Ready for your dream Taiwan trip? From the night markets of Taipei to the sunrise peaks of Alishan, the art villages of Taichung to the coral reefs of Kenting, this guide outlines the ultimate Taiwan itinerary.
These easy-to-use curated itineraries help you find the best things to do in Taiwan—featuring sky-high observatories, bubble tea tastings, temple strolls, mountain railways, and Pacific coast adventures.
Want to make your trip even more special? Learn basic Mandarin before you go
- Taipei: A buzzing capital with night markets, hot springs, historic temples, and the iconic Taipei 101 towering over it all.
- Kaohsiung: Southern Taiwan’s cool, creative port city filled with waterfront art, quirky cafés, and vibrant street life.
- Taichung: A modern city of culture and color—home to the Rainbow Village, museums, and bubble tea origins.
- Tainan: Taiwan’s oldest city is a living museum of temples, street eats, and layered history dating back centuries.
- Hualien: Gateway to Taroko Gorge—think marble cliffs, waterfalls, and some of Taiwan’s most breathtaking natural beauty.
- Sun Moon Lake: A serene alpine lake perfect for cycling, boat rides, temples, and mountain-framed peace.
- Alishan: Cloud forests, sunrise rail rides, and misty cedar woods—Alishan feels like a dream painted in fog and green.
- Jiufen: A misty hillside village of lanterns, teahouses, and nostalgia—like stepping into a real-life Studio Ghibli scene.
- Kenting: Taiwan’s tropical escape with white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and a laid-back island vibe on the southern tip.
- Taroko Gorge: Towering cliffs and turquoise rivers carve through marble canyons—Taiwan’s most stunning natural wonder.
- Yilan: Hot springs, surfing, and scenic rice paddies meet stylish resorts just a short hop from Taipei.
- Pingxi: Famous for sky lantern festivals, narrow lanes, and a dreamy, nostalgic atmosphere tucked in the mountains.
- Lukang: A charming old-town full of traditional crafts, winding alleys, and some of Taiwan’s best preserved heritage.
- Penghu: An offshore archipelago of wind-swept islands, basalt cliffs, seafood feasts, and slow, sunny vibes.
💡 Taiwan Tips
- Public transport is top-notch: The MRT in Taipei and Kaohsiung is clean, efficient, and affordable. Use EasyCard for convenience on trains, buses, and even in convenience stores.
- Cash is still widely used: While cards are accepted in malls and hotels, small restaurants, night markets, and taxis often prefer cash.
- Night markets are a must: They’re central to Taiwanese culture — bring cash, come hungry, and try everything in small portions.
- Tipping is not expected: No need to tip in restaurants or taxis. High-end hotels may include a service charge.
- Basic Mandarin helps: English is common in cities, but outside urban centers, a few Mandarin or Taiwanese Hokkien phrases can go a long way.
- Toilets vary: Most public restrooms are clean and free, but some rural areas still use squat toilets. Carry tissues and hand sanitizer.
- Don’t flush toilet paper: In many places, used paper goes in the bin next to the toilet — signs will indicate the proper procedure.
- Wi-Fi is widely available: Free Wi-Fi is common in cities, and SIM cards with data are cheap and fast — available at the airport.
- Respect local customs: Don’t point at people or temples, and remove your shoes when entering traditional homes or some temples.
- Scooters dominate the roads: Be extra cautious when walking or biking — scooters can appear from any direction.
- Stay hydrated: Taiwan is hot and humid most of the year — carry water and wear sunscreen or a hat during the day.
- Plan for typhoon season: From June to October, storms can disrupt travel — monitor weather forecasts if visiting during this time.
🇹🇼 Taiwan Menu
- Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵): Taiwan’s most iconic comfort food — braised beef, chewy noodles, and flavorful broth often enhanced with pickled greens and chili oil.
- Lu Rou Fan (滷肉飯): Minced pork belly braised in soy sauce and spices, served over rice — a humble, flavorful national favorite.
- Xiao Long Bao (小籠包) (Taipei): Soup dumplings filled with pork and rich broth — made famous by Din Tai Fung but served across the island.
- Oyster Omelette (蚵仔煎) (Tainan): A savory pancake made with oysters, eggs, and sweet potato starch, topped with a sweet and tangy sauce.
- Gua Bao (割包): Steamed bun stuffed with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, peanut powder, and cilantro — like a Taiwanese taco.
- Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐): Fermented tofu deep-fried or grilled, often served with pickled cabbage — pungent but beloved at night markets.
- Ba Wan (肉圓) (Central Taiwan): A translucent dumpling made of glutinous dough and stuffed with pork and mushrooms, served in a sweet-salty sauce.
- Dan Zai Noodles (擔仔麵) (Tainan): Small bowls of noodles topped with minced pork, shrimp, and broth — a street food classic with over 100 years of history.
- Three Cup Chicken (三杯雞): Chicken braised in a mix of sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice wine with garlic and basil — rich and aromatic.
- Scallion Pancake (蔥油餅): Crispy, flaky flatbread filled with green onions — served plain or with egg, cheese, or meat.
- Pineapple Cake (鳳梨酥): Buttery pastries filled with tangy pineapple jam — a popular souvenir and tea-time treat.
- Shaved Ice (剉冰): A towering dessert topped with condensed milk, fruit, beans, mochi, or taro — a refreshing favorite in hot weather.
- Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶) (Taichung): Taiwan’s global drink phenomenon — milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls or fruit-flavored alternatives.
- Iron Egg (鐵蛋) (Tamsui): Small eggs repeatedly stewed and dried until dark and chewy — savory and packed with flavor.
- Taiwanese Sausage (香腸): Sweet and garlicky pork sausages, often served grilled on skewers or with sticky rice buns.
- Tea (高山茶, 烏龍茶) (Alishan, Nantou): Taiwan produces world-class high mountain oolong and green teas — visit a tea farm or try a tasting ceremony.
📅 Taiwan Calendar
- Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) (January/February, Nationwide): Festive lanterns, family feasts, and temple rituals
- Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival (February, Pingxi): Thousands of glowing lanterns released into the night sky
- Taipei Lantern Festival (February–March, Taipei): Light shows, lantern art, and cultural performances
- Cherry Blossom Season (March–April, Alishan & Yangmingshan): Petal-filled trails and spring celebrations
- Mazu Pilgrimage (April, Central Taiwan): One of the world’s largest religious processions honoring the sea goddess
- Dragon Boat Festival (June, Nationwide): Boat races and sticky rice dumplings along rivers and lakes
- Taipei Film Festival (June–July, Taipei): Celebrating local and international cinema
- Ghost Month (August, Nationwide): Street rituals, opera, and offerings for ancestral spirits
- Qixi Festival (August, Nationwide): Taiwan’s Valentine’s Day, celebrated with gifts and prayers
- Mid-Autumn Festival (September, Nationwide): Mooncakes, barbecues, and full-moon celebrations
- Double Ninth Festival (October, Nationwide): Hiking, ancestral respect, and longevity traditions
- Kaohsiung Pride (October, Kaohsiung): Taiwan’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration in the south
- Double Ten Day (National Day) (October 10, Taipei): Military parades, fireworks, and national pride
- Christmas in Taiwan (December, Urban centers): Western-style decorations, markets, and light shows
- Christmasland in New Taipei City (December, New Taipei): Giant light displays, markets, and concerts
- New Year’s Eve Fireworks (December 31, Taipei 101): One of Asia’s most iconic fireworks displays