top cities to visit in taiwan

20 Places to Visit in Taiwan that I’m Obsessed With

In this article, I’ve shortlisted my 20 favorite destinations in Taiwan. It wasn’t easy!

After living in Taiwan for over 10 years, writing a book about it, introducing Taiwan’s attractions to the likes of BBC Travel, CNN, and National Geographic, and running a Facebook group about Taiwan Travel Planning , I’d like to think that I know Taiwan fairly well.

In this article, I’m really sticking to the sights that I truly love. Some are super obvious and famous, while others are off-the-beaten-track. All of them are places that I’m legitimately obsessed with and will keep returning to again and again.

Table of Contents

My Top-5 Places in Taiwan

Here I’ve hand-picked my personal top-five places to visit in Taiwan.

Taipei – The City with Everything

OK, so I’m biased (I lived in Taipei city , well technically New Taipei City , for a quarter of my life). But I freakin love Taipei.

Taiwan’s capital has it all: the best night markets in the country , the most famous attractions ( Taipei 101 , Longshan Temple , CKS Memorial Hall, Maokong Gondola , Elephant Mountain ), and the coolest neighborhoods ( Ximending , Dadaocheng , Tamsui, and more).

And there’s more – the biggest events, the best public transportation, the top restaurants, cherry blossom viewing , and hikes galore .

On its doorstep, it has active volcanoes in Yangmingshan National Park , hot springs at Beitou , beaches, aboriginal villages , tea plantations , and atmospheric old streets like this one .

You can never run out of things to do in this city, and that’s why I will never grow tired of exploring it. It’s no wonder it has chosen as the best city in the world for expats several times !

Most visitors start and/or end their Taiwan trip in Taipei. It’s even tempting to use the city as a base for your whole trip (see my recommended hotels ), but I do urge you to get out at some point – we still have 19 more awesome places to cover!

Alishan Region – Tea Farms & Bamboo Forests

It’s no secret that I’m in love with Alishan region in Chiayi county . I have a personal connection to Chiayi – it’s my wife’s ancestral hometown and we usually go there to visit her family for Lunar New Year.

I’ve been raving Alishan for years and the articles I’ve written about the area have helped to popularize some of its small villages among foreign visitors – I know because people tell me all the time in my Facebook group that they went there because of me.

Most tourists gravitate to Alishan National Forest Recreation Area (even though getting there is a little complicated). It is known for its misty forests of ancient hinoki cypress trees, iconic Alishan Forest Railway Line, and stunning sunrises.

My personal favorite spot, however, is Shizhuo village , where I love staying in accommodations on tea plantations and hiking through tea farm. The tea produced there is Alishan High Mountain Oolong Tea , the country’s most famous.

I also love the cute market town of Fenqihu, with its fireflies, railway bento boxes, and bamboo forests. And we can’t forget about the epic sunrises and sunsets on Eryanping Trail .

I even have a plan to someday retire and open a killer guesthouse in Alishan region, so watch for that (in like 1 or 2 decades…). That’s how much I love this area!

Penghu Islands – Best Beaches

It’s super tough to choose only one of Taiwan’s offshore islands to put in my top-5. But that honor goes to the Penghu archipelago , which lies in the middle of the Taiwan Strait (the body of water between China and Taiwan).

Riding a scooter around the islands of Penghu – which include four main connected ones and many smaller ones – is one of my single favorite things to do in Taiwan.

Penghu has a unique, windswept landscape, with edible purple cacti (they make sorbet out of them!), the best beaches I’ve seen in the country , traditional courtyard homes made of coral, ancient heart-shaped weirs for catching fish, and towering volcanic basalt columns.

On top of all that, Penghu has the country’s best fireworks festival, which goes for several months from spring to summer, and some excellent snorkelling and scuba diving.

Oh, and did I mention it’s super easy to get to? There are oven a dozen flights every day from Taipei’s city-center Songshan Airport!

I’ve been to Penghu three times and would happily return at the drop of a hat.

The East Coast – The Ultimate Road Trip

The entire East Coast of Taiwan is more than just one place, but I’m lumping it together here because you’ll likely tackle it in one go – here’s how to rent a car and drive in Taiwan . For all the details, see my part 1 and part 2 guides to road tripping the east coast . But of course you can do it by train, too!

Taiwan’s east coast is wild, sparsely populated, and breathtakingly gorgeous. The continental shelf is just off the coast, so within a surprisingly short distance, towering mountains drop off to coastal buffs and continue descending rapid off the coast.

Currents are strong and that’s why you can’t swim on most east coast beaches – but you can spot whales there !

Starting from one of Taiwan’s best seafood harbors, Nanfangao, the highway passes the dramatic Qingshui Cliffs and the entrance to Taroko Gorge (Taiwan’s top scenic attraction and a place I deeply love – don’t miss it!)

South of Hualien city, the main base for visiting the region, Highway 9 follows the train line through the East Rift Valley. My favorite stops are Chishang for cycling among the rice paddies and Luye for tea farms and the incredible International Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival.

Meanwhile, Highway 11 runs down the practically uninhabited coast, with Sanxiantai (Dragon’s Backbone Bridge) and Dulan surf town being the major highlights.

Southern Hualien and Taitung county are Taiwan’s most laid-back region and home to the highest concentration of aboriginal peoples. While it may lack the big-name attractions of other parts of Taiwan, I suggest you slow down here and really take it all in.

Tainan – Temple Hopping in the Old Capital

Taiwan’s original capital, Tainan , remains the country’s heart and soul and arguably the most authentically Taiwanese city. The history nerd and temple junkie in me will always keep me coming back to Tainan.

It will come as no surprise that Tainan has the country’s best collection of ancient temples and historic attractions. The Confucius Temple stands out as the most popular, but there are dozens of others, dedicate to concubines, the sea goddess, gods of water, wind, and medicine, and many more.

Over in Anping district , Anping Fort and Anping Tree House are also musts, while Anping Old Street is one of the country’s oldest and most traditional.

Not far out of the city, Sicao Green Tunnel is a good introduction to the marshlands and rare migratory birds of Taijiang National Park, Luermen Tianhou Temple is enormous, Cigu Salt Mountain is bizarre, Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields are stunning, and Guanziling Mud Hot Springs are one-of-a-kind.

Locals will also tell you that Tainan is the culinary capital of Taiwan. I love stepping into Tainan’s hole-in-the-wall shops and night markets to sample unique dishes like eel noodles, oyster rolls, Spanish mackerel stew, and traditional ice cream with fruit.

Other Destinations I Love to Visit

Here’s are 15 more Taiwanese attractions that I’ll never grow tired of visiting.

The Pingxi Line – Best Taipei Day Trips

The Pingxi Line is one of several old railway lines in Taiwan which have been converted from transporting timber and coal to transporting tourists.

The Pingxi Line is the closest one to Taipei and provides access to several extremely popular tourist attractions but also some great off-the-beaten-track ones.

On the touristy side, Jiufen Old Street (access from Ruifang Station, with train connections to Taipei) and Shifen Old Street (famous for its sky lanterns and Shifen Waterfall ) are two of the most popular tourist attractions in Taiwan – expect serious crowds.

However, my personal favorites include Badouzi (for Shen’ao Rail Bike ), Houtong Cat Village (I’ve been there a ridiculous number of times), Sandiaoling (my favorite waterfall hike in Taiwan), Pingxi (for the thrilling Pingxi Crags hike and known for Pingxi Lantern Festival ), and Jingtong (an off-the-beaten-track old street).

Yilan – Hot Springs & Kid-Friendly Activities

Yilan is a county on the northeast coast of Taiwan which is fully loaded with fun activities and attractions, especially for kids. This is why it is a favorite weekend getaway for Taipei families, mine included.

Jiaoxi village is home to some of the kid-friendliest hot spring spas in Taiwan – think hot spring slides, bright pink bubble gum or oolong tea scented thermal pools, and foot-skin-nibbling fish ponds. Jiaoxi also has waterfall hikes and hot springs ramen, where you can soak your feet while you eat.

Then there’s Luodong, which has some of the best minsus (local guesthouses) in Taiwan, like this one , and an excellent night market . We choose here as a base for taking our kids to leisure farms like Zhang Mei Ama’s Farm , eating green onion cakes at Sanxing, and trips to Taipingshan (see below).

On top of all that, Yilan has Northern Taiwan’s best surf beach at Wai’ao, award winning whiskey at Kavalan Distillery , a great brewery at Jim & Dad’s, and several excellent museums.   

Kaohsiung – Arts & Temples

Kaohsiung people hate me for not raving about their city as much as I do about Taipei. But they have a point – Kaohsiung is undeniably a cooler, more laid-back, and less pretentious city than Taipei, and I do love it, too.

Taiwan’s largest port city is also without a doubt the country’s street art capital. My favorite place is Pier 2 Art Center , where creative art installations line the docks, especially when they are lit up at night.

Everywhere I go in the city, I’m always stumbling upon amazing new murals covering entire sides of buildings – the city activity encourages graffiti. Weiwuying has a whole neighborhood covered in it. Dome of Art in Formosa Boulevard is also mesmerizing, while Cijin Island ’s coast is lined with art installations.

Kaohsiung is also about the grandiose – from the kitschy temples and god statues on Lotus Pond to Fo Guang Shan , the country’s largest monastery and Buddha statue, where I enjoyed an eye-opening temple stay many years ago.

One of my favorite souvenirs from Taiwan is the Hakka paper umbrella that I bought from Meinong Folk Village in Kaohsiung.

I admit that I don’t know Kaohsiung as well as many other parts of Taiwan – I have yet to visit the hot springs of Guguan, the huge seafood harbors on the coast, or see the swarms of purple butterflies at Maolin – many reasons for me to keep coming back.

Hehuanshan – Hiking & Sunrises  

Hehuanshan in Nantou is Taiwan’s most accessible high mountain area. There’s nowhere else in Taiwan, or in all of East Asia for that matter, where you can literally drive a car or take a public bus to 3275 meters above sea level (Wuling Pass).

Hehuanshan consists of five high mountain peaks, all of which are much easier to climb than almost all the other 100 Peaks of Taiwan.

I recently had an incredible stay at historic Songsyue Lodge , built for former president Chiang Kai-Shek at the base of the only ski resort Taiwan has ever had. That’s right – it even snows at Hehuanshan, at least once every year. When it happens, tourists and locals alike flock to see it.

Staying at the lodge, I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen, from right in front of the accommodation. It’s not easy to get a room there (click my link above to find out how), so many will stay at Cingjing Farm nearby and do a morning sunrise tour.

Lukang – Traditional Taiwanese Culture

Like a smaller and more off-the-beaten-track version of Tainan, Lukang in Changhua is a small town with loads of history.

Because a train line was never built to it (they didn’t want it), Lukang remains decidedly traditional to this day. It has some of the country’s best preserved ancient temples, a new temple made of glass, and a quirky temple with odd decorations and tunnels below it.

Lukang Old Street is also one of the country’s most traditional, with food specialties like miancha (flour tea), phoenix eye cakes, ox tongue cookies, and shrimp monkeys.

There are often traditional temple parades and festivals going on in Lukang, while the town’s Dragon Boat Festival celebrations are better than anywhere else in the country.

Yushan – Taiwan’s Tallest Peak

In my first year of living in Taiwan (2008), I joined a guided hike to the peak of Jade Mountain (Yu Shan), the tallest mountain in Northeast Asia. It beats out Mt. Fuji by 176 meters!

Yushan National Park is Taiwan’s largest non-marine national park. Most of it is remote and inaccessible. Biologists have even called it “The Ark” as it is a repository for rare species, including Formosan black bears and flying squirrels.

Needless to say, Yushan was one of the most incredible places I’ve visited in Taiwan. Sunrise from the peak was an experience I’ll never forget.

We were surrounded by seas of clouds in all directions, as the sun rose majestically above the horizon. On clear days, you can see as far as the sea.

The North Coast – Beaches & Harbors

Since this is supposed a list of places in Taiwan that I love to repeatedly visit, I can’t leave out the beaches on the North coast of Taiwan .

Because most of these can be reached in only one or two hours from Taipei, I return to them again and again every year. They may not be as picture-perfect as the beaches in the far south or on the offshore islands, but they are super convenient for a capital city dweller like me.

Qianshuiwan is my go-to place for easy access and restaurant-bars by the sea. Baishawan is a little further but a little better, while Fulong Beach stands out as the prettiest, not to mention its awesome sandcastle festival.

Besides beaches, I love cliff diving at Longdong (also known for rock climbing and scuba diving), feasting on seafood at Guihou Harbor (near the super popular Yehliu Geopark ), photographing Laomei Green Reef, swimming at the seawater pool on Heping Island in Keelung , and finishing off at Keelung Night Market , my favorite night market in Taiwan.

Sun Moon Lake – Aboriginal Culture & Tea Farms

Sun Moon Lake is probably the most divisive major tourist attraction in Taiwan – visitors either love it or hate it.

If you only do the tourist things at Sun Moon Lake – like riding a boat across the lake and taking the Ropeway to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village , then you might hate find it too touristy.

However, there are many gems around the lake, too. The tea plantations north of the lake make insanely good black tea (a rarity in a country that produces mostly oolong). The lake views from the top of Wenwu Temple or Ci’En Pagoda are unbeatable.  

For authentic aboriginal culture, avoid Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village and head to Ita Thao village instead.

The Thao Tribe Performance Center there is trying its best to preserve a culture which is on the verge of extinction (it’s one of Taiwan’s smallest tribes), while the food street in Ita Thao is one of the easiest places in Taiwan to try Taiwanese aboriginal foods and millet wine.

I love hopping on a bike at Sun Moon Lake. CNN has even called the paths around the lake one of the best cycling trips in the world (though I sort of feel that’s an exaggeration).

Last but not least, Shuiyuan Suspension Bridge south of the lake is quite possible the country’s most beautiful one, but it’s not super easy to get to.

Green Island – Scuba & Salty Hot Springs

Green Island off the coast of Taitung is another of my favorite offshore islands in Taiwan. This former penal colony stands out for me in two big ways today.

First, Green Island has some excellent snorkelling and scuba diving – the best I’ve done in Taiwan, but I haven’t tried it everywhere.

Secondly, Zhaori Hot Spring on Green Island is one of my favorite hot springs in the whole country . This is one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world. The hot spring pools are right on the coast, with some of the lowest pools right next to the sea.

Lying in one of those pools at night, gazing at stars to the sound of waves splashing into the hot pool, was one of my most sublime experiences in all my years of living in Taiwan.  

Taipingshan – Hiking on Old Logging Railways

As the fourth mountain on my list, you may be starting to gather that I really love the mountains in Taiwan.

Taipingshan is like Alishan’s lesser known cousin, among foreign tourists at least. It too is a former logging region-turned-tourist attraction.

The must-do tourist attraction at Taipingshan is taking a ride on the cutely named (and cute looking) Bong Bong Train. My personal favorite hike there is Jianqing Haigu Trail, which follows an old mining railway line that is now twisted and overgrown with vegetation.

Another highlight of visiting Taipingshan is hitting Jiuzhize Hot Spring on the down the mountain back to central Yilan. For a few bucks, you can cook your own hot spring eggs in the boiling thermal waters.

The public springs at Jiuzhize there are awesome,, too, with multiple private elevated tubs in the main pool. There’s an open air nude bath, too, if that’s your jam.

For the best experience, you’ll need to drive, hire a private driver , or take a tour to Taipingshan. There’s only one bus per day and it limits how much you can see.

Lion’s Head Mountain – Sleeping in a Temple

Shitoushan or “ Lion’s Head Mountain ” is an off-the-beaten-track destination on the border between Hsinchu and Miaoli in Central Taiwan.

This small mountain is dotted with Buddhist and Taoist temples, some of which are built into caves. The coolest thing about hiking this mountain is that you can sleep in one of the temples, Quanhua Temple on the Miaoli side.

I’ve slept in this temple a couple times, including once with my kids. Both times, I/we were the only ones there, making it a truly serene experience.

Nearby, Nanzhuang Old Street is one of the coolest old streets in Taiwan. It’s famous for its sweet osmanthus shaved ice and Hakka-style dried tofu.

This part of Miaoli is known for slow travel and for its many traditional minsus (guesthouses). We loved staying at this one and this one .

Orchid Island – Unique Aboriginal Culture

Lanyu (Orchid Island) is another remarkable offshore island in Taiwan. This one is best known as the home of the Tao people, Taiwan’s most isolated and traditional aboriginal tribe.

Tao culture is the main draw here – including the chance to see traditional hand-carved canoes, Tao underground houses, and activities related to the Flying Fish Festival, which takes place throughout spring.

Two of my best friends and I had a blast scootering around Lanyu and spotting the countless roaming goats on the island.

Orchid Island also has some great swimming holes, rock formations, and scuba diving. It’s best to fly here from Taitung, as the ferry ride is extra bumpy. Also, avoid winter, when almost everything shuts down.

Neiwan Old Street – Hakka Culture & Hot Springs

Neiwan Old Street is probably my favorite of Taiwan’s many old streets. Neiwan is the terminal stop on the Neiwan Line, another cute small train lines – this one sets out from Hsinchu.

Neiwan is an old Hakka village and former mining/logging town. Today, the old street is one of the best places in Taiwan to sample leicha or “pounded tea”. It is made by pounding tealeaves with various seeds, nuts, and spices, adding hot water, topped with puffed rice, and usually served with mochi.

The old street also has extremely delicious Hakka dried tofu and a famous old theater.

Nearby, my family and I loved spending a weekend camping or visiting hot springs in Jianshi district. This is a remote, aboriginal district with gorgeous scenery and some excellent hot spring spas like this one .

Kenting National Park – Beachy Getaway

In my early years in Taiwan, we used to make the annual journey down to Kenting National Park for Spring Scream Music Festival on the April long weekend .

Kenting occupies the southern tip of the country and has the best beaches and beach resorts on all of mainland Taiwan.

While Spring Scream has long ended and is now replaced with a free music festival put on by the local government on the main beach, it is still the unofficial place to party and laze on the beach for spring break.

Kenting’s beaches can feel a little crowded, but for me, it has always been a part of the package. I love Kenting Night Market , the only place in Taiwan you’ll see cocktail vendors wearing beach attire and blasting electronic music.

I also love cycling or scootering along the Kenting coast, finding new spots to try seafood, and hiking to natural infinity pools in the jungle . Thrill seekers can also try surfing, scuba diving, jet skiing, and more.

Xiaoliuqiu – Snorkeling with Sea Turtles

I’m finishing off this list with yet another offshore island. It’s one of the smallest but also best, and it goes by many names – Little Okinawa, Lambai Island, or as the locals say, Xiaoliuqiu .

Xiaoliuqiu’s biggest draw is its resident population of nearly a thousand giant sea turtles. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see them if you try – my kids and I even saw them swimming in the harbor from our hotel room balcony .

Even better, we had an intimate encounter snorkeling with the turtles in water – my kids’ first time ever snorkeling. Freediving is also very popular on Xiaoliuqiu.

The island is so small that you can scooter or cycling around it without difficulty, yet there are many little secret beaches and coves to explore.

Read This Before Renting a Car and Driving in Taiwan!

What to eat at ningxia night market in taipei (with map), 2 thoughts on “20 places to visit in taiwan that i’m obsessed with”.

Another excellent article! As someone who is also Taiwan obsessed, I appreciate you sharing your experiences. I will return to Taipei this May and your blog is giving me so much hype!

Thank you so much!

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18 Best Places to Visit in Taiwan in 2024! Taiwan Tourist Spots!

Categories Asia , Taiwan

Taiwan may be a small island but it is full of incredible places to visit in Taiwan! Taiwan Tourist Spots include  cultural-historic cities , port cities,   modern cities , National Parks and Islands , Taiwan really has it all!

Best of all, it’s easy to travel around Taiwan by train and bus and thanks to the size of Taiwan island, it’s possible to see a lot of Taiwan in 1 week or 2 weeks . Although if you have 1 month in Taiwan to spare, I’d say to go for it as you won’t regret visiting Taiwan!

Best Places to Visit in Taiwan

Related Posts:  2 Week Taiwan Itinerary!  / 1 Week Taiwan Itinerary! / How Much I Spent in Taiwan!

FIRST TIMERS GUIDE TO TAIWAN

I’ve been to Taiwan twice. I love the country so much! I have written lots of posts to help you visit Taiwan, start with my 8 Helpful Tips For Planning a Trip to Taiwan from Start to Finish and the Best Places to Visit in Taiwan !

TAIWAN SIM CARD The best way to stay connected in Taiwan is to buy this EasyCard & Sim Card package deal in advance . You’ll need an EasyCard to get around on transport in Taiwan anyway and at the same time you can get a Taiwan Sim Card with 4G and pick them up at Taipei Taoyuan Airport when you land!

GETTING AROUND TAIWAN

The Metro within cities in Taiwan is really great, easy to use and so safe. You’ll need an EasyCard which you top up with credit to use the metro and buses. To get around Taiwan, I loved travelling by train . As a tourist, we can’t use the direct Taiwan train booking system. Instead you can go to a train station a few days before and purchase your ticket, or book online in advance using 12GO Asia !

Taipei is the capital city of Taiwan and in all honesty, although Taiwan has so much to offer as you’ll see below, spending just 2-3 days in Taipei will give you a really good insight into what Taiwan is like and if you happen to decide to spend longer in Taipei, like 5 days in Taipei, you’ll have plenty of things to do in Taipei as it’s the biggest out of the Taiwan Tourist Spots!

I think Taipei is one of the most underrated cities in Asia and one of the best places to visit in Taiwan !

Related Post:  12 Taipei Travel Tips and Things To Know about Taipei!

I love Taipei because it’s a really easy city to get around. There are plenty of Taipei attractions and things to do in Taipei to keep you busy but because it’s not a super popular city and apart from the Taipei 101, which you must visit, there are no other super iconic places which make sightseeing in Taipei pretty relaxed.

If you’re interested in what to do in Taipei you can sightsee at places like the Taipei 101 and Chiang Kai-Shek Monument Hall which is probably the second most iconic place in Taipei . But you can also visit the themed cafes of Taipei like a toilet restaurant and the Friends cafe. Hit up a night market in Taipei like Shilin Night Market and Raohe Night Market which Taiwan is very famous for, and go hiking up Elephant Mountain.

Aside from the must-see places in Taipei , other reasons I love Taipei is because the Taipei Metro (MRT) is incredibly efficient and easy to use, it’s a safe city, the people in Taipei are lovely and there’s so much accommodation making it the best welcome to Taiwan that you can have!

Recommended days to spend in Taipei: 2-5 days.

Day Trips from Taipei

What’s really great about Taipei is how many places to visit near Taipei there are! Here are some of the most popular day trips from Taipei and places near Taipei that can be visited in just a few hours and are also best places to visit in Taiwan :

To learn about the Japanese colonisation to modern-day Taiwan and eat some amazing street food, visiting Juifen from Taipei is a good idea as it’s one of the biggest Taiwan tourist spots.

Explore the Northeast Coast of Taipei and stroll through Jiufen Village. Learn about Taiwan’s mining history and enjoy a scenic tour along the Northeast Coast.

If you’ve seen photos of an old street with street lanterns near Taipei, this is Shifen, definitely one of the most popular and best places to visit in Taiwan!

4. Yehliu Geopark

You’ll be mistaken for even being in Taiwan here! Here is my friends guide on h ow to get to Yehliu Geopark from Taipei !

It’s very possible to see Juifen, Shifen and Yehliu in one day on a day tour , in fact, this is the best way to do it so keep this day tour from Taipei in mind when planning your Taipei itinerary.

Join a group tour from Taipei to North Taiwan, where you’ll discover Yehliu Geopark’s rock formations, Jiufen’s mountain village, and launch sky lanterns in Pingxi.

5. Beitou Hot Springs

Closer to Taipei than you’d think, this slice of nature with actual hot springs is a good half-day trip from Taipei.

Explore the volcanic terrains of Yangmingshan National Park, visiting numerous historically and culturally important sites like the Beitou Hot Spring Museum.

6. Yangmingshan National Park

To go hiking in Taipei and for another one of the best places to visit in Taiwan , head to this National Park near Taipei!

7. Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is a port city in Southern Taiwan and if you don’t fly into Taipei you’ll probably fly into Kaohsiung or out of Kaohsiung as it has the second biggest airport in Taiwan. 

Kaohsiung’s tourism is increasing a lot, it used to be a city that tourists didn’t go to, but not anymore. This is now one of the  best places to visit in Taiwan!

Related Post: Best things to do in Kaohsiung & 2-3 Day Kaohsiung itinerary

For things to do in Kaohsiung, if you like temples, there are plenty of temples in Kaohsiung to visit, especially around Lotus Pond which used to have the perfect Feng Shui, plus there’s an incredibly huge and impressive Buddhist Monastery near Kaohsiung.

There are 3 brilliant night markets to visit, a unique and cool creativity park called Pier 2 , and you can catch a ferry over to Cijin Island which will make you feel like you’re on holiday!

Kaohsiung is easy to get around thanks to its MRT system and although many of the Kaohsiung attractions may seem far apart, by MRT they are all really easy to get to.

Recommended days to spend in Kaohsiung: 2-3 days.

To help you plan your trip around Taiwan, have a look at all of my Taiwan Blog Posts here!

8. Taichung

To be honest, Taichung is pretty hard work to visit but I have to include it in this list of best places to visit in Taiwan because the best reason to go to Taichung is for its day trips!

Related Posts: 1-3 Day Itinerary for Taichung &  How To Do a Day Trip from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake.

As a city, there are not many tourist attractions in Taichung and it’s hard to get around as everything is very spread out and there’s no metro system, not like in Taipei or Kaohsiung.

Things to do in Taichung include visiting the Rainbow Village which is really nice to visit although very small so it takes an hour max, and it takes about 30 minutes by taxi from Taichung city to the Rainbow Village or a lot longer by bus.

Taichung has a few night markets and Fengjia Night Market is the largest one in Taiwan, and that’s saying a lot so this is worth visiting.

Another thing Taichung is popular for is its fame for being the creator of Bubble Tea. Chun Shiu Tang on Siwei Street is the original Bubble Tea store in Taichung and a popular place to visit in Taichung. In all honesty, though, Chun Shiu Tang is a chain of Bubble Tea stores in Taiwan and the tea you’ll get in here will be the same and there’s nothing particularly special about the Chun Shiu Original Store in Taichung, and it gets busy!

Recommended days to spend in Taichung: 1 or 2-3 if you want to take day trips.

9. Sun Moon Lake

It’s really easy to get a bus from Taichung to Sun Moon Lake and do a day trip to Sun Moon Lake from Taichung.

At the bus stop, they sell Sun Moon Lake passes which include bus travel, a boat ticket, a ropeway ticket and they can include bike hire too. It takes 1.5-2 hours to travel from Taichung City to Sun Moon Lake and once you’re there you need about 4-5 hours to see the lake and head over to Ita Thao Village. Even though you don’t need long, based on my trip, its still one of the best places to visit in Taiwan and a big Taiwan tourist spot!

Related Post:  How To Do a Sun Moon Lake Day Trip from Taichung!

10. Dakeng Hiking Trails

From Taichung you can also get a bus to Dakeng Hiking Trails.

There are a number of hiking trails and they are numbered, note that some of them are harder than others and the Dakeng trails in Taichung can get very busy on weekends so it’s the best time to go hiking in Taichung is on a weekday if you can. The easier trails get particularly busier than the harder trails too.

11. Hualien  

Hualien is a city along the East Coast of Taiwan, the city itself doesn’t offer much in terms of Taiwan tourism but it is a great base to see more of Taiwan’s impressive East Coast from which one of the big attractions in Taiwan!

If you are confident in riding a scooter/moped, this is the best way to get out from Hualien and explore the coast. Places to visit near Hualien on Taiwan’s East Coast include Beibin Park,   Nanbin Park  and Four-Eight Highland .

In addition to this, for things to do in Hualien, I found the Hualien Night Market to be good so make sure you make time to eat there one evening.

If you don’t want to hire a scooter or a car, I found the bus system is a pretty good way of how to get around Hualien and I used the public bus to go to Taroko National Park .

Recommended days to spend in Taichung: 2-3 including Taroko National Park

12. Taroko National Park

I visited Taroko National Park as a day trip from Hualien and it’s one of the best places to visit in Taiwan if you want to go hiking in Taiwan !

Related Post:  How to Do a Day Trip to Taroko National Park via Bus from Hualien!

To hike some of trails in Taroko National Park you need to get a permit which can be tricky to get, however it is possible to hike many of the trails in Taroko Park without a permit, including the famous Taroko Gorge , and there’s even a regular bus service throughout the park if walking isn’t for you or you want to walk and get the bus (which is what I did, you can read about this here).

The centre of Taiwan is full of nature and hiking in Taiwan is one of the popular things to do in Taiwan for tourists and for locals.  Taroko National Park is one of the most visited National Parks’s in Taiwan due to its ease so I think this should be on your Taiwan itinerary to show you another side of the Island to the big cities.

Tour Taroko Gorge, an Asian wonder, in a day from Taipei, guided by your personal driver. Experience striking attractions and scenic trails.

Note that Taroko, like all of Taiwan’s hiking trails and National Parks, gets very busy on weekends as lots of Taiwanese like to venture out hiking too so if you have the flexibility I’d recommend that the best time to visit Taroko National Park is during the week.

Recommended days to spend at Taroko National Park: 1 day.

Tainan used to be the capital of Taiwan back in 1683–1887 but it’s still the cultural capital of Taiwan now and therefore a good place to visit in Taiwan. Although initially, the city seems pretty similar to Taichung in architecture once you reach the centre you’ll start to see the history.

Tainan has a big Dutch influence thanks to the Dutch occupying the South of Taiwan for a number of years and this can be best seen at Fort Provincia and Chihkan Tower which used to be a Dutch outpost and are popular things to do in Tainan. Shennong Street tucked between the many normal streets of Tainan is a pleasant surprise filled with little shops and restaurants and many Chinese lanterns. This may be the Taiwan you have been thinking of.

More things to do in Tainan include visiting  Anping where you can visit Fort Zeelandia and Anping Tree House for fairly unique places to see in Taiwan as no other city I’ve seen has these kinds of attractions. Finally, Tainan isn’t short of night markets and the most popular night market in Tainan is the Flower Night Market .

The only downside to Tainan, in my opinion, is its lack of metro like Taichung and the fact that Uber doesn’t currently work in Tainan so you have to use the buses (which can be tricky to work out in Taiwan I’ve found) or get a taxi by the meter so keep this in mind when planning your best places to visit in Taiwan!

Recommended days to spend in Tainan: 1-2 days.

• Related Posts:
• 2 Week Taiwan Itinerary!
•   1 Week Taiwan Itinerary!
• How Much I Spent in Taiwan!

14. Taitung

Taitung is much less visited than other cities in Taiwan but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go and if you are not a ‘city person’, Taitung will be a good place to visit because you can hire a scooter and be in Taitung county seeing nature and more of the East Coast of Taiwan in a short amount of time.

One of the popular Taitung attractions is the aboriginal tribes and people, in Taitung you’ll be able to learn about them and taste some of the local aboriginal food, one of the big reasons it’s one of the best places to visit in Taiwan!

Recommended days to spend in Taitung: 1-2 days.

15. Kenting National Park

Kenting is in the very Southern tip of Taiwan and closest to Kaohsiung. Some blog posts recommend that you can visit Kenting National Park on a day trip from Kaohsiung but the bus takes a few hours so it will be a long day.

The best way to see Kenting is to hire a car or get the bus to Kenting from Kaohsiung and hire scooters but do be sure to look into the situation around driving licences. 

Kenting does look beautiful online with incredible white beaches and Kenting Town is full of restaurants and bars, but I heard from 2 different travellers that they didn’t enjoy it that much which is what made me decide not to go.

I don’t think Kenting is a good place for solo travellers to visit in Taiwan due to how to get around, but it does seem good for families or a group.

Recommended days to spend in Kenting National Park: 2-3 days.

16. Green Island

Taiwan is not just about the mainland, there are islands in Taiwan to visit too! Green Island Taiwan is a volcanic island located on the south-east coast of Taiwan and is accessible by boat from Taitung or by plane from Taipei or Taitung airports.

The best way to get around Green Island is by electric scooter, you can explore the island in just a few hours due to its size and explore the beaches on Green island, its local villages and its history at places like the Human Rights Memorial.

Recommended days to spend on Green Island: 2-3 days.

17. Penghu Islands

Located on the western side of Taiwan are the  Penghu Islands which are one of Taiwan’s best-kept secrets! The Penghu Islands are made up of 90 islands, although a number of these are uninhabited. Things to do in Penghu Island include surfing and windsurfing in its awesome waves. Penghu also has the world’s first submarine postbox you can dive or underwater helmet-walk to send a waterproof postcard.

Recommended days to spend in Penghu Islands: 2-3 days.

18. Keelung

Keelung is in the very North of Taiwan and is another Taiwanese port city. I docked here for a day on a cruise trip around Japan.

There are a few things to do in Keelung like visiting Temples , Chung Cheng Park , an abandoned building and it’s night market but in all honesty, there are not many tourist attractions in Keelung so if you are on a tight itinerary for Taiwan , I’d recommend leaving Keelung or going on a day trip from Taipei to Keelung as there are much better cities in Taiwan to visit.

Experience Keelung on foot with a local, savoring Taiwanese street food at the Night Market, featuring delicacies like herbal tea and curry noodles.

Recommended days to spend in Keelung: 0.5-1 day.

How to Get Around Taiwan?

Trains in taiwan.

Now you know the best places to visit in Taiwan, how easy is it to get around Taiwan?

It’s actually very easy! Taiwan is connected by train the whole way around the island . There are train lines that loop of the outer edge of the island. Trains in Taiwan are fairly inexpensive (not like Japan!), and for most train journeys in Taiwan, you can choose from the TRA which is a local train but is still very quick and comfy, or HSR which is the high-speed rail train. The high-speed trains in Taiwan are extremely fast and they do cost more than the TRA. However, due to the small size of Taiwan, all trains will take between 1-4 hours.

For tourists in Taiwan you can buy train packages like this which give you unlimited train travel in Taiwan for a certain amount of days:

3 Day Tourist Rail Pass for Taiwan’s High-Speed Trains.

5 Day Tourist Rail Pass for Taiwan’s Local and High-Speed Trains.

You can also buy train tickets online via Klook for Taiwan’s trains for example:

High-Speed Train from Taipei to Taichung.

High-Speed Train from Taipei to Tainan.

12GO Asia is another way you can book trains in Taiwan and check the running schedule. 12GO Asia is the biggest transport booking platform in Asia, so book your Taiwan train here !

Buses are another way to get around Taiwan and buses connect all of the major cities . For example, Taipei to Taichung is a popular bus route in Taiwan.

TAIWAN ITINERARY HELP

Here are my top Taiwan itinerary posts to help your plan your trip:

• 1 week Taiwan Itinerary!
• 18 Best Places to Visit in Taiwan!
• How to Plan a Trip to Taiwan!

TAIWAN ON A BUDGET

Taiwan isn’t the cheapest country but it’s not the most expensive either and can be travelled on a reasonable budget. Here’s my post on the cost of travel in Taiwan and how to travel Taiwan on a budget !

Car Hire in Taiwan

Hiring a car in Taiwan is very popular, the roads and driving in Taiwan is extremely good, not like many other Asian countries which foreigners can find hard to drive in. I met a few people who had hired a car in Taiwan so I recommend looking into this to give yourself total freedom.

When it comes to getting around Taiwan cities, as mentioned above, Taipei and Kaohsiung have the MRT metro which is easy and reliant to use. Other cities without a metro have a bus system, Uber also works in most places in Taiwan.

To get around on public transport in Taiwan you’ll need an EasyCard which can be used throughout the country.

If you are flying into Taoyuan Taipei Airport you can buy an EasyCard and Sim Card package deal at the airport to save you time and hassle!

Best Time of Year to Visit Taiwan

I have visited Taiwan in March and early November which are both great times to visit Taiwan as the weather was good, not wet and not too hot.

In the summer months, Taiwan gets extremely hot and sweaty as well as bringing rainy season with it so summer in Taiwan is not a good time of year to travel to Taiwan. In winter in Taiwan, the country cools down, especially in Taipei in the North however it doesn’t get too cold.

The best months to visit Taiwan are during Spring and Autumn I say

• More of my Taiwan Posts:
•   2 Week Taiwan Itinerary!
• 1 Week Taiwan Itinerary!
• ALL TAIWAN POSTS

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Friday 27th of December 2019

Dear Ellie, I just found your amazing blogs and vlogs! I will be going to Taiwan in April and I will be definitely sourcing from your precious articles. Also, you gave me lot of courage to travel solo since all my family is scared about it. I love your style of travelling. Thank you so much! I would have one question.. do you recommend any site for searching the train/ bus timetable? I will not rent a car and would like to round the island clockwise :) Have a great travels and thank you for inspiring! Simona (Prague)

TheWanderingQuinn

Tuesday 7th of January 2020

Hello, this is so nice to hear and thank you for letting me know. Taiwan is so incredibly safe and the people are really nice so you will be fine. To be honest, I have always found it hard to find train times online, I don't think people book them online there. The best thing to do is to go to the station when you arrive and ask then and book a ticket for a few days time. It seems like everyone does it and I have never had a problem with trains or buses being fully booked in advance. :)

Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

10 Best Places to Visit in Taiwan

Located to the southeast of China , the island nation of Taiwan is one of the most densely populated countries in the world and its bustling and vibrant cities are full of beautiful old temples, fantastic museums and lively night markets which offer up a stunning array of delicious cuisines. Away from its busy streets, many visitors enjoy exploring Taiwan’s incredible nature such as the beautiful Sun Moon Lake and spectacular Kinmen Island.

A bastion of democracy and human rights, Taiwan has long been at loggerheads with China which still lays claim to the country and the Taiwanese are friendly and welcoming people who proudly uphold their independence.

With such a vast array of diverse things to do, visitors to Taiwan will have their time cut out trying to fit everything into a memorable trip. Explore this Asian island with our list of the best places to visit in Taiwan.

10. Kaohsiung [SEE MAP]

A bustling city, full of life and energy, Kaohsiung has something for everyone to enjoy and consequently it is a favorite tourist destination with foreigners and locals alike. Acting as both the maritime and industrial hub of the country, it is the third most populous city and commerce and trade have ensured that there is a wide mix of peoples, cultures and communities, which is reflected in the delicious cuisine on offer.

With great weather all year round and beautiful scenery surrounding it, it is a fantastic place to do outdoor activities, and both hiking and cycling will take visitors to many of the best viewpoints. In addition to all of this, Kaohsiung is home to lots of historic sites, and more and more museums are sprouting up each and every year.

9. Wulai [SEE MAP]

Located in the south of New Taipei City, Wulai is home to the Atayal people and is famous throughout Taiwan for its hot springs. As such it is now a tourist town and many people come here to wallow in the warm waters, learn more about the rich indigenous culture and explore the surrounding nature.

With loads of outdoor activities on offer, you can go hiking in the forests, go fishing in the river and also camp amongst the wild while enjoying the delightful scenery. Visitors can also buy some of the indigenous arts and crafts on sale and try some of the local food.

The undoubted highlight of any visit to Wulai is wallowing in the hot springs which are so abundant and the town’s mountainous setting only makes sitting back and taking in the view all the more magical.

8. Kinmen Islands [SEE MAP]

This group of islands is located in between Taiwan and China and is famous for being the site of a battle between the Nationalists and Communists in 1949, although it is now more commonly known as a popular tourist destination.

With loads of lovely scenery to be found on the islands, it is sometimes called ‘the park in the sea’ as there are so many bright flowers, forests and nature reserves for visitors to enjoy, with Kinmen National Park being the most popular on offer.

Historic buildings abound in Kinmen. There is lots of delightful old architecture for tourists to gaze upon, and a number of wonderful beaches can be found scattered about here and there. Famed for its local products and its delicious cuisine, the Kinmen Islands are certainly worth a visit when in Taiwan.

7. Kenting National Park [SEE MAP]

Considered by many to be the oldest national park in the country, Kenting is located in the south of Taiwan on the Hengchun Peninsula, and is a very popular tourist destination. With loads of lovely scenery on offer, visitors mostly come to enjoy the wonderful beaches and the tropical climate that makes it so appealing.

Bathed in beautiful sunshine, Kenting is marvelous to explore and there is loads of fauna and flora on show. One of the must-see attractions is the huge Eluanbi Lighthouse, which towers over its surroundings. A fabulous national park to visit, Kenting also hosts the famous Spring Scream festival which attracts thousands of music lovers every year.

6. Alishan National Scenic Area [SEE MAP]

A wild and wonderful place, the Alishan National Scenic Area is very mountainous and actually contains twenty-five mountains that tower to a height of two thousand meters or more. Exploring the hills, valleys, waterfalls and forests is a magical affair, and the scenery is stupendous to behold.

There are numerous trails and paths that will take you to some of the best viewpoints. A great way to see a lot of the reserve in one go is to take the Alishan Forest Railway, which snakes its way through forests and along mountainsides before stopping off at Fenqihu, a picturesque village with the ruins of a Shinto temple.

Home to the Tsou people who are renowned for their tea making, Alishan is an absolutely gorgeous place to visit and your visit will live long in your memory.

5. Lukang [SEE MAP]

The second oldest town on the island is a mesmerising place to visit, and it is particularly renowned for its delicious local cuisine and stunning architecture.

Located in the northwest of the country, it was once an important seaport and trading center, although its standing has long since declined. Thankfully that has meant that its historic buildings remain intact and there are remarkably over two hundred temples for tourists to visit, with Longshan and Matzu being among the most popular.

There is a wide range of architectural styles on show. Among the dishes that visitors to the city just have to try are the ox tongue cakes and oyster pancakes, which are specialties in the region.

4. Tainan [SEE MAP]

Formerly the capital of imperial Taiwan, this ancient city is well worth a visit and there are loads of interesting sights and cultural landmarks for visitors to enjoy. One of the most popular parts of the city to visit is the Anping District, which is the historic heart of Tainan.

This area has lots of beautiful old temples scattered about, as well as Fort Zeelandia which was built by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century. There are a number of great museums, such as the Chimei and Koxinga Museums, and there is loads of fantastic shopping to be had. Stop off at the night markets for some of the local cuisine.

With lots of lovely nature surrounding Tainan, you can easily take a day trip to the Nanhua or Hutoupi Reservoirs, or even head off to Taijian National Park.

3. Taroko National Park [SEE MAP]

Full of beautiful nature and incredible landscapes, this national park takes its name from that of the impressive gorge that runs through it, and as such it is well worth checking out when in Taiwan. Carved out over centuries and millennia by the winding Liwu River, it is Taroko Gorge that is the undoubted highlight of the area, along with the steep valleys, mountains and more features throughout the park.

With a number of great outdoor activities that visitors can enjoy, you can be river rafting one minute, hiking through the canyons the next and be bathing in the Baiyang Waterfalls later that same day.

The scenery on show is absolutely gorgeous wherever you go, and some of the best views are from the delightful Eternal Spring Shrine and the Swallow Grotto. A great time to visit is during the Taroko Music Festival, when you can explore and experience the culture and traditions of the people and communities that live in the area.

2. Sun Moon Lake [SEE MAP]

The delightfully named Sun Moon Lake is the largest body of water in the country and is a popular tourist destination amongst locals and foreigners alike. As such there are loads of hotels and resorts located along the lake’s shores and there are numerous restaurants, shops and bars that cater to the visitor’s every need.

With lots of outdoor activities on offer, you can go sailing on the lake, go for a delightful hike or bike ride in the hills surrounding it or relax on a boat trip across its tranquil waters and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. In addition to the stunning nature, there are some great temples for visitors to visit and there is also a cable car ride that offers up unforgettable views of the lake below.

1. Taipei [SEE MAP]

The capital of Taiwan is a marvelous place to visit, with a plethora of things for visitors to see and do. It is not only the political and economic hub of the island, but also the cultural one, as there is a lively arts and culture scene.

With an intoxicating mix of old and new to be found in the delicious food and stunning architecture, it is a captivating city to visit. Old temples are located amidst the skyscrapers, and the towering Taipei 101 actually used to be the tallest building in the world.

Fantastic restaurants, shops and bars abound in this bustling city, and there are loads of attractions on offer such as the Taipei Zoo, the Botanical Garden and the wonderful temple of Hsing Tian Kong.

For an authentic look at the local culture, head to the fun and friendly Raohe Street Night Market for some great food and entertainment, while numerous museums such as the National Palace Museum are on hand to help you delve further into the rich cultural heritage of Taiwan. After your time in Taipei, you’ll come away tired but happy at all of the amazing things that you’ve seen and done.

Map of Taiwan

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Must-Visit Attractions in Taiwan

Visitors to Taiwan are spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do and places of incredible natural beauty to visit on the island – with so many attractions, it’s hard to figure out what to see. Let us do the hard work for you, with our list of the most beautiful tourist spots in Taiwan.

Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? Book now and join one of our premium small-group tours to discover the world like never before.

The one-time tallest building in the world may no longer be a record holder, but it is still one of Taiwan’s most impressive buildings and well worth a visit. The 728-ton mass damper that allows the building to survive the island’s many earthquakes is an amazing piece of engineering and can be seen from various points within the building.

Home to one of the largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts, the National Palace Museum offers a look into imperial China’s past. The many thousands of items on display were rescued by Chiang Kai-Shek’s government as they fled mainland China during the cultural revolution.

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Taroko Gorge

A couple of hours’ train ride from Taipei lies Taroko National Park, home to one of the most visited natural wonders in Taiwan. Take the trail to the Eternal Spring Shrine which features a stunning waterfall.

Yushan National Park

Another of the most beautiful national parks in Taiwan , Yushan National Park is the setting for the country’s tallest mountain along with several other picturesque peaks such as Sanqingshan.

Alishan Scenic Mountain Area

Alishan’s mountain railway is an ever popular tourist destination with both local and foreign tourists. The train winds its way to the top of the mountain where there are plenty of easy hiking trails that offer fantastic photo opportunities.

Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake is the largest body of water in Taiwan and a great destination for a short trip. There are scores of hotels located around the lake which is busy with yachts taking tourists from one side to the other. There is also a cable car here that takes you to the Formosa Aboriginal Culture Village.

This well-known spot is one of the best places in Taipei to enjoy a cup of tea. The incredible scenery is worth the trip alone, but it is perhaps the gondola ride from the zoo to Maokong which has made it one of the most popular day trips to make during a stay in Taipei.

Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

Located on the edge of Lotus Lake, a scenic area in the heart of Kaohsiung, these two pagodas are possibly the most popular attractions in the port city. Visitors enter the temples through the dragon’s and tiger’s mouths and can enjoy a view of the lake from the top of each tower.

Maolin National Scenic Area

South of Kaohsiung lies the region known as Maolin National Scenic Area. This is where you’ll find Purple Butterfly Valley, the wintering home for a million Euploeini butterflies. An incredible sight to behold if you’re lucky enough to arrive at the right time of the year.

Rainbow Village

This colorful neighborhood was the brainchild of local man Huang Yung-Fu. He decided that the ex-military village he lived in was too drab and so took a few paintbrushes to the walls – he hasn’t yet stopped.

Miramar ferris wheel

Located in the Miramar Entertainment Park, the Miramar ferris wheel dominates the local skyline. And with very few tall buildings to obstruct the scenery, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city.

One of Taiwan’s most popular weekend trips is a trip to the archipelago of Penghu. This sandy tropical paradise has plenty of beaches scattered throughout its islands and is a must for seafood lovers.

Shilin Night Market

There are plenty of night markets located throughout the country, but one of the most famous and easily accessed is Shilin Night Market. There’s an incredible selection of the best street food on offer, while the shops and stands are packed with bargains.

If street food gets your mouth watering then you should book a spot on our Epic Trip in Vietnam , where you’ll get to go on street food tours of both Hanoi and Hue City.

Yangmingshan geysers

Yangmingshan National Park is the most conveniently located of Taiwan’s national parks just a short bus ride outside Taipei city. The park is home to a dormant volcano which is why there are so many hot springs in the area. Xiaoyoukeng is the best place to see the geysers – there is also a visitor center, and several pathways and hiking trails.

Longshan Temple

Built in the 1700s, this Buddhist temple is now home to many gods from neighboring temples that were demolished. The temple survived an air raid during World War II and is one of the most popular temples on the island.

Chimei Museum

This private museum was established by the Chimei corporation in 1992 but moved to its current location in 2014 and contains a large collection of Western art, musical instruments, and weapons. Its design is heavily influenced by European architecture, making it one of a kind in Taiwan.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Taipei, the main feature of this hall is the large statue of Chiang Kai-shek, flanked by an honor guard. Visitors can watch the changing of the guard at set times during the day.

Kenting Street

Popular among locals as a beach holiday destination, Kenting National Park is home to waterfalls, hiking trails, and forests. But it is the beach areas near Kenting Street that are a must-see for lovers of sun, sea, and sand.

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Even for those with no interest in Buddhism, this museum is impressive. The Buddha statue on the museum and the pagodas lining the avenue are alone worth the trip to Kaohsiung.

Fort Zeelandia

Built in the 1600s by the Dutch East India Company, this former Dutch stronghold was a place of import during their rule over the western part of the island in the 17th century. The fort is now restored to its former glory and is one of Tainan’s most popular attractions.

Planning a visit to Asia? We have a wide variety of incredible trips for you, from the jungles and beaches of Thailand to the neon lights of Japan.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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The 15 Perfect Places To Visit In Taiwan

Having a rich number of mountains, beaches, canyons, and food, Taiwan attracts a massive number of tourists each year. The East Asian Island has it all to capture your attention.

September to November are the best months to lay your foot there. Having chilly, pleasant, and dry surroundings, you will surely enjoy visiting it more than usual.

You can go around enjoying their culture, architects, history and many more. What’s more interesting is that you can get a visa-free trip if you stay there for a short period.

The number of places to visit in Taiwan is uncountable. This article will give you information regarding every attractive spot you can find on this Island. So, let’s get into it. Why is Taiwan a trip-friendly country? Before knowing where to go, how about knowing why to go? Well, there are so many reasons why your trip to Taiwan won’t be disappointing. Here are some of them.

WHAT IS COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE?

Why Should You Visit Taiwan?

Low crime rate

Having a low crime rate, Taiwan is the second safest country to visit. Although crimes like drugs, vandalism, robbery, bribery, and others exist, the rate is unnoticeable. So, you are not threat-prone when you visit this place.

Friendly people

Taiwanese people are extremely friendly and hospitable. They are polite and help their tourists. These people are honest enough to take your belongings to the nearest police station if they get a grab on them.

Some of them learned English to communicate and guide the tourists.

Captivating Sceneries

Taiwan is rich with scenery that will mesmerize its tourists. The country is green because it consists of forests in every nook and corner. If you are a mountain, hill, and forest lover, your eyes will get blessed by its greenery.

Great transportation system

If you are scared of going east to west or north to south in a new place, don’t worry. Taiwan has one of the safest public transportation. Once you get a good idea about it, you can travel all alone. There are plenty of rails and buses for you to hop on.

Lovely festivals

Their colorful festivals around the year will fascinate you a lot.

Around January and February, they hold a lantern festival. On this occasion, they release paper lanterns in the air.

They have an annual folk fest called Matsu Pilgrimage that gets hosted in March. They cover 300 kilometers in only nine days.

The Dragon Boat Festival in June takes place in local rivers.

Delicious foods

Taiwanis famous for its variety of cuisines and food. There are so many street food markets with their unique dishes. The stinky tofu, bubble tea, braised pork rice, and mango shaved ice are a blast to eat. But the highlights are undoubtedly beef noodles and seafood.

There are so many mysterious outlying Islands in Taiwan. So many tourists visit these every year that they are not damaged.

Ludao (known as the Green Island) is known for saltwater. Lanyu (Orchid Island) is known for its volcanic land. 

The oldest villages on these Islands are historical.

Great place for hiking

You will get top-notch hiking places in Taiwan. It consists of two-thirds of the mountains which makes it a hiking paradise. Jade Mountain and Snow mountains are the tallest ones in Taiwan. If you are a hardcore hiker, you can choose one of these.

Beautiful temples

Taiwan is full of beautiful temples built up to maintain culture and worship. Longshan and Guandu are the famous ones with metro systems.

Besides you can find so many more small, big, attractive temples around there.

Filled with museums

This beautiful land is filled with numerous museums. The National Palace Museum is considered to be the best of all.

Other museums give a variety of religious, cultural, and scientific visuals.

What are the best places to visit in Taiwan? 

There are literally so many places to visit in Taiwan . You can continue to go on visiting one after another yet the list won’t come to an end. To make your trip a bit easier, here’s a list of the top attractive places to visit in Taiwan .

It is the capital of Taiwan. This city is mesmerizing to take a stroll around. It is the center of the economy and politics of Taiwan. However, it is also filled with culture, festivals, architecture, etc. 

The main attraction of this city is Taipei 101 . Built in the year 2004, it earned the fame of being the tallest building in the world. You can take a look at the stunning old temples situated amongst the skyscrapers in this building.

Besides, you can find delicious food in restaurants, bars, and shops around the city. Taipei zoo is one of the most attractive tourist places in this area. Moreover, there is a botanical garden for botany lovers.

Not to exclude, the temple of Hsing Tian Kong earned quite a fame from its tourists. And do you know the best part? These captivating places are on offer.

In fact, there are nighttime street markets as well as so many museums. The National palace museum is here. You can get exhausted from taking a tour in Taipei, but it will surely be worth it.

2. Sun moon lake

Located in Nantou, a couple of hours away from Taipei city, Sun moon lake is an extraordinary tourist place. It is said to be the largest water body in Taiwan.

The place is named Sun Moon lake because the west of it depicts the sun, and the east resembles the moon.

You will find parks, forests, hotels, and yachts helping tourists move from one place to the other. Besides, you can go for a cable car ride to see the entire view of the lake. Or you can also take a ferry ride to enjoy the visuals.

As there are hills around it, you can go hiking. But in case you are a lazy person, you can choose to enjoy the boat ride on the lake. Moreover, you can also visit the temples nearby. They are the definition of beauty. The interesting part is that it remains open 24/7, and the entry is absolutely free.

3. Rainbow Village

It is an ex-military village. A former soldier named Huang Yung-Fu decided to paint the neighborhood to give it life. He turned it into an art with paintings of birds, animals, people, and other things. His artistic values turned it into a tourist place.

Although there is nothing mentionable to see here, a stroll around the colorful streets and houses will surely soothe your eyes. If you go to Taiwan, you should at least go once to Rainbow village. You need to reach408, Taiwan, the Taichung City of the Nantun District for a visit here.You require no entry free to go there and the visit hours are 8 in the morning to 6 in the evening.

4. Longshan Temple

Chinese settlers from Fujian built this temple in the 18th century. During world war two, it got away with an air raid. It now has many gods who got demolished with the temples in the neighborhood. It is one of the top-most places to visit in Taiwan.

If you are into religion or need spiritual peace, you must pay a visit here once. Moreover, it serves many religions and sets a unique example of unity.

Are you a weird lover of different kinds of smells? If yes, you will get intoxicated by the smell of incense sticks out there. In fact, the wooden design in the interior is very beautiful.

They have a belief in finding answers. According to them, when you roll two wooden blocks and they reach the ground, you will find the answer to the question you had back then. This place is situated in No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10853.

It is the oldest city in Taiwan. The city is full of folk cultures, cuisines, temples, etc. And if you are a music lover, be glad to know that it is filled with pieces of music. The museums and parks around there are amazing to pay a visit to.

You can visit the Taiwan Confucian temple. It protects the values of ancient Confucian values and cultures. They keep the necessary musical instruments in the storeroom and perform rituals there.

Besides, you will find the National Museum of Taiwan history and literature and the national cheng Chung university museum. Fort provinta (also known as chikan tower), built in 1653, is another tourist spot in Tainan. You can have tons of shopping and recreation out there. It has boutiques, stores, and shopping malls all across the city. They hold a firework festival with beehives.

This place is undoubtedly a national scenic area. The transparent sea water will mesmerize your eyes to its finest. The striking cliffs out there look amazing. You can chill on the pure beaches. Also, what’s more, soothing to the eyes than a place with blue water and a beautiful blue sky?

It has many temples worth a visit. There are beautiful Chinese style-homes. And if you are a foodie, the seafood caters will not disappoint you for sure.

7. The high-heel church

This building gives off a striking vibe because of its design and architectural polishing. It was formerly built up with the heel shape for women as a church. However, due to its eye-catching design, it turned into a photoshoot and wedding spot.

Once you go there, you will see the maple leaf and loveseat benches designs. Talking about the location, it’s here at Haixing Street, Budai Township, Chiayi County, Taiwan 625.

8. The National Palace Museum

It is one of the biggest museums in the world which flexes Chinese artworks. It has almost 8 lacs of ancient pieces of artworks preserved there for display.

These ancient masterpieces include paintings, statues, jades, calligraphy, and much more. Jadeite Cabbage is the most demanding masterpiece kept on display all the time. Fortunately, they will provide you with an English tour guide.

The museum remains closed on Monday. And it is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening. However, you need to pay an entry fee of 350 US dollars per person. This museum is located in No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111.

The Japanese built this ancient Jiufen town. Earlier, people knew it as a gold mining town. It is located in the east of Taipei in the Ruifang District. This city is filled with a vast history and ancient buildings. Do you remember the famous movie spirited away?

They say the buildings in it were inspired by Jiufen city. You will find many tea houses and narrow alleys out there. There are streetfoods stalls also. The Shengping Theater is a tourist attraction. It was built in the 1990s.

10. Alishan National Scenic Area

If you are a nature lover, this is a must-to-go place for you. Its cloud-ringed peak is a blessing to the eyes. Besides, the green valleys look astonishing.

It is situated in central Taiwan. This place is home to tea trees. They planted the trees around the hill, and you will also see some clearings. This place is perfect for hiking. And the more you will hike through it, the more surprises you will find.

There are many more breathtaking plantations around the valley. On top of that, you will run into the Tsou people. They are friendly and hospitable. They offer tea to their guests. And their tea is delicious as they have their own recipe (sometimes even with fruits).

11. Taroko National park

This place is, of course, the best go-to spot for mountain lover people. Mountains continuously raised their heads and made the place so captivating.

Located in Taroko George, it is not any less beautiful than the six other national parks in the country. The park’s name is derived from the George running through it.

You can drive around the place to enjoy the breathtaking view. In fact, cycling around the place might be a better idea. Over the Eternal Spring, there’s a shrine worth seeing. It depicts honor to the veterans of world war ii.

You can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking through the canyons or you can go river rafting. Not to skip the highlight, taking a bath in the Baiyang Waterfalls will give you a chill you never asked for. If you want to see the majestic views of this park, lay your feet on the Eternal Spring Shrine and the Swallow Grotto. Also, you can be a part of their Taroko music festivals. Their culture and hospitality will surely make you happy.

12. Yangmingshan National Park

It is situated outside of Taipei and is one of the most beautiful national parks in Taiwan (out of 8 others). This is a natural place with beauty all around it. There are so many beautiful flowers out there. Besides, you will find waterfalls and lakes in Yangmingshan park. There are also ridges and hillocks all over the park.

The dream lake full of serene water is a treat to the eyes. To add, the volcanic Xiaoyoukeng peak is equally attractive. As a tourist, you can go fishing, hiking, or swimming in the park. You can surely explore the place a lot and the experience will be one of the most satisfying.

13. Beitou Hot Springs

This place is one of the extremely relaxing spots in Taiwan. You must visit this scenic area to calm and ease your mind, to take a break from exhaustion.

Situated in North Taipei, this hot spring came into existence by being on the top of two continental plate fault lines.

There are private baths for people who want it their way. But if you run low on budget, there are public baths too. However, you have to wear a swimsuit in public baths, unlike the private ones.

There are a total of six pools there. Out of the six pools, 4 are hot springs and 2 are cold springs. They have flowers all around them.

You have to pay an entry fee of 40 dollars here. It is open every day of the week. However, the timings differ.

14. Kaohsiung

It is one of the most desired tourist places for foreigners and locals. This city always has something to offer to the people which makes it unique.

You will feel lively and energetic in this vibrant city full of peace. This city grabbed third place for being the most populous in Taiwan.

They have indulged in trade and commerce so much that you can see the effect on their mixed culture and cuisines. The good news for food lovers is that there are cuisines on offer.

Kaohsiung offers the most beautiful weather and scenery around the year. You can go hiking and cycling through the city to enjoy its views the most.

This city is full of history. Over time, more and more museums are growing over there.

15. Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

It is also known as Dragon Tiger Tower. These pair of towers are ancient Chinese temples. The buildings look mesmerizing with the mixture of red and yellow color tiles on them. Its interior is designed with paintings related to history. It is located in Zuoying, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The tower remains open all days of the week starting from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening.

Top 5 night markets of Taiwan

Night markets are one of the most attractive places to visit in Taiwan offering diversified foods and cuisines to their customers. There are notably more than 70-night markets in Taiwan. However, most of them are in Taipei. If you are a nighttime owl, here are some of the mentionable night markets in Taiwan for you to take a stroll.

1. Shilin Night Market

Situated in the Shilin district of Taipei, it is known as the biggest night market in Taiwan. It opens at 4 PM. This market has many food trucks, small restaurants, and other shops with items inedible for sale. It is famous for bubble tea, oyster omelet, stinky tofu, Taiwanese tempura, and many other dishes.

• Address: No. 101, Jihe Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
• Phone : +886 2 2881 5557

2. Raohe Night Market

This night market is about 600 meters long. There are like three sections in the market. You will find daily necessary items in the first sections of the carts. You will get a grab on the physical goods( flowers, bouquets, etc.) in the second section.

Finally, in the third section, you will find food with amazing cuisines and fruits.

Their pepper buns, pork sparerib noodle/soup, Japanese steak, and fried milk got the attention of many customers.

• Address: Raohe St, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
• Mobile: +886 2 2766 8876

3. Ningxia Night Market

Customers get really excited every time they get a grab on the farm animals out there. Though the place is small, their food is delicious. Lemon aiyu, mango shaved ice, and chicken cutlets are the heartthrob of that place. Every food and fruit smells heavenly. The restaurant opens at 5 pm and shuts down at 1 am.

• Address: 103, Taiwan, Taipei City, Datong District, Ningxia Rd, 寧夏夜市
• Phone: +886 987 456 794

4. Shida Night Market

Located in District, Taipei, Shida Night market has 4-star reviews. It has outstanding foods, restaurants, and clothing stores for its customers. Pork buns, pineapple buns, creepers, etc. are their signature dishes. It opens at 4 pm.

• Address: Lane 39, Shida Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
• Phone:   +886 901 111 319

5. Guangzhong Street Market

This market is very vibrant with its diversified arrangements for its guests. You can find many kinds of food vendors, shops, restaurants, and game-in in the Guanzhong market. Fried eggs and fish flour mixed with wasabi or red sauce caught the attention of many guests.

• Address: Guangzhou St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
• Phone: +886 2 2550 5220

Hopefully, this article helped you to know which places to visit in Taiwan to enjoy your best. 

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Beyond Taipei, these are the cities in Taiwan that deserve a place in your itinerary

Taiwan has held on to its reputation as a vacation favourite, especially for Asians in the region. In 2018, the diverse state attracted 11 million tourists, and the number is only set to rise in time to come. Taiwan’s capital city, Taipei, has long held the most appeal for travellers, given its status as a progressive metropolis where quality food , shopping options and cultural richness coalesce.

Beyond the capital’s borders, the nation has a wider spectrum of treasures for the ardent tourist to discover, should they be willing to venture out of Taipei. We aren’t just referring to its famed natural wonders, such as the misty ridges of the iconic Jade Mountains or its picturesque national parks. There are a handful of other cities in Taiwan that gives one a renewed perspective of just how much the country has to offer.

We round up our four favourites worth putting into your Taiwan travel itinerary.

On the surface, Taichung looks like a mirror image of Taipei. It is a vibrant city with skyscraping buildings and the 24-hour rush one experiences with its sibling. However, being in Taichung and immersing yourself in its quarters reveals the city to be a dense playground of national culture, history, and a fair amount of quintessentially Taiwanese quirks.

Everyone knows Taichung for Sun Moon Lake and the temples as well as the pagodas in the area, but few will ever realise Taichung has a thriving street art scene if one doesn’t enter the city itself. Up-and-coming destination, Rainbow Village, is one such example. Situated at the west of Taichung, the cluster of 1,200 homes is a whirlwind of kaleidoscopic artwork. The charming visual explosion guises a backstory of one war veteran’s quest to assuage his boredom by painting his neighbourhood before the government demolished the area, though thankfully it is now ordained as a cultural site to be preserved.

Taichung is also where bubble milk tea was invented, purportedly in the Chun Shi Tang tea house, so make your way there to pay homage to that beloved beverage.

Think of Kaosiung as a city where everything you’d expect from Taiwan manifests sans the heaving crowds. Parked in Southern Taiwan, this municipality is mostly known for its massive harbour and maritime industry but is also stacked with attractions that can occupy you for an age.

Its numerous night markets are a wonder of their own, worthy rivals to Taipei’s signature Shilin and Raohe, while a dense collection of parks and museums within the city grounds gives you the opportunity to explore the natural and the historical, whenever you fancy. Kaohsiung is also visually arresting in many ways, not in the least because it is the home to the world’s largest public glass work of art known as the Dome of Light.

Keelung is a geographically unique bay city, given that it is flanked by mountains and the Eastern sea. Its strategic location has made Keelung a key destination to experience Taiwan’s historical wealth, given that it has burgeoned throughout time under the rule of the Dutch, Spanish and Japanese.

For military geeks, there are a number of forts dating back to the Qing Dynasty scattered around the city. Lovers of indigenous tradition can flock to Mazu Temple, the largest and oldest temple in all of Taiwan built in the name of the Taoist sea goddess. No trip to Keelung is complete without a night spent at Miaokou, the city’s flagship night market that boasts fresh and affordable seafood everywhere you turn.

Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and now stands as its cultural locus, so a trip there is a lesson in how the country came to be. There are numerous temples that chart the spread of Taoism and Confucianism throughout the area, as well as Fort Zeelandia, a former Dutch fortification built in 1653 that now stands as the grounds for weekend markets and carnivals for locals.

Apart from monuments, Tainan is also the home to two crucial museums — the National Museum of Taiwan History and the National Museum of Taiwan Literature, both giving visitors an insight to the nation’s lengthy past.

Getting there

Like Japan, Taiwan has an inter-city railway system, the Taiwan High Speed Rail, that offers affordable means to get around. If the railway does not go to the city you desire, inter-city buses are also available.

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Features Editor

Beatrice Bowers writes about beauty, drinks, and other nice things. When not bound to her keyboard, she moonlights as a Niffler for novels and can be found en route to bankruptcy at your nearest bookstore. Don't tell her boss.

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12 Best Places to Visit in Taiwan

Taiwan is a small island to the east of China that has become a huge travel destination. With the scenic mountains, beautiful bodies of water, and tasty food, it’s easy to see why more and more people choose to visit Taiwan every year.

If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan, odds are that the Taoyuan International Airport will be your first stop. Thus, the Taoyuan airport review can be a useful resource for information on all the airport has to offer and for getting into Taipei.

Where to go in Taiwan

Taiwan might be small, but there are plenty of interesting attractions in Taipei (the nation’s capital), and even more if you venture around the island. With so many forests, beaches, hot springs, museums, and other amazing attractions, you’re going to have a long list of things to see and explore during your trip to Taiwan.

The problem is that deciding what to do and see when you visit Taiwan can be a challenge. There are so many jaw-dropping landscapes, historical museums with fascinating artifacts, and other attractions to choose from. I’ve been there, which is why I wrote this article.

Read on to find out what I consider to be the best places to go in Taiwan.

Map of the best places to visit in Taiwan

Depending on your travel style, you can take a guided tour, use my pre-done 14-day Taiwan plan , or design your own itinerary. Although you’re probably better off with a guided tour if you have limited time, because they plan everything. Example: This tour shows you many top places in Taiwan in only 5 days, including Sun Moon Lake, Foguangshan, Kaohsiung, Kenting, Taitung, the East Coast, and Taroko.

Whichever way you choose to travel, you won’t go wrong if you add some of these must-see attractions to your itinerary.

ⓘ TIP: For more about getting around in Taiwan, read this article .

1. Shilin Night Market

Taiwanese culture wouldn’t be the same without its night markets, and Shilin Night Market is the oldest, largest, and most well-known night market in Taipei. Located  close to MRT Jiantan Station, it is a maze of sprawling alleyways packed with all manner of food and merchandise vendors, quaint shops, and carnival games.

The centerpiece of the market is a food court with 539 stalls, offering a variety of dishes to appeal to every food craving. Some of the more interesting menu offerings include lemon aiyu jelly, fried fish balls, stinky tofu, Fuzhou Ancestor Pepper Pie, Hometown Barbecue Chicken, Good Friend Cold Noodles, and Jian Ji Papaya Milk.

Stroll along the maze of dense alleys and what you will find might surprise you. It is the perfect spot to learn about the food and culture of the Taiwanese people.

ⓘ TIP:  For other city highlights, read 8 Best Things to See in Taipei in One Day. It visits the most popular tourist attractions, such as Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum, as well as several other iconic sights.

2. Fulong Beach

If you want to experience the beaches of Taiwan, this is the beach to go to. Golden beaches are rare in Taiwan, and this beach is covered with beautiful gold sand.

Only an hour east of Taipei, this beach is a favorite for locals and tourists during the summer, and concerts and events often occur on the beach.

3. Shei-Pa National Park

Taiwan is known for its lush greenery, and the Shei-Pa National Park is a great place for anyone interested in seeing the natural side of the country.

Encompassing over 50 peaks of Hsuchshan and Dabajian Mountains, this park has some of the best alpine scenery in Taiwan. Its 768-sq-km area is filled with hot springs, rivers, rare animals, and native plants. Much of it is prohibited to ordinary travelers, but there are three sections you are permitted to enter: the forest recreation areas of Wuling, Guanwu and Xuejian.

If you’re a hiker or enjoy camping, Shei-Pa National Park is even more of a must. It offers some fantastic multi-day trails that lead deep into the rugged interior of the park.

4. Wuling Farm, Heping

Wuling Farm is also known as Wuling Forest Recreational Area. It may be a part of Shei-Pa on paper, but Wuling Farm has more to offer than nature.

Take the trails to view the scenic flower gardens, a vegetable plantation, fruit orchards, a tea plantation, and fish farming. This is a great way to see another aspect of Taiwanese life while still experiencing breathtaking views and a little history.

The cherry blossom and tea garden in Wuling Farm was created in 1963 as a place where retired servicemen could find employment. Now it is a beautiful farm that offers camping grounds for people to stay on during their visit.

5. Taroko National Park, Xiulin County

Arguably the most popular tourist destination among the nine national parks in Taiwan, Taroko National Park is the most visited spot on the east coast.

Taroko is a favorite day trip from Taipei, as well, mainly because of its landmark Taroko Gorge. One of Asia’s 7 wonders, this amazing canyon features marble cliffs, deep winding tunnels, and an enchanting river flowing through the bottom.

Another of the park’s most picturesque spots is the Eternal Spring Shrine. The classic shrine is a memorial for veterans and worth a stop for its beautiful views of the mountains and never-ending waterfall.

ⓘ TIP:  Get Your Guide offers a variety of day trips to Taroko Gorge .

7. Sun Moon Lake, Nantou County

Ask any local to name the best places to visit in Taiwan, and Sun Moon Lake will always make the list. Known for its beautiful, clear blue water, this lake has a romantic feel and is a favorite spot for couples and honeymooners.

Many of the attractions here are run by an aboriginal tribe who have inhabited the area for centuries. This is a must-go location for any couple.

7. Shanlinxi Forest Recreation Area

Shanlinxi Forest Recreation Area offers hotels, restaurants, shops and stores that visitors can enjoy during their visit. With bus touring and hiking paths, people can enjoy the waterfalls, caves, greenhouses, and other features that this area offers.

This is an ideal destination for anyone who wants to make more than a day trip and wants to see the nature of Taiwan.

8. Alishan National Scenic Area

Located in the Alishan Mountains, this scenic area is home to Tsou aboriginal villages, highly regarded for their tea making. This area allows you to take in the local nature of Taiwan including the fallen Alishan Sacred Tree.

With the Alishan Forest Railway, a narrow train makes its way through the forest as well. Enjoy the tropical views and beautiful mountains in this location.

9. Guanziling Hot Spring, Tainan City

Fire and Water Cave is a geological phenomenon and is the most interesting, if not one of the best things to see in Taiwan. This cave outflows with a combination of methane gas and hot spring water, creating a fire which burns on water!

This popular hot spring is located in Tainan City. It has been attracting people for almost three centuries.

10. Chimei Museum

Of all the things to do in Tainan, Chimei Museum is a must-see attraction, especially if you’re interested in art.

This privately owned museum has five exhibits spanning a wide range of interests. The Western Art exhibit features a large collection of weapons, paintings, and sculptures. Other sections include Natural History, Antiquities and Artifacts, Arms and Armour, and Musical Instruments. The latter exhibit showcases one of the largest violin collections in the world.

11. Fort Zeelandia Museum

Tainan City’s Fort Zeelandia was built between 1624-1634 by the Dutch East India Company. During the 17th century, it became a vital transit city. It is now a museum where people can experience and learn about different aspects of history and Taiwanese culture.

If you’re wanting to learn more about the history of Taiwan, this is a great place to go. You will learn a lot while taking in all the historical artifacts and one-of-a-kind views.

12. National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium

This museum and aquarium is located in Checneny Township and displays three exhibits to inform visitors about different aspects of marine life. The three pavilions are

• Water of Taiwan, which covers the native marine life of Taiwan.
• Coral Kingdom, which showcases coral reef habitats.
• World Waters, which discusses the ancient oceans during the beginning of Earth’s history.

This is a great location for families or anyone interested in learning about Taiwan’s aquatic life.

These are some of the top Taiwan attractions

If you’re planning your next trip or heading to Taiwan soon, consider adding these 12 spots to your itinerary. You are sure to have a memorable visit.

Every place on this list offers you a diverse experience that will make your trip to Taiwan unforgettable. With a wide range of things to do there is sure to be something on this list for everyone to enjoy.

Where to stay in Taiwan

Explore the best of Taiwan and find the perfect place to stay with this easy-to-use search widget.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Taiwan

When is the best time to visit taiwan.

The best times to visit Taiwan are in the spring (February–April) and fall (October–December). You can take advantage of the warm, subtropical weather and some of Taiwan’s best events during these two seasons, which bookend the hot summer and typhoon season.

Is Taiwan cheap to travel?

Taiwan is a cheap place to travel, especially if you plan ahead. Taiwan is less expensive than Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan, but not as cheap as Vietnam, Malaysia, or Indonesia. Apart from hotels, Taiwan is also cheaper than South Korea, except when it comes to lodging.

How much should I budget for a trip to Taiwan?

Most visitors spend around NT$2,920 ($97) per day on average, although much depends on your travel style. Backpackers have reported spending as little as $599.82 in 27 days.

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Written by James Wilson

James Wilson is the founder of Gotoawesomeplaces , where he shares his experiences about traveling, destination information, and adventures. Visiting Go to Awesome Places will help make your trip easier and give you more bonding experiences.

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4 thoughts on “12 best places to visit in taiwan”.

All the places mentioned in this post are amazing. Nature lovers must visit Wuling Farm to see the full greenery.

Thanks for the tip!

I kind of miss some spot in the east side of the country. Taroko National Park comes to my mind as a likely must see everybody should think to visit in Taiwan. I would add some of the amazing hikes Taiwan can offer…it is indeed a fantastic country for mountain lovers!

Thanks – we always appreciate new ideas!

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Best Places To Visit In Taiwan: Where to go in Taiwan as per a local

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission (for which I am deeply grateful) at no additional cost to you.

If you’re planning your first trip to Taiwan, one of the very first things you’re probably wondering is where to go in Taiwan + what to see and do. Well, the opportunities for the best places to visit in Taiwan are endless.

Taiwan boasts a fascinating culture, deep-rooted history, mind-blowing landscapes, and, of course, a booming food scene. While most travelers only spend a few short days in Taipei , there’s so much more to see and do further afield. From bustling cities, gorgeous hiking trails, and dreamy beaches and mountains – Taiwan has something for every kind of traveler! And, if you’re looking for a completely unique travel experience, there’s no better place to find just that than in Taiwan!

Where to go in Taiwan: Top 10 Places to Visit in Taiwan

In this guide, I’ll cover the best places to visit in Taiwan from a local perspective. You’ll have a chance to discover beautiful architecture, dive into the culture, witness stunning landscapes and, of course, try some great food! That said, to fully enjoy all of the island’s best bits, make sure to spend at least two weeks in Taiwan .

Here’s my detailed list of the top places to visit in Taiwan.

Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge, situated in the east of Taiwan, is revered as the top tourist attraction in Taiwan. And for an excellent reason. The beautiful 19-km canyon boasts dramatic cliffs, hidden temples, and several hiking trails differing in length and difficulty. It’s full of eye-popping scenery and incredible nature, making it well worth the 2-hour train journey from Taipei.

While you don’t necessarily need to be a serious hiker to enjoy Taroko’s magnificent beauty, hiking at least one or two of the trails is a huge must. Start by hiking the beautiful Eternal Spring Trail. It’s a relatively short trail that shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes to complete. What really makes this trail so unique is that it’s cut out on the edge of a mountain and leads to a quaint little temple built right above a waterfall. Further afield, the Swallow Grotto Trail offers gorgeous views no matter which way you turn while the Shakadang Trail takes you deep into the lush forest and past azure-colored pools.

Of course, there are many other beautiful hikes in Taroko, so be sure to read this step-by-step first timer’s guide to Taroko Gorge for more tips.

The capital of Taiwan, Taipei, is a treat for all the senses. From bustling night markets, age-old temples, and striking landmarks, Taipei is a gem of a city that seamlessly blends old with new.

There’s much to do in Taipei, so be sure not to underestimate your time in this phenomenal city. If you’re after history, make your way to the National Palace Museum that houses more than 600,000 ancient treasures, scriptures, and artifacts. The daily changing of the guards at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the incensed filled halls of Longshan Temple are other attractions not to miss while in Taipei.

For a bird’s-eye view of the city, head out to the former tallest building in the world, Taipei 101, or better yet, hike up Elephant Mountain to get an incredible panoramic view of the bustling city below.

Fantastic restaurants and shops also abound in Taipei, and there are loads of attractions to while away the time. For an authentic look at local culture and to test your culinary limits, head to Raohe Night Market to sample all the weird and wonderful treats on offer there. Sticky tofu and bubble milk tea are just a few of the must-try street food snacks!

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Taipei

The dreamy little town of Jiufen is one of Taiwan’s top attractions. Perched on a sloping hill overlooking the ocean, Jiufen offers so much more than just mind-blowing views. Besides the terrific ocean and mountain views, it is perhaps the intricate maze of alleyways lined with red lanterns and rustic teahouses that make this hillside village so charming.

There are many nooks and crannies to explore, and the booming little old street is filled with local delicacies to try out. Stopping by the famous Amei Teahouse is yet another must while in Jiufen. But be warned – it will probably be the most expensive cup of tea you’ve ever had, but the magnificent views you can enjoy from the outdoor terrace will make up for it!

Alishan Mountain

Alishan Mountain is a breathtaking mountain area and a firm favorite among hikers and nature lovers alike. The main recreational area is home to towering ancient cypress trees, misty forests, and the best sunrise viewing spot in Taiwan.

Besides the plethora of hiking trails on offer here, Alishan is also famous for its iconic Alishan Forest Railway that transports travelers on several routes throughout the Alishan National Park. It’s a great way to see a bit more of the gorgeous scenery and truly a once in a lifetime experience.

There’s also a lot of local treats to try out – most notably Alishan high mountain oolong tea, which is grown on the misty hillsides of Ali mountain. Other delicacies include wasabi nuts and wild boar sausages.

Although it is possible to spend as little as a day in Alishan, you really do want to stay longer, especially if you’re going to catch the epic sunrise. Accommodation options are quite limited, but it’s best to stay within the park to maximize your time.

Sun Moon Lake

Taiwan’s largest natural lake, Sun Moon Lake, is neatly tucked away in Nantou County, and surrounded by dreamy mountains covered in lush vegetation.

Besides its natural beauty, Sun Moon Lake is also home to several unique points of interest and plenty to keep you busy for a few days. First and foremost, the round-the-lake bike path is a huge must and also the reason why Sun Moon Lake is so famous among pro cyclists and novices alike. Even if cycling doesn’t appeal to you, it is a great way to see the lake up close and marvel at the immense beauty of this top attraction in Taiwan. Along the way, you will find several temples, all offering a quick glimpse of the varied religions practiced in Taiwan.

Taking a boat ride across the tranquil lake from Shuishe Village to Ita Thao is also obligatory on your visit. Once you dock at Ita Thao, head to the bustling aboriginal food market where you can try local treats like mullet wine, black tea ice cream, and black tea egg rolls. Afterward, head to the cable car station for a relaxing cable car ride offering unforgettable views of the entire area.

Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastery

A short 30-minute bus ride from Taiwan’s third-largest city, Kaohsiung , brings you to the peaceful retreat of Fo Guang Shan. This sprawling Buddhist monastery offers a fascinating insight into the religion and plenty of photo opportunities. Even if you aren’t into religion, it’s still well worth a visit as the entire complex is beautifully laid out, and the architecture is surreal.

There are several pagodas housing interesting relics and artworks, while the main exhibition hall is filled with hidden gems. Once you’ve explored the inside, make sure to also head to the outdoor viewing platform where you can get a close-up look at the impressive towering bronze Buddha.

YOU MIGHT ALSO ENJOY THIS: The Top Things To Do in Kaohsiung

Kenting National Park

Filled with white powdery beaches and warm turquoise water, it doesn’t get much better than the dreamy shores of Kenting National Park. While there are lots of activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing to enjoy, exploring the unique landscapes is a massive must while visiting here.

Some of the most popular places to visit in Kenting include Maobitou, Longpan Park, and Eluanbi Lighthouse. At night, the bustling night market is just the place to sample some of the best street food and freshest seafood in all of Taiwan. Don’t miss the freshly caught oysters, tiger prawns, and fresh fruit smoothies!

Tainan is often overlooked by most travelers visiting Taiwan. But in fact, it’s one of the top places to visit in Taiwan. As the former capital city of the island, Tainan boasts an incredible history dating back nearly 400 years. Known as the city of temples, Tainan is home to more than 1000 temples making is a real gem for culture seekers.

There are loads of interesting sights and landmarks to explore in Tainan too. Most notably, the 17th century Anping Old Fort built by the Dutch. Another incredible site not to miss is Anping Tree House, which was initially used as a storage warehouse for salt but is wholly covered with a Banyan tree today. In the center of town, you’ll find Shennong Street – a narrow lane lined with quirky shophouses, restaurants, and cafes, and quite a unique history.

Houtong Cat Village

Hidden in the hills of Ruifang Mountian, Houtong Cat Village is an exciting day trip from Taipei offering an unexpected delight. This quaint hillside village was once a former thriving gold mining community. Today, however, Houtong is renowned for its furry inhabitants – cats.

While there are several museums and trails to explore nearby, most travelers head to Houtong to spend a day outdoors, and of course, to take photos of the cute cats lounging around town. There are dozens of cats in all shapes, sizes, and colors, no matter which way you turn.

Not many travelers to Taiwan know about Houtong making it one of Taiwan’s best-kept secrets.

Rainbow Village

A short drive from Taichung City’s High-Speed Rail Station is yet another must-visit place in Taiwan – Rainbow Village.

Rainbow Village formerly served as a housing complex for veterans, but after word got out that the government had plans to demolish the area, one of the residents decided to give the entire village a makeover. Today, Rainbow Village is probably the most Instragrammable place in Taiwan and a must on any Taiwan trip. It’s a great place to stroll around, admire the artwork, and of course, the ideal location for a new profile pic.

Despite it’s proximity to other Asian gems such as Hong Kong, the Philippines , and China , Taiwan is a surprisingly underrated travel destination. Although it may not be on every traveler’s destination hit-list, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on any traveler that ventures out this far!

There are so many beautiful places to visit in Taiwan, and hopefully, this list of Taiwan’s must-visit attractions has inspired you to visit this fascinating gem!

This is a Guest post written by Mariza from Hoponworld.com

Author’s Bio: Mariza is a South African who has been living in Taiwan for nearly a decade. When she’s not working, she’s probably mapping out her next adventure or binge-watching Netflix. Mariza shares handy travel tips and in-depth guides to help you travel better in Taiwan and further afield on her blog, Hoponworld . Follow her adventures on: Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |

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Travel Guide: Top 12 places you must visit in Taiwan

Exciting cities, lush mountains, welcoming gentle people and exquisite service. think of taiwan as an easy introduction to the orient..

You may have heard about Taiwan or at least the phrase “made in Taiwan” seen on electronic products. The country is also known as the Republic of China (ROC) so perhaps you have wondered whether this island nation is Chinese or Taiwanese. Perhaps it is both; the population is more than 95 per cent ethnic Chinese. 

It’s no secret that China would love to reclaim this thinnish island strip just off its southeast coast. But for now, it remains a distinct country whose culture is a pleasing blend of Chinese and Japanese.

The landscape is flattish in the west where most of its 23 million population live, and in the eastern two-thirds, the alpine land is a hiker’s paradise of beautiful forests, rocks and streams that cover the mountains like a verduous patchwork of nature’s best artwork.

Perhaps the time has come to consider visiting this gentle nation with a penchant for exquisite service, bubble tea, and prolific with motorbike riders, selfie-takers and 7-Eleven shops at every turn.

And best of all, many signs and menus are in English and foreigners are made to feel very welcome. Think of Taiwan as an easy introduction to the Orient.

1. Taipei 101, Xinyi District

Taipei 101, lording it over the capital  Image by tingyaoh from Pixabay

The best place to start is in the capital, Taipei, to visit the Taipei 101 building. Then take the super-speedy lift, the fastest in the world –  a Guinness World Record plaque stating so – which whizzes to the 89th floor in 37 seconds. There was a time when Taipei 101 had the accolade of being the tallest building on earth but lost that title seven new buildings ago. Nevertheless, it is a landmark building whose 101 levels stand tall lording it over the city.

There are five basement levels and 101 floors above ground offering high-end shopping and restaurants and finally spectacular views from its observatory at its zenith.

It was a foggy day when I visited but every now and then as the fog shifted I could make out skyscrapers and the odd smudge of colourful cheek-to-jowl rooftops. On the outskirts of the city, the lush Four Beasts Mountains – elephant, tiger, leopard and lion – can be seen rising above the clouds.

Taipei 101 is a mighty 1,670ft high and at the building’s core is a massive golden Tuned Mass Damper ball and worth taking a peek at. Its job is to prevent any sway should a tornado or earthquake threaten to trash the land.

2. Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, Zhongzheng District

Being a tourist I surely had to see the changing of the guards at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall in Liberty Square. It is after all a national monument to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek, former President of the Republic of China. The building looks dazzling with two layers of royal blue tiled roof and bright white marble walls – colours that evoke the national emblem – amid well-tended gardens. There’s 89 steps – the age the former president died – to reach the bronze doors of the 15,000 square metre hall. As if to meet and greet is a giant bronze statue of Chiang himself.

National Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Bronze of Chiang Kai Shek, Taipei

Changing of Guards

On either side is a guard, clad in white, standing tall and unmoving. Then on the hour – between 9am and 5pm – the changing of the guards’ ceremony takes place. The spectacle is beautifully choreographed, compelling to watch and almost verges onto a graceful dance.

There are two other buildings that straddle the monument. On the right is the Opera House and on the left is an eminent theatre. I got lucky and watched as a dance team rehearse their routine al fresco for a show that night.

3. National Palace Museum

National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum, a vast building in the Shillin district of Taipei is, without a doubt, a world-class art gallery. It is home to 700,000 pieces of amazing Buddhist sculptures, jade artefacts, ceramics, metalworks and curios brought here from the Forbidden City in Beijing.

Cabbage with insects

Collectively, they depict a history that spans 8,000 years including imperial treasures kept by generations of Emperors.  So, if you have enough stamina, allow around three hours to explore

I was told to look out for the 19th-century Qing jadeite cabbage – the shape of a Chinese cabbage head, and with a locust and insects camouflaged in its leaves. Many were queuing to have a look as folklore says it is an omen of fertility and many spent a while looking at it. For an item this auspicious my reaction was similar to the one I had when I saw  Mona Lisa in the Louvre – it’s surprisingly small. I enjoyed the ceramics and the bronzes much more.

You can get a bite at the Silks Palace Restaurant within the complex which offers dishes and tableware in the shape of some the artefacts.

4. Banka Lungshan Temple, Wanhua

Longshan Temple

This is a glorious temple where locals got to pray to Guanshiyin Budda and other deities. Worshipers chant in unison and the sound is almost spiritual and the fervour is tangible. It was built in 1738 and was a place of worship where early Chinese settlers could gather. Today it integrates Buddhism, Taoism and Confucian beliefs.

5. Night Markets

Not so small are the ever-popular night markets. Shilin Night Market, also in the Shillin district is the largest but there are several and most will seek one out for the experience of eating street food – not any old street food; this is noodles, stinky tofu, a beloved delicacy of the Taiwanese, dumplings, deep filled boa buns, chicken feet, squid, and other exotic animal parts. Absolutely nothing is wasted.

Lin Jiang Streetn Night Market

One rainy night, I visited the busy Lin Jiang street night market in the Da’an district. Despite the inclement weather, it was busy and I found myself immersed in an atmosphere that was thick with the chatter of people following aromas of cooking while neon lights and flashing adverts tried to catch the attention of anyone with an appetite. Who can resist?

6. Dadaocheng Area

This port city is Taipei’s oldest district yet it is often missed by tourists, but I strongly suggest you take a look starting at the wharf and then making your way through its most interesting main road Dihau Street. This is an opportunity to gain a snapshot into Taiwanese daily life and check out shops selling a myriad of herbs, local souvenirs, tailor-made clothes shops, coffee shops, and restaurants housed in restored buildings.

Xia hai temple – receive blessings of prosperity

I stopped for a while at the Xia-Hai City God temple as here they bless visitors with prosperity and peace. Outside there is a large incense burner. Many stand by the burner and pray to the Sky God again asking for good health or finding a soulmate. 

Ruby Red tea

Tea is popular in Taiwan and is as far away from the builder’s sort as can be especially at  Le Zinc cafe and bar housed in an early 20th-century building in the ArtYard pottery store at 67, Dihua Street. The ritual starts by choosing an aroma from the 30 or so available.

I opted for Ruby Red based on their eloquent tasting note:  “delicate woodsy flavour with a hint of cinnamon, candied orange marmalade and a tiny hint of garden mint”.   It did not disappoint.

TIP : The best time to go is Friday or Saturday, and certainly not Monday as many of the restaurants are closed.

7. Taroko Gorge – Shakadang River Trail

Shakadang path

Shakadang trails

Aborigine farmers transporting goods

Taiwan is rich in natural attractions with nine national parks. For me, Taroko National Park is the top of the national park tree. It’s a huge expanse spanning Taichung Municipality, Nantou County, and Hualien County and as I only had an afternoon I chose the easy walking Shakadang River Trail.

Those clear blue fast-flowing rivers hemmed by rocks and unfolding forests are so picturesque they could pass as a painting. Closing my eyes for a moment I could hear the soundscape of croaking frogs such as the Swinhoe frogs, and the song of birds such as Plumbeous Water Redstart that hang out on the riverbed. Unfortunately, I didn’t spot much of the wildlife but occasionally a Taiwan Whistling Thrush in its distinctive blue livery made itself known.

Tip: Take binoculars.

The Shakadang trail passes through an aborigine reserve and some parts are still farmed by indigenous Tarok tribe members. They use this trail to transport their goods and at times it’s quite a squeeze on the trail.

8. Taroko Restaurant

The only restaurant in the national park is in the Taroko village hotel run by members of the Taroko tribe. On the wall are images of the tribes painted or tattoed regalia on their faces and Taroko cuisine is served by waiters in costume. 

Dining habits are a little unusual. The “Appetising Millet Wine” is a side dish that involves “kissing the pig”, which in reality is drinking fermented millet wine through the snort of a ceramic pig. For my main dish, I ordered the baked tilapia (fish) with soya sauce served with sticky rice served in a bamboo stick and fermented vegetables. The bean soup was the dessert.

9. Yehliu Geopark, Wanli

Yehliu Geopark Image by Sharon Ang from Pixabay

Sometimes a landscape can literally carve itself into something beautiful and even mimic life. This is true of Yehliu Geopark, a cape stretching 1,700 meters out from the town of Wanli into the sea. It is a mish-mash of rock shapes in hues of brown and tan created by thousands of years of geological movements.

There are claims of all sorts of recognisable shapes but the only ones I could clearly see were the Slippers, perhaps worn by the Queen whose head is visible. Her neck is becoming thinner and more fragile and they say she has only five years left – poor lass. So if you want to see her, get there soon.

10. Ximending, Wanhua District

 Ximending Image by Jason Goh from Pixabay

Ximending is a pedestrianised shopping area in Taipei’s Wanhua District served by the very busy Ximen MRT station. After the quiet of Taiwan’s nature, Ximending is overwhelming. The whole place was winking at me with flashing billboards and giant arrows showing the way. There’s street entertainers, clubs, eateries and smart shops that call out as you pass while selfie-takers stop suddenly to pose.

Ximending is home to the largest LBGTQ districts in Taipei, so the bars are busy every night of the week all with generous Happy Hours.

11. Jiufen Old Street

Steep steps

The old gold mining town Jioufen, a seaside mountain area in Ruifang is often busy with tourists, but don’t shy away. Jioufen Old Street is colourful, vibrant and very quaint.

The steep steps to the top are decorated with orange lanterns and at the top, you are rewarded with colourful souvenir and pottery shops, freshly made street food, tea houses, restaurants and plenty of winding alleyways to explore and taste the local delicacies.

A free freshly made sample of cooked taro root (a vegetable) was waved in my face, and though I loved its chewy texture and sweetness I didn’t hang around as lunch beckoned at the Taiwan Sweet Potato Teahouse. Later I bought a peanut ice cream burrito that kept me energised as I walked through the alleyways.

12. The Yangmingshan Sulphur Springs

Yangmingshan Sulphur Springs

The geology of Taiwan just keeps on giving and this time it was the sulphur springs of the Datun Volcano Group. The volcanic activity led to geothermal heat which in turn created several hot springs and has done so in four regions: Yangmingshan, Beitou, Guanziling, and Sichongxi. 

There are several hiking trails but I went to see the rather pungent sulphur springs at Yangmingsham followed by a health-giving dip in various sulphur pools at the Yamingshan hot spring experience. 

• Taipei: Home Hotel Xiniyi A pleasing homely hotel.
• Taipei: Regent A gorgeous 5-star hotel in the centre. The magnificent fountain in front denotes prosperity.
• Hualien: Lakeshore Hotel A family-friendly centrally-located 3-star hotel with elegant rooms.
• Din Tai Fung: Ground floor of Taipai 101 – Very busy restaurant serving freshly cooked Taiwanese dishes like crispy shrimp pancakes, steamed dumplings and beef noodles
• Yang Shin Restaurant Zhongshan District, Taipei City – Delicious vegetarian and dim sum restaurant in 
• Le Zinc Café & Bar, Datong District – take tea or wine
• Taroko Village Hotel Restaurant , Taroko National Park – superb traditional cuisine of the Taroko tribe
• Jioufen Teahouse, Jioufen – A selection of different teas ritually served to whet the palate

FLY: China Airlines has direct flights to Taipei. 

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More info:  Visit Taiwan Tourism  website

Also read: Sunset over Taipei

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17 Things to See and Do in Taiwan

I lived in Taiwan for a few months as an English teacher. I loved my time there and have always felt the country was really under-appreciated. Carrie Kellenberger is an expat who has been living in Taiwan for ten years. She runs My Several Worlds and in this guest post she lists out all the amazing things you should see and do there!

Every country in Asia is beautiful, but Taiwan is special for many reasons. The people are warm and hospitable, it’s incredibly budget-friendly , and, according to the UN’s yearly World Happiness Report, Taiwan consistently ranks as one of the happiest places in East Asia .

While it might be a small island, you would be amazed at the never-ending variety of sights and fun things to do here. With over a hundred mountain peaks above 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), over a hundred hot springs scattered around the island, both golden and black-sand beaches, nine national parks, world-class museums, glittering skyscrapers, stunning temples, and a huge number of night markets that are second to none, Taiwan has something that everyone can enjoy.

Here’s my list of the best things to do Taiwan to help you plan your trip and make the most of your visit!

Table of Contents

1. Eat, Eat Eat (Especially at the Night Markets)!

2. experience taiwanese tea culture, 3. check out the northern coastline, 4. hit the beaches, 5. soak in the hot springs, 6. go island hopping, 7. visit tainan, taiwan’s oldest city, 8. see old taiwan, 9. get off the beaten track on orchid island and green island, 10. explore the mountains, 11. go hiking in taroko national park, 12. head east, 13. witness some chaos, 14. see tianhou temple, 15. explore fo guang shan monastery, 16. visit a taiwanese aboriginal village, 17. take part in the pingxi lantern festival.

There are over 30 night markets in Taipei , New Taipei, and Keelung (and over 70 night markets across Taiwan). My personal favorites are Shilin, Keelung, and Raohe Street in Taipei.

Don’t miss eating xiao long bao, also known as soup dumplings, a favorite staple food here. They are made out of a thin pastry folded into a type of bag that is then stuffed full with a meat-and-vegetable mixture and a tiny amount of soup, then garnished with raw ginger and soy sauce. Biting into one of these is a flavor explosion in your mouth.

If you’d like to really dive deep into the different sides of Taiwanese cuisine, take a guided food tour . On this food tour, you’ll first dine at the Michelin-starred Din Tai Fung (famous for their xiao long bao) and then experience the Raohe Street night market, all with a local guide.  

The Taiwanese also have their own type of tea ceremony that takes elements from both Chinese and Japanese tea ceremonies while adding their own cultural flair. Here, tea ceremonies are less focused on the rules and more about bringing people together.

Jiufen, Jwu Jiu Teahouse, and Pinglin are some of the best places to visit if you want to sample tea and learn more about how it’s made. You can also ride the Maokong Gondola up a mountain to a secluded teahouse where you can take in the amazing views while enjoying some tea.  

Guided tours are also available . The benefit to these tours is that you’ll have someone explain what you’re seeing. Signage isn’t great. If you can, I would definitely recommend a guided tour.  

Beaches may not be the first thing that you think of when Taiwan comes to mind. But with almost 1,000 miles of coastline (it is an island after all!), a great beach is never that far away.

Each region of the country offers something different. For example, the north is best known for its golden and black-sand beaches, while Kenting on the southern tip of the island offers a lively beachside nightlife. White Sand Bay is the most popular and a great place to soak up the sun, swim, snorkel, or even go diving (just keep an eye out for jellyfish!). Other great beaches are South Bay and Little Bali Bay.  

As part of the Taipei metro area, Beitou is easily reachable by metro. Prices start at 60 TWD per person for a soak in Beitou Public Hot Spring, making it a very affordable choice for anyone looking for some R&R. If you’d like to splash out, there are plenty of more upscale hotels and resorts too.  

The beautiful islands of Penghu just off Taiwan’s western coastline comprise the biggest archipelago and are especially well known for their golden beaches. All of the islands are distinct, and you can take a boat that will drop you off at one island for a few hours and then take you to the next one, so you can literally go from snorkeling to observing sea turtles to wandering through traditional villages made out of coral in a single day.  

This is Taiwan’s oldest urban area, established by the Dutch East India Company in 1624. Located in the south near Kaohsiung, Tainan was the capital of Taiwan from 1683-1887. There are all kinds of temples to visit here (don’t miss the Confucius Temple), several night markets, a historic old town, and a massive department store reminiscent of the Ginza district in Tokyo. There is also a nearby mangrove and wildlife reserve (it’s part of Taijiang National Park) just 30 minutes away by car.  

Additionally, you’ll be able to see historical military sites like underground tunnels and bunkers hidden in the countryside, and visit insightful museums to learn more about the unique history of the islands. The region is also known as being the producer of Taiwan’s famous gaoliang (kaoliang) grain alcohol, made from fermented sorghum.  

Located just off the southeastern coast, these lush islands are a treat to visit. Here you’ll find hiking, swimming, and diving. The best way to explore these islands is by renting a scooter so that you can get further off the beaten path and have an adventure exploring at your own pace.

Green Island has amazing saltwater hot springs — one of only three such hot springs in the world! Orchid Island is home to the indigenous Tao people, Taiwan’s most isolated indigenous tribe. They’re best-known for their traditional hand-carved wooden canoes and underground homes.  

If you want to stretch your legs, climb to the summit of beautiful Jade Mountain and watch the sunrise (it takes two days to hike). This beautiful peak is almost 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level, giving it sweeping views in every direction.

Wuling Peak on Hehuan Mountain, around 3,275 meters (10,745 feet) above sea level, is another good hike for anyone looking to spend more time outdoors. But what really makes this place special is that the peak is so high, you can look down into a sea of clouds below!  

Ready for another city break? This national park covers 92,000 hectares (360 square miles) and offers visitors a chance to hike the numerous trails through mountainous terrain and dramatic gorges. You can stop to dip your feet in swiftly flowing mountain rivers and to marvel at the shrines and temples.

You can visit the park solo (which, if you’re staying in the nearby town, is easy to do) or as part of a full-day tour from Taipei . If you’re tight on time, the guided tour is the best option because it comes with transportation and a guide. Admission to the park is free.  

To really enjoy Taiwan’s majestic beauty, don’t forget Taiwan’s eastern coastline like most international visitors do! The east coast highway has some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the world, from plunging sea cliffs and splashing surf to beaches, nature reserves, and rural towns a world away from the big city.

For maximum flexibility, Taiwan’s East Coast is best explored on a road trip, though there are buses that go down the coast. There is also a train line that hugs the coast a bit when heading south from Taipei, though it then veers inland.  

The center of the neighborhood is the Red House, a well-known cultural landmark and marketplace where local artisans sell their wares. The massive outdoor plaza behind it is the epicenter of the city’s LGBTQ scene and is surrounded by many different welcoming bars and shops.

Give yourself bonus points for checking out all the super cool street art; you won’t find it on the main thoroughfares, but if you venture onto some of the smaller side streets, you’ll soon find yourself in a world of brightly decorated alleys and lanes.  

While you’re in Ximending, it’s worth stopping by one of the oldest temples in the city, Tianhou (also known as the Ximending Mazu Temple, after the in-house deity Mazu, goddess of the sea). Around since 1746, it’s one of three major temples in Taiwan from the Qing period. It’s located on a main thoroughfare but it’s very easy to miss the entrance.

Stepping through the entrance to this beautiful Taoist temple filled with mythological creatures, smoky incense, lucky goldfish, and people paying respect to the gods is truly a surreal experience. You’d never know this quiet oasis is in one of the busiest areas of Taipei !  

One of the central features of the complex is the Buddha Museum, which houses tooth relics of the Buddha himself along with various shrines, galleries, exhibitions, vegetarian restaurants, and even a Starbucks (really). Behind the museum lies the Great Path of Buddhahood, a broad pathway flanked by eight identical pagodas, leading up to the 108-meter-high golden Big Buddha.

I’ve been to many temples and monasteries in my lifetime, but this one takes the cake.  

If you can’t make it to Orchid Island (see above), there are plenty of other places to learn about indigenous Taiwanese tribes. The Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village near Sun Moon Lake is the most popular destination. It’s the largest outdoor museum in the country and is half cultural village, half amusement park. Each of the nine small villages in the park represent and are run by a different tribe. In each, you can watch cultural performances and see how a variety of traditional crafts are made.  

One of the coolest events in Taiwan, the Pingxi Lantern Festival involves releasing hundreds of paper lanterns into the sky. (Many newlyweds also include this meaningful tradition as a part of their wedding celebration.) If you don’t want to brave the crowds, you can easily purchase a lantern and light one on any of Taiwan’s beaches. This is one of the biggest events in all of Taiwan so be sure to get tickets in advance to avoid the ticket lines.

Taiwan is very environmentally friendly, so make sure you go with the eco-friendly paper lantern options that disintegrate, leaving no residue, and don’t cause fires. The company My Taiwan Tour also currently offers biodegradable paper lantern tours in Shifen.

There are many things about Taiwan that make it an incredible place to live; it’s easy to take some of those things for granted once you’ve been here for a while. I frequently hear that people think Taiwan is very Westernized, and while I agree that it is to some extent, there are still plenty of authentic Taiwanese experiences to be had!

Taiwan is and continues to be an unexpected travel destination that continues to delight visitors to this day. There is no place like it!

Canadian expat Carrie Kellenberger has been living in Asia since 2003. She moved to Taiwan in 2006 and became a permanent resident in 2012. She loves entertaining guests and travelers to Taiwan. You can read about her adventures and life there at her blog, My Several Worlds .

Book Your Trip to Taiwan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner . They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Two of my favorite places to stay are:

• Formosa 101
• Meander Taipei

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Taiwan? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Taiwan for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The 15 best experiences you can have in Taiwan

Oct 19, 2023 • 12 min read

From soaking in hot springs to sampling all the flavors at the night markets, here are Taiwan's top experiences © iStockphoto / Getty Images

Taiwan is a country with more facets than the 11-headed Guanyin you’ll see inside its temples.

On a single trip, you could be cycling between skyscrapers, drinking coffee at plantations, sun-bathing, forest-bathing, soaring on luscious homegrown whisky, or reeling from rocket fireworks and the repertoire of a night market. The options are endless. 

So whether you’re a first-time visitor or coming back for more, deciding what to do might just be the hardest part of your trip. Here are some of the best experiences in Taiwan.

1. Take your pick of 15,000 temples

Pick a couple, if not more. Be they incense-filled and packed to the eaves with idols and art or a dusky roadside shrine, whether Taoist, Buddhist, Confucian or folk, temples offer a fascinating glimpse into Taiwan’s spiritual life.

You’ll see devotees, including a surprising number of young people, praying and giving thanks. They burn joss paper for the departed, toss moon blocks to seek divine guidance on whether to buy a car, and make offerings of guava, orchids and sesame crackers to a pantheon of deities.

During festivals, temples offer up a smoky and noisy slice of local life. On quiet days, with their relics, sculptures and caisson ceilings, temples are museums in their own right. 

Both Tainan and Lukang are home to a wealth of old structures, from understated Confucius temples to Mazu temples rich in southern Chinese folk decorative art.

Some favorites from all over the country are Taipei’s Unesco-award winning Bao'an Temple , Lukang’s graceful Longshan Temple , Penghu’s old Tianhou Temple , Tainan’s fierce City God Temple , and Changhua’s Nanyao Temple with its Doric columns.

Local tip: Entering and leaving a temple the proper way – through the "dragon door" on the right-hand side and exiting through the "tiger door" on the left – means you go into protection and leave danger behind. The center door is reserved for the gods, the abbot and the president.

2. Sunbathe on Jibei Sand Tail, Penghu Islands

The windy collection of islands known as Penghu is distinctive yet hard to pin down. Set along its roaring coastlines are sea-facing temples, coral stone-walled villages where vendors sell seashell pendants and prickly pear sorbet, and beaches good for water sports. In winter, Penghu becomes a windsurfing hot spot for top-class athletes the world over. 

Added to this mix are geological wonders, a large aquarium  and remnants of ancient sea trade in all their desolate splendor. Further still, Penghu cuisine is celebrated for its delicious simplicity and plentiful seafood. If you come out of season, the golden spit known as the Jibei Sand Tail could be all yours.

3. Explore urban Tainan on foot

Urban Tainan has such a tight weave of attractions that walking is the best way to take everything in. Cafes, restaurants and dessert shops are liberally tucked into the fabric, offering abundant options for a refuel. And should you need some tiding over, there’s the T-bike and bus.

Many sights are clustered around the roads radiating from the Tang Te-chang Memorial Park roundabout in central Tainan. You’ll see the Museum of Taiwan Literature in a gorgeous Japanese colonial building, and the Altar of Heaven .

Slightly further out are the Neoclassical Land Bank , the art deco Hayashi Department Store , the old and the new Tainan Art Museums, the Confucius Temple with its red walls, and the City God Temple.

Further out still are the Great South Gate , Koxinga’s Shrine , Chihkan Towers , the Official God of War Temple  and the Grand Mazu Temple . 

From the roundabout, a 15-minute stroll northwest takes you to Shennong Street , an art village with shophouses repurposed into boutiques and cafes. Sharing the ‘hood with the hipsters are the Wind God Temple , the Water Fairy Temple and the King of Medicine Temple . 

Planning tip: Famous Anping Fort and the old streets sagging with traditional snack shops near it are 15 minutes away by T-bike or 45 minutes by bus from Shennong Street.

4. Hike along Swallow Grotto at Taroko Gorge 

Taiwan's top tourist draw is a walk-in Chinese painting. Rising above the froth of the blue-green Liwu River, the marble walls (yes, marble!) of Taroko Gorge swirl with the colors of an artist's palette.

Add grey mist, lush vegetation and waterfalls seemingly tumbling down from heaven and you have a truly classic landscape. Walk along the Swallow Grotto to see the gorge at its most sublime, or brave the Zhuilu Old Trail, a vertiginous path 500m (1,640ft) above the canyon floor.

5. Cycle or drive along the breathless East Coast at Hualien

Cycling is Taiwan’s national sport, and cyclists favor the stunning and unspoiled east coast for multi-day trips. Love the sea? Then ride the gorgeous coastline along the Pacific Ocean between Yilan and Hualien or Hualien and Taitung . It’ll leave you breathless in more ways than one. 

There are dramatic elevation changes in Taroko Gorge, and portions of the highways are subject to landslides after heavy rain. But the beauty is unparalleled, and you'll pass beaches, fishing harbors, indigenous towns and art villages.

Like the mountains? Ride the East Rift Valley and watch cloud drama unfold on glistening rice paddies or seas of orange daylilies. Both routes have indigenous guesthouses and restaurants, campgrounds, prehistoric sites and hot springs. No matter which you choose, a wonderful time awaits.

Local tip: If you charter a car from Taipei, the driver will stop at scenic spots and attractions. 

6. Do a homegrown coffee crawl and buy beans

Blessed with good soil and a climate and altitudes conducive to arabica trees flourishing, Taiwan has become the coffee mecca of Asia, bagging awards worldwide for its beans that range from peanutty to tea-like.

You can sip them at their source in Gukeng and Dongshan if you’re hiking nearby, but it's more fun to try different cafes that serve killer homegrown brews and also roast and sell beans. A bonus is the setting, which can range from retro Taipei and hipster book-and-bean to Nordic minimalism. 

Detour: Cacao farms in Pingtung grow beans and craft some of Asia’s finest chocolates. You can tour the premises, learn about the bean-to-bar process, and make your own sweets at Choose Chius and Fu Wan Chocolate .

7. Enjoy a feast at Miaokou Night Market, Keelung 

Grazing is a useful technique to have on the road, and Taiwan’s night markets are great for honing this skill. Fulfilling the need for food and entertainment (to say nothing of socializing), the markets bring happy crowds every night of the week to gorge on a bewildering array of snacks and dishes.

Check out harborside Miaokou Night Market in Keelung, in many ways the biggest and best of them all, for the quintessential experience of grazing (on seafood especially!) and people-watching.

8. Get a taste of gourmet Taiwan in Mountain and Sea House, Taipei

Taiwan may be one of the world’s street-food capitals, but don’t just limit yourself to casual eats – the country’s dining landscape has plenty more to offer.

Taiwan is steadily making a mark on Asia's culinary landscape. In the 2022 Michelin Taiwan, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Taipei and Tainan came under scrutiny and earned the country 38 stars, up from 20 and only Taipei being assessed in 2018. 

The lists don't just honor French-style cooking, expensive Japanese or meticulous Cantonese kitchens, but also solidly executed Taiwanese cuisine such as Taipei’s Mountain and Sea House .

Besides this, a growing number of chefs with or without awards are working magic with local produce from oolong tea to sakura shrimp, like Pingtung’s AKAME , which specializes in Rukai cooking.

Planning tip: Make your reservations at least a month in advance for famous restaurants – Michelin-honored and otherwise. 

9. Be wowed by the National Palace Museum, Taipei

Taiwan houses one of the greatest collections of dynastic Chinese artifacts in the world. With ancient pottery, bronzes and jade, Ming vases, Song landscape paintings and calligraphy that even those who are not art lovers can appreciate, Taipei's National Palace Museum isn't merely a must-visit, it's a must-repeat-visit.

Why? Out of the nearly 700,000 pieces in the museum's collection – spanning every Chinese dynasty, in addition to prehistory and the modern age – only a fraction is ever on display at one time.

10. Delve into military history while enjoying art at Alien Art Center, Kaohsiung

The military outposts of Kinmen and Matsu Islands, with their tunnels, forts and artillery displays, will please hardcore military buffs. But if you want something softer and unique enough that everyone can enjoy, head to Kaohsiung.

The dark and mysterious national relic that is the Imperial Japanese Navy Wireless Communication Station has finally found peace but for tent shows and exhibitions. Alien Art Centre , housed in a former hostel for young men departing for military service, is one of Taiwan’s strongest contemporary art museums. Cihou Fort  on Cijin Island was used by the Qing Empire, the Japanese, the Nationalist Army, and more recently, tripod-wielding sunset photographers. 

The engaging Military Dependents’ Village Museum shows how the families of soldiers of the Chinese Nationalist Army lived after their retreat to Taiwan post-1949. The high-rises of Guomao Community are the 2.0 version of such villages.

Do as the locals do – go there to enjoy authentic regional Chinese cuisines at the restaurants. In a compound next to Taiwan’s largest naval base, the Story House of Naval Base Zuoying details the area’s military heritage. 

Detour: New Taipei’s Human Rights Museum , sitting on the site of a former detention center for political dissidents, is recommended for insight into how far democratic Taiwan has come. The English audio guide is helpful. The museum’s sprawling branch on Green Island, a former penal colony, can be visited by booking a guided tour. 

11. Join locals in hazmat suits at the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival

Attending a traditional folk festival is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience local culture. Taiwan has a slew of these – solemn, bizarre, carnivalesque, you name it.

You don’t have to be a believer to go – the locals are inclusive and welcoming, but be respectful, of course. It is not uncommon to see pilgrims and visitors from all over Taiwan and abroad at the most spectacular festivals.

The nine-day annual Mazu pilgrimage sees hundreds of thousands of people escorting a palanquin containing a statue of the goddess Mazu through 50 towns. The triennial Burning of the Wang Yeh Boats features powerful spectacles over eight days that end with the burning of a celestial boat on a beach.

The strange Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival is a blowout in which thousands in protective gear (or not) place themselves willingly in a melee of exploding fireworks. 

Planning tip: The Mazu Pilgrimage takes place in the third lunar month; the Boat Burning Festival in October or November, with the next one happening in 2024; and Yenshui’s fireworks go off on the 14th or 15th day of the first lunar month. If you attend the last, bring goggles, a motorcycle helmet and protective clothing if you don’t want to pay for overpriced gear on-site or end up in the hospital.

12. Follow ancient hunting trails through forests in Wulai

Taiwan is 50% forested, and asphalt gives way to the real thing astonishingly quickly – consistently  a delight for nature lovers. In the mountainous Wulai township, old indigenous hunting trails cut through misty tropical forests. 

Take a break from your trek to enjoy crystal streams or deep swimming pools, and repeat this experience all over the island. Taiwan is also two-thirds mountainous, with hundreds of peaks soaring above 3,000m (9,842ft) and well-established hiking routes all over.

Jade Mountain (Yushan) is the highest peak in Northeast Asia, but the second highest, Snow Mountain, is a more picturesque climb.

13. Understand Indigenous Taiwan at the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines

There are 16 recognized indigenous tribes in Taiwan. Though long suppressed, tribal culture and pride have made a remarkable turnaround in the 21st century. Begin your understanding at the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines in Taipei or the Museum of Prehistory in Taitung.

See their paintings and installations at the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts , a world-renowned authority on Austronesian art, and hear them read their poems at Tainan’s Museum of Taiwan Literature. 

Then check into an underground homestay run by Yami islanders on beautiful Lanyu Island, preferably during the flying fish season, or consider a visit to the communally run Smangus, a high-mountain center of Atayal culture.

In summer, head to the east coast for indigenous surfer towns and exuberant festivals celebrating harvests, coming of age, and a deep love of live music. 

Local tip: Sample Amis delicacies in Hualien . You can do so at the indigenous stalls in Dadongmen Night Market or at Amis-run Mu-Mang. 

14. Relax in Beitou’s hot springs 

Taiwan's ground surface has plenty of fissures, which gives rise to an abundance of spring sources hard to match anywhere on the globe. Locals believe the waters are effective for everything from soothing muscles to conceiving. 

If you like to soak in stone, wood or marble pools with mountain views, head to Beitou , Wulai or Taian. For wild impromptu dips, tread deep into valleys for a pristine wild spring like Lisong Hot Spring  (often considered the most beautiful of them all), or make your way to Green Island for one of the world’s three seawater hot springs. 

15. Tour the Kavalan Distillery to see how Taiwan’s single malts are made 

Whisky lovers, you’re in luck. Taiwan is a country of whisky drinkers, and they’re not only sipping imported Laphroaig or Hibiki – Taiwan’s own award-winning Kavalan is a huge favorite. The world seems to agree – at the Asia round of World Whisky Masters 2022, the homegrown label scooped up 10 golds plus a Master Medal.

You can try Kavalan on the rocks or in a smoky martini at one of the country’s many exquisite cocktail bars, such as Taichung’s Goût and Taipei’s Ounce , but you can also tour the distillery in Yilan for free and sample the single malts. 

Local tip: Taiwan has a lively craft beer scene with microbreweries popping up all over, but it’s best to taste homegrown beer in a bar such as Zhangmen , Le Blé d’Or and Taihu .

This article was first published November 2022 and updated October 2023

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The Definitive Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Taiwan

Discover Taiwan’s allure with our guide to the best places to visit. From iconic cityscapes in Taipei to hidden gems across the island, explore breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures.

Plan your perfect trip with our expert insights and uncover the top destinations that make Taiwan an unforgettable travel experience.

Unbelievable as it may seem, this petite island in the western Pacific Ocean is a powerhouse of diverse experiences. Taiwan boasts towering skyscrapers, ancient temples, delectable cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes.

To navigate through the myriad wonders of Taiwan and savor a generous slice of everything it offers, you definitely need this comprehensive guide.

Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the endless delights that make Taiwan an extraordinary destination!

Best places to visit in Taiwan-min

Brief Overview of Taiwan’s Diverse Attractions

Located between Japan and the Philippines, Taiwan might be small, but it sure is mighty.

Imagine miles of coastline begging for a beach day, exotic food markets popping with flavor, rolling mountains perfect for your inner adventurer, and futuristic cities that buzz with energy day and night.

Now put all those in one place, and you got yourself Taiwan.

Importance of a Comprehensive Guide to Help Travelers Make the Most of Their Visit

You can Google ‘top ten places in Taiwan’ and you’ll get a bunch of spots, but would those show you the soul of Taiwan? Well, pull up a seat, friend. This ain’t your typical cookie-cutter guide.

We’re going deep, surfing through the must-sees, the hidden gems, and everything in between.

Taipei: The Capital City

Ah, Taipei! Just saying it out loud sounds like an invitation to a grand adventure.

Iconic Landmarks

From the awe-inspiring Taipei 101 that kisses the sky to the endlessly intriguing National Palace Museum, Taipei is brimming with iconic landmarks.

Did I mention the mesmerizing concert of colors at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall? If not, tick that on your list, buddy.

National Palace Museum, Taipei

Culinary Delights in Taipei’s Night Markets

Taipei’s night markets are a gastronomic theme park. Nibble on exotic treats like stinky tofu and snake soup, or play it safe with delectable bubble tea and sticky mango rice.

Hungry or not, the energy of these markets is worth the visit.

Cultural Experiences

Want to dive deep into Taiwanese culture? Start with the spiritual silence of the Longshan Temple, or catch a glimpse of Taiwan’s history at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. I promise you, the experience would be almost ethereal!

Northern Taiwan

Welcome to the less-frequented northern Taiwan, the underdog of Taiwanese tourism.

Day Trips from Taipei

Why not escape the hustle and bustle of Taipei and uncover the charm of smaller districts like Jiufen or walk through the wild grass of Yangmingshan National Park?

Just don’t forget to soak in one of its hot springs. An honest soul warmer, I tell ya!

Scenic Beauty of the Northern Coastline

The northern coastline might well be Taiwan’s best-kept secret. It’s like Mother Nature went out here with dramatic cliffs, jade-green waters, and the enigmatic Yehliu Geopark.

best places to visit in Taiwan

Historical Sites

Journey back in time by visiting Fort San Domingo in Tamsui. Stroll around the old fort and feel the echoes of Taiwan’s storied past.

By the way, don’t rush. Take your time and soak up the atmosphere of these historic sites. It’s not every day one can walk through living history, huh?

Eastern Taiwan

Say hello to Eastern Taiwan, home to some of the island’s most jaw-dropping natural beauty. You’ll want to dust off those hiking boots.

Taroko Gorge National Park and its Breathtaking Landscapes

Sturdy ropes, your trusty hiking gear, and an adventurous smile are all you need to take on the dramatic landscapes of Taroko Gorge. This national park will make your heart tell your mind, “Yeah, I told you it’d be worth the trip!”

Outdoor Adventures

Aside from trekking, you might want to dip into a hot spring in the chilly mountain air or paddle through the mighty Liwu River. Remember, adventure isn’t just an option in Taiwan—it’s a lifestyle.

Indigenous Culture in Hualien and Taitung

The counties of Hualien and Taitung caravan through the indigenous cultures of Taiwan. Delve into the native music, crafts, and festivals that add another layer to Taiwan’s vibrant identity

Taroko Gorge National Park

Central Taiwan

This region is a lovely mix of the serene and the exciting, the old and the new, the nature and the humanmade- you get the point.

Sun Moon Lake and its Surrounding Attractions

Sun Moon Lake sounds poetic. It’s even more so in person. From a relaxing boat ride to a thrilling cable car journey, a day here is packed with enchanting views and unforgettable experiences.

Historical Significance of Taichung

Taichung is a destination that seemingly transports you through time. Believe it or not, as you meander through its historic alleyways, you’ll find yourself immersed in a tapestry of tales and a rich history waiting to be discovered.

Unique Experiences in Nantou County

Get lost in the beautiful mess of Nantou County’s tea fields, or go for a refreshing hike in Hehuanshan – The opportunities for exploration are as vast as the Taiwanese skies!

I swear, people who said perfection doesn’t exist haven’t seen Central Taiwan. You’ll experience it yourself, so who’s the real winner here?

Nantou County

Southern Taiwan

Ready to turn up the heat a notch? Welcome to southern Taiwan, where the sun shines brighter, and life becomes a tropical daydream.

Kaohsiung’s Vibrant City Life and Attractions

Kaohsiung is your tropical urban utopia. The city’s pulse is lively and infectious, whether a gentle row through the Lotus Pond or the technicolor dream of the Dome of Light.

Tainan’s Rich History and Ancient Temples

Relive tales of old in the historic city of Tainan. Walk through ancient temples across streets filled with centuries-old buildings, and you’ll practically hear the whispers of bygone eras!

Kenting National Park for Beach Lovers and Water Activities

Kenting National Park is your paradise if you’re searching for sun-kissed shores and waters teeming with tropical marine life. Dive in to discover a whole new underwater world.

Lotus Pond or the technicolor dream of the Dome of Light

Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems

Recall when I mentioned we were delving into the depths. I wasn’t joking around.

Lesser-Known Destinations for Adventurous Travelers

Ever heard of the Penghu Islands or the East Rift Valley? No? Well, it’s time to put these hidden gems on your Taiwanese horizon.

Unique Cultural Experiences in Rural Areas

There’s something profoundly gratifying about experiencing the laid-back life in rural Taiwan. Attend a traditional tea ceremony or help bring in the harvest. It’s these encounters that you’ll remember long after your trip.

Recommendations for Those Seeking a More Authentic Taiwanese Experience

Want to know the real Taiwan? Hit the local markets, savor regional delicacies, and engage with the locals. Your best memories might just come from these unplanned, unfiltered moments.

Practical Tips for Traveling in Taiwan

Alright, we’ve daydreamed enough. Let’s touch down and review some practical tips for your Taiwanese escapade.

Transportation Options and Recommendations

Getting around Taiwan is a breeze, from speedy High-Speed Rail to convenient city buses and bike-share programs. But, for the real adventure? Try a scooter or a bike and take things at your own pace.

Best Times to Visit Different Regions

With a subtropical climate, Taiwan is a year-round destination. But autumn and spring are your best bet to avoid the humid summer months.

Cultural Etiquette and Local Customs

Embrace openness, show respect, and feel free to greet the welcoming locals with a friendly “Ni Hao” (Hello). These simple gestures can significantly enhance your travel experience.

And there you have it! From the vibrant energy of Taipei to the tranquility of Nantou County, from the cultural richness of Tainan to the unique allure of Penghu Islands, we’ve explored the elements that make Taiwan a true haven for travelers.

Now go forth, brave explorer! Immerse yourself in Taiwan’s colors, flavors, sounds, and spirit. Discover, learn, taste, feel, and enjoy this beautiful island nation. Your grand Taiwanese adventure awaits!

Additional Resources

Now, if you’ve caught the Taiwan bug like I did when I first visited, here’s something to keep the fire burning.

Links to Relevant Websites, Maps, and Travel Resources

Get the 411 on everything Taiwan by visiting the Travel Taiwan website, and don’t forget to check out the handy maps at Maps Taiwan . Want some accurate advice from fellow travelers? Head on over to the Lonely Planet Taiwan Forum .

Suggestions for Further Reading and Exploration

Eager to do some more research? Check out the book “Taiwan: A Travel Guide for Veggie Lovers” for a gastronomical journey or “Taiwan off the Beaten Path: A Guide to Unique Places” to discover hidden treasures.

Alright, now you’re all set! Oh, and one more thing before I sign off. When you come back from Taiwan and are full of experiences and stories, be sure to swing by and share them with me. I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures. Happy travels, buddy!

You may also like to read:

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The ultimate guide to travelling to Thailand on a budget

11 Must-Try Ingenious Camping Ideas for the Modern Explorer

Ishwar Sharma

Hi, I'm Ishwar, a travel blogger and vlogger. I've been traveling the world for the past few years, and I love sharing my adventures with others. On my blog and YouTube channel, you'll find travel guides, vlogs, and photography from all over the globe.

Campfire Chronicles: 11 Must-Try Ingenious Camping Ideas for the Modern Explorer

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Where to go in taiwan — 19+ must-see & best places to visit in taiwan.

Taiwan is a small island nicknamed Formosa – a beautiful island with a population of 23 million people. Although it is an island nation, most of Taiwan’s territory is covered with green forests and mountains. The perfect natural scenery has created captivating landscapes, attracting a large number of tourists from all over the world. So, where should I go in Taiwan, where to go in Taiwan and where to visit in Taiwan? Let’s check out our suggested top places to visit in Taiwan and best places to go in Taiwan, best places to see in Taiwan, best places to travel in Taiwan, best places to visit in Taiwan which including 10 best places to visit in Taiwan, must go places in Taiwan, must see places in Taiwan, must visit places in Taiwan, top 10 places to visit in Taiwan, beautiful places to visit in Taiwan as follows!

• Where to travel in Taiwan? — 21+ must-go & top places to visit in Taiwan
• Get lost in Xuanzang Temple — A temple worshiping the Master monk Tang Sanzang near by Sun Moon Lake
• Rainbow Village Taichung blog — How to get & how to visit the most colorful village in Taichung, Taiwan
• What to do in Taipei 101? — The fullest Taipei 101 guide, a place that captivates Taipei visitors

What to do in Alishan? — 5 top attractions & best things to do in Alishan, Taiwan

Join us to discover some of Taiwan’s tourist attractions that impress visitors with their dynamic and futuristic vibes. On top of that are majestic natural landscapes of long picturesque coastlines, overlapping mountains, vast forests, and calm rivers and lakes.

Tourist attractions in Taipei (#best places to visit in taiwan)

Taipei 101 tower is the pride of the Taiwanese people and one of the symbols of Taipei City. After 5 years of construction at a cost of up to 1.76 billion USD, this was once the tallest tower in the world.

With the height of a skyscraper and unique architecture, it is one of the world’s architectural landmarks and a tourist destination in Taiwan that you cannot miss. In addition to admiring the building’s grandeur, visitors can experience the high-class services inside the tower.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (#best places to visit in taiwan)

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a monumental destination that marks the ups and downs of history. Along with it is the distinctive traditional Chinese architecture that invites visitors to learn about its story and great design.

Located in a large square, the memorial site is a white-walled building with blue tiles, and inside is a statue of Chiang Kai-shek. Coming here, you will be able to admire and take pictures of the vast amazing landscape as well as have the opportunity to learn more about Taiwan’s history.

Ximending Night Market (#where to visit in taiwan)

If you want to enjoy the crowded and bustling atmosphere while shopping and trying delicious street foods, Ximending Night Market will be your promised land. Ximending Night Market is a bustling tourist destination in Taiwan, attracting millions of travelers to visit and shop. Especially, this is also home to various specialties that you can purchase as gifts for your family and friends.

Yangmingshan (#top places to visit in taiwan)

Conquering Yangmingshan is the dream of many travel nomads who love exploration and adventure. During the journey to conquer the mountain, you will have to walk along a small path on the mountainside. The landscape on the road features reed meadows and poetic lily fields, which will make your trip more memorable.

Moreover, when reaching the top of Yangmingshan, beautiful nature scenery opens up in front of you with an immense and astonishing observation point. Challenge yourself once with a trekking tour to conquer Yangmingshan.

Jiufen Village

One of the famous attractions in Taiwan that draw millions of visitors every year is Jiufen Village in the Taipei metropolitan area. It is an ancient tiny village located halfway up the mountain with only one small entrance path. Along the road, unique scenery and many snacks and souvenirs for sale will make you fascinated.

In addition to sightseeing and taking photos at nostalgic corners, don’t forget to enjoy the famous specialties here such as Yuyuan, Cao Zhi Gao, Hei Tang Gao, Yuwan, and so on.

Fulong Beach (#must visit places in taiwan)

Since it is an island, the beautiful beaches are the top-notch places in Taiwan that visitors cannot miss. During your trip to Taipei, you should visit the impressive Fulong Beach with its long stretch of white sand and clear blue sea.

Particularly, Fulong Beach has pale yellow quartz sand, which creates a sense of pleasure at the touch. Moreover, you can visit the occasional festival here to build sand statues in large and small scales with vivid shapes.

At Fulong Beach, there are many interesting activities that you should participate in such as sailing, surfing, and water sports. The ticket price to the amusement park is about NT$100.

Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu Geopark receives a lot of positive feedback from tourists as an ideal tourist destination in Taiwan if you are interested in learning about nature and geology. Here, you will have the opportunity to admire the artistic masterpiece of nature such as boulders eroded by the sea wind, creating unique and interesting shapes.

To arrive at Yehliu, you should visit Taipei first then take a taxi or bus to travel a distance of about 41 km.

The name Yehliu came from the Spanish abbreviation “Punto Diablos” which means Devil’s Nose. Yehliu Geopark has a length of 1.7 kilometers and the widest part of the mainland reaches more than 300 meters.

Tourist attractions in Taichung (#best places to go in taiwan)

Sun moon lake.

A well-known sightseeing place in Taichung is Sun Moon Lake. This is the largest freshwater lake in Taiwan, located at an altitude of over 760 meters. The scenery here is really lyrical and you can enjoy a truly relaxing vacation.

In addition, you can try other activities at Sun Moon Lake such as mount climbing, cycling, and kayaking, or check out some Taiwan tours for more interesting experiences.

Taroko National Park (#best places to go in taiwan)

Taroko National Park is located in the gorge of Mount Taroko, extending from Taichung through Nantou to Hualian with an area of almost 1 million square kilometers. Coming here, you will be overwhelmed by the majestic beauty of the mountains when enjoying the sense of harmony with nature.

This famous Taiwan tourist destination possesses craggy mountains, evergreen forests, majestic waterfalls, and wild pristine sceneries. The place best suits travelers who love to explore the primal natural beauty.

Wen Wu Temple (#where to go in taiwan)

Wen Wu Temple, which worships Guan Gong and Confucius, is located in Taichung near Sun Moon Lake. This temple was built according to the typical architecture of temples in Northern China.

With a massive scale, the ornaments and sculptures here will take visitors’ breaths away. Coming here, you will feel like you are lost in a fairyland. Everything is so light and pure, helping you get rid of all your sorrow and worries about life.

Cingjing Farm (#where should i go in taiwan)

Cingjing Farm in Taichung is also one of the best attractions in Taiwan which welcomes a lot of tourists annually. Cingjing Farm is located on a large steppe, highlighted by long stretches of green lawns. Just coming up here to breathe in the air will definitely make you feel at peace. Besides, you will have the opportunity to admire the lovely sheep running around in the meadow, which is an image that visitors never forget.

Not only that but Cingjing Farm is also considered “Switzerland in Taiwan” because of its height of over 1,700 meters above sea level. This makes the climate of Cingjing Farm fresh, cool, and pleasant. More specifically, you can see the sheep shearing show performed by the staff at this farm. If you have time to stay longer, you can enjoy the delicious fresh cabbage and bamboo shoot soup.

Tourist attractions in Tainan (#where to go in taiwan)

Qigu salt mountain (#where should i go in taiwan).

The next Taiwan tourist destination is located in Tainan metropolitan area. Qigu Salt Mountain is a popular place that provides more than 60% of total salt production in Taiwan. Although it is a bit far from the town which takes you about two hours for two bus lines, Qigu is a place worth your experience.

With an area of ​​more than two hectares, the entire place is covered with a white color of salt that looks like snow. There are stairs for visitors to easily climb to the top of the salt mountain to have the best view and take photos of this unique mountain.

Confucius Temple – Fuzhong Ancient Street (#beautiful places to visit in taiwan)

Confucius Temple is a place for the altar and worship of Confucius and his sages. On the left side of the temple is the national school of literature while on the east and west sides are the halls called “Daoli” and “Dacheng”. Though situated in the busy downtown street, you will feel the sanctuary and serenity here as you step through the temple gate.

Fort Zeelandia – Anping Old Fort

Fort Zeelandia, also known as Anping Old Fort, is a construction built by the Dutch in the 17th century. The exterior of the fortress was made from ancient red bricks that look really solid. Above it is an observation tower, but currently, visitors are not allowed to enter this area.

On the premises, there stands a statue of General Zheng Chenggong, who reclaimed Tainan from the Dutch. Inside the fortress displays many ancient artifacts and provides information on the history of Tainan. This is an ideal place to visit in Taiwan for those who would love to learn about history.

Cijin Island (#beautiful places to visit in taiwan)

In Kaohsiung, Cijin Island is a destination that attracts many foreign and local tourists. This place is known for the impressive landscape of the ocean and the fresh seafood dishes.

Here, visitors can also participate in activities such as kite flying and visiting the windmill farm, the Cihou lighthouse, or the fortress nearby.

Fo Guang Shan

This is one of the top spiritual tourist destinations in Kaohsiung known as the “Buddhist capital”, which welcomes a large number of tourists. Fo Guang Shan is home to hundreds of statues of all sizes and many massive temples in an area of more than a hundred hectares.

Right from the gate, you can see the massiveness and magnificence of this construction with many exotic penjing. Eight stupas of 88 meters high stretch on both sides of the gravel road, shaded by green trees and flowers. The most significant artifact here is the bronze Buddha statue “Fo Guang Big Buddha” – the world’s tallest Buddha statue reaching 108 meters high.

The tourist attraction Lotus Pond, also known as Lianchihtan, will take you to a fairyland like the one you see in an incredible watercolor painting. This is a grand artificial lake surrounded by twenty temples with majestic dragon and tiger statues in front of the gates.

Spring and Autumn Pavilions

Spring and Autumn Pavilions, or Chunqiu Ge, are prominent Taiwanese tourist destinations located right in Kaohsiung City. This complex is about 700 meters from the dragon and tiger pagodas of Lotus Pond. The pavilions were constructed in 1953 with the purpose of building a place to worship Guan Gong in Taoism.

Spring and Autumn Pavilions are famous for their unique design and the beauty of this building is still preserved to this day. Besides, their location on the open lake is also an attractive feature for many tourists. After visiting Lotus Pond, you can easily go to Spring and Autumn Pavilions.

The island of Taiwan has many attractive and interesting destinations, from the natural scenery and culture to cuisine and people. With the above list of 18 tourist destinations in Taiwan, this post will help you find the best options for a trip full of fun experiences and memories.

Check out more information for your next journey to explore a new land. If you need to book cheap flights, hotels, and tours to Taiwan, don’t forget to search for great activities and offers in advance.

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Are you looking for more Jiufen travel guide and top things to do in Jiufen: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Jiufen day trip from Taipei — How to spend 1 perfect day in Jiufen? and  Jiufen Shifen itinerary: Jiufen Shifen day trip — How to visit Jiufen and Shifen in one day from Taipei ?

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Tourist Places in Taiwan

Quick navigation, must visit places in taiwan.

National Palace Museum

Rainbow Village

Taroko Gorge

Sun Moon Lake

Yangmingshan National Park

Beitou Hot Springs

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Dragon Tiger Tower

Xinshe Sea of Flowers

The Lin Family Mansion and Garden

Zushi Temple

Wusheng Night Market

Chimei Museum

The Pier-2 Art Centre

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Places to Visit in Taipei

Shilin night market.

Tao-Yuan-Street Beef Noodle Shop

Longshan Temple

Huaxi Street Night Market

Raohe Street Night Market

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Miramar Entertainment Park

Nangang District Hiking Trail

Places to Visit in Taichung

Carton king creativity park.

Chungbuk Fall Pine

Gaomei Wetland

Lihpao Land

FengJia Night Market

Best of Macau

PaoChueh Temple

National Museum of Natural Science

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Donghai night market.

Dakeng Scenic Area

921 Earthquake Museum of Taiwan

Places to visit in xinbei, tian yuen temple.

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Lao Mei Green Reef

Shifen Waterfall

Jiufen Old Street

Wulai Falls

Juming Museum

Wulai Hot Spring

Places to Visit in Kaohsiung

Best of Kaohsiung

The Dome of Light

Fo Guang Shan

Lianchi (Lotus) Lake

Cijin Island

Places to Visit in Tainan

Anping tree house.

Chihkan Tower

Anping Fort

Best of Taipei

Guanziling Hot Spring

Other Places to Visit in Taiwan

Wanli ufo village.

Grand Matsu Temple

Lotus Lake Taoist Complex

The High Heel Church

Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival

Yehliu Geopark

Best of Taichung

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Top 10 Most Exquisite Places to Discover in Taiwan

Often overlooked by the general masses flocking to Asia, this stunning island on the fringe of Southeast Asia is home to some of the most glorious sites anywhere on the continent.

Taiwan’s pristine lakes, exciting mountain ranges, and dramatic coastlines should highlight any trip to Asia. From my visit, here are my favorite most scenic places…

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1. Taipei City

The capital of Taiwan, once a central hub of industry and cheap labor, has transformed itself into a modern, stylish, and high-tech city, symbolized by Taipei 101.

Styled on the traditional pagodas and temples, this 101-story building opened as the tallest building in the world in 2004; enjoy panoramic views of the city from one of the many restaurants and coffee houses.

In my opinion, the city is pleasant to walk around, with market stalls and traditional Buddhist temples spotted around the bright lights of the night markets in the Shilin District.

2. Sun Moon Lake

This tranquil body of water is the largest in Taiwan and I think it’s a gorgeous spot! Framed by stunning mountain tops, it is home to the native Thao tribes. The lake itself has been named as the east side of the lake resembles the sun, while the west resembles the moon.

The lake hosts tens of thousands of visitors annually during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a ritual celebrated as far back as 3,000 years.

Romance is ingrained deep into the setting with boat rides, mainly catering to newlyweds, and walks around the mountain ranges by the lake, highlighting this fantastic travel destination’s picturesque beauty.

The oldest city in Taiwan was formerly the capital but still holds as much prestige and beauty despite a complex history of border arguments and mergers.

The city is now lovingly nicknamed “City of the Phoenix” and has many sights, from the traditional Confucian Temple (the country’s first) to the nighttime flower market.

4. Penghu National Scenic Area

Penghu is said to be the Orient’s answer to the Canary. Blessed with beautiful beaches, glorious temples, and a vast array of traditional Chinese-style homes, you shouldn’t leave the country without visiting.

One of the area’s highlights is the surreally beautiful wind- and water-eroded coastlines of the islands, which feature stunning basalt cliffs, reefs, and some of the finest beaches in the country.

5. Beitou Hot Springs

Visiting the scenic Beitou district is essential for total indulgence and relaxation. A district located in North Taipei takes advantage of the location of sitting right on top of a fault line between two continental plates, resulting in hot springs around the country.

There are several hotels with private baths, but for the budget-minded, there are public baths at a reasonable NT$40 (about 80p). Swimwear is required for the public baths, but you will find a more ‘natural’ approach is taken at the private springs in the hotels.

6. Taroko National Park

It is one of the seven national parks around Taiwan, but in my opinion, it’s the most impressive, purely based on the quite stunning site of Taroko Gorge.

You will be exposed to some of the most incredible views and stunning drives if you are a bit of a petrolhead or a keen cyclist.

Sites of impeccable beauty around the Taroko National Park are unforgettable and not easy to come by. The shrine built over the Eternal Spring is as stunning as a majestic honour to the country’s veterans of World War II.

The gorge itself has been created by the Liwu River cutting through the marble over 200 million years, so seeing its effect on the area is somewhat spectacular. This national park is an essential visit to Taiwan and a must-see worldwide.

This ancient seaside mountain town (once a decommissioned gold mining mountain town, originally built by the Japanese) in Ruifang District is located east of Taipei’s capital.

It’s an extraordinary and scenic spot in the Asian country, full of incredible history and ancient buildings. It’s also said to be the town that inspired both the town setting and bathhouse in one of Miyazaki’s most significant films, Spirited Away.

It’s a beautiful and unique place and home to an old town with a maze of narrow alleyways and teahouses, street food shacks, and souvenir shops galore.

Other highlights include the Shengping Theater, established in the 1900s and since restored, and the Gold Mine Museum, which details the town’s history as a mining hub during the Japanese-era gold rush.

The tradition of kite making is steeped in eastern tradition, none more so than in the northern city of Hsinchu, where traditional kite makers still ply their trade. I loved watching the kites here! 

Purchase a handcrafted kite to fly over the picturesque mountain ranges and within the city parks. Hsinchu’s nickname is the Windy City; in other words, it is perfect for letting your traditionally made kite fly hypnotically in the currents! 

9. Memorials of Taiwan’s founding fathers

Two stunning memorials in Taipei celebrate the nation’s ‘founding fathers.’ The memorial for Dr. Sun Yatsen can be found on Zhongxiao East Road, while General Chiang Kai-Shek is located on Zhongshan Road.

You can take pictures and enjoy one of the many Tai Chi displays on the recreation grounds.

10. Alishan National Scenic Area

This mountain region located in Central Taiwan is home to many of the high-altitude tea plantations dotted around the hillsides and, with it, some clearings that will leave you breathless.

The countless hiking trails around the region are sure to lead you through some of these stunning plantations, streaming waterfalls, and settlements that are home to the indigenous Tsou people, renowned for their hospitality and excitement at the prospect of having tea with a Westerner, some of the freshest, sweetest tea you will ever taste, created using their technique of mixing tea and fruit.

8 thoughts on “Top 10 Most Exquisite Places to Discover in Taiwan”

It’s wonderful places I wish to visit

It’s actually a place I’ve never thought about visiting but from these photos it looks beautiful!

Was talking to a Taiwanees friend bout Taiwan last night. She mentioned several of the things you describe in the above post. Nice! Hope to visit it this year or in 2014. How long would you recommend? One week? 10 days?

Hey Curly Traveller, thanks for your comment! We spoke to the guest author and he recommends staying around a week to 10 days.

I also tend to overlook Taiwan, but it looks very nice. It seems like such a beautiful place on such a tiny island.

Oh wow would love to go here one day, those photos are beautiful!

Wow… absolutely stunning photos! You’ve got me putting Taiwan on the To Do list (and yes, I’ll admit, I’ve overlooked it in the past too).

I would love to visit Tainan and the Sun Moon Lake, especially during that festival.

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10 Incredible Places to Visit in Taiwan

For many travellers, the list of places to visit in Taiwan rarely extends beyond Taipei . This is not shocking, of course, given the outsized importance of the capital as a travel destination and even among local Taiwanese.

As someone who used to live in Taipei, I definitely think you should devote plenty of time to the city. On the other hand, I cannot emphasise enough how important it is to go beyond Taipei, whether you ride a high-speed train down the west coast to Tainan and Kaohsiung, or road trip down the east coast through Hualien and Taitung.

Over the next few paragraphs, you’ll find all the inspiration you need to plan your post-pandemic trip to Taiwan, no matter your travel interests or how long you plan to spend. I hope you’re ready to get started!

• When Will Taiwan Reopen to Tourism?

Before I speak about places to visit in Taiwan, we need to address the white elephant in the room: Is Taiwan open to tourists and if not, when will it be? The bad news is that as of November 2021, Taiwan is closed to foreign tourists, and just about all foreigners. The worse news? Authorities have not set any concrete timetable for resuming tourist entries.

The good news, of course, is that Taiwan’s vaccination campaign continues to gather pace, with 60% of the country expected to reach fully-vaccinated status by the end of 2021. It’s likely (though not guaranteed) that borders could reopen in the late first or early second half of 2022. By this time, nearly all eligible Taiwanese will be vaccinated; more people will be vaccinated elsewhere in the world, too, which will ultimately slow the pandemic.

Taiwan Travel Bucket List | Top 10 Places to Visit

Kenting national park, taroko gorge, sun moon lake, kinmen island, which part of taiwan is best, where can i go for 7 days in taiwan.

Taiwan’s cosmopolitan capital is also the closest city to the country’s main international airport, so it’s likely you’ll start your trip here. I usually recommend spending 2-3 days in the city center. Attractions include iconic Taipei 101 (formerly the world’s tallest building), lush Da’an Park , food filled Shilin Night Market , Ximending shopping street and ornate Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall . After you’ve had your fill of exploring the city, you can day trips to the eclectic port city of Keelung , the former golden mining town of Jiufen or Wulai , a hub of aboriginal culture.

Another one of my favorite places to visit in Taiwan is Kaohsiung (pronounced “ Gao-shong “), located on the southern tip of the island along its highly urbanised west coast. Taiwan’s second city, Kaohsiung is famous for its own super-tall building, the 85 Sky Tower , as well as the authentic Cijin Island historic district, the captivating Tiger and Dragon Pagodas and Rueifong Night Market . After you’ve enjoyed a night or two in Kaohsiung proper, take a day trip to Fo Guang Shan Monastery , which is just an hour from the city but feels an entire world away.

Occupying the southern tip of Taiwan and most of Pingtung County , Kenting National Park is a favorite weekend getaway of Taiwanese, particularly those who reside in Kaohsiung. Whether you drive along wild Fengchuisha on the park’s eastern flank, watch sunset from Eluanbi Lighthouse or simply catch some sun at Baishawan Beach , Kenting offers something for everyone. Kenting Town is also a lot of fun, particular for its night market and the seafood on offer there.

Taroko Gorge isn’t the only place to go hiking in Taiwan, but it’s probably one of my favorites. Top trails in Taroko include the Shakadang Trail , which straddles a jade valley filled with turquoise water and dramatic Zhuliu Old Trail . You can also walk or drive to the Shrine of the Eternal Springs , which is probably the most striking piece of architecture in the park. Once you finish at Taroko Gorge, make sure to spend at least a night in nearby Hualien , a small but charming city whose sidewalks are paved with Taroko Gorge marble.

Taitung (pronounced “ Tai-dong “) is another one of the places to visit in Taiwan with great hiking—specifically, the trail that leads down to Lisong Hot Spring in the Great Rift Valley about an hour north of Taitung by car. Another one of my favorite spots near Taitung is Taimali , which for my money is probably the most beautiful beach in Taiwan, even if the water is too rough to swim. Taitung City itself is also a relaxed place to spend the night, even if there isn’t much going on here during the daytime.

Taiwan’s original capital, Tainan is known among Taiwanese as a foodie paradise. Whether at the sprawling Garden Night Market or in the dozens of restaurants right in the city, locals and visitors alike snack on classics like shrimp-topped Danzai noodles and crispy fried shrimp rolls. The city is also home to some impressive architecture (namely, the 17th-century Chihkan Town and the European-inspired Chimei Museum ), as well as boat trips through the aptly-named Green Tunnel in Taijiang National Park .

As you’ve Googled how to plan a trip to Taiwan, you’ve almost certainly come across Sun Moon Lake, which is probably the most famous body of water in Taiwan. Although this jewel-toned lake is indeed beautiful, it’s merely the centrepiece of the destination, which also includes Wen Wu Temple , Ci’en Pagoda and the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village . Either before or after visiting Sun Moon Lake, consider stopping in the nearby city of Taichung ( Tai-jhong ) a huge metropolis that doesn’t get nearly enough love among foreigners as it deserves.

As with many of the places to visit in Taiwan on this list, Alishan is much more popular among local people than it is among international tourists. Still, whether hiking or taking a historical train through the pine forests of Alishan Mountain itself, or stopping en route at the dramatic tea plantations of Shizuo , this sky-high destination is a great place to cool off in the summer, or to really chill out in winter. Moreover, the nearby city of Chiayi (where the closest high-speed rail stop to Alishan is located) is an underrated place to spend a night or two.

Although it’s a popular weekend retreat for Taiwanese residents of Taipei, Yilan county is a place foreigners largely skip. This is a pity, since it’s so close to Taipei and offers such a diverse range of attractions. Nature lovers can hike amid the Chinese hemlock forests of Taipingshan or boat to Turtle Island , while culture lovers can explore Luodong Night Market , Jiaoxi hot springs town or eclectic Nanfang’ao Port . The Lanyang Museum in Toucheng , meanwhile, is one of Taiwan’s most interesting pieces of modern architecture.

I think of Kinmen Island (which is actually called “Jinmen” in Chinese) as Taiwan’s final frontier, because in many ways it is. In addition to being so close to the Chinese city of Xiamen that you can see it from famous Juguang Tower , Kinmen Island was heavily bombarded by Chinese power during the early struggles of the Taiwanese army against Communist forces on the mainland in the middle of last century. Another main highlight of a trip to Kinmen (which requires a domestic flight from Taipei) include the Fujian-style houses of Shuitou Village .

Other FAQ About Where to Go in Taiwan

Travellers tend to be split on this issue. Nature-lovers prefer Taiwan’s lush East Coast Scenic Route, as well as the mountainous interior, highlights of which include Sun Moon Lake and Alishan mountain. For city slickers, the bustling capital of Taipei tends to reign supreme, although other large Taiwanese cities like Kaohsiung, Taichung and Tainan have their own special appeal.

With 7 days in Taiwan, you can pair 2-3 days in Taipei with a 4-5 night road trip down the East Coast Scenic Route. Alternatively, divide your week in Taiwan between Taipei and Kaohsiung, Taichung, Tainan, Chiayi and/or Kaohsiung, and as many day trips for one or all as your heart desires.

How long does it take to drive around Taiwan?

Generally speaking, people only drive the scenic east coast of Taiwan; the futuristic high-speed rail line that runs up and down the west coast is more practical than a car. Although you could theoretically drive all 400 km of Taiwan’s East Coast in one day, most travellers take between 3-5 days to traverse the route, which runs roughly from Yilan county to Kenting National Park, passing through Hualien, Taitung and the Great Rift Valley between them en route.

The Bottom Line

I hope you feel informed and inspired by my list of the best places to visit in Taiwan. Some of you will spend at least two weeks in Taiwan , looping clockwise from Taipei down the scenic East Coast, before heading back up the urbanized west coast and into the country’s craggy center. Others will simply add a destination or two on to the time you plan to spend in Taipei, whether you spend a night or two in nearby Yilan, or ride the high-speed rail down to Tainan or Kaohsiung for a long day trip. No matter what shape your trip to Taiwan ends up taking, I hope the country remains near the top of your bucket list for post-pandemic travel.

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About the Author – Robert Schrader in a writer and photographer who called Taiwan home for many years prior to and during the pandemic. Like you (after reading this post, if not before), he hopes to return to the island nation as soon as the drawbridges are down. Visit Taiwan Starts Here often to see when Taiwan is open again, and what to do when it is!

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6 Destinations to Visit in TAIWAN Other Than Taipei

Taiwan has a total land area of 36,000 square kilometers and is divided into four regions: Northern, Central, Southern, and Eastern (and offshore islands). These four areas have distinct characteristics, serving visitors with a buffet of unique travel destinations.

Navigating Taiwan is easy. The transport system is one of the most efficient in the world, so efficient that it is possible to travel from north to south and back within a day! To give you a clear picture, going from Taipei to Kaohsiung, the island’s southernmost city, can be completed in as short as 1hr 36mins (96mins) via Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR).

Taiwan’s capital and largest city is Taipei. Since we’ve been gushing over Taipei in our previous posts, this article will focus on the destinations in the other three regions. Taipei is connected to the other cities through their extensive railway and highway network, but you can also reach many of these cities by air. If you’re coming from Manila, you can fly to Kaohsiung, Hualien, and Tainan with EVA Air, but it will also connect in Taipei.

If you want to know more about Taipei, here’s our Taipei Budget Travel Guide or if you are curious about the free things to do and places to see there, discover these 10 FREE Things to Do in Taipei .

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Nearest Airport: Taichung International Airport Train Station: THSR Taichung Station (in Wuri District); TRA Taichung Station (in Central District)

Central Taiwan is characterized by a mixture of verdant natural scenery, vibrant modern metropolis, and nostalgic cultural heritage. Taichung, the third largest city in Taiwan, best represents the region with its well-preserved historical and cultural sites, thriving trade and business scene, and lush surroundings. All these and its relatively drier climate and cheaper housing costs elevate Taichung to its status as an international-class city.

If coming from Taoyuan Airport, here’s how to get there.

• From Taoyuan International Airport, take the newly opened Airport MRT System going south to THSR Taoyuan Station (NT$30; 20 mins). Another option is to take the airport shuttle bus (NT$15-NT$30 one way; 25 mins).
• From THSR Taoyuan Station, purchase ticket going to THSR Taichung Station (NT$260-NT$805; 30 mins).
• From THSR Taichung Station, you can either ride a local train going to Taichung Station (TRA Western Line/Mountain Line) located in Central District, Taichung City (6 mins) or take a free shuttle bus (for THSR passengers only) going downtown and to the university district.

Klook is offering 20% discount for a one-way THSR ticket for this journey. All you need to do is present your printed or mobile voucher and your passport at the THSR Ticket Counter. For non-reserved seat, you can claim your ticket anytime you want on the chosen date.

Top Taichung Attractions

• Chung-she Flower Garden . Central Taiwan is also popular for its numerous flower markets. Chung-she Flower Garden treats its guests with visual feast any time of the year. It is notable for its success in growing tulips in low altitude areas of Central Taiwan. The place provides not only colorful getaway for families and friends but also a romantic backdrop for couples. Ready your cameras! Admission Fee: NT$150 Operation Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm (Monday to Friday); 9:00am – 9:00pm (Saturday & Sunday) Location: No. 469-13, Sanfeng Road, Houli District, Taichung City
• Rainbow Village . In order to save the remaining veteran villages that were slowly being demolished to give way to modern buildings, one veteran Kuomintang soldier, Mr Huang Yongfu, decided to paint the walls and alleys with different colorful figures. This small area unexpectedly gained so much attention from locals and foreigners alike. Get a chance to see Mr Huang in action and support his craft. The vibrant paintings are very welcoming. Admission Fee: FREE Operation Hours: 8:30am – 6:00pm (Daily) Location: Lane 56, Chun’an Road, Nantun District, Taichung City
• Chun Shui Tang Teahouse . Taichung is the birthplace of the widespread phenomenon that is bubble tea! Teahouse owner Liu Han Chie got his idea of serving cold teas in the early 1980s while his product development manager, Lin Hsiu Hui, thought of adding tapioca balls. Bubble tea (or locally known as “bobi”) was officially introduced to the market in 1988, starting what would eventually become one of Taiwan’s trademark drinks. Today, pearl milk teas are popular, with many different versions popping up, not only in Taiwan but also internationally. Operation Hours: 8:00am – 10:00pm Location: No. 30, Si Wei Street, Taichung City
• Maple Garden
• Fushoushan Farm
• Calligraphy Greenway
• Taichung Metropolitan Opera House
• National Museum of Natural Science
• Tunghai University
• Fenjia Night Market

Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon lake is the largest lake in Taiwan. Locals and foreigners alike flock to this lake, making it one of the most popular attractions. The east side of the lake looks like a sun, while the west side resembles a moon; it figures. The lake is located in Nantou County, but you can still go here on a day trip from other cities.

If you’re staying in Taichung and you want to visit Sun Moon Lake on a day tour without worrying much about getting there and going around the area, Klook offers a hassle-free Sun Moon Lake Day Tour inclusive of boat cruise plus insurance, lunch, and hotel pick up and drop off. Places and activities covered are:

• Shuiwatou Trail (20mins)
• Xiangshan Visitor Center (30mins)
• Sun Moon Lake Boat Cruise (60mins)
• Visit food and souvenir market (30mins)
• Ci’en Pagoda
• Hiking trail (20mins)
• Visit Wenwu Temple (60mins)

Alishan National Scenic Area

Nearest Airport: Chiayi Airport Admission Fee: NT$200 (Weekend/Holiday); NT$150 (Non-holiday/Weekday/Visitors who arrive on public transport/More than 20 full price ticket purchase); NT$100 (Students/Children/Servicemen); NT$10 (Senior Citizen/Children under 120cm); FREE (PWD) Operation Hours: 24 hours (all year round) Location: Alishan Township

Southern Taiwan is characterized by tropical weather, various plantations, sandy beaches, and mountains (although not as intimidating as those in Central Taiwan). Chiayi County has some of the notable tourist attractions in Taiwan, but the most significant one is the Alishan National Scenic Area, one of the three major national parks in the county, which covers almost the entire Alishan township.

Alishan National Park is tailor-fit for those who favor communing with nature as a way of restoring their zest for life and adventure. The best time to go is during summer and cherry blossom season.

Other Attractions in Chiayi: Southwest Coast National Scenic Area, Siraya National Scenic Area, Meishan Park, Haomeiliao Wetland, Ping Huang Coffee Museum, Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, and many more.

If you’re coming from Taoyuan Airport, here’s how to get there.

• From Taoyuan International Airport, take the newly opened Airport MRT System going south to THSR Taoyuan Station (NT$30; 20 mins). Another option is to take the airport shuttle bus (NT$15 one way; 25 mins).
• From THSR Taoyuan Station, purchase ticket going to THSR Chiayi Station (NT$445-NT$1260; 63 mins). Since THSR Chiayi Station is located in Taibao City, which is the county capital, it’s easy to get to where you want from here.

If your destination is Alishan National Park, at Chiayi Station, you can take the train or the bus.

• By Train. Via Alishan Mountain Railway Chiayi Station to Fengqihu Station; NT$384, 2 hours. Then, take coach bus from Fengqihu to Alishan.
• By Bus. Bus service from THSR Chiayi Station to Alishan; Around NT$300, 2.5 hours.

Securing your tickets and slots can be a bit tedious. Train tickets get easily sold out, sometimes stretching for days. Klook is offering Alishan Mountain Tour inclusive of pick up and drop off, so you don’t have to worry about your transportation. Other inclusions are:

• Tsou Dance Performance ticket
• Services of an English-speaking guide
• Aboriginal lunch

One-Day Trip Option Itinerary: Starts at 9am. Pass by Zhongpu, Aboriginal meal at Longmei, Tsou dance performance, Alishan Forest Recreation Area. Ends at 5pm or 6pm.

Two-Day Trip Option Itinerary: Day 1 itinerary + take train to see sunrise at 4am (optional), Alishan visitor center, Fenqihu Old Street, Lunch, Yanping Mountain waterfall trail, Chukou (Everlasting Bridge). Ends at 5pm or 6pm.

Nearest Airport: Tainan Airport Train Station: THSR Tainan Station (in Guiren District); TRA Tainan Station (in the old town square of Tainan)

Tainan is not only an important place in the southern region but also in the whole of Taiwan. It is the oldest city in the country and, understandably so, the birthplace of Taiwan. Many historic sites can be found here. Here’s how to get there from Taoyuan Airport.

• From THSR Taoyuan Station, purchase ticket going to THSR Tainan Station (NT$575-NT$1590; 65 mins).
• From THSR Tainan Station, you can either ride a local train going to Tainan Station (TRA Western Line/Mountain Line) located in the city center, or take a free shuttle bus (for THSR passengers only) going to the city center.

Tainan Historical Tour

If you want to explore more of Tainan’s history and heritage, Klook is offering a tour inclusive of hotel pick up and drop off (hotels in downtown Tainan, Tainan Railway Station, and Tainan HSR Station), admission tickets, and insurance, among others. One of the stops is Old Merchant House of Tait & Co , where visitors will learn about how foreign trade and industry in Taiwan started and flourished before the Japanese came. The places covered are:

• Eternal Golden Castle
• Old Tait & Co. Merchant House & Tree House
• Local place to eat Tainan snacks
• Wushantou Reservoir Scenic Area
• Xinhua Old Street

Other Tainan Attractions

• Anping Old Street . Yanping Street, also known as Anping Old Street, is the oldest merchant street in the area. As the original settlement of Dutch, it gained its title as “Taiwan’s First Street”, being first to be constructed by the Dutch people. Admission is FREE.
• Blue Print Culture and Creative Park . Opened to the public in 2015, this former Japanese government dormitory became one of the most visited and most photographed places in Tainan. The murals and graffiti, the art installations, art studios, and quirky shops make this compound a selfie-worthy destination. Do not miss the photo opportunity! Admission Fee: FREE
• Ten-Drum Rende Creative Park
• Chi Mei Museum
• Tainan Flowers Night Market
• Anping Great Fort

Nearest Airport: Kaohsiung International Airport Train Station: THSR Zuoying Station; TRA Kaohsiung Station (Western Line and Pingtung Line)

Another city in the southwestern part of Taiwan is Kaohsiung. It is the second largest city in Taiwan, gaining its status as an international metropolis of the south.

• From THSR Taoyuan Station, purchase ticket going to THSR Zuoying Station (NT$645-NT$1760; 75 mins).
• From THSR Zuoying Station, take MRT Red Line going to the city center (NT$20-NT$25).

E-DA Theme Park

Admission Fee: Adult, NT$899; Students/Children, NT$799; Senior Citizen, Children below 12y/o & Pregnant Women, NT$580; PWD, NT$450 Operation Hours: 9:00am – 5:30pm (Daily) Location: No. 10, Section 1, Xuecheng Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City

Although exuding youthful vibe, this Greek-inspired theme park is definitely for all ages. The theme park is one of E-DA World’s extensive vacation complex, consisting of shopping mall, university, and hotels, among others. It features not only outdoor rides but also indoor entertainment.

If you want to experience E-DA Theme Park for less, Klook is offering discounted tickets for foreign visitors. It is inclusive of:

• 2 E-Da Theme Park adult tickets
• 2 meals (Japanese Donburi)
• E-Da Theme Park postcard set
• E-Da outlet shopping mall coupon

Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center

Admission Fee: FREE Operation Hours: 9:00am – 7:00pm (Weekdays); 9:00am – 8:00pm (Weekends) Location: No. 1, Tongling Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City

Built in the 1960s, this 30-hectare is the site of the biggest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. Literally means “Buddha’s Light Mountain”, Fo Guang Shan complex is surrounded by lush forest, eliciting a calming ambiance while you marvel at the massive pagodas and the golden Buddha statue.

If you have extra budget and time and you want to experience more, Klook is offering this tour plus a visit to Cheng Ching Lake inclusive of hotel pick up and drop off and insurance.

Kaohsiung Night Tour

If you fancy exploring Kaohsiung during nighttime, taking the Love River cruise is the best way to do it. Let the colorful lights illuminating the bridges reward you with fantastic view of the river and the skyscrapers. Klook is offering Kaohsiung Night Tour including hotel pick up and drop off, insurance, ticket admission, and more! Other places to visit are:

• British Consulate Residence
• Liouhe Night Market

Other Kaohsiung Attractions in Kaohsiung

• Xizi Bay Scenic Area
• Pier 2 Art Center
• Kaohsiung Rose Basilica
• Old City of Zuoying
• Meinong’s Hakka Village
• Reifeng Night Market

Taroko Gorge and Hualien City

Nearest Airport: Hualien Airport Train Station: TRA Hualien Station; TRA Xincheng Taroko Station

Unlike the crowded Western side of Taiwan, Eastern Taiwan is characterized by dense forest and unspoiled coastlines. The destination that best represents this lush region is none other than Taiwan’s biggest county — Hualien. With the Pacific Ocean greeting from the east side and the Central Ridge from the west, it is no wonder that Hualien has a great deal of national scenic areas that adventure-seekers will find satisfying.

• From Taoyuan International Airport, take the newly opened Airport MRT System going north to Taipei Main Station (NT$160; 35 mins). Another option is to take the bus (NT$65 one way; 55 mins).
• From Taipei Main Station, take the Puyuma Express (Tzu Chiang trains) going to Hualien Station. (NT$440-NT$500; 2hrs). Note that ticket for Puyuma Express should be booked online in advance.
• Get off at Hualien Station.

Top Hualien Attractions

We have separate posts for the attractions in Taroko Gorge and Hualien City. See links below:

• Taroko Gorge
• Hualien City

Where to Stay: Taiwan Hotels

2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ • 7️⃣ • 2️⃣6️⃣ 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ • 3️⃣ • 2️⃣4️⃣ (Updated)

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For a 7 day trip, which of these places on your list would be your top picks?

For me, Taipei > Hualien (Taroko Gorge) > East Coast Scenic Area

Great! Thanks for your sharing. i’m going to Taiwan in this summer…kakaka keep posting.

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20 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN TAIPEI [TAIWAN GUIDE]

Why Visit Taipei?

Taipei is one of the most exciting cities to visit in Asia! From bustling night markets to tranquil temples, Taipei, the capital of Taiwan , has an eclectic mix of experiences that we absolutely loved during our visit!

We’re excited to share our top picks and tips in this blog, to help you make the most of your Taipei adventure.

Key Takeaways from a Visit to Taipei

– Taipei’s food scene is a paradise for foodies. From delicious street food in night markets to sophisticated dining experiences. – Cultural Richness : The city is a treasure trove of cultural experiences. From the historic temples like Longshan to the modern marvels like Taipei 101. – Friendly Locals : One of Taipei’s biggest charms is its people. The warmth and hospitality of the locals enhance the travel experience. – Natural Beauty within Reach : Despite being a bustling metropolis, Taipei is close to several natural getaways such as the Pingxi Line , Maokong Gondola, or hiking Elephant Mountain. – You’ll need at least 3 full days to see the essentials of Taipei. 1 week is the ideal time to see most of Taipei and its surroundings.

Watch this video for a Sneak Peek into Taipei:

20 Best Things To See in Taipei

1. check out taipei 101 observatory.

Arguably the #1 activity in Taipei! The Taipei 101 Observatory .

Taipei 101, once the world’s tallest building ( standing at 508 meters ), is a landmark that defines Taipei’s skyline. This architectural marvel, reminiscent of a giant bamboo stalk, symbolizes technological advancement and traditional Asian design.

The highlight is the observatory, located on the 89th to 91st floors. It offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Taipei and its surroundings.

The best time to visit the observatory is right before sunset. However, booking in advance is required!

READ OUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISITING TAIPEI 101

2. Have Fun at Ximending District

Ximending is Taipei’s youth culture hub, filled with colorful shops, street art, and pop-up performances. It’s a great place to feel the city’s pulse and maybe pick up some quirky souvenirs.

At night, the area transforms into a lively spectacle, with street performers and a young crowd soaking up the energetic atmosphere. Ximending is not just a shopping district; it’s a cultural experience, embodying the youthful spirit and contemporary pulse of Taipei.

There are many things to see at Ximending!

READ OUR GUIDE ABOUT THE BEST THINGS TO SEE AT XIMENDING

3. Explore Dihua Old Street

Within walking distance from Ximending, continue your visit of Taipei at Dihua Old Street . This is one of our favorite places to visit in Taipei!

Dihua Street is a charming testament to the city’s rich past. This street, known for its well-preserved Qing Dynasty architecture, has a nostalgic atmosphere, offering a stark contrast to Taipei’s modernity.

It’s famous for its traditional Chinese medicine shops, tea houses, fabric markets, and a variety of stores selling Taiwanese crafts and snacks. Strolling down this street feels like a journey through time, where every shop and alleyway tells a story of Taipei’s cultural and commercial history.

Dihua Old Street is one of the best things to see in Taipei! Make sure to check it out.

READ OUR FULL GUIDE TO DIHUA OLD STREET

4. Visit the National Taiwan Museum, the Oldest Museum in Taipei

Also within walking distance from Ximending, you can reach the beautiful National Taiwan Museum.

The National Taiwan Museum is the oldest museum in Taiwan. It offers a window into the rich heritage and natural history of the island.

Housed in an elegant, colonial-era building, the museum presents a fascinating mix of exhibitions that encompass Taiwan’s biology, ethnology, and geology.

5. Enjoy a walk through the 228 Peace Memorial Park

Right in front of the Taiwan National Museum, you can enjoy a tranquil stroll at the 228 Peace Memorial Park in Taipei.

The park was established to honor the victims of the 228 Incident of 1947, a tragic event that marked the beginning of a long period of martial law in Taiwan. The park features lush greenery, peaceful walkways, and reflective water features, providing a serene escape from the city’s hustle.

We especially liked the nice Pagoda surrounded by water!

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE 228 PEACE MEMORIAL PARK IN TAIPEI

6. Witness History at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

After visiting the park, you can continue on foot to Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall , one of the best things to see in Taipei!

The Memorial Hall in Taipei stands as a tribute to Chiang Kai-Shek , the former President of the Republic of China. This majestic landmark, set within a vast, beautifully landscaped park, features a striking white facade with a blue-tiled octagonal roof, symbolizing the sky.

The hall itself is a marvel of traditional Chinese architecture, and it’s surrounded by elegant gardens, tranquil ponds, and walkways.

Inside, a large statue of Chiang Kai-Shek dominates the main chamber. Don’t miss the change of guards every hour.

A visit to the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall offers not only a glimpse into Taiwan’s history but also a chance to appreciate its commitment to preserving cultural heritage.

READ OUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO CHIANG KAI-SHEK MEMORIAL HALL

7. Wander at Rongjing Gorgeous Time

At about another 10-minute walk from Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, discover the latest attraction in Taipei: the charming Rongjing Gorgeous Time .

Originally serving as the Official Dormitories of Taihoku Prison during the Qing Dynasty, this area witnessed significant events, from housing political prisoners during Japanese rule to becoming a community hub for immigrants and public servants.

Today this place has been transformed and is full of Japanese bars and restaurants! It does feel like we were in Japan while visiting this place.

It’s even possible to  rent a kimono . This is possible in one of the first houses when you arrive at Rongjin from Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR A VISIT TO RONGJING GORGEOUS TIME

8. Travel Back in Time at Bopiliao Old Street

After our visit to Rongjin Gorgeous Time, we took a short taxi ride to the stunning Bopiliao Old Street .

This well-preserved street dates back to the Qing Dynasty and offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s rich past.

As you stroll along Bopiliao, you are transported back in time with its traditional architecture, including Qing-period buildings, Japanese colonial houses, and restored shops.

The street has become a cultural hotspot, hosting various art exhibitions, cultural events, and educational programs. It’s a must-visit when you are traveling to Taipei.

DISCOVER BOPILIAO OLD STREET IN TAIPEI

9. Visit Longshan Temple at night, one of the best things to see in Taipei

Near Bopiliao continue your visit of Taipei at our favorite temple: Longshan Temple. A peaceful retreat amidst the city’s hustle. The temple’s architecture and the devotion of worshippers were truly moving.

Dating back to the 18th century, this temple is an exquisite example of traditional Taiwanese architecture, with intricate carvings, stunning lanterns, and beautifully crafted dragon pillars. The best is to visit the temple at night!

The temple not only serves as a religious site but also as a cultural hub, where one can witness traditional rituals, festivals, and a vibrant display of faith and community spirit.

The entrance is free.

READ OUR TRAVEL GUIDE TO LONGSHAN TEMPLE IN TAIPEI

10. Eat at Huaxi Street Night Market (“Snake Alley”)

Huaxi Street Night Market , often referred to as Taipei’s “Snake Alley,” is one of the city’s most intriguing night markets.

If by now, you finished your visit of Longshan Temple at night, you must be ready for dinner! Simply cross the street, and you will arrive at Huaxi Street Night Market.

This market is famous for its exotic offerings, including snake-based delicacies, traditional Chinese medicine shops, and an array of seafood.

A visit here offers a sensory adventure, complete with delicious street food, interesting souvenirs, and a peek into the more unusual aspects of traditional Taiwanese culture.

READ OUR ARTICLE ABOUT HUAXI STREET NIGHT MARKET

11. Enjoy the Artistic Vibes at Huashan 1914 Creative Park

The next day, start with a visit to Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a dynamic cultural and arts space in Taipei. It’s a flourishing hub for creativity and artistic expression.

Originally a wine factory, this historic complex has been brilliantly transformed into a lively arts center. The park features a blend of industrial architecture and contemporary art, housing galleries, theaters, and unique art installations.

As we went there on a Saturday, the place was jam-packed! But still fun.

The array of quirky cafes and craft shops add to its charm, making Huashan 1914 Creative Park a must-visit for those seeking inspiration, entertainment, and a taste of Taipei’s modern artistic scene.

12. Check out Fujin Street, Taipei’s Hipster Area

If you have limited time in Taipei, you can probably skip that part… However, if you are staying there for a week or more, you can explore Fujin Street , a much lesser touristy place in Taipei.

Originally a quiet residential area, Fujin Street in Taipei has transformed over the years into a vibrant hub for local artists and entrepreneurs.

The street exudes a relaxed, bohemian vibe, with tree-lined paths and a mix of old and new architecture. Today, Fujin Street is probably the most hipster area of Taipei!

THINGS TO DO AT FUJIN STREET IN TAIPEI

13. Enjoy some of the Best Seafood at Addiction Aquatic Development

If you craving for some of the best seafood in Taipei, don’t hesitate and head right away to Addiction Aquatic Development !

Addiction Aquatic Development in Taipei is a seafood lover’s paradise, offering a unique and upscale market experience.

This modern, warehouse-style space combines a live seafood market, sushi and sashimi bars, a gourmet supermarket, and seafood-themed eateries, all under one roof. Renowned for its fresh and high-quality seafood, you can indulge in a range of dining experiences, from grabbing a quick sushi plate to enjoying a full, luxurious seafood meal.

For us, it’s a must when in Taipei!

14. Exploring the National Palace Museum

After finishing your meal at Addiction Aquatic Development, head to one of the best Museums in Taiwan: The National Palace Museum (not to be confused with the National Taiwan Museum, as described earlier in this post).

This museum houses an extensive collection of Chinese imperial artifacts. We were captivated by the intricate jade carvings and ancient scrolls. Allocate a few hours here; it’s worth it!

15. Enjoy Shilin Night Market

Shilin Night Market in Taipei is a vibrant Taiwanese street food and culture, renowned as one of the largest and most famous night markets in the city.

This bustling market comes alive as the sun sets, with countless stalls and eateries lining the streets, offering an endless array of Taiwanese snacks, from classic bubble tea and stinky tofu to mouthwatering fried chicken and oyster omelets.

Beyond the food, Shilin also boasts a variety of shops selling clothes, accessories, and souvenirs, making it a perfect spot for late-night shopping.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SHILIN NIGHT MARKET IN TAIPEI

16. Raohe, another Night Market Worth Visiting in Taipei!

Raohe is one of Taipei’s oldest night markets and a must-visit for foodies. We loved the pepper pork buns and the variety of seafood on offer.

This bustling 600-meter-long street is a culinary haven, lined with a myriad of stalls and vendors serving up classic local favorites.

The lively atmosphere, with the aroma of delicious food filling the air and the buzz of excited visitors, makes for a truly vibrant and sensory experience.

A visit to Raohe Street Night Market is one of the best things to see in Taipei

17. Hike Elephant Mountain for Some of the Best Views in Taipei

For panoramic city views, we trekked up Elephant Mountain. The trail can be steep, but the breathtaking view of Taipei, especially as the sun sets behind Taipei 101, is a rewarding experience.

Elephant Mountain offers one of the best vantage points for breathtaking views of Taipei, particularly its iconic Taipei 101. This popular hiking spot features a relatively easy trail, which leads to a series of viewing platforms.

The hike, taking about 15-20 minutes, is a bit steep but well worth the effort, especially at sunset. At that time, this place fills up with a crowd of photographers and nature lovers.

Checking the view at Elephant Mountain is one of the unmissable things to do in Taipei!

18. Walking/Cycling Along the Riverside

Taipei boasts well-maintained and extensive riverside paths, particularly along the Tamsui River, offering a peaceful retreat from the urban bustle.

These paths are ideal for leisurely bike rides or tranquil walks, with stunning views of the city skyline, lush greenery, and the gently flowing river. The routes are dotted with parks, cafes, and art installations, enhancing the experience.

Near Ximending, you can even go to Dadaocheng Wharf Container Market at night, located by the river. It’s full of container-style eateries and bars! A really cool atmosphere.

19. Check out Miramar Ferris Wheel for another Great Viewpoint of Taipei

The Miramar Ferris Wheel, a prominent feature of the Miramar Entertainment Park in Taipei, offers an enchanting experience with panoramic views of the city.

Standing at an impressive height, this giant wheel lights up at night in a dazzling display of colors easily recognizable in the city’s skyline.

As you go up the wheel, the bustling cityscape of Taipei unfolds beneath you, offering stunning vistas that stretch all the way to the mountains in the distance. Riding the Miramar Ferris Wheel, especially in the evening when the city lights sparkle like jewels, is one of the best things to do in Taipei!

20. Experience New Year’s Eve Fireworks in Taipei!

Experiencing New Year’s Eve in Taipei, with one of the most impressive fireworks in the world at Taipei 101, is an unforgettable experience. We were lucky enough to experience it in 2023. One our of most memorable fireworks ever!

At midnights thousands or people gather around Taipei 101 to watch the show. The fireworks come out directly from the Tower, giving it an extra vertical perspective.

Best Day Trips From Taipei

1. soothing relaxation at beitou hot springs.

Seeking tranquility, we headed to Beitou. The thermal valley and its hot springs are a heavenly retreat. We recommend visiting one of the many public baths or booking a private room for a more intimate experience.

Beitou is nestled in a lush, mountainous area and is famous for its natural thermal springs. The water, rich in minerals, is believed to have healing properties, offering a soothing respite for both body and mind.

The area also features the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, where you can learn about the history of hot springs in Taiwan, and the nearby Thermal Valley, known for its steaming, jade-colored waters.

2. Tea Tasting in Maokong

Taking the gondola to Maokong was a highlight. The area’s tea houses offer exquisite Taiwanese tea, and the views over the rolling hills are serene.

Maokong is perched in the hills on the outskirts of Taipei and it’s accessible via a scenic gondola ride. Maokong is famous for tea enthusiasts. The area is dotted with traditional teahouses, where you can savor locally grown oolong tea while enjoying the tranquil mountain scenery.

Walking along the winding paths, you can visit small tea plantations and learn about the intricate process of tea making.

3. Day Trip to Jiufen Old Street

Jiufen is one of the most popular day trips from Taipei. Although we decided to spend the night there (which we actually recommend in order to avoid the crowd during the day), it can easily be visited during a day trip from Taipei.

Jiufen is one of the most charming old towns in Taiwan with narrow lanes full of lanterns and traditional tea houses. The views of the mountains and sea are spectacular, making it a perfect day trip from Taipei.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT JIUFEN IN TAIWAN

4. Pingxi Line

The Pingxi Railway Line , offers a unique and scenic journey through the lush, mountainous landscapes of New Taipei City.

This historic train line, known for its slow-paced and leisurely rides, takes you through charming rural areas and small towns, each with its own character and attractions.

Key stops along the Pingxi Line include Jingtong , an old mining town where you can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere and bamboo wishing poles; Pingxi , famous for its annual Sky Lantern Festival and quaint streets; and Shifen , known for the Shifen Waterfall, one of Taiwan’s most beautiful waterfalls, and the Shifen Old Street where visitors release sky lanterns into the sky.

Each stop on the Pingxi Line offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, making it a great day trip from Taipei

FULL GUIDE FOR A DAY TRIP ALONG THE PINGXI LINE

5. Explore Nature’s Wonder at Yehliu Geopark

We ended our trip with a day visit to Yehliu Geopark. The unique geological formations, like the famous “Queen’s Head,” are a fascinating sight.

A day trip to Yehliu Geopark, located on the northern coast of Taiwan, is an extraordinary escape into a landscape of natural wonder. Renowned for its unique geological formations, the park is home to a variety of unique rock structures, including the iconic “Queen’s Head,” a rock formation resembling a human head.

The coastal views add to the dramatic and picturesque setting, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Best Places to Go Shopping in Taipei

Taipei is also a true paradise if you love shopping from global brands to local designers, and Japanese-influenced culture.

We listed the 5 essential neighborhoods for a crazy shopping spree in Taipei.

1. Ximending: the trendiest neighborhood in Taipei

We already talked about Ximending above in our article. There is no better place to shop in Taipei than in Ximending. Here you will find pretty much anything.

Start your journey with the Wan Nian Commercial Building and Shinjuku Plaza. Are you looking to get a tattoo? So go to Tattoo Street!

And the many pedestrian streets in Ximending are lined up with countless shops.

2. Xiinyi District and Taipei 101

If you go to Taipei, you’re definitely going to take a look at the famous Taipei 101. It is located in the Xinyi district, another area super famous for shopping!

There are malls like ATT 4 FUN and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi that offer everything from designer labels to gadgets. F

3. Japan in Taipei: Shopping dive in Zhongshan

Zhongshan is a bit like a trip to Tokyo without leaving Taipei. There are special areas dedicated to Japanese culture, such as Tiao Tong Shopping District.

It’s a great place to find Japanese designer clothes and culinary delights.

And there is SPOT – Taipei Film House . You’ll hardly believe it was a former American consulate! This is a significant cultural institution in Taipei, contributing to the promotion of film culture, artistic expression, and the development of the local film industry.

4. Gongguan: A paradise for students and good deals

If you’re the thrifty type, Gongguan is for you. The area is popular with students from local universities such as National Taiwan University.

It’s also a great place for budget shopping, especially at the Gongguan Night Market.

5. Jian Guo: The floral and mineral escape

The Jian Guo flower market and jade market are the perfect combo for a weekend. Between the scents of local flowers and the shine of jade jewelry, this place is unique!

Best Places to Stay in Taipei?

Taipei’s accommodation options are as diverse as the city itself.

From the luxury hotels in Xinyi District to the quaint and cozy inns in the historic Wanhua District, there’s a perfect spot for everyone. As for us, we decided to stay in Ximending, at the center of the action!

Here are our top 3 hotel recommendations in Taipei:

1. CitizenM Taipei North Gate (Mid-Range)

CitizenM Taipei North Gate is a contemporary, boutique-style hotel located right by Ximending and near Taipei Main Station. It’s really convenient. Plus the modern design and innovative approach to hospitality is perfect!

2. Hotel W (Luxury)

The W Hotel in Taipei is a luxury hotel with a chic, contemporary design and vibrant atmosphere. Located in the bustling Xinyi District, it has a direct view on the Taipei 101!

The hotel features stylish rooms with cutting-edge design, upscale dining options, and a renowned rooftop bar offering panoramic views of the city.

3. CityInn Hotel Plus – Ximending Branch (low budget)

This hotel is valued for its convenient location near Ximeninding, it’s affordable clean and has excellent reviews. It’s situated opposite a shopping mall, offering easy access to dining and shopping options.

How to Get Around in Taipei?

Getting around Taipei is convenient and efficient, thanks to its well-developed public transportation system and other modes of transport.

1. Taipei Metro (MRT)

The MRT is the backbone of Taipei’s public transportation. Covering the city with five color-coded lines, it connects major attractions and neighborhoods.

The metro operates from 6:00 am to midnight, making it a reliable option for both early and late activities. Fares range from NT$20 to NT$60, depending on the distance.

All announcements and signage are available in both Chinese and English.

Complementing the MRT, Taipei’s extensive bus network reaches areas that are less accessible by the metro. Buses are a cost-effective option, with most fares set at just NT$15. To be honest, we used the bus 90% of the time, simply check the itinerary on Google Maps. It’s super easy.

The hop-on-hop-off Taipei Double Decker Bus Tour is another great choice to visit Taipei, offering a convenient way to major attractions.

3. Taxis/Uber

Yellow taxis are abundant throughout Taipei. They are a more expensive option, but still affordable by international standards. Uber is also available in Taipei and offers a convenient and familiar option for getting around, especially if you prefer a service with an app-based interface.

4. Cycling /Walking

For a more active and scenic mode of transport, consider using YouBike, Taipei’s bike-sharing service. Stations are located near MRT stations and tourist spots, making it easy to pick up and drop off bikes across the city.

Another option is to walk. Many attractions are close to each other, and walking (although a bit more tiring) will make you see more of the city…

5. Transportation Cards & Passes

To simplify payment and potentially save on fares, consider getting an EasyCard or a Taipei Pass . The EasyCard is a contactless payment card used for public transportation and in participating shops.

It offers a 20% discount on single rides over regular tokens. The Taipei Pass provides unlimited rides on the MRT and city buses for a set number of days.

6. Join a Tour Group

Best food to try in taipei.

Taipei is full of amazing dishes and snacks! Here we listed our favorite ones during our trip to the city:

• Danzai Noodle : A snack-sized dish with braised minced pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and cilantro, often served with wheat or rice flour noodles.
• Baby Eel Noodles : A Tainan-origin dish using fresh water Field Eel, paired with pre-fried Yi-mien noodles, available in dry and wet preparations.
• Hot Pot : A communal meal experience with a variety of broth options and ingredients like thinly sliced meats, seafood, and vegetables.
• Dumpling: the famous Xiao Long Bao from Din Tai Fung . Unmissable when in Taipei
• Grilled Squid : A savory street food item marinated in garlic and soy sauce before being grilled, often found at night markets.
• Scallion Pancakes : A popular street snack made from a batter of flour, oil, and sliced onions, fried to golden perfection. Yum! We love this one!
• Taiwanese Oyster Omelet : A combination of eggs, oysters, and vegetables, creating a savory omelet that’s a staple in Taiwanese night markets.
• Stinky Tofu : A fermented tofu dish known for its pungent aroma, often deep-fried and served with pickled cabbage and hot sauce. It tastes better than it smells! Trust us…
• Pineapple Cakes : A popular pastry with a flaky crust and pineapple jam filling, widely available in bakeries across Taipei.
• Bubble Tea & Jelly Drinks : Originating from Taiwan, these drinks feature tapioca balls or jelly in a variety of tea flavors.

Best Time to Visit Taipei

The best time to visit Taipei largely depends on your preferences for weather and activities, as well as your tolerance for crowds and heat. Generally Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to visit Taipei due to its cooler weather.

Summers in Taipei are hot and humid, with average temperatures between 27°C to 30°C, peaking in July. This season experiences significant rainfall, so waterproof clothing is essential.

Winters are the driest but coolest, with average temperatures around 16°C to 18°C. e Chinese New Year sometimes falls in late January or early February, which can be a festive yet busy time to visit.

Wrapping Up Our Trip to Taipei

Our trip to Taipei was an incredible blend of cultural discovery, culinary delight, and urban exploration.

Every corner of this city has a story, and we feel like we’ve just scratched the surface.

Taipei is not just a city; it’s a feeling, an experience that stays with you. We left with full hearts and a promise to ourselves to return. If you’re planning a trip to Taipei, get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

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• DISCOVER THE CHARMS OF DIHUA STREET IN TAIPEI
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20 Cities in Taiwan

- This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure.

As a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, it is easy and convenient to visit many of Taiwan’s cities and towns. Beyond its capital city of Taipei, Taiwan is a special place filled with amazing scenery, people and food. There are many other cities in Taiwan worth exploring, and the good news is it’s easy to travel around this small island nation. No matter where you go in Taiwan, you are guaranteed to have an amazing time and learn a lot about the culture and history of this beautiful island nation.

To travel to cities such as Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Hualien or Kaohsiung, use public buses or the MRT metro (only in Taipei and Taichung) to sight-see within these cities. Renting a scooter or car is recommended if you visit smaller cities such as Taitung and Pingtung. You must have an international driver’s licence to rent a scooter or car. Even though smaller cities and towns do not have the convenient public transit as larger cities, they are still worth visiting for amazing food, culture and gorgeous scenic destinations, especially on the east coast (think giant mountains with cliffsides dropping into the Pacific Ocean). 

• Getting Around Taiwan

Taiwan’s public transportation will take you anywhere you want to visit, with the High-Speed Rail (HSR) on the west coast and Taiwan Railways (TRA) on both the east and west coasts.

• The HSR only operates on the west coast because the east coast of Taiwan is too mountainous to have a high-speed train, and the TRA on the east coast travels significantly slower than the HSR, making it a safe mode of transportation on the east coast.
• The TRA is also more affordable than the HSR, so if you want to save money, you can still take the TRA on the west coast.
• HSR round trip tickets can reach up to 3000 NTD, while TRA ticket prices vary on destination but are less expensive than HSR tickets.
• You can also take long-distance buses if you’re on a tight budget, but the trains are faster and more convenient.

2- Kaohsiung

3- taichung, 5- new taipei, 6- hsin chu, 12- pingtung, chulu pasture, green island, orchid island, 15- chenggong, 17- magong city, penghu islands, 18- nangan, matsu islands, cities in taiwan.

• Ultimate Taipei Sightseeing Tour
• 5-Day Best of Taiwan – Sun Moon Lake, Tarako Gorge, Kaohsiung and Taitung.
• 1-Day Tour Taichung and Gaomaei – explore the highlights.
• Private 3-Day Southern Taiwan Tour – explore Tainan, Kaohsiung and Kenting.
• 3-Day Northern Taiwan Tour – discover Taipei, New Taipei City and Yilan County.

20 Taiwanese Cities And Towns To Visit In 2023

In the north, Taipei city is the capital of Taiwan.

This metropolis has fantastic and inexpensive public transportation, great hiking trails in the mountains surrounding the city, art and history museums, a fun nightlife with many clubs and bars to choose from, and of course, great shopping areas for souvenirs or anything else you may need.

Notable destinations include the National Palace Museum, featuring art pieces and artefacts from ancient China, Taipei 101 , the tallest building in Taiwan and a beautiful feature in the city’s skyline.

Dihua Street is one of the oldest streets in Taiwan and is filled with souvenirs and traditional goods.

Elephant mountain is a hike with excellent views of Taipei 101 and the city.

There are also many night markets, such as Roahe, Shilin and Ningxia.

Recommended tour: Ultimate Taipei Sightseeing Tour

In southern Taiwan, Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s largest industrial centre.

Kaohsiung has numerous tourist attractions, such as renting a boat and enjoying a nice ride on the Love River, hiking at Shoushan (Mt. Shou), visiting the Xiziwan Bay, taking pictures at the scenic Lotus Pond, and exploring the Old City of Zuoying.

At nighttime, visit the Dome of Light, the world’s largest public art installation made from individual pieces of coloured glass created by renowned artist Narcissus Quagliata.

Scooter or taxi to the Fo Guang Mountain Monastery, which features a golden giant Buddha and many Buddha statues.

Recommended tour: Private Custom Kaohsiung Day Tour

Taichung was home to the Atayal aborigines and several Taiwanese Plains Aboriginal tribes (including the Taokas, Papora, Pazeh, Hoanya and Babuzas), hunter-gatherers who later lived by cultivating millet and taro.

Famous destinations include the serene Sun Moon Lake , the Gaomei Wetlands (go at sunset!) and the National Museum of Science.

Recommended tour: 1-Day Tour Taichung and Gaomaei

On Taiwan’s southwest coast, Tainan was the capital of Taiwan from 1683 to 1887 under the Qing Dynasty and was also the main port during Japanese colonisation.

Tainan is a rich historical city with centuries-old fortresses, temples, and landmarks like Chihkan Tower.

Chihkan Tower is an 18th-century Chinese complex with gardens, intricately carved towers and a temple erected on the foundations of Fort Provintia, a Dutch outpost from their colonisation period in the 1600s.

Tainan is a beautiful city to walk through, with temples everywhere and amazing restaurants.

It’s also famous in Taiwan for its yummy food, snacks, and night markets.

Recommended tour: Private 3-Day Southern Taiwan Tour.

New Taipei city surrounds Taipei city and is relatively newer in development.

New Taipei City has great hiking destinations, such as Yangming Mountain, which crosses over both Taipei and New Taipei.

Yangming Mountain National Park is one of Taiwan’s nine national parks in and is also an active volcanic site.

The mountain is also the residence of a water buffalo herd.

You can take pictures with them and watch them graze. Another destination in New Taipei city is Tamsui, the last MRT stop on the red line.

Tamsui has wonderful sunset views as it is where the Tamsui River meets the Pacific Ocean.

You can even take boat rides across the river to visit Dali, a small town with traditional snacks and a small beach.

New Taipei city is very close to Taipei city, so it is easy to visit both places on the same day.

Recommended tour: Northern Taiwan 3-Day Tour.

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Hsin Chu is to the southwest of Taipei and can be visited from Taipei for a day trip.

Hsin Chu city has an amazing Glass Museum, which you should not miss.

This museum houses different glassworks, interactive displays, and a fun glass-blowing DIY workshop.

The Glass Museum is in Hsin Chu park, the most beautiful park in the city, and during the spring, this park is also an amazing cherry blossom viewing spot.

Another nice area to explore is Hsin Chu Moat park, especially at night to see pretty lights, stroll along the river bank, listen to live music and explore different food booths.

Taoyuan is east of Taipei and has the only international airport in Taiwan (so you will be in Taoyuan when you land).

Before you make your way to Taipei, make sure to visit some notable sites in this city, such as Longtan lake and its beautiful Buddhist Temple in the centre.

If you enjoy art, then visit the Daxi Wood Art Ecomuseum, home to the Craftsman Story House, built in 1941, and houses many different cultural items.

Carmine Gallery is another must-visit place that introduces Chinese artists to the international art scene and advocates for the coexistence of contemporary life and art culture.

If you prefer to see more traditional places, visit Daxi Old Street on Heping Road.

This street was created during Japanese colonisation and has Japanese baroque-style carvings in the shops, where you can buy wood carvings and other traditional souvenirs.

Sitting on the northeastern coast of Taiwan, Keelung not only has fun city vibes but also great beaches and scenery.

Keelung city has northern Taiwan’s largest port and is the second-largest in all of Taiwan after the port in Kaohsiung.

At night, after you visit the Miaoku night market and try Keelung’s famous paopaobing (a wonderful dessert that resembles ice cream but is made out of finely shaved ice).

Take a side detour to see the Khóo Tsú-song Old Mansion (the ruins of a 1913 house that is overgrown with vegetation) and make sure to go to the port square to see the ship lights and also the “Keelung” neon sign on the side of the mountain to the right side of the port.

Recommended tour: Yehliu Geopark and Keelung Harbor Guided Tour.

Hualien city sits between the Central Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean to the east of Taipei, making it a stunning city with lots of nature and hiking.

Hualien is famous for Taroko Gorge, the largest marble canyon in the world.

Hike throughout the gorge and see towering marble cliffs, waterfalls, the turquoise Liwu River, and mountain-to-mountain suspension bridges.

If you love swimming in crystal clear water, you should also check out the Mugua River Gorge, with its beautiful forest, waterfalls and blue waters.

Afterwards, go for a walk along Coastal Highway 11 on the beach and then visit Hualien’s night market for dinner.

Recommended tour: Private Taroko Gorge Day Tour from Hualien .

Yilan is a city south of Taipei and to the east, right on the Pacific Ocean.

Yilan has it all: beautiful beaches such as WaiAo Beach, great trails in Taipingshan National Forest, and delicious food such as chicken thigh skewers at the Luodong night market.

You can also plan a tour and boat ride to Turtle Island in the north.

Yilan is also known for its plentiful and lush tea farms, where you can spend a morning picking tea and learning about the different growing methods, varieties and flavour profiles.

Many tea farms also have B&B, so you can relax near the mountains.

Recommended tour: Northern Taiwan (Taipei, New Taipei City, Yilan County) 3-Day Tour .

Located in southwestern Taiwan, Chiayi is the gateway to Alishan, a beautiful mountain range that is a top attraction.

Before going to Alishan, check out some cool destinations in Chiayi city, such as Hinoki Village, which were dormitories for the Forest Department Taiwan during the Japanese Colonial era.

Today, these dorms have been transformed into a fun forest, cultural and creative park featuring tea houses built from Taiwanese cypress trees and many retail boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.

Another notable destination and a great place for photos is the Song of the Forest, a large-scale landmark made with local materials made by Chiayi artist Wang Wen-Shi.

Before you leave Chiayi, make sure you try their delicious turkey rice.

Pingtung City is south of Taitung in Pingtung county, home to the most southern point in Taiwan.

Pingtung is close to beautiful white sand beaches, where you can go surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Drive or scooter from the city to Kenting National Park, Taiwan’s first National Park, and hike along beautiful forest paths with waterfalls.

From Pingtung, a stunning place to visit is the beautiful Xiaoliuqiu Island, a haven for the endangered green sea turtle.

You can snorkel and scuba dive with these peaceful animals, but touching them is illegal, so make sure you respect the turtles’ space.

You can rent electric bicycles, or ride a scooter around Xiaoliuqiu, or Little Xiaoliu or Lumbai Island, which also has excellent seafood restaurants and amazing mango shaved ice.

Pingtung is also known for culinary specialties, such as Linbian Township’s sweet black pearl wax apple, Wanluan’s tasty chewy pig’s feet, and Donggang’s savoury bluefin tuna.

13- Taitung

Taitung is a must-visit city on the scenic east coast, which sits between a beautiful mountain range and the Pacific Ocean.

It’s convenient and easy to do typical city activities such as relaxing in cafes or tea shops and fun outdoor activities like hiking, swimming or soaking in hot springs.

Taitung city is known for its Tiehua Music/Culture Village, a cute area next to the Taitung stadium and old train track.

Tiehua is only open in the evenings, Thursday to Sunday, but some bars and restaurants in Tiehua have different opening times.

Tiehua features live music, artisan crafts, great handmade souvenirs, little snacks and the Tiehua hot air balloon lanterns that line the entire area.

Taitung is also home to five Indigenous groups, making it a great place to learn about Indigenous culture.

Rent a car or scooter when visiting Taitung, as there is not much public transportation in this small city.

There are coral reefs off the coast of Taitung, so bring your snorkel.

Taitung is also the gateway to some of Taiwan’s hidden gems: 

Not far from the city to the north is Dulan, the surfing capital of Taiwan. 

There are many hostels that have surfing instructors, lessons and equipment to rent. And when you’re tired from surfing, relax on soft black sand beaches.

Tip: Stay at the hostel where you are getting your lessons, so you don’t have to worry about transportation before your morning lessons.

Also to the north of Taitung, Chulu Pasture is a fun attraction for families, where you can feed horses and cows peacefully grazing in the green fields.

Green Island is a small island off the coast of Taitung and can be reached by boat from Fugang Harbor in Taitung.

You will need to bike, scooter, or rent a taxi once on the island because it does not have public transportation.

Green Island is known for its beautiful scenery and crystal-clear waters, making it an amazing scuba diving and snorkelling destination.

The coral reef at Green Island is a part of the same coral reef chain that creates the Great Barrier Reef.

Green Island does have a dark past, as it used to be where prisoners were sent during the White Terror.

Another stunning island off the coast of Taiwan, Orchid Island, is larger than Green Island and is the home of the Tao Aboriginal tribe.

Orchid Island is known for having the best preserved Indigenous culture in Taiwan, with its beautiful Tao-made handcrafted and painted canoes, which are not allowed to be taken off the island.

Orchid Island is volcanic, with massive mountain peaks and beautiful cliffs dropping into the ocean.

Snorkelling is a must here, while scuba diving is pricier than on other islands such as Green Island and Xiaoliuqiu.

Recommended tour: 5-Day Best of Taiwan .

Jiufen is a small town in the north that can be reached by public bus from Taipei city for a day trip.

Jiufen Old Street is an atmospheric narrow alley filled with tea houses, food stands, souvenir and pottery stores.

Red lanterns hang throughout the alleyway from the traditional-style buildings, making Jiufen look like a ghost village.

Fans of the anime film Spirited Away by Japanese director Miyazaki should visit (many shops have cute Spirited Away paraphernalia).

It also has amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and northern Taiwan’s mountains, making the many different tea or dessert shops the perfect places to try Taiwanese treats while enjoying the view.

Recommended tour: Jiufen Village and Northeast Coast Tour .

Chengong is on the east coast and is about a two-hour scooter drive to the north of Taitung city.

The drive from Taitung to Chenggong is a scenic one along the Pacific Ocean.

Chenggong is the town next to Sanxiantai, or the famous Dragon Bridge, a beautiful bridge resembling the curved body of traditional Chinese dragons between the mainland and a small islet that can be hiked.

Wear good walking shoes if you plan on doing the short hike because even though it is short, it is steep in some areas, and you also must walk over sharp volcanic rock.

If you go to the Dragon Bridge in the morning, you can enjoy one of Chenggong’s many seafood restaurants for lunch.

The seafood in Chenggong is incredibly fresh and affordable, but it should be noted that most restaurants are family-style, so make sure to go with a larger group so you can order more dishes.

Ruisui in southern Hualien County and is mainly populated by Taiwanese Aboriginal groups, the largest of which is the Amis.

Ruisui is a great place to learn about Amis culture and sustainable agricultural and fishing practices.

Agriculture is a major industry in Ruisui, and you can scooter around the rice fields and fruit orchards.

During March and April, pomelo flowers bloom and the air is fragrant. 

You can also buy agricultural products that Indigenous farmers grow, such as alcohol and snacks made from millet.

Ruisui is also known for its beautiful hot springs and the Siouguluan River Basin, where you can kayak or tube down the river. 

Penghu is an island group of 90 islands on the western side of Taiwan and can only be accessed by plane or ferry.

Penghu is filled with history, culture, and fun outdoor activities, making it a great place to visit during your trip to Taiwan.

Penghu has many temples worth visiting, such as the Magong City God Temple, Tianhou Temple (the most famous in Penghu), and marvel at their beautiful colours and architecture.

Around Tianhou Temple, you can find some interesting art and relics on display from the Ming Dynasty.

At Magong City (where Magong City Temple is), you can walk around in little alleyways lined with traditional red lanterns and shop at various artisanal stores.

Afterwards, go to Shanshui Beach to swim and relax. 

Matsu is a group of islands between Taiwan and China and has historically been a military post for Taiwan.

Thousands of years ago, stone age peoples lived on these islands, and after they disappeared were later inhabited by Chinese fishermen from 900 to 1200 AD during the Song Dynasty.

Matsu is known for its fresh and savoury seafood and for the bioluminescence organisms in the Ocean (peak time is April).

Nangan is the capital but you’ll want to visit Qinbi Village in Beigan, known as the “Mediterranean Village” because of the architecture of the buildings and their location on the side of a mountain.

Most houses were built using Fujian and Fuzhou traditional style with local granite and sandstone found on the islands.

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Taiwan’s Strongest Earthquake in 25 Years Kills at Least Nine

H UALIEN, Taiwan—The strongest earthquake to hit Taiwan in 25 years killed at least nine people and damaged roads and buildings, including some that partially collapsed, on the island’s east coast.

The magnitude-7.4 quake left more than 900 injured as it severely damaged more than two dozen apartment towers, houses and other buildings, authorities said.

All of the deaths occurred in Hualien County, according to Taiwan’s National Fire Agency. At least 130 people remained trapped, including 70 who are stuck in two mines operated by a cement company.

Rescuers pulled 22 people from a nine-story building in central Hualien with a rounded-glass exterior that tilted perilously on its side, crushing shops on the ground floor.

Local officials said one woman who had initially gotten out of the building was killed after she went back to rescue her cat. Close to midnight, rescue workers at the building were working to stabilize it as aftershocks continued to roil the area. Authorities said the building housed 79 households.

The quake, which was centered about 11 miles south of the city of Hualien, struck just before 8 a.m. Wednesday local time with a preliminary magnitude of 7.4, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Officials also reported burst water pipes and loss of electricity in some areas near the epicenter. The quake caused the collapse of a roadway linking Hualien with cities to the north and forced several rail lines to pause operations.

The office of Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen said she had dispatched the military to the area to help with disaster relief.

Lai Ching-te, Taiwan’s president-elect, visited Hualien and spoke with rescuers. “The most important thing at the moment and the highest priority is to save people,” said Lai, who will be inaugurated in May.

The quake was the strongest to strike Taiwan since 1999, according to a search of the USGS database. The initial quake was followed by powerful aftershocks of magnitude 6.5 and 5.7, the USGS said.

Images carried by local media showed the collapse of a roadway linking Hualien with cities to the north.

Chang Li-hsin, a restaurant owner in central Hualien, was preparing to open when the earthquake struck.

“Tables and chairs suddenly began shaking,” she said. “The menu hung on the wall was shaken off, and a crack appeared in the wall.”

Chang shouted to her husband in the kitchen and the couple ran out of the restaurant. Dozens of people were already on the street.

“I can’t remember the last time there was a quake of this magnitude,” Chang said.

A few hundred yards away, Chang said, she watched as rescuers arrived to pull people from the tilted building with the curved-glass facade. It had apartments, a small hostel with cafes and snack shops on its ground floor, she said. A group of firefighters set up a ladder and began prying open a window fitted with iron security bars to rescue the people trapped inside.

Hualien, a city of about 100,000 people, sits between the steep mountains of Taiwan’s east coast and the sea. The city and the larger Hualien County that surround it experience frequent earthquakes. A magnitude-6.4 earthquake centered in Hualien in 2018 killed at least 17 people and left some buildings severely tilted. The city is located just south of Taroko National Park, a leading destination for tourists, with a deep gorge along the Liwu River where it cuts into the mountains.

“Foreign visitors, maybe they are a little nervous because they have never seen anything like this,” said Huang Hui-chih, a coffee-shop owner in Hualien who had to clear dozens of shattered cups and glass items after the quake hit. “But Hualien people, we’ve had this experience.”

In 1999 a magnitude-7.6 earthquake in central Taiwan killed more than 2,400 people and injured more than 11,000. It was Taiwan’s deadliest since a quake in 1935.

Those killed in Wednesday’s quake include three hikers who were hit by a rockslide, two road workers hit by landslides, a person killed in a mine, two people in vehicles and one who was believed to have died in a collapsed building, according to Fu Kun-chi, a legislator from Hualien.

The Taiwan Railway Corp. said the line between Jiaoxi and Fenglin in eastern Taiwan was halted and that a large rockfall was discovered on the line between the Horen and Chongde stations, near Hualien. The eastern main line is expected to reopen on Thursday morning, Lai said.

Taiwan’s high-speed rail system said about 20 of its trains were affected, but there were no reports of damage or injuries.

Ma Chin-hsiung, a 52-year-old Hualien resident, said Wednesday’s earthquake appeared to do more damage to the city’s transportation links with the rest of the island than other recent quakes, pointing to reports of severe damage to the winding seaside road that runs northward from Hualien to the neighboring county of Yilan.

Ma said he wasn’t hurt by the quake, but the shaking knocked his television onto the floor and broke it. He said he went ahead with his grocery shopping and found that a wall had collapsed at the market he frequents, though many vendors were still operating.

“There are too many unpredictable situations, but we must still do the necessary shopping,” Ma said.

The metro system in Taipei, Taiwan’s capital, said it was halting operations according to its standard procedure to carry out checks of its system. No problems had been found so far, it said.

The world’s largest producer of advanced semiconductors, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, said that workers were returning to their stations after being evacuated from some of its semiconductor-fabrication plants after the quake. The company’s safety systems are operating normally and it is confirming details of the quake’s impact, TSMC said.

TSMC is based in Hsinchu, near Taipei, and its biggest plants are all located on the western side of the island, opposite where the quake struck. TSMC produces the chips that run Apple’s iPhones and Nvidia’s GPUs.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. National Security Council said the U.S. was standing ready to offer any necessary assistance.

Jacob Helberg, a member of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, a congressional research and advisory panel, said he was in Taipei on a work trip when he got caught in the earthquake. He said he was preparing for an interview at an outdoor patio on the sixth floor of the Mandarin Oriental hotel in central Taipei when it hit, and he returned to his room to find it strewn with smashed ornaments, glass and other debris.

He said he was struck by how calmly people responded.

“The city resumed its normal activities very quickly,” he said. “People are incredibly resilient in Taipei.”

Chun Han Wong, Raffaele Huang and Yang Jie contributed to this article.

Write to Joyu Wang at [email protected], Austin Ramzy at [email protected] and Nathaniel Taplin at [email protected]

Corrections & AmplificationsAn earthquake in Taiwan left 70 people stuck in two mines operated by a cement company. An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified them as being stuck in two coal mines. (Corrected on April 3)

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NASA's interactive map shows best times, places to watch total solar eclipse

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Millions of Americans will get the chance to see a total solar eclipse when the rare event crosses the country next week.

The total solar eclipse is expected on Monday, April 8 - the first one in seven years to pass over the U.S.

So what exactly will you be able to see during Monday's solar eclipse? That's what an interactive NASA map is for.

The interactive lets you type in your city or zip code into a map to see what the eclipse will look like in your neighborhood and what time it will happen. NASA's interactive can be viewed here .

RELATED: How much of the solar eclipse will be visible in California?

Southern California is not in the best position to see the total eclipse, but people can still get a partial view. For example, the interactive shows Los Angeles residents will be able to see that only the bottom portion of the sun will be covered, and it'll happen around 11 a.m.

In places like Columbus, Ohio - which is in the path of totality - users of the interactive will see that the entire sun will be covered during the event.

In the U.S., the path of totality begins in Texas and will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, according to NASA.

ABC News contributed to this report.

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Getting around New Taipei City

Planning to travel in New Taipei City? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, let this guide help you make the most of your New Taipei City experience. Travel from the airport to a hotel using Uber and discover popular routes and destinations. Depending on your city, you can even use the app to get around with public transport, bikes or scooters, and more.

Plus, check out Uber rates for riders and drivers and learn how to use Uber to get paid to drive or deliver in New Taipei City.

Reserve car service in New Taipei City with Uber

Arrange your car service needs in advance with Uber in New Taipei City. Request a ride anytime up to 90 days ahead, whether you need transportation to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, you have plans to visit your favorite restaurant, or you’re going somewhere else.

Ride Sharing in New Taipei City

Getting around New Taipei City without a car is easy with Uber. Find places to visit in the area, then request a ride on any day and at any time of the week. You can request a ride in real-time or request a ride in advance so your ride is ready when you are. Whether you’re traveling in a group or alone, you can use the app to find a ride option for your needs.

Open the Uber app and enter your destination to begin exploring New Taipei City.

New Taipei City-area airport car service

When your travel in New Taipei City takes you to an airport from a neighborhood, or elsewhere, open the app and request a ride at any time of day. Tap below on the name of a nearby airport to learn how to use Uber to get car service to arrivals and departures. On the linked airport page, you’ll find out where to meet your driver for pickup, how much the trip will cost, and more.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

Choose the best ways to get around new taipei city, taxi in new taipei city.

Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when getting around New Taipei City. With Uber, you can trade flagging down cabs for requesting rides on demand, no matter the time of day. Request a ride from an airport to a hotel, head to a restaurant, or visit another place. The choice is yours. Open the app and enter a destination to get started.

Public transport in New Taipei City

Getting around with public transport is an affordable way to travel. Depending on the area, you can view nearby bus or subway routes with Uber Transit to help plan your travels. Open the app to see if Uber Transit is available in your neighborhood or visit popular places in New Taipei City by ridesharing with Uber.

Bike rentals in New Taipei City

Biking is an eco-friendly way to get around the heart of a city. In select cities, you can find and ride electric bikes with Uber. Open the app to see if bikes are available in New Taipei City. If bikes are available in New Taipei City, remember to wear a helmet and follow traffic laws while riding.

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Hurricane tracker, severe weather, radar & maps, news & features, winter center, the eclipse is less than a week away. people are scrambling to make or change plans.

By Terry Ward, CNN

Published Apr 3, 2024 10:57 AM PDT | Updated Apr 3, 2024 10:57 AM PDT

What will make this year’s eclipse different from the one in 2017? When will the next one be in the U.S.? We’re answering those questions and much more.

(CNN) —  Eclipse mania is approaching fever pitch as people with the best-laid plans — and those who have yet to make them, too — strategize about getting into the path of totality for a clear view of the celestial event on April 8.

For some, plans for where to fly, drive and stay to hopefully catch a glimpse of the last  total solar eclipse  in the contiguous United States until 2044 have been in place for months or even years. For others, the concept that this event is not to be missed might just be starting to dawn. People in both camps are scrambling — factoring in escalating costs and weather concerns — to make last-minute decisions about where to try to see the eclipse.

The total solar eclipse’s path of totality — where the moon completely blocks the face of the sun — stretches across portions of 13 US states as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. But as the latest weather forecasts threaten to throw a wrench in the form of cloud cover across much of the path of totality, the best bet for seeing the total eclipse will be to stay mobile and flexible with your plans, said  Mark Littmann , co-author of “Totality: The Great North American Eclipse of 2024.”

People watch the total solar eclipse in August 2017 over the town of Prineville in Oregon. (Credit: Dimitrios Manis/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images via CNN Newsource)

“It’s going to take dedication at this point,” Littmann said. “About 31 million people live in the path of totality. And millions and millions of tourists are going to be pushing into the path of totality — driving for an hour, two or three hours as well as flying in.”

Judette Louis of Tampa, Florida, said she spent several hours on Sunday researching options for flying her family to see the eclipse in Cleveland, Ohio, where she has friends, after “being radicalized by TikTok” and hearing her local meteorologist talk about how awesome the event is.

But after finding that flights from Tampa to Cleveland were around $600, a one-day car rental was $300 and almost no hotel inventory was available in the city, Louis said, she’s wavering.

“My concern is that I’m going to pay all this money and then not see it,” she said, adding that Cleveland’s weather “appears to be iffy” on eclipse day.

Scouting alternatives

Many people who booked travel well in advance are eyeing the weather nervously as well.

“The weather forecast all along the eclipse route is giving people fits,” Littmann said. “It’s April, and April showers are no joke … the now 7-day forecast has a lot of inhospitable weather.”

With weather forecasts at the seven-day mark before the eclipse “pretty good these days,” said Littmann, there’s still time for variation. “But now we are at a point where we take things seriously.”

And it’s not just snow or rain that can foul things up for eclipse-watchers, Littmann said.

“You’ve got to have a reasonably clear day or good breakthrough in the clouds for this event,” Littmann said, adding that he knows eclipse-chasers who have reservations to see the eclipse in three or more places and “will start canceling when they see something developing when it comes to the weather.”

Steven Robicsek, far left, watched the 2017 total solar eclipse in Sandy Run, South Carolina, with friends and family. (Credit: Steven Robicsek via CNN Newsource)

Steven Robicsek, 66, from Gainesville, Florida, made arrangements to travel to Waco, Texas, almost a year ago for the eclipse and said he plans to wait for a couple more days to evaluate the updated weather report before possibly changing his plans.

“Some people are short circuiting and changing locations,” said Robicsek, who has seen three total solar eclipses in his lifetime and two partial ones and longs to have more time in totality.

“I spent a bit of time on the internet last night looking for easy alternate options,” he said. “So far the best option I’ve found from Florida is the Northeast.”

Robicsek plans to wait until Friday before making a final decision about where he will try to see the eclipse. Then, he said, he’ll drive into “the middle of the path of totality” from wherever he ends up flying into.

“It’s just an incredible natural event that I think is spectacular and hard to describe,” he said. “It comes and goes within minutes, and it’s just magnificent during those few minutes.”

Last-minute strategies

As booked out as everything is, there’s still hope for people who haven’t made any plans yet.

“Hotels along the path of totality have long been sold out but there are always some people who fall sick at the last minute or change their minds at the last minute,” Littmann said. “So it’s worth checking places that are accessible to you that you can get to in a hurry.”

Frequent eclipse-goers “try to keep themselves as mobile as possible,” he said, so they can move to a different location at the last minute, if necessary.

“Just remember what would take you an hour on a normal day might take you two hours or more, as everyone else in the world is watching the same weather forecast,” he said.

A long line of traffic near La Pine, Oregon, in 2017 gives an idea of what people on the move could face this year. (Credit: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images via CNN Newsource)

The fact that this eclipse touches 13 states offers travelers plenty of destinations to choose from, said Katy Nastro, a travel expert with  Going .

Flight prices have doubled on some routes, she said, so people considering a last-minute trip should consider looking for flights to cities that are two to 2.5 hours outside of the path of totality to take advantage of potentially less expensive flights.

“Some examples include Houston versus Austin or Dallas, Memphis versus Little Rock, Nashville versus Evansville, and Chicago versus Indianapolis,” Nastro said. “The advantage of a city outside of the path is that it also will likely still have accommodation availability whereas a lot of the major metro areas within the path are citing no vacancy or sky-high prices.”

Frequent flier miles might help last-minute eclipse travelers, too, she said.

“Points and miles tend to not fluctuate as much as cash prices so you may find flights for reasonable redemptions using points/miles for a last-minute purchase,” Nastro said.

Sky’s the limit when money is no object

For people willing to splurge on last-minute flights to where the weather looks most promising and then pay whatever it takes to stay (or fly back right after the eclipse is over), waiting until a day or two before the eclipse to travel can pay dividends when it comes to getting the best views.

“Anything more than 40 or 50 percent probability of clouds is really scary for people who want to see the event,” Littmann said. “But when you get down to two or three days before the eclipse, the hour by hour forecast is pretty dependable,”

“Three days out is not an absolute determinant, but when you get down to a day and a half or day ahead, that weather forecast is almost dead on,” he said.

A view from a plane during an eclipse flight from the Russian city of Murmansk to observe a solar eclipse on March 20, 2015, above the Norwegian Sea. (Credit: Sergei Karpukhin/Reuters via CNN Newsource)

Other travelers will be looking to get above any potential cloud cover in the path of totality, he said.

“If money is no object, you can charter a plane and fly into anywhere that looks like good weather … that’s to be taken advantage of if the weather on the ground looks too iffy,” said Littmann, who plans to be on the ground in Kerrville, Texas, for the eclipse.

“I am sure there are a lot of people right now trying to rent airplanes locally that can fly above the crowds or maybe even charter a flight for additional people,” he said.

Ben Kaufman of charter air carrier  JSX  said the company has fielded countless emails and calls from customers asking how they can purchase a seat on a flight for the eclipse, but JSX decided not to sell any seats for the event.

The company ran a sweepstakes in March for free eclipse flights aboard a 30-seat jet that will depart from Dallas Love Field Airport around 1 p.m. on April 8 and host several VIPS and middle school and high school students that are part of a scholarship with the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas.

“The real advantage to seeing the eclipse from the air is you get this view through the path of totality,” Kaufman said. “Not just of the effects on the sky, but you see this darkening and shadowing across the curvature of the earth as far as the eye can see.”

Littmann said viewing the eclipse from inside an airplane means missing out on subtleties like  changing animal behavior  as the sky darkens and brightens as well as some of the coloration in the sky you can see better on the ground.

“What you gain in being in an aircraft is you know for sure you’re going to see it,” Littmann said. “And that’s worth a lot.”

Contending with high costs

Back on the ground, rental car prices are surging alongside flights in key cities along the path of totality.

Priceline reports rental car searches have risen over 500% in San Antonio, Austin, and Cleveland for the eclipse time frame versus the same period last year.

Airbnb reports a  1000% surge in searches for stays  along the entire path of totality over the solar eclipse weekend for check-ins on April 7, 2024.

The moon partially blocks the sun in cloudy skies on August 21, 2017, over the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. (Credit: Jeff Roberson/AP via CNN Newsource)

One out of four Airbnb guests with a reservation on the night before the solar eclipse have booked a stay along the path of totality, according to Airbnb spokesperson Haven Thorn.

Among the cities along the path of totality that still have availability for booking on April 7, he said, are Richardson, Texas; Hot Springs, Arkansas; Bloomington, Indiana; and Cleveland, Ohio.

Austin and the surrounding Hill Country area and Indianapolis are among the most booked destinations across all of North America on Airbnb for the solar eclipse weekend, Thorn said.

San Diego resident Madison Graça originally planned to fly to Dallas, rent a car and drive northeast toward the center of the path of totality. But she recently decided to drive to Texas instead to avoid the exorbitant airfare.

“I was still holding out hope that flight prices would drop, then I realized that wasn’t going to happen,” said Graça, 27.

She and her husband plan to make the roughly 19-hour drive from San Diego on April 5, using points to stay at hotels along the way, before arriving in Hico, Texas, on the western edge of the path of totality, the day before the eclipse.

“We both have never been to Texas,” said Graça, who saw her first total eclipse in 2017 in Oregon and longs for her husband to experience it for the first time, too.

Babak Tafreshi has photographed 13 total solar eclipses across all seven continents. What can his experiences teach us?

Graça estimates she saved hundreds of dollars staying in a location along the edge of the path of totality compared to Airbnbs she researched elsewhere in Texas that were closer to the path’s center (where time in totality lasts longer).

“I figure if we need to we can drive a little more to be in the center or move for weather — or pop up some chairs in the middle of the road if we need to,” she said. “It’s going to be a lot of on-the-go decisions.”

Graça has been trying to explain to her husband, who is wary of the long road trip, why the chance to see a total eclipse is worth taking.

“It’s one of those things that reminds you how small your place is in the universe,” she said. “Your problems seem not so big when you see something incredible like that.”

Florida-based travel writer  Terry Ward  lives in Tampa and still gets goosebumps remembering the sight of the Baily’s Beads from Greenville, South Carolina, during the 2017 total solar eclipse.

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• Solar Eclipse 2024

See the 2024 Solar Eclipse’s Path of Totality

A total solar eclipse is expected to pass through the United States on April 8, 2024, giving stargazers across the country the opportunity to view the celestial phenomenon in which the sun is completely covered by the moon.

The eclipse will enter the U.S. in Texas and exit in Maine. It is the last time a total solar eclipse will be visible in the contiguous United States until 2044.

Here's what to know about the path of the eclipse and where you can see it.

Read More : How Animals and Nature React to an Eclipse

Where can you see the total solar eclipse?

The eclipse will cross through North America, passing over parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada. 

The eclipse will enter the United States in Texas, and travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse.

Much of the eclipse's visibility depends on the weather. A cloudy day could prevent visitors from seeing the spectacle altogether.

When does the solar eclipse start and end?

The solar eclipse will begin in Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PDT. It will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NDT.

The longest duration of totality—which is when the moon completely covers the sun — will be 4 minutes, 28 seconds, near Torreón, Mexico. Most places along the path of totality will see a totality duration between 3.5 and 4 minutes.

Read More : The Eclipse Could Bring $1.5 Billion Into States on the Path of Totality

Where’s the best place to see the total solar eclipse?

The best place to witness the event is along the path of totality. Thirteen states will be along the path of totality, and many towns across the country are preparing for the deluge of visitors— planning eclipse watch parties and events in the days leading up to totality.

In Rochester, NY, the Rochester Museum and Science Center is hosting a multi-day festival that includes a range of events and activities. Russellville, Arkansas will host an event with activities including live music, science presentations, tethered hot-air balloon rides, and telescope viewings.

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Write to Simmone Shah at [email protected]

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The Accidental Tax Cutter in Chief

President biden says he wants to rake in more money from corporations and high earners. but so far, he has cut more taxes than he’s raised..

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In his campaign for re-election, President Biden has said that raising taxes on the wealthy and on big corporations is at the heart of his agenda. But under his watch, overall net taxes have decreased.

Jim Tankersley, who covers economic policy for The Times, explains.

On today’s episode

Jim Tankersley , who covers economic policy at the White House for The New York Times.

Background reading

An analysis prepared for The New York Times estimates that the tax changes President Biden has ushered into law will amount to a net cut of about $600 billion over four years.

“Does anybody here think the tax code’s fair?” For Mr. Biden, tax policy has been at the center of his efforts to make the economy more equitable.

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We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Jim Tankersley writes about economic policy at the White House and how it affects the country and the world. He has covered the topic for more than a dozen years in Washington, with a focus on the middle class. More about Jim Tankersley

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