KeelungPlay Recommendations

A nostalgic outdoor slide from the 1960s-70s era of Taiwanese schoolyards and parks, the elephant-shaped play fixture has mostly vanished from the island. Keelung's surviving model still stands inside a free water park, becoming a beloved summer splash spot for families reliving childhood memories. The elephant silhouette is equally photogenic and playful, blending retro charm with cool-water fun.

Near Xidi Road in Waipu District, Taichung, Wangyou Valley is a quiet rural canvas of rice paddies and rotating seasonal blooms. Spring brings emerald seedlings, summer rolls out golden grain waves, autumn delivers harvest scenes, and winter stitches rapeseed and cosmos flowers into a quilt. With cafes, restrooms and YouBike rentals nearby, it is ideal for cycling, walking and sketching away from city noise.

On the upper reaches of Dongshikeng in Keelung's Nuandong area, Nuandong Canyon is a roughly two-kilometer loop threading clear mountain streams, slick waterfalls and curious rock formations. The easy loop can be walked in about 20 minutes, suiting families, seniors and forest-bathing fans. A century-old Earth God shrine and free wading spots round out this summer cooling paradise.

Tucked into a third-floor walk-up at No. 53 Yi-er Road, Boocake A-Bu is an American-retro dessert atelier turning out daily-crafted cakes, chiffons and lemon pound cakes. Pink decor and vintage game consoles set a nostalgic, girly mood that begs for photos. Though pet-friendly, the narrow, steep staircase suits small dogs or carrier-bag cats better. Open 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., it is a hidden gem for Keelung dessert lovers.

At No. 15, Lane 98, Ai-san Road, 2F, CusTom.ER is a pet-friendly Italian cafe decked out in pastel blue and pink with glass doors, playful illustrations and many photo-ready seats. The menu spans pasta, risotto, brunch, waffles, coffee and milkshakes, averaging NT$370 per person. Open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., it welcomes couples, families and pet owners, with reservations recommended for furry friends.

Tucked into the corner of an old house on the front row of Zhengbin Fishing Harbor, Ruth C. Coffee is a pet-friendly waterfront café that roasts its own beans. Guests linger over simple light meals and desserts while drinking in the harbor panorama. The roomy, design-led space is perfect for travelers who want to soak up the fishing-port atmosphere with their furry companion by their side.