the easiest choice for the airport train and Taipei MRT. From Taipei Main Station, take a taxi to City Suites Taipei Nandong in Songshan—about 15–25 minutes depending on traffic and much easier than changing MRT lines with five people and luggage. Expect approximately NT$1,000–1,400 for a large taxi or two regular taxis. Ask the hotel to confirm a family room or connecting rooms in advance.
After checking in and resting, walk toward Songshan Ciyou Temple, the large, brilliantly decorated temple directly beside the market entrance. It is usually open from early morning until around 10pm, and there is no admission fee. Spend about 30 minutes admiring the carved façade, lanterns, and incense-filled interior; keep shoulders covered and speak quietly inside the main halls. The temple is particularly atmospheric just before the market becomes busy, when local worshippers are arriving for evening prayers.
From Songshan Ciyou Temple, enter Raohe Street Night Market through the ornate archway and take your time walking the approximately 600-metre lane. It generally operates from around 5pm until midnight, though individual stalls vary. Start with the famous Fuzhou Pepper Buns near the temple entrance, then share grilled seafood, oyster vermicelli, scallion pancakes, fruit, and shaved ice rather than ordering full portions for everyone. Budget around NT$300–600 per person for a generous tasting dinner. The market is narrow and crowded, so keep bags close and arrange a meeting point near the temple if the family separates. Return to City Suites Taipei Nandong on foot in roughly 10–15 minutes; for a first night, avoid adding another district and allow everyone an early rest after the flight.
Leave Songshan around 7:30am with EasyCards. Take the green MRT line to Taipei Main Station, change to the red line for Beitou, then use the short Xinbeitou branch to Xinbeitou Station—roughly 45–60 minutes and NT$50–65. Walk first to Beitou Hot Spring Museum, a beautifully restored Japanese-era public bathhouse. It is usually open from 9:00am to 5:00pm and closed on Mondays; admission is free, though opening arrangements can occasionally change. Allow about 45 minutes, and ask the children to look for the old bathing rooms and tatami details.
From the museum, follow the shaded path uphill for about 10 minutes to Beitou Thermal Valley. The sulfurous steam and turquoise pools are striking, but stay behind the barriers—the water is dangerously hot. Return downhill to Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch, whose timber architecture and leafy setting make it worthwhile even for a brief 30-minute stop. Continue to Xinbeitou Historic Station, beside the MRT station, for restored railway details and family photos. The whole morning is compact and walkable, although the slope near Thermal Valley can be tiring in Taiwan’s October humidity.
Take the Xinbeitou branch back to Beitou, then the red line toward Xiangshan and alight at Taipei 101/World Trade Center. Allow about 40–50 minutes, including the transfer. For lunch, go to Din Tai Fung Taipei 101 in the mall; expect a queue at peak times, so collect a number and browse nearby shops while waiting. A meal is typically NT$600–1,000 per person. Order the xiaolongbao, steamed buns, fried rice and vegetable dishes family-style rather than ordering individually.
After lunch, take the high-speed elevators to the Taipei 101 Observatory. Late afternoon is the best compromise: you can see the city in daylight, watch the streets light up, and—if the weather cooperates—stay for the first evening views. Allow around 1½ hours. Tickets are commonly around NT$600 per adult, with child pricing varying by age and current ticket policy. Check visibility before paying; on a very cloudy day, spend more time in the mall instead. From Taipei 101/World Trade Center, return by the red line to Taipei Main Station, change to the green line, and continue to Songshan—about 30–40 minutes.
Leave Beitou around 8:00am and take the Xinbeitou branch back to Beitou, then the red line to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall and the green line toward Xindian, alighting at Taipei Zoo. The journey takes about 55–75 minutes; an EasyCard is the simplest option. Arrive near opening time—usually 9:00am—so your family can see the pandas and the larger outdoor habitats before the heat builds. Allow about four hours, with the zoo’s shuttle train useful if younger travelers tire. Admission is inexpensive, generally around NT$100 per adult, but check the official website for current prices and holiday arrangements.
After lunch inside the zoo or at the nearby MRT Taipei Zoo Station area, walk to the lower Maokong Gondola station, immediately beside the zoo. The ride to Maokong Station takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on queues; choose a crystal cabin if available, though the regular cabins are perfectly scenic. Spend roughly an hour wandering among the tea shops and hillside viewpoints, then return by gondola. Note that the gondola is often closed on Mondays and may suspend service in strong winds, so check its operating status before leaving Beitou. From Taipei Zoo, take a taxi to Ru Xing Foundry for the afternoon artisan metalworking visit—allow about 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. Confirm opening hours and visitor arrangements in advance, as this is a working studio rather than a conventional walk-in museum.
From Ru Xing Foundry, a taxi is the most practical way to reach Ningxia Night Market, usually taking 20–30 minutes. Start around 6:00pm, when the market is lively but not yet at its most crowded, and plan on NT$300–600 per person for a generous tasting dinner. Look for the market’s famous oyster omelet, taro balls, fried chicken, grilled seafood, and the long-running Liu Yu Zi taro-ball stall; order small portions so everyone can sample several dishes. The market is compact and easy to explore on foot, and MRT Shuanglian or MRT Zhongshan is about a 10–15-minute walk away for the return to Songshan. Bring cash, keep bags close in the evening crowd, and expect the market to be busiest after 7:00pm.
Take an early HSR from Taipei so you reach Taichung around 9:30–10:00am, then continue by taxi to your hotel in Xitun. A taxi from HSR Taichung Station to the hotel area usually takes 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic; with five travelers and luggage, this is easier than changing to the MRT. Leave your bags at the hotel, keep a small day bag, and begin at National Taichung Theater. Allow about an hour to admire its dramatic curved interiors, open atriums, and rooftop garden. The building generally opens from late morning, so if you arrive early, enjoy coffee nearby in the 7th Redevelopment Zone rather than rushing inside.
From National Taichung Theater, take a 15–20-minute taxi to Miyahara in Central District. This beautifully restored former ophthalmology clinic is most famous for its elaborate interior and generous ice-cream servings, but it is also a convenient light lunch stop for pastries, tea, and gift boxes. Budget roughly NT$200–500 per person. It can be busy around lunchtime; take a queue number for the ice cream counter and browse the building while waiting. The nearby old streets around Zhongshan Road are pleasant for a short wander before continuing.
A 10-minute taxi ride brings you to Calligraphy Greenway, where you can slow the pace after the morning’s transfers. Walk south through the leafy corridor between National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and Civic Square, dipping into the small design shops, independent boutiques, and cafés around Mei Village and 勤美誠品. Plan about 1½ hours, but keep it flexible: this is a good place for the children to browse stationery, toys, and Taiwanese snacks while adults stop for coffee. If the weather is hot or rainy, use taxis for the short hops rather than trying to walk the entire route.
Return to Xitun by taxi in the late afternoon, ideally arriving at Feng Chia Night Market around 5:30–6:00pm before the busiest period. The market spreads through Fengjia Road, Wenhua Road, and the surrounding lanes, with plenty of small portions suited to sharing: grilled seafood, fried chicken, pepper buns, scallion pancakes, sausages, fruit drinks, and shaved ice. Allow about 2½ hours and budget NT$300–600 per person, depending on snacks and shopping. Go with cash, keep phones and wallets secure in the crowds, and set a meeting point because the lanes become congested after 7:00pm. Finish with a short taxi ride back to the hotel; tomorrow’s HSR journey to Kaohsiung will be more comfortable if everyone avoids a very late night.
Take an HSR from Taichung to Zuoying around 9:00am; the ride is about 50–60 minutes. From Zuoying HSR Station, follow signs to the red MRT line, change at Formosa Boulevard, and continue on the orange line to Yanchengpu Station. With luggage and five people, a taxi from Zuoying to your hotel may be simpler and usually costs roughly NT$250–350. Leave your bags at Harbour 10 Hotel or Hotel dùa Kaohsiung if rooms are not ready, then have lunch around Yancheng—Duck Zhen is a local favorite for duck rice and noodles, while Gang Yuan Beef Noodles is a good casual choice, generally NT$150–300 per person.
Walk or take a short taxi ride to Pier-2 Art Center, the most enjoyable first introduction to Kaohsiung. Spend about two hours wandering through the former warehouses, where large outdoor sculptures, colorful murals, design shops, and rotating exhibitions keep the visit interesting for children as well as adults. Most outdoor areas are free; individual exhibitions and creative workshops usually cost about NT$50–250. Within the Pier-2 complex, visit the compact Taroko Railway Museum, which displays historic railway equipment and memorabilia. Allow around 45 minutes, and check the posted opening hours because smaller galleries commonly close earlier than the outdoor art spaces.
From Pier-2, walk east toward the Love River waterfront in about 10–15 minutes, or take a short taxi if the family is tired. The riverside is particularly pleasant as the lights come on: stroll near Love River Promenade, watch the sightseeing boats, and let the children pause at the open spaces along the water. Allow roughly an hour before heading to Hi-Lai Harbour Restaurant in Hanshin Arena Shopping Plaza in Cianjin; a taxi from the river takes about 10 minutes, while the walk is closer to 25 minutes. The restaurant’s buffet has seafood, Taiwanese dishes, sushi, and desserts, with harbor and city views. Budget approximately NT$1,000–2,000 per person, and reserve ahead—especially for a group of five and the October holiday period. Dress smart-casual, and ask for a window table when booking.
Start around 8:30am from your Yancheng hotel and take the Kaohsiung MRT Orange Line from Yanchengpu Station to Sizihwan Station—about 10 minutes, followed by a 10–15-minute walk toward the waterfront. Spend roughly an hour at Sizihwan, where the harbor, breakwater, and wooded hills make a pleasant, unhurried start; mornings are cooler and usually better for photographs. From there, walk or take a short taxi uphill to the Former British Consulate at Takao. Allow about 1½ hours for the restored colonial buildings, steep stone paths, harbor views, and a drink or dessert at the hilltop café. Admission is generally around NT$99–149; wear shoes with good grip, especially if the steps are damp.
Return toward Gushan Ferry Pier and board the short ferry to Cijin Island—the crossing takes about 5–10 minutes, with EasyCard accepted on many services. Allow around three hours for a relaxed island visit rather than trying to cover every attraction: stroll along the waterfront, browse the seafood streets, and continue toward Cijin Beach if the weather is comfortable. For lunch, choose a busy seafood restaurant near Cijin Old Street and select a few shared dishes; budget approximately NT$400–800 per person. Ferries and outdoor areas remain weather-dependent, so bring sun protection and consider a taxi or electric scooter rental only if everyone is comfortable with local traffic. Return by ferry in the mid-afternoon, when the heat is usually strongest.
Back in the city, take the Orange Line from Gushan Pier Station or a taxi toward SunnyHills Kaohsiung in Yancheng; allow roughly 15–25 minutes depending on the exact branch and traffic. The shop is a convenient 45-minute stop for the complimentary pineapple-cake tasting and gift shopping—particularly useful before the final evening, when you can avoid carrying souvenirs around. Check the branch’s current hours before leaving, as retail schedules can change around holidays. Continue by MRT from Yanchengpu to Formosa Boulevard, change to the Red Line, and get off at Kaohsiung Arena Station for Ruifeng Night Market, usually about 25–30 minutes total. Go after 5:30pm, when most stalls are operating; plan on NT$300–600 per person for a casual family dinner, and bring cash, tissues, and a small bag for sharing snacks. It is typically closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, so verify the calendar for your date; if open, allow two hours for the lively food lanes before returning to Yancheng by the Red and Orange MRT lines.
Take the reserved HSR from Zuoying at around 1:00pm; the ride to Taipei is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. With luggage and the transfer from your Yancheng hotel to Zuoying, allow about three hours door to door. From Taipei Main Station, the simplest option for five people and bags is a taxi to your Songshan hotel—usually 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. The MRT is cheaper, but involves stairs, platforms and a transfer, so use it only if everyone is traveling light. Leave larger luggage at the hotel before continuing.
After a short rest, head to VIVELAND VR Virtual Reality Park in Xinyi, ideally arriving around 4:30pm. From Songshan, take the MRT toward Taipei City Hall or Xiangshan, then walk or use a short taxi ride depending on your hotel’s exact location. Allow 1½–2 hours for the interactive VR games; the experience is particularly good for preteens, although height, age and motion-sickness restrictions can vary by attraction. Budget roughly NT$500–900 per person, and check the day’s session availability online before setting out, as popular times may sell out.
Return toward Taipei Main Station for about an hour at Taipei City Mall, the long underground shopping arcade beside the station. It is useful for browsing anime goods, games, electronics accessories and inexpensive souvenirs, and is also a good rainy-weather stop. Many individual shops close around 9:00pm, so arrive before 7:30pm. From Taipei Main Station, take the red MRT line to Jiantan Station—not Shilin Station—then follow the crowds and signs toward Shilin Night Market. Spend the rest of the evening sampling pepper buns, oyster omelets, fried chicken, scallion pancakes and shaved ice; allow about NT$300–600 per person. Keep valuables zipped in crowded lanes, and return to Songshan by MRT or taxi when the group is ready rather than trying to cover every side street.
Have a relaxed breakfast near your Songshan hotel—look for a nearby traditional breakfast shop serving danbing, youtiao and soy milk rather than making a special detour. Check out, leave your luggage with the hotel, and keep only your shopping bags with you. Before leaving, confirm your airport transfer plan and collect any luggage by about 9:30am.
Take the MRT from Songshan Station on the Songshan–Xindian Line to Taipei City Hall Station, then walk through Xinyi to Taipei 101 Mall; allow approximately 20–30 minutes. The mall generally opens at 11:00am, so arriving just before opening gives you a comfortable shopping window of about 1½ hours. Focus on the basement food halls for packaged tea, pineapple cakes and other edible gifts, while the upper floors carry Taiwanese lifestyle brands and department-store labels. If you arrive early, browse the covered walkways around Taipei 101 and Xinyi rather than trying to add another attraction.
Return to your hotel, collect your luggage, and take the MRT to Taipei Main Station. Follow the signs for the Airport MRT; the express train takes about 35 minutes to Taoyuan Airport Terminal 1 or 39 minutes to Terminal 2, though allow 50–60 minutes including the walk through the station. Leave Songshan around 10:00–10:30am, depending on your hotel’s distance from Taipei City Hall and the time needed to retrieve luggage. For a 2:00pm flight, this should leave a useful buffer for check-in, immigration and security. Use an EasyCard for the MRT, or purchase Airport MRT tokens at the station; with five travelers and luggage, a taxi directly to Taipei Main Station is also reasonable if the group prefers to avoid transfers.