The Best Things to Do in Taiwan

Carol is an editor with SmarterTravel Media, specializing in travel writing, multimedia production, and trying every local cuisine she can find. You can follow her journeys @cj_mcpherson on Instagram.

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From climbing to the top floor of the towering Taipei 101 skyscraper to catching a wave in Kenting National Park, the variety of attractions and experiences available to travelers in Taiwan will cause itineraries to fill up fast. With the trip from the northern capital of Taipei to the southernmost town of Hengchun taking just five hours by car, it’s possible to experience several sides of the island before heading home. No matter the length of your vacation, these are eight experiences you can’t miss in Taiwan.

Explore the Capital City of Taipei

Taipei, not to be confused with nearby New Taipei City, is the capital and the fourth largest city in Taiwan. Taipei 101 is the main feature of the Taipei skyline, dwarfing the surrounding buildings at 1,667 feet. Holding the title of tallest building in the world until 2010, Taipei 101 is still a top spot for incredible skyline views of the city, especially at sunset. For history buffs, the National Palace Museum houses a vast collection of art, documents, and artifacts spanning five Chinese dynasties. For animal lovers, the Taipei Zoo is one of the largest zoos in Asia and is mainly known for its Giant Panda House, home to the zoo’s resident pandas Yuan Yuan and Yuan Zai.

Taipei’s twelve districts each have a distinct charm. The Xinyi District is known for its clubs and nightlife, Zhongshan is known for its creative street art and unique shopping areas, and the Taipei Music Center in the Nangang District attracts acts from around the world. Taipei is also a top spot for LGBTQ+ nightlife, with the Ximending District, particularly the area around the Red House Theater, hosting upwards of 20 gay bars and clubs.

Eat at a Night Market

Night markets are abundant throughout Taiwan, travelers can dine at a new one in nearly every location. Some well-known markets in Taiwan’s major cities include:

Huaxi Night Market, Shilin Night Market, and Raohe Night Market in Taipei
Fengchia Night Market in Taichung, a city home to not only delicious night markets but also the purported birthplace of bubble tea, Chun Shui Tea House
Wusheng Night Market in Tainan, the city that originated coffin bread, a delicious bread packed with sweet or savory fillings
Wenhua Road Night Market in Chiayi
Yonghe Lehua Night Market in New Taipei City, the largest city in Taiwan

Many dishes, like the iconic stinky tofu and oyster omelets, are popular across all-night markets. You’ll also find staples like fried chicken, steamed buns called gau bao, and dessert treats like shaved ice and sweet wheel cakes alongside regional specialties like Chiayi’s A’an rice cakes and Raohe’s stewed pork ribs. If you want an expert guide to lead you to the can’t-miss dishes, many guides offer private and group tours.

Take a Cruise on Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake draws six million annual visitors, both tourists from abroad and locals alike. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Taiwan for its sweeping natural landscape. Bike around the lake, hike in the surrounding hills, paddle board on the smooth waters, or take the ropeway station gondola to snap a picture from above. You can’t swim in the lake unless you attend the annual Swimming Carnival during the Mid-Autumn Festival for their long-distance swimming event. However, an easier way to get out on the water is with a relaxing boat tour that ferries you through the placid waters, provides lunch, and lets you visit some of the surrounding temples.

Visit Tianan

Tainan was the former capital of Taiwan up until the late 19th century. Take in the country’s history at the National Museum of Taiwan, and then head over for some art and culture at the Tainan Art Museum. Tainan is home to the most highest number of temples out of any city in Taiwan. Longshan Temple is a favorite among visitors for its intricate architecture and status as a national heritage site while the Tainan Confucius Temple stands tall as the first Confucius temple in Taiwan.

For nature lovers, the sicca green tunnel is a stunning break from the city. You can take a raft down the Yenshui River, which is almost totally encased by a mangrove forest. For creatives looking for inspiration, the Blueprint Culture and Creative Park is a unique village and shopping district in Tainan, where converted Japanese military dormitories are covered in avant-garde street art.

Hike the Yehliu GeoPark

Created by erosion and tectonic motion, weathering forces have carved out the unique swooping edifices of the Yehliu GeoPark. Famous features include The Queen’s Hand, Candle Rock, and Fairy Shoe. Yehliu GeoPark Loop is one of the top trails that will take you past the iconic sites and is roughly two miles long. Tour the park with a local to ensure you don’t miss the highlights.

Soak in a Hot Spring

According to the Taiwan Tourism Administration, the country ranks among the world’s top fifteen spots for hot springs, with over 100 across the country. Beitou is considered Taiwan’s “hot spring capital” and is an easy day trip from Taipei, just a half-hour drive away. Beitou Public Hotspring is by far the most popular spot, as it’s the most affordable public hot spring in the valley. Consequently, it can be crowded at peak times.

Taiwan is dotted with upscale hot spring hotels for travelers searching for something more private. Hoshinoya Guguan Hot Spring Hotel near Taichung is largely regarded as a top-tier resort, with indoor and outdoor thermal pools and private bathing areas attached to each room. Other highly rated options include Radium Kagaya, a Michelin Guide recommendation, and Grand View Resort Beitou.

Stroll Through a Bamboo Forest

Bamboo forest in Taiwan — Simon Tang | Adobe Stock

Although it’s commonly called a bamboo forest, bamboo is actually a tall grass rather than the towering trees they may resemble. These groves are dense and fast-growing, a natural feature across five continents. The Fenrui Historic Trail leads travelers through over four miles of lush bamboo forests, opening briefly to reveal the stunning surrounding mountain views. The Bamboo Forest Trail in Basianshan National Forest Recreation Area is a more leisurely trek, just over a half mile, and gives hikers a chance to encounter some of the birds that call the reserve home, like the Taiwanese blue magpie or crested eagle.

Hit the Beach

As an island, Taiwan is no stranger to beaches, from white sands to volcanic ash. Kenting National Park is the most popular beach region, encompassing much of the country’s southern peninsula. Beaches here are popular for their white sands and mild to moderate surf. Popular beach day spots include Dawan Beach and Baishawan Beach, which means White Sand Bay. Beyond Kenting, Wushi Harbor and Jinzun Harbor are favored by surfers for their waves, and Fulong Beach, east of Taipei, hosts an annual sand sculpture festival that shouldn’t be missed.

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