A Singaporean Mum

I visited Taiwan last September during the kids’ holidays, and it was so hot! I’d definitely recommend going during the cooler months instead. That said, we still had a great time — Taiwan is full of fun activities for kids! Below is our 9D8N itinerary, along with my must-eats list (because I always travel for food!).

9D8N ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival

Afternoon

• Arrive in Taipei

• Transfer to hotel near Taipei Main Station (I stayed CityInn Hotel Taipei Station One)

Evening

• Early dinner at Addiction Aquatic Development

• Ningxia Night Market for round 2

Day 2: Maokong & Ximending

Morning

• Breakfast at Yong He Dou Jiang Da Wang near the hotel

• Ride the Maokong Gondola for scenic views

Afternoon

• Lunch at Big Tea Pot, Maokong

• Return to city and rest or explore

Evening

• Dinner at Wulao Hot Pot (無老鍋) at Ximending

• Leisurely stroll around Ximending

Day 3: Yongkang

Morning

• Brunch at Yongkang Street Beef Noodles

Afternoon

• Explore Lai Hao 来好, 梁山泊 souvenir shops

• Drinks at Soma Bubble Tea

• Dessert at 8% Ice Cream

Evening

• Dinner at Kanpai Yakiniku at Taipei Station

• Raohe Night Market for round 2

Day 4: Jiufen | Yilan

Morning

• Collect rental car, drive to Jiufen

Afternoon

• Lunch at A Mei Teahouse

• Explore Jiufen Old Street

• Drive to Yilan, check into hotel (I stayed at The Moments Hotel)

Evening

• Dinner at 大嵌城甕缸雞

• Relax and play at hotel’s indoor playground

Day 5: Yilan

Morning

• Visit Duck Shack Museum

Afternoon

• Lunch at Lai Lai Steakhouse

• Visit Lucky Art Crayon Factory

Evening

• Dinner at 大嵌城甕缸雞 (again! It’s that good!)

Day 6: Yilan

Morning

• Visit Zhang Mei Ama’s Farm (capybara, deer, lambs)

Afternoon

• Lunch nearby

• Tour Rice Winery (中福酒廠)

• DIY scallion pancake activity at 蔥寶寶

Evening

• Dinner at Jun Huaijiu Restaurant

Day 7: Back to Taipei

Morning

• Brunch at Jim & Dad’s Brewing Company (吉姆老爹啤酒工場)

• Tour of Bee Farmer next door

Afternoon

• Drive back to Taipei Return rental car

Evening

• Dinner: Braised Pork Rice near hotel

• Supper: 哪吒雞排 — awesome Taiwanese fried chicken

Day 8: Dihua Street

Morning

• Brunch at 雅璇蕃茄牛肉麵

Afternoon

• Walk and explore Dihua Street

Evening

• Dinner at Moon Moon near Daan Park

Day 9: Yingge & Departure

Morning

• Head to Yingge Old Street for ceramics and souvenir shopping

Afternoon

• Continue exploring if time allows

• Depart for airport and flight back to Singapore

TO EAT

Addiction Aquatic Development

(Location in Google Maps)

A modern seafood paradise combining a fresh seafood market, sushi bar, grill, and standing seafood eatery — perfect for sashimi lovers looking for high-quality seafood in a sleek setting.

Ningxia Night Market

(Location in Google Maps)

A lively and compact night market famous for traditional Taiwanese street food like oyster omelettes, fried taro balls, and braised pork rice — a local favourite for night-time snacking.

Big Tea Pot

(Location in Google Maps)

A teahouse perched in the scenic Maokong hills, offering delicious hotpot and local dishes with panoramic views. Ideal for a long lunch paired with freshly brewed Taiwanese tea.

雅璇蕃茄牛肉麵

(Location in Google Maps)

Known for its rich tomato-based beef broth, this cosy noodle shop serves a comforting twist on the classic Taiwanese beef noodle soup — flavourful and heart-warming.

Moon Moon Café

(Location in Google Maps)

A hidden gem near Daan Park, offering creative fusion cuisine and a relaxing atmosphere. Great for a quiet evening meal or brunch with a park view.

Taipei Station Area

Yong He Dou Jiang Da Wang

(Location in Google Maps)

A legendary breakfast spot for classic Taiwanese morning fare like soy milk, youtiao (fried dough), and egg crepes. Expect a crowd — but it’s worth it!

Wulao Hot Pot

(Location in Google Maps)

A premium hotpot chain known for its collagen-rich broths, quality ingredients, and luxurious ambience. Their signature tofu pudding is a must-try dessert.

Kanpai Yakiniku

(Location in Google Maps)

A stylish Japanese BBQ restaurant where you grill your own meats. The vibe is fun and sociable.

Bei Bei Che Braised Pork Rice

(Location in Google Maps)

A hidden gem loved for its rich, tender braised pork rice, served with a soft braised egg and tangy pickled vegetables. Locals also enjoy their glutinous rice with pork and crispy pork rib soup. It’s a cosy, no-frills spot perfect for an authentic, budget-friendly Taiwanese meal. (Find my Instant Pot recipe here!)

哪吒雞排

(Location in Google Maps)

A local fried chicken stall known for crispy, juicy Taiwanese-style cutlets with punchy seasoning. Great for a late-night snack or supper run!

Yongkang Area

Yongkang Street Beef Noodles

(Location in Google Maps)

One of the best-known beef noodle spots in Taipei, serving a rich, herbal broth with tender beef and chewy noodles — a must-eat when in Yongkang.

Soma Bubble Tea

(Location in Google Maps)

Trendy and refreshing, Soma is known for its hand-shaken teas, creative toppings, and modern take on Taiwan’s beloved bubble tea.

8% Ice Cream

(Location in Google Maps)

A sleek dessert shop serving artisanal gelato in unique Asian and European-inspired flavours. A sweet stop after exploring Yongkang Street.

Jiu Fen & Yilan

A Mei Teahouse

(Location in Google Maps)

A charming teahouse with nostalgic vibes and breathtaking views of the mountain and sea. Sip on local tea and enjoy traditional snacks in a Ghibli-esque setting.

大嵌城甕缸雞

(Location in Google Maps)

Famous for its urn-roasted chicken, this rustic eatery delivers juicy, flavour-packed roast chicken cooked in traditional clay ovens — absolutely worth a repeat visit.

Lai Lai Steakhouse

(Location in Google Maps)

A retro-style Taiwanese steakhouse serving sizzling hotplate steaks with pasta, soup, and egg. Casual, nostalgic, and satisfying.

Jun Huaijiu Restaurant

(Location in Google Maps)

A refined restaurant offering a mix of local Yilan flavours and modern Chinese cuisine — elegant presentation with hearty, comforting taste.

Jim & Dad’s Brewing Co

(Location in Google Maps)

A local craft brewery with a laid-back vibe and a wide selection of beers brewed on-site.