# Taiwan with Kids: Complete 7-Day Itinerary (2026)

Taiwan is one of Asia's most underrated family destinations. Efficient high-speed rail, incredible night markets, stunning nature, and exceptionally friendly locals - all at a fraction of the cost of Japan or Singapore.

Day 1: Arrive in Taipei

Afternoon - Check In + Explore Ximending

Ximending is Taipei's youth district - think Shibuya but more relaxed. Pedestrian-only streets, street performers, quirky shops, and endless food options.

Evening - Dinner at Ximending Night Market

Must-try with kids:

- Grilled squid (chewy, mild, kids love it)

- Taiwanese sausage wrapped in sticky rice

- Bubble tea from a street stall ($1.50 USD)

- Mango shaved ice (bingsoo-style)

Where to Stay in Taipei

Best family areas: Ximending (central, fun, great food), Daan (quieter, parks, family-friendly)

Browse Taipei family hotels on Booking.com

Day 2: Taipei Must-Sees

Morning - Taipei Zoo + Maokong Gondola

Taipei Zoo tickets on Klook

One of Asia's best zoos. Lush, well-maintained, affordable ($2 USD entry!). Highlights:

- Giant Panda House (Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan)

- Koala exhibit

- Formosan Animal Area (Taiwan's native species)

- Children's Zoo with petting area

From the zoo, take the Maokong Gondola up the mountain. Glass-bottom cabins available (request "crystal cabin"). At the top: tea houses with stunning views.

Evening - Shilin Night Market

Taipei's largest and most famous night market. Come hungry.

Kid-friendly eats:

- Hot star fried chicken (huge, crispy, addicting)

- Oyster omelette

- Pepper pork buns

- Fried milk (sweet, crispy outside, custard inside)

- Fresh fruit juices

Day 3: Jiufen + North Coast

Day Trip to Jiufen (40 min from Taipei)

Jiufen is the mountain town that inspired Spirited Away (Studio Ghibli). Narrow alleys, red lanterns, teahouses.

Must-do:

- Walk Old Street (A-Mei Tea House is iconic)

- Try taro balls (sweet chewy dessert)

- Visit Shengping Theatre (old Japanese cinema)

- Take photos at the viewing platform

Book a Jiufen tour on Viator

Afternoon - Yehliu Geopark

On the way back, stop at Yehliu Geopark. Incredible rock formations carved by the sea - the "Queen's Head" is the most famous.

Good for 1-2 hours. Wear good shoes - the rocks can be uneven.

Day 4: Taroko Gorge

Take the Train to Hualien

High-speed train to Hualien (2 hours from Taipei). Budget-friendly option.

Taroko Gorge Highlights

Taroko Gorge tours on Klook

Taroko is Taiwan's most famous natural wonder - a marble-walled canyon with turquoise rivers.

Kid-friendly trails:

- Shakadang Trail (flat, 1.5 km, follows the river, great for swimming in summer)

- Baiyang Waterfall Trail (waterfall at the end, fun tunnels to walk through)

- Xiangde Temple Trail (short walk to a temple with great views)

Pro tip: Kids under 12 get free entry to Taroko National Park.

Evening - Stay at Hualien

Hualien is a relaxed coastal city. Dongdamen Night Market has excellent food and a children's play area.

Day 5: Sun Moon Lake

Travel to Sun Moon Lake

Take the train from Hualien to Taichung (3 hours), then bus to Sun Moon Lake (1.5 hours). Or rent a car for the day.

Sun Moon Lake Activities

Jump on a Sun Moon Lake tour

- Bike around the lake (one of the world's most scenic bike paths - flat and paved)

- Take the cable car for panoramic lake views

- Visit Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village (theme park + indigenous culture)

- Boat cruise to Ita Thao village (traditional Aboriginal food)

Best for kids: The bike ride. Rent bikes with child seats or tandem attachments. The 12 km loop is mostly flat.

Day 6: Taichung

Morning - National Museum of Natural Science

One of Asia's best natural history museums. The dinosaur exhibit is world-class and the Science Center has hands-on exhibits for kids.

Afternoon - Rainbow Village + Carton King

Rainbow Village: A veterans' village painted in every color by a 90-year-old former soldier. Free entry, great photo spot.

Carton King: Everything is made of cardboard - furniture, decorations, even a cardboard train kids can ride. Bizarre but fun.

Evening - Fengjia Night Market

Taichung's biggest night market and arguably the best in Taiwan for food variety.

Day 7: Taipei Final Day

Morning - Taipei 101 + Elephant Mountain

Visit Taipei 101 (quick elevator up and down - the view is spectacular).

Book Taipei 101 tickets on Klook

For active families: hike Elephant Mountain (15 minutes up, 100 steps). Best free view of Taipei 101.

Afternoon - Dihua Street + Dadaocheng Wharf

Dihua Street is Taipei's oldest street - traditional shops selling dried goods, herbs, and teas. Near Dadaocheng Wharf with a great riverside park and playground.

Evening - Final Night Market

Hit your favorite night market one last time. Or try Ningxia Night Market (smaller, more traditional, excellent seafood).

Transportation Tips

- EasyCard - Get one at any MRT station. Works for metro, buses, bike share, and convenience stores.

- High-Speed Rail - Book 4 weeks ahead for 20% discount. Kids under 6 are free (no seat).

- Taiwan Tourist Shuttle - Bus routes connecting all major attractions. Cheap and reliable.

- Taxis - Cheap and metered. Uber available in major cities.

Where to Stay Overall

Budget Breakdown (Family of 4)

The Verdict

Taiwan offers incredible value for families. It combines Japanese-style efficiency with affordable prices and genuinely friendly locals. The 7-day itinerary covers the best of Taipei, Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, and Taichung.

Browse all Taiwan family activities on Klook

Frequently Asked Questions