Planning A Family Trip To Taipei? Read This First
A kaleidoscope of culture, cuisine, and fun awaits just five hours away
By Sandhya Mahadevan -
The capital city of Taiwan is a cornucopia of culture, delicious food and spectacular landscapes. Taipei is the country's political, cultural and economic centre, so in that respect, there's something for everyone.
The city straddles the line between traditional Taiwan and modern innovation, and at the same time you can see remnants of its past as a Japanese colonial capital. A lot of the architecture you see — like the wooden buildings that once housed Japanese officials — still stands today and offers a visual respite from the rest of the concrete buildings. Then there's its vibrant night markets, which stand in stark contrast to its world-class restaurants, posh retail landscape and bustling art scene. It is hard to tick off Taipei's best with just one trip — if you are a foodie, then there's only so much time to savour all that it has to offer.
For families travelling with children, there are plenty of activities that can balance out what parents want to do — think temples, galleries, historical lanes, and shopping — with entertainment for the children. Here are some of our picks for your next family holiday to Taipei.
Ask any Singaporean who has just come back from Taipei or has it on their bucket list — its street food will be on their must-do list. For a food tour of a different kind, move away from the mainstay areas and explore Xinyi District, the city’s financial hub. The place is associated with sleek skyscrapers and high-end boutiques, but the Xinyi District Backstreets Food as the name suggests gives you a unique inside view. You will visit the city’s largest, longest, and possibly busiest wet market, savour all of its freshness and move along to the best pork-belly stuffed Taiwanese burger. Fans (and even non-fans) of stinky tofu will develop a new appreciation after watching its complex fermentation process. Finish the day with Taiwan’s iconic Baobing. Let the organisers know about dietary restrictions, if any, and they will accommodate them the best they can.
Xinyi District Backstreets Food Tour is available from 10:30am to 2:30pm every Wednesday and Saturday. Prices run from USD75 for adults and USD50 for children for about 12 dishes
When in Taipei, the National Palace Museum is a must-visit to get a comprehensive idea of Taiwanese culture and arts and crafts. Another interesting one that children may enjoy is the Evergreen Maritime Museum, established as an ode to the island nation’s rich maritime history. Adults and children alike will get to see the evolution of maritime trade as well as the vessels. There are some interactive exhibits such as a Nautical Discovery Area, which outlines parts of the ship and its main functions, and shows how the crew navigated the different sections of the ship. There are also some iconic ships and crews that remodelled history.
Evergreen Maritime Museum is open from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Entrance tickets run from 100 Yuan for adults and disabled above 65 years to 200 Yuan
One of the largest insectariums of its kind, this interactive museum holds specimens that are the largest and most unique of their kind. Here you'll find the world's largest round beetle Hercules Chinensis, the rainbow stag beetle, the brimstone monitor lizard, and many more. A group of enthusiastic and knowledgeable curators and teachers will shed some light on the beautiful and often misinformed world of insects, their life cycle and the role they play in maintaining our biosystem. The in-house store sells insects, and the museum organises some seasonal activities for children as well.
The Taipei Pavillion of Taiwan Insect Museum is open from 4pm to 9pm on Wednesdays, Thursday and Fridays, and 12pm to 8pm on weekends. Free admission except for special courses and activities
There’s nothing like a picnic in the park to take in the ambience of a city. Huashan 1914 Creative Arts Park is not a park in the typical sense of the word, but elevates that experience by combining a creative vibe — it’s one of the top venues for concerts, arts awards and more. The place started as a sake brewery in 1914, hence the name and format. The place abounds with quaint shops, cafes and restaurants and interesting architecture and backdrops of art activities. There is a huge lush lawn at the back, which is perfect for a family picnic and for people-watching. A tour of the place is a nice respite from the temples and street food tours that are sure to fill up your itinerary.
Children will enjoy the Huashan Prairie Playground located just behind, along with a wide variety of recreational facilities and attractions.
Huashan 1914 Creative Arts Park opens from 9:30am to 9pm, Sunday through Thursday, and 9:30am to 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays
Taiwan is known for its tea and tea-making traditions. How about a tea experience up on a mountain? Spectacular views aside, the township of Maokong is known for producing some of the best tea in Taiwan. What’s even better is that you get to ride an airborne — or rather cable-borne — gondola with a glass bottom. The cable car ride makes four stops — Taipei Zoo, Taipei Zoo South Station (which is inside the zoo), Zhinan Temple and finally Maokong. Check the website before planning your trip, as gondola rides may not run in bad weather conditions.
Maokong Gondola runs from 9am to 9pm on weekdays, except Mondays, and 9am to 9pm on weekdays. Prices run from NT 70 for a single trip to NT 260 for a 1-Day Fun Pass, which allows for unlimited gondola rides for the day of activation
Grand Hyatt Taipei is located next to one of Taipei’s most iconic landmarks, Taipei 101. Outside, the hotel's strategic location puts you right in the centre of Taipei's attractions, while a luxurious vibe and elegant contemporary design invite you indoors. A good location and expansive rooms aside, the hotel offers activities for parents and children alike. From kids’ menus to bedtime treats in the room, children's cots, as well as a babysitting service, parents can rest assured their little ones will enjoy their stay. A stylish spa and fitness centre offer me-time for couples. The hotel is also pet-friendly. Explore accommodations on the Grand Club floors that include access to the Club lounge, which offers complimentary breakfast, all day beverages and evening cocktails. Your children will especially love the candy bar. Prices run from $512 for a King Room.
Kimpton Da An Taipei is an IHG hotel that sits in a quiet oasis amidst Taipei's buzz. While it offers easy access to all the major attractions, its surroundings give insight into a different Taipei vibe that is off the beaten track. The area houses many a charming cafe and art gallery. In keeping with the neighbourhood vibe, the 129 rooms and suites balance retro with contemporary luxe. Couples can wind down the day with a free flow of red or white wine from 5:30pm to 6:30pm every evening. There is also a Michelin Plate restaurant on the 12th floor, The Tavernist. The hotel also organises biking and hiking tours of the neighbourhood. Prices run from $380 for an Essential King Room with a view to $831 for a King Suite with City View.
Hotel Riverview Taipei, as the name suggests, overlooks the Tamshui River, Taipei's third longest river, which flows through Hsinchu County, Taoyuan, Taipei and New Taipei City. While it's not in the centre of the city, it is a mere 10-minute drive to the famous Longshan Temple. The hotel offers Asian and Western cuisine while also being close to local street food. The amenities and location are perfect for those looking for a quiet respite from the tourist traps of Taipei yet want luxury that doesn't break the bank. Children between the ages of three and six stay free of charge if using the existing bedding. Prices for Deluxe Suite that can sleep four runs from $75.