If you’d told me years ago that I’d be weaving a stroller through neon alleys while my husband darted after street-food smells and Little A pointed at everything like she was directing an orchestra, I might not have believed you. But here we are: Taiwan, Day 1. And what a first impression it was… color, chaos, culture, and kindness wrapped into one beautifully orderly-disorderly city.
Taipei is the kind of place that greets you with an elbow bump of excitement. It doesn’t try too hard; it simply is… buzzing, bright, but surprisingly gentle for families. And yes, I’ll say it upfront: Taipei is wonderfully stroller-friendly. Curbs are low, elevators abound, and strangers will literally help lift your stroller before you even realize you need help. (If you want to geek out over strollers, my full stroller-choosing guide is on another blog post, but let’s stay in Taipei for now.)
Here’s our family’s sensory-packed journey through the 7 unforgettable highlights that made Taipei the perfect first stop in our Taiwan series.
1. Ximending: Taipei’s Neon Playground
Ximending hit us like a confetti cannon of color, sound, and fried-chicken aroma… perfect for jumpstarting jet-lagged brains. It’s Taipei’s youth district, but it’s just as thrilling when you’re pushing a stroller through its buzzing pedestrian streets.
Billboards blink, K-pop blasts unapologetically, and bubble tea shops line the lanes like delicious little temptations. Little A’s eyes darted everywhere, trying to take in street performers, claw machines, and people posing dramatically for TikTok.
We snacked on XXL fried chicken cutlets (bigger than our daughter), rainbow ice cream, and milk tea so rich it had my husband dramatically pledging allegiance to tapioca balls. Despite the energy, it’s surprisingly easy to navigate with a stroller.
Fun history tidbit: Ximending was actually Taipei’s first pedestrian zone, inspired by Tokyo’s Shinjuku back in the Japanese colonial era… so if it feels a little Japanese, that’s why! It used to be the go-to date spot for old-school Taiwanese teenagers, long before it became a TikTok backdrop.
2. Rainbow Street: A Tiny Alley with Big Personality
Rainbow Street may be small, but it’s bursting with heart. Painted in Pride colors and sprinkled with murals, it radiates joy in a quieter, artsier way.
We took far too many family photos, coordinated outfits and all, because you simply can’t not take photos in a place that looks like happiness painted itself across the walls. Local artists were scattered around sketching portraits, and Little A kept trying to “touch the rainbow,” tiny fingers brushing the colorful murals.
It’s a short stop, but one that leaves a long-lasting grin.
Fun history tidbit: It became Instagram-famous after a local artist group painted it during a community revitalization project… proof that a little paint can change a whole neighborhood. And the colors honor Taiwan’s status as the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage, making it a tiny but mighty pride symbol.
3. Taipei 101: Sky-High Views and Ear-Popping Magic
You see the photos. You hear the hype. And still… Taipei 101 surprises you.
The skyscraper peeked between city buildings like a friendly giant greeting us as we approached. Getting in was seamless, and yes, completely stroller-friendly. The ultra-fast elevator was a hit; Little A giggled uncontrollably as our ears popped and the numbers flashed upward in a blur.
From the top, Taipei stretched out in shimmering layers… mountains, temples, high-rises, all bathed in a golden sunset that looked like it had been custom-ordered for us. Wind tousled our hair, Little A squealed at the clouds, and the city felt both enormous and intimate. A must-do, cliché or not.
Pro Tip: Spill that extra buck and visit not just the 89th but the 101st floor too! The whimsical Garden of Eden themed floor will take your breath away!
Fun history tidbit: When it opened in 2004, Taipei 101 was the tallest building in the world… living its best skyscraper life before Dubai swooped in. The building’s design is inspired by a bamboo stalk, symbolizing growth, strength, and “don’t mess with me” levels of stability.
4. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: Drama in White and Blue
Our walk through Liberty Square felt like entering a beautifully choreographed stage. The grand archway, the sweeping courtyard, the symmetrical buildings… it’s breathtaking in its scale.
Thankfully, ramps and wide paths made stroller navigation simple. Inside the hall, the towering statue felt solemn yet comforting. We caught the changing of the guards, meticulous, rhythmic, almost meditative. My husband was mesmerized, I got unexpectedly teary, and Little A shouted “BYE-BYE!” as the guards marched away, breaking the solemnity in the cutest possible way.
Fun history tidbit: The Memorial Hall was completed in 1980 to honor Chiang Kai-shek, Taiwan’s former leader… and its blue-and-white colors symbolize “democracy and equality,” though opinions about Chiang himself are famously mixed. The sweeping plaza used to host massive political gatherings, and now it’s mostly pigeon kingdoms and photographers on missions.
5. Longshan Temple: Incense, Gold, and Whispered Blessings
Stepping into Longshan Temple felt like stepping into a prayer… warm, smoky, ancient, and alive. Incense curled into the air, mingling with the soft sounds of chanting. Lanterns glowed gold, reflecting in rippling water features, and everything felt deeply rooted in history.
Little A clung to me at first, then grew fascinated by the soft chanting and lotus-shaped offerings. Several locals smiled at her or offered gentle blessings; one elderly lady even pressed a tiny candy into her hand.
Despite the crowds, stroller access was manageable, and the atmosphere? Pure serenity. It’s a grounding stop amid Taipei’s energy.
Fun history tidbit: Built in 1738 by settlers from Fujian, it’s one of Taipei’s oldest temples… and it has survived earthquakes, fires, and even wartime bombings like a resilient grandma who refuses to retire. It blends Buddhist, Taoist, and folk deities, so it’s basically the spiritual version of a multi-cuisine buffet.
6. Bopilao & Dihua Street: Where History Meets Flavor
Bopilao: A Brick-Lined Time Machine
A short stroll from Longshan brought us to Bopilao Historical Block… red brick, wooden doors, narrow alleys, and a deep sense of preserved history.
The textures were irresistible: rough brick walls, cool shadows between corridors, old timber beams creaking softly. It’s quieter, slower, and perfect for letting Little A toddle safely without crowds pressing in.
Fun history tidbit: Bopilao dates back to the Qing Dynasty and was once a bustling trade street before falling into disrepair… until Taipei rescued and restored it in the early 2000s. The name “Bopilao” actually means “skinned slope,” though thankfully, no skinning of any kind is involved today.
Dihua Street: A Market for All Five Senses
Then came Dihua… chaotic, colorful, aromatic, and utterly joyful.
Spices, teas, dried fruits, herbal shops, and vendors calling out cheerfully made this a sensory playground. Taiwanese shopkeepers loved Little A; she got free samples at almost every stall simply by existing cutely.
We stocked up on quirky ceramics, handmade picnic bags, and other little knick-knacks. Budget travelers rejoice: prices are great. Luxury travelers: artisan boutiques are everywhere. Everyone wins.
Fun history tidbit: Dihua is Taipei’s oldest marketplace, dating back to the 1850s, when it thrived as a trading hub for tea, herbs, and textiles. During Lunar New Year, it transforms into the busiest shopping street in Taiwan… basically the Beyoncé of markets.
7. Shilin Market & Tamsui Waterfront: Two Perfect Finales
Shilin Night Market: Delicious Mayhem
By the time we reached Shilin, the city was wrapped in neon, and the air was basically edible. The market is a labyrinth, but stick to the outer lanes and your stroller will be fine.
We devoured oyster omelets, pepper pork buns fresh from clay ovens, grilled squid, and cartoon-shaped custard cakes for Little A. I tried to excite my cub and lion for one of those “catch a shrimp” games and failed spectacularly. Anyway, fun times!
Fun history tidbit: Shilin has been feeding hungry crowds since 1913 and moved to its current lower-level food hall in 2002… making it Taipei’s most iconic dinner hotspot. It evolved from a humble riverside market into a legendary street-food kingdom where diets go to die.
Tamsui Waterfront: A Soft, Breezy Exhale
After days of buzzing adventure, Tamsui felt like a deep, cleansing breath. The wide river promenade was perfect for strolling, snacking on grilled corn, and letting Little A chase drifting bubbles.
The sunset washed the water pink and gold. Couples held hands, cyclists glided past, the breeze was just cool enough… it was the perfect, gentle end to our Taipei highlights tour.
Fun history tidbit: Tamsui was once Taiwan’s busiest international port during the 1800s… ships from Spain, the Dutch, and Japan sailed in and out like it was the cool kids’ hangout spot. The area still holds remnants of forts and historic buildings that whisper seafaring tales.
Family Travel Tips for Taipei
- MRT is your best friend: Clean, safe, stroller-friendly, easy.
- Bring tissues: Street food is wonderful… and messy.
- Hydrate: Yes, beyond bubble tea (even though we didn’t).
- Start early: Quiet mornings, busy afternoons.
- Night markets require strategy: Outer lanes = stroller survival.
Budget Breakdown in New Taiwanese Dollar (NTD$)
- Food:
• Street eats: $3–$10/meal
• Restaurants: $20+ - Transport: $0.60–$1.50 per MRT ride
- Attractions: Mostly under $10; Taipei 101 around $20–$25
- Shopping: From bargain bins to high-end boutiques
Taipei truly suits every traveler… families, backpackers, luxury vacationers, and everyone in between.
Final Thoughts
Taipei welcomed us with warmth, wowed us with food and color, soothed us with temples, and gave Little A enough attention to boost her toddler ego for weeks. It’s rare to find a city so alive yet so easy for families.
These 7 highlights were the perfect introduction to Taiwan… and there’s so much more to come.
Stay tuned for the next chapter of our Taiwan adventure. Happy Travels!
