Taipei
Travel, through a family lens: where street food is a ritual, hot springs hide in the hills, and tradition and tech share the same block.
Family Travel Journal
What I love most about Taipei is how deeply food shapes every single day. Mornings begin at lively breakfast spots for flaky, egg-filled pancakes and warm soy milk, or lingering over coffee in one of the city's beautifully designed cafes. Food is what brings us together here—whether we're laughing over a bubbling hot pot with family or hopping from stall to stall in vibrant night markets. Honestly, I get so giddy just anticipating that next bite! You can't help but indulge because there's always something new and inventive—from bubble tea shops crafting fresh fruit concoctions to shaved ice stalls piled high with endless combinations of toppings. Taipei is an absolute dream for food lovers, and there's never enough time to eat it all. But what makes it truly special for families is its pace: even as a bustling metropolis, its abundant greenery and outdoor spaces invite you to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the time together.
-Kristin, Cofounder Quick insights before you dive into planning…
Perfect for: Families with kids who love food, culture, and park life.
Ages: All ages
When to Visit: Fall and spring are the best times to visit, with comfortable weather perfect for exploring night markets and nearby hikes, while winter is also mild and pleasant.
Trip Length: 4+ nights for a first-time visit, and any amount of time for quick layovers en route to another destination.
Combine with: Any other destination in Asia. Taipei is one of the easiest gateways to Asia, with major airlines including EVA Air, China Airlines, and Starlux Airlines operating extensive regional networks.
Destination Fit
At a glance
Taipei is incredibly welcoming to families, ranking among the world's cleanest, safest, and most accessible cities for travelers with children. Getting around is stress-free, and even the neighborhood 7-Elevens and FamilyMarts become fun pit stops for kids to hunt for unique snacks and drinks between sights.
Packed with lush green spaces and kid-friendly attractions, Taipei makes spending time outdoors with family one of the city's true highlights. Standouts include the sprawling playgrounds of Daan Forest Park, scenic rides on the Maokong Gondola, and miles of car-free riverside bike paths perfect for all ages.
More than anything, Taipei is a world-class culinary capital, and it's easy to see why kids take to the food as fast as the adults do. Whether you're exploring lively street stalls or sitting down for a Michelin-ranked meal, there's something for picky eaters and adventurous ones alike. You'll find legendary staples like rich Beef Noodle Soup, savory Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan), delicate Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao), crispy Taiwanese Fried Chicken (Ji Pai), and flaky Scallion Pancakes — the kind of simple, satisfying flavors that make every meal feel like a win with kids at the table.
Our Favorite Things
Traveled, loved, and chosen for you through our family lens.
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Taipei offers excellent value when it comes to hotels, with stays at internationally renowned, big-name properties for a fraction of what you'd pay in other major cities. The key is choosing a neighborhood that suits your family, whether that's the boutique energy of Da'an, the shopping and dining buzz of Xinyi, or a quieter retreat in Songshan. Here are a few of our favorites:
Kimpton Da’An (Da’an) - modern, boutique hotel with spacious rooms and playful touches that make it fun for families. Located in a lively neighborhood, it’s steps from cafes, boutiques, and easy MRT access to the rest of the city.
Shangri-La Far Eastern (Xinyi) - classic luxury hotel in Taipei’s shopping and dining hub. Families will appreciate large rooms, attentive service, and a central location within walking distance of malls, restaurants, and night markets.
Mandarin Oriental (Songshan) - top-tier choice for those seeking refined luxury. Its elegant rooms, exceptional service, and thoughtful family-friendly touches make it a serene city retreat while keeping shopping, dining, and attractions within easy reach.
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Taipei is a food city, and you come here to eat and taste. From bustling night markets to small family-run restaurants, eating is the activity. It’s hard to choose where to start, but these are a few not to miss.
Night Markets - Taipei’s night markets are legendary for families who love to graze. Favorites include Shilin for carnival-like eats, Raohe for traditional snacks, and Ningxia for bite-sized Taiwanese street food.
Addiction Aquatic Development - a playful seafood market and restaurant where families can wander, choose fresh catches, and enjoy sushi, grilled seafood, and snacks in a lively, hands-on environment.
Da’an Yonghe Soy Milk King - must-stop for Taiwanese breakfast, serving fresh soy milk, warm buns, and savory breakfast bites in a lively, local setting.
3927 - modern Taiwanese fare with bold flavors and a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for sharing plates and trying something new.
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While food is at the heart of Taipei, there is plenty more to enjoy, from cultural landmarks and museums to hiking trails just outside the city.
Pineapple Cake Workshop - learn to make Taiwan’s iconic pineapple cakes in a hands-on workshop. Kids can join in the fun, shaping and baking their own treats.
Taipei Zoo & Tea Hills - take the Maokong Gondola up to the tea-growing hills, enjoying tea-flavored ice cream and panoramic views, before heading down to explore one of Asia’s largest zoos.
Da’an Forest Park - Taipei’s “Central Park,” a green oasis in the city. Kids can run, play, and explore ponds and playgrounds, while parents enjoy shaded paths, gardens, and a peaceful spot to relax.
Dadaocheng to Tamsui Ferry - enjoy a short boat ride from the historic Dadaocheng riverside to Tamsui Old Street. It’s a scenic, fun way to see the city from the water while sampling local snacks along the way.
There are also many easy day trips from the city to explore mountains, hot springs, waterfalls, and coastal landscapes, offering a refreshing contrast to urban Taipei.
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Shopping in Taipei is as much about discovery as it is about buying. From creative hubs and beautiful bookstores to lively neighborhoods, there’s something for every age and interest.
Huashan 1914 Creative Park -revitalized arts and culture space with galleries, shops, and workshops. Wooderful Life is a highlight, offering beautifully crafted wooden toys and hands-on workshops that kids and adults both enjoy.
Eslite Spectrum - stunning department bookstore with a wide selection of books for all ages, plus stationery and curated gifts. The surrounding area is packed with shops worth exploring, making it a great spot to wander.
Ximending - vibrant shopping neighborhood that’s fun for kids, full of small trinkets, baubles, and trendy items like Labubus.
Sunny Hills - famous for pineapple cakes made with 100% Taiwanese pineapple and high-quality ingredients. The Minsheng location offers a calm space to relax, enjoy a sample cake with tea, and take in the serene setting next to Minsheng Park.
There's so much more to explore. Reach out for a comprehensive list of our favorite spots (including more hidden gems we discovered) or book a bespoke full-trip planner.
Tips
About the Districs
Da’an District
Da’an is ideal for a relaxed, family-friendly vibe with plenty of green space and incredible food. It's home to the expansive Da’an Forest Park, as well as charming tree-lined streets packed with boutique shopping, cozy cafes, and beloved local eateries.
Xinyi District
Head to Xinyi for a sleeker, modern, and high-energy city experience. Centered around Taipei 101 (the tallest building in Taiwan), this district features massive shopping malls with indoor play centers kids will love, plus wide pedestrian plazas and easy access to outdoor hikes like Elephant Mountain.
Zhongshan District
Zhongshan is the vibrant creative and artistic hub of Taipei, filled with trendy coffee shops and local indie boutiques. Key highlights include Huashan 1914 Creative Park and the Taipei Fine Arts Museum. Its central-north location also makes day trips to Shilin, Beitou, and Tamsui fast and convenient.
Datong District
For a taste of Taipei’s rich history and traditional charm, head to Datong District. Its famed Dihua Street is lined with historic tea houses, traditional medicine shops, and beautifully preserved architecture. Dadaocheng Wharf Container Market is also nearby for snacks and drinks along the river.
Cash & Contactless
Download the LINE app (a social app that can be used for payment, similar to WeChat) before you go. It's the most widely accepted contactless payment option across Taipei. That said, keep cash on hand too, since some places, especially night market stalls, are still cash-only.
Getting around
Taipei is one of the easiest, cleanest, and safest cities to navigate with a family, thanks to transit that's punctual and stress-free. The Taipei Metro (MRT) is especially efficient (kids under 6 ride free), and getting an EasyCard is a fun little ritual for kids, since it taps across the MRT, buses, and convenience stores and reloads easily at any 7-Eleven or FamilyMart. Just note one important rule: no eating, drinking, or chewing gum past the yellow lines in stations or on trains.
Yellow metered taxis are also plentiful and affordable, though having addresses written in Chinese helps avoid language barriers. If that's a concern, Uber is a reliable alternative.
B.Y.O.__
Bring your own tissues and wet wipes! Especially with kids, this is extremely useful whether you’re mid-meal at a night market stall or in a public restroom. Toilet paper isn't always available, so it's worth keeping a small pack on hand, and wet wipes come in handy since public washing stations can be hard to find and hand-friendly napkins aren't always provided at food stalls.
Navigating night markets
Timing and strategy make all the difference at Taipei's night markets. Stalls open around 5pm, so aim to arrive between 5:30 and 6:30pm, which gives families room to stroll and eat comfortably before things get packed between 7:30 and 9:30pm. Skip the stroller - narrow alleys, uneven pavement, and dense crowds make it more hassle than help. Since portions are designed for snacking and sharing, order just one or two servings per stall so you can work your way through a dozen different dishes over the course of the night, and don't hesitate to join a long line. High turnover among locals is usually a sign the food is fresh and worth the wait.
Trusted Family Voices…
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Ever, travel age 9
“insert quote, favorite memory,or helpful tip”
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Watch on Instagram
"Another incredible activity with kids in Taipei, this time we tried glass blowing. Honestly, it was cooler than we expected.”
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Sloan, travel age 10
“insert quote, favorite memory, or helpful tip, or her experience moving from usa to Taipei, something new she never had tried or seen in usa”
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Watch on Instagram
“Our travels look a little different now, but the wonder, giggle, memories we make…”
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Watch on Tik Tok
“I didn't think family-friendly beer gardens existed in Taipei, but after living here for 2 years I finally found one, and I'm excited to share it with you.”
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