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One Week in Taipei, Taiwan (Part 1): Taipei 101, Maokong Gondola & Taipei Zoo

  • Gelie Esportuno-Haferbecker
  • Feb 13
  • 5 min read

Last December 2024, my husband and I decided to spend Christmas somewhere warm. Since I’m originally from the Philippines, we booked our holiday trip there to celebrate with my family.


While searching for flights from Frankfurt, we found a reasonably priced ticket with China Airlines with a layover in Taipei, Taiwan. Neither of us had been to Taipei before, so we immediately thought: Why not turn this layover into a mini adventure?


And just like that, our 1-week Taipei itinerary was born.


🎥 Don’t forget to check out our travel video at the end of this blog! We’ve captured highlights from our time at Taipei 101, the Maokong Gondola, and Taipei Zoo so you can experience the views, the atmosphere, and the little moments that made our trip to Taipei so special!


In this blog (Part 1), we’ll share:

  • Where we stayed in Taipei

  • How we navigated public transportation

  • Our visit to Taipei 101, Maokong Gondola, and Taipei Zoo

  • Practical travel tips for first-time visitors



Why Visit Taipei in December?


If you’re wondering whether December is a good time to visit Taipei — the answer is yes.

  • Average temperature: 14–20°C

  • Mild winter weather (not freezing!)

  • Fewer typhoons

  • Festive Christmas atmosphere


For us, it was perfect:

  • We adjusted our body clock before flying to the Philippines.

  • The weather was comfortable for walking.

  • We experienced another “first time” adventure together.



How Long Is the Flight from Frankfurt to Taipei?


The nonstop flight from Frankfurt to Taipei with China Airlines took approximately 12 hours. Since we flew overnight, dinner and breakfast were served.

One thing we noticed? Unlimited hot tea service — which makes sense, as Taiwan is famous for producing high-quality tea.



Arrival at Taoyuan Airport



We arrived at Taoyuan International Airport and went through immigration smoothly.


SIM Card & Internet


Inside the airport, you’ll find multiple telecom booths offering:

  • Physical SIM cards (we bought a 10-day SIM)

  • eSIM options

  • Portable WiFi rental


You can pay by Visa card. Since we were doing everything together, one SIM card was enough for us.


Currency & ATMs

There are plenty of ATMs available at the airport. The local currency is New Taiwan Dollar (NTD).



Getting from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station


Follow the signs to the Airport MRT.


The train ride to Taipei Main Station takes around 30 minutes.


We purchased:

  • Two EasyCards (Taiwan’s rechargeable transport card)

  • Topped up with cash



💡 Important: Credit cards do NOT work for topping up EasyCards inside MRT stations. You can top up with card at convenience stores like 7-Eleven.


The MRT system in Taipei is:

  • Clean

  • Punctual

  • Easy to navigate (English signage available)



Where We Stayed in Taipei


After comparing accommodation prices, we realized something interesting:


Hotels in Taipei can be expensive for short stays (1–3 nights), but weekly stays often offer better value. Since we stayed for a week, we found a comfortable option at a reasonable price.


We chose Oursinn 2 Hotel in Zhongshan District.



Why We Chose This Hotel:


  • 650 meters (10-minute walk) from Taipei Main Station

  • Close to 7-Eleven and FamilyMart

  • Self check-in machine (very convenient)

  • Drinking water station

  • Laundry area

  • Mini fridge in the room


The room was small (as expected in Taipei), but clean and comfortable for two people.


⚠️ Note: The area is near a red-light district, which can be noisy on weekends. Something to consider depending on your preference.



Taipei 101 – The Icon of Taiwan


Our first major stop was Taipei 101, Taiwan’s most iconic landmark.

Once the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101 is a symbol of Taiwan’s innovation and resilience.



Tickets & Entrance


We booked our observatory tickets online to avoid long queues. Visitor numbers are controlled to prevent overcrowding, so you may wait briefly before entering the elevator.

Fun fact: The elevator is one of the fastest in the world, taking only 37 seconds to reach the 89th floor.


What to See at Taipei 101 Observatory


  • 360° panoramic views of Taipei

  • Surrounding mountains

  • The famous tuned mass damper — a giant stabilizing sphere that protects the building from earthquakes (important since Taiwan sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire)


The lower floors house:

  • Luxury shopping mall

  • International brand boutiques

  • Fine dining restaurants


💡 Tip: Visit before sunset to see both daylight and night views.



Maokong Gondola – Best Scenic Views in Taipei


Next on our Taipei itinerary was the breathtaking Maokong Gondola.

Located near Taipei Zoo, this cable car takes you into the lush mountains of Maokong — an area famous for tea culture and scenic views.



How to Get There


From Taipei Main Station:

  • Around 40 minutes by MRT

  • Use your EasyCard


The MRT system is extremely reliable and easy to use.


Gondola Ride Experience


  • Queue time (weekend): ~15 minutes

  • Ride duration: ~25 minutes

  • Stunning mountain and city views


On clear days, you can spot Taipei 101 in the distance.

For thrill-seekers, choose the Crystal Cabin with a glass floor for a straight-down view.



Tea Houses in Maokong


Maokong is known for its traditional tea houses and Taiwanese oolong tea.

We visited Redwood Tea House, which offers:


  • Views overlooking Taipei 101

  • Traditional Taiwanese tea

  • Local and Western dishes



Sipping hot oolong tea while looking at rolling green hills was one of the most peaceful moments of our trip.


If you're looking for a relaxing escape from Taipei’s busy streets, Maokong is a must-visit.



Taipei Zoo – One of Asia’s Largest Zoos


Our third stop was Taipei Zoo, located at the foothills of Taipei’s mountains.



It’s one of Asia’s largest and most respected zoos, focusing on conservation and education.


Zoo Highlights


Spanning over 165 hectares, the zoo features themed areas such as:

  • Formosan Animal Area

  • Asian Tropical Rainforest

  • African Animal Area

  • Desert Animal Area


Animals you can see:

  • Giant pandas

  • Koalas

  • Elephants

  • Giraffes

  • Penguins

  • Formosan black bears

  • Sika deer


One highlight is the Panda House, home to the zoo’s beloved giant pandas.

We also saw unique animals like the Great Argus bird confidently walking around the Pangolin Dome.



Tips for Visiting Taipei Zoo


  • Plan at least 4–5 hours

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes

  • Bring water

  • There are restaurants and a 7-Eleven near the entrance

  • There’s an internal shuttle train if you get tired


After five hours of walking, we were exhausted but very happy.



Final Thoughts – Is Taipei Worth Visiting?


Absolutely.


In just a few days, we experienced:


  • A world-famous skyscraper

  • Scenic mountain views

  • Tea culture

  • Wildlife conservation parks

  • Efficient public transport


Taipei is clean, safe, modern, and culturally rich — making it perfect for couples, families, and first-time travelers to Taiwan.



✨ Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Taipei travel blog, where we explore the iconic Meteor Garden filming locations, dive into Taipei’s vibrant night markets, taste delicious local street food, and uncover even more hidden gems around the city!

If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan and have questions, feel free to ask. We’d be happy to help.


🎥 Here’s our full video of our stay below.



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