We visit Taipei from time to time, given it is quite close to where we live, and prices are generally much more affordable compared to other travel destinations. Many areas are kids-friendly, and the public transport system just keeps getting better. I was particularly impressed with Taiwan’s high-speed rail, which can get you anywhere in Taiwan within hours. That said, this post will focus on Taipei itself.

Accommodation

1. Regent Taipei

If you want one of the best hotels in Taipei, you can’t go past Regent Taipei. It was my kid’s first hotel stay, and it still holds some of their fondest memories. Of course, the price won’t be the cheapest — it typically runs around US$400 per night for families. The hotel is around 10 minutes walk to Zhongshan metro station.

2. Two Tails Hotel

In the past few years, however, we have been staying at the same hotel given its excellent location, attractive pricing, and convenient access to transportation and shops – Two Tails Hotel (formerly Park City Hotel, they appeared to have change their name). Even with a different brand name, it continues to receive positive reviews both online and from my friends.

The hotel is located inside St. Ignatius Plaza, which is itself a decent shopping centre worth visiting. The plaza features a giant department store, along with restaurants, a food court, and a supermarket. More importantly, St. Ignatius School Station is right in the basement.

Best Place to Visit for Kids

1. Taipei Children’s Amusement Park

This would be our kids’ number one pick whenever we visit Taipei. The park has all the rides a kid could ask for. It’s also one of my favourite places for taking photos! To get there, take the metro to Shilin Station. It’s just under a 30-minute walk from the station. I recommend taking a taxi or the Red 30 bus to save time.

The entry free to this amusement park is only NT30, around US$1, which sounds like a bargain. However, they charge each ride independently, ranging NT20, 30, 50, 80. You can click here for more information for cost per ride.

2. National Taiwan Science Education Center

Given that this place is right next to the Taipei Children’s Amusement Park, it is also worthwhile to give it a visit. The entry price is NT$120, which is around US$4.

The highlight during the visit would be the Air Bicycle, however, you need to be taller than 127cm in order to take the ride. It cost an extra NT80 for you to ride the bike on the string (yes, the string is in the air and tied to both side of the floor). To get there, you will need to catch the lift or escalator to the 5th floor – click this link for the map and the centre’s website.

3. Miramar Ferris Wheel

The place is quite special, as the lumination of the Ferris Wheel is quite beautiful at night. The shopping centre underneath is quite big with some great cuisines to choose from.

4. Taipei 101

Considered one of the tallest iconic building in Taipei, there are plenty of shops and restaurants for a visit. It is situated next to Taipei 101/World Trade Center station. Our highlight for that day was a trip to the Eslite bookshop. If your child loves reading, this is definitely the place to visit, it’s definitely one of the biggest bookshop I seen so far.

5. Taipei City Zoo

This is one of the popular place for both locals and tourists. It is situated south of Taipei city, and can be reached by catching the metro to Taipei Zoo station. The entry fee cost NT100 per person, which translates to just under US$4. If you are carrying a kid under 6 years ago, it’s best to check whether there is any stroller for hire, the zoo is very big with long walks to many different places, and a stroller is a must especially you are carrying more than one child. Press this link for a map to navigate around the zoo.

We also got to visit an indoor garden with lots of butterflies flying around, which got our kids very excited, it is definitely worthwhile to have a look.