


Taipei 101 Observatory
About
Taipei 101 Observatory offers an unforgettable experience where kids can zoom up to the 89th floor in one of the world's fastest elevators and gaze out at stunning 360-degree views of Taiwan's capital city. The combination of engineering marvel (kids love learning about the building's massive tuned mass damper) and breathtaking vistas makes this both educational and thrilling for young visitors.
Highlights
- ✓Riding the world's fastest elevators that reach the 89th floor in just 37 seconds
- ✓Viewing the massive 660-ton tuned mass damper that protects the building from earthquakes and typhoons
- ✓Interactive touchscreen displays teaching about the building's engineering and Taipei's geography
- ✓360-degree panoramic views from both indoor and outdoor observation decks
- ✓Photo opportunities with augmented reality features and telescope viewers for spotting landmarks
Pro Tips
- 1.Book tickets online in advance to skip long queues, especially during weekends and holidays when wait times can exceed an hour
- 2.Visit on a clear day by checking weather forecasts, as clouds and pollution can obscure views. Mornings typically offer better visibility than afternoons
- 3.Don't miss the giant golden tuned mass damper on the 88th floor. Kids find this 660-ton pendulum fascinating, and staff can explain how it keeps the building stable during earthquakes and typhoons
- 4.The mall levels below have clean restrooms, nursing rooms, and plenty of dining options. Use facilities before heading up to the observatory
- 5.English signage and audio guides are available throughout. Download the Taipei 101 app beforehand for additional information in English
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings (10:00-11:00 AM opening time) for the smallest crowds and clearest views. Avoid weekends, Chinese New Year, and major holidays when the observatory gets extremely crowded. Sunset visits offer dramatic views but expect longer wait times.
What to Know
Tickets cost around NT$600 (approximately US$20) for adults and NT$540 for children. The mall below has numerous dining options and clean facilities. Strollers are allowed, and elevators make the venue fully accessible.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours. Typhoon season (July-September) may result in occasional closures of the outdoor observation deck for safety. Chinese New Year (late January/February) brings huge crowds. Spring (March-May) typically offers the clearest skies and most comfortable weather for visiting.
Nearby Eats
The Taipei 101 Mall (floors B1-5) has extensive food courts with kid-friendly options including Din Tai Fung for xiaolongbao dumplings, McDonald's, and Jason's Market Cafe. The surrounding Xinyi District also features family-friendly restaurants within a 10-minute walk, including multiple bubble tea shops that kids will love trying.
More Activities Near Taipei
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
This grand memorial complex captivates children with its dramatic changing of the guard ceremony every hour, where soldiers perform precise choreographed movements. The massive open plaza is perfect for kids to run around, and the towering white and blue architecture creates an impressive backdrop for family photos while teaching about Taiwan's modern history.
Huashan 1914 Creative Park
This sprawling outdoor creative park housed in a historic 1914 brewery offers families wide open courtyards for kids to run freely, rotating art exhibitions tailored for children, and unique photo opportunities among industrial-chic architecture. The car-free pedestrian spaces make it ideal for stroller-pushing parents, while the blend of cultural experiences and outdoor exploration keeps kids of various ages entertained.
Maokong Gondola
The Maokong Gondola offers families a spectacular 30-minute cable car journey ascending from Taipei Zoo through lush mountain terrain to the famous tea-growing region of Maokong. Kids will be mesmerized by the panoramic bird's-eye views of Taipei 101, the city skyline, and verdant tea plantations below, while parents appreciate the comfortable, air-conditioned cabins and the chance to combine urban exploration with mountain nature in one unforgettable outing.
Taipei Zoo
Taipei Zoo is one of Asia's largest and most impressive zoos, spanning over 400 acres with more than 400 species including the famous giant pandas. The beautifully landscaped grounds feature themed areas representing different world regions, a convenient gondola system for getting around, and stunning mountain backdrop views that make this a memorable day out for the whole family.