7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Taipei

  • Day 1: National Palace Museum
    30 minutes (9.7 km) from Taipei 101

    The National Palace Museum is a stunning museum that houses over 600,000 ancient Chinese artifacts and objects collected by emperors throughout Chinese history. Kids and adults alike will marvel at the jade carvings, bronze vessels, and intricate paintings. Make sure to check out their interactive exhibitions too!

  • Day 2: Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola
    40 minutes (14 km) from National Palace Museum

    The Taipei Zoo is a fantastic place to visit with family. It’s home to over 400 species of animals, including giant pandas. Afterward, hop on the Maokong Gondola and enjoy the stunning views of Taipei. Once you reach the top, there are plenty of tea houses where you can relax and savor the scenery.

  • Day 3: Beitou Hot Springs and Yangmingshan National Park
    1 hour (18.5 km) from Taipei Zoo

    Visit the Beitou Hot Springs for a serene and soothing experience. The water is rich in minerals that have therapeutic properties. Afterward, take a hike in Yangmingshan National Park and admire the stunning views of Taipei. Don't forget to visit the historic Yangming Villa!

  • Day 4: Taipei Children's Amusement Park
    30 minutes (10.7 km) from Yangmingshan National Park

    Take the family to the Taipei Children's Amusement Park and enjoy fun-filled rides, games, and activities. There are different zones, including water games area, Ferris wheel, roller coaster, and other exciting areas to enjoy.

  • Day 5: Shilin Night Market
    20 minutes (7.2 km) from Taipei Children's Amusement Park

    The Shilin Night Market is one of the most famous attractions in Taipei. It has over 500 food stalls, selling a variety of Taiwanese delicacies, from stinky tofu to oyster omelets. It's a fun place for families to explore and try delicious local food.

  • Day 6: Taipei 101 and Elephant Mountain
    30 minutes (7.3 km) from Shilin Night Market

    Taipei 101 is one of the tallest buildings in the world, known for its spectacular architecture, observation deck, and high-end shopping mall. Afterward, hike up the Elephant Mountain to enjoy a stunning view of Taipei City. It's a great place to snap photos and enjoy the breeze.

  • Day 7: Taipei Fish Market and Taipei Film House
    20 minutes (6.2 km) from Elephant Mountain

    Visit the Taipei Fish Market and experience the hustle and bustle of Taiwanese seafood culture. It's a lively market where you can purchase fresh seafood and enjoy a delicious seafood meal. To cap off your trip, head over to the Taipei Film House, which showcases classic and contemporary films from around the world. The elegant and historic building is a treat to visit.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • National Palace Museum (2-3 hours, NT$350)
  • Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola (4-5 hours, NT$350)
  • Beitou Hot Springs and Yangmingshan National Park (6-7 hours, NT$600)
  • Taipei Children's Amusement Park (4-5 hours, NT$400)
  • Shilin Night Market (2-3 hours, NT$300)
  • Taipei 101 and Elephant Mountain (3-4 hours, NT$700)
  • Taipei Fish Market and Taipei Film House (3-4 hours, NT$300)

  • Total Estimated Costs: NT$2950 (approximately $100 USD)

Transportation

To explore Taipei, taking the MRT is the most convenient and affordable option. The system is extensive and easy to navigate. For a family-friendly option, consider purchasing an EasyCard, which provides discounts on MRT rides and can be used for purchases at convenience stores and vending machines. Taxis are also plentiful and reliable but tend to be more expensive.

Estimated costs: MRT fares range from NT$20-40. Taxi rides start at NT$70.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider exploring one of Taipei's hot springs resorts, such as Wulai or Jinshan. If you have less time, you can combine the Taipei Children's Amusement Park with the nearby Taipei Astronomical Museum. Also, be prepared for weather changes; Taipei is prone to sudden rain or temperature fluctuations.

Airports

Taipei has two airports: Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), located about 1 hour (40 km) from downtown Taipei, and Songshan Airport (TSA), located about 15 minutes (6 km) from downtown Taipei. Most international flights arrive at Taoyuan Airport, while most domestic flights arrive at Songshan Airport. Both airports offer various transportation services into the city.

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