The Best Places to Travel in Taiwan: 13 Unforgettable Destinations

Taiwan offers a wealth of experiences, spanning its high-rise metropolitan center, classic alpine settlements, and spectacular volcanic or tropical shores. When seeking the best places to travel in Taiwan, the truth is that a single urban hub cannot represent the entire nation; the island truly caters to those who explore multiple provinces rather than remain solely in the capital city. 

Therefore, this guide moves from north to south to east, covering Taiwan's most rewarding destinations, what each is actually good for, and the practical details you will need to plan around. 

 

 

Best Places to Travel in Northern Taiwan

Taipei City, Taiwan's Capital

Taipei is Taiwan's largest city and its political, economic, and cultural heart. Home to roughly 2.5 million people, it is a city designed for a slow arrival with wide, walkable neighborhoods and a highly efficient subway system (the MRT). To get the most out of the capital, consider these defining features:

• Iconic Landmarks: The skyline is anchored by Taipei 101, once the world's tallest building, while the National Palace Museum houses a massive collection of imperial art originally from Beijing's Forbidden City.
• Neighborhood Character: The city's soul lies in its districts, such as Dadaocheng, where historic merchant shophouses now host boutique cafés and design shops. For relaxation, the Beitou district offers natural volcanic hot springs just a short train ride from the center.
• Dining Culture: In the evenings, night markets like Shilin and Raohe serve as the city's communal dining rooms, offering affordable staples like beef noodle soup, oyster omelets, and stinky tofu.
• Practical Travel: Pick up an EasyCard at the airport or any MRT station. This rechargeable card is essential for seamless travel on all public transport and can even be used at convenience stores.

→ Do not miss: The Timeless Heritage of Taipei

 

Jiufen, New Taipei City

An hour from downtown Taipei, Jiufen is a former gold-mining town stacked into a hillside above the northeast coast. Its narrow, winding lanes are strung with red lanterns and lined with traditional teahouses that offer sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that feels worlds away from the capital's modern skyline.

 

 

• Highlights: Sip high-mountain oolong at the iconic A-MEI Tea House and sample local specialties like taro balls and grilled snails along the Old Street.
• Best Time to Visit: Visit in the late afternoon to see the lanterns light up, but stay overnight to experience the town's quiet charm after the day-trip crowds depart.
• Getting There: Take the direct 965 or 1062 bus from central Taipei, or hire a private car for a more comfortable one-hour journey.

→ You will love: Taiwanese traditional highlights in Jiufen Old Street

 

Shifen and Pingxi District, New Taipei City

Tucked away in the hills, this area offers a nostalgic look at Taiwan's railway history, centered around the charming town of Shifen and the wider Pingxi District.

• Shifen Old Street & Sky Lanterns: The town is famous for the train tracks that cut directly through the market. Visitors gather here to write wishes on paper sky lanterns and release them into the sky (a tradition that creates a vibrant, communal atmosphere).
• Shifen Waterfall: Often called "Taiwan's Little Niagara," this broad, curtain-like waterfall is just a short, scenic walk from the station and provides a refreshing break from the bustling town.
• The Pingxi Line: The entire district is served by the historic Pingxi railway branch. Consider buying a one-day pass to hop between stations like Pingxi (famous for its traditional vibe and annual lantern festival) and Jingtong (an old coal-mining town with beautifully preserved wooden architecture).
• Travel Tip: The area gets very crowded on weekends and holidays. To fully appreciate the unhurried pace of the smaller stations, try to visit on a weekday or arrive early in the morning.

→ Explore more: Discover the Timeless Charm of Jiufen and Shifen

 

Best Places to Travel in Central Taiwan

Sun Moon Lake, Nantou County

Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan's only large natural lake, a high-altitude gem sitting at 748 meters in the mountains of Nantou County. Its unique shape (round, like the sun on one side and crescent-like, like the moon, on the other) is surrounded by lush forests and calm, blue-green waters, offering a peaceful retreat from the island's urban centers.

 

 

Key Experiences:

• Cycling: Experience the lake's beauty along the paved cycling path encircling the shoreline, consistently ranked among Asia's most scenic routes.
• Boat Cruises: Hop between the various piers, including Shuishe and Xuanguang, to view the landscape from the water or visit the village of Ita Thao.
• Cultural Landmarks: Visit the northern shore's majestic Wenwu Temple for panoramic views, or climb the nine-story Ci En Pagoda for the highest vantage point over the lake.
• Indigenous Culture: At Ita Thao village, learn about the Thao people, one of Taiwan's smallest Indigenous groups, through their traditional pestle music and unique local handicrafts.

Getting There: The most convenient way to reach the lake is by taking the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle (Sun Moon Lake Route) from either the Taichung HSR Station or the Gancheng Bus Station in downtown Taichung.

Travel Tips:

• Sun Moon Lake Pass: Purchase a travel pass at the Taichung bus terminal for the best value; it typically includes round-trip bus tickets, lake cruise vouchers, and ropeway access.
• Quiet Atmosphere: Visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy a more serene experience at the temples and on the cycling paths.

 

Taichung City

Often overshadowed by Taipei, Taichung offers a relaxed, artistic, and culinary-focused experience that serves as the perfect hub for exploring central Taiwan.

• Food Scene: Beyond the massive Fengjia Night Market, the city is a haven for foodies. Be sure to try local specialties like sun cakes and visit the unique, dessert-themed architecture of Miyahara.
• Art & Culture: Explore the stunning, curvilinear architecture of the National Taichung Theater, or wander through the vibrant, hand-painted murals of the Rainbow Village.
• Coffee Culture: The city boasts a dense concentration of independent, high-quality coffee roasters and creative cafés, perfect for a slow afternoon.
• Convenient Hub: Taichung is ideally positioned as a stopover between Taipei and southern Taiwan, and it serves as the primary transit gateway for trips to Sun Moon Lake and Alishan.

Suggestion: Spend a day or two here to enjoy a slower pace of life and some of the island's best culinary innovations.

→ See Tour: Deep Insight Taiwan

 

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area, Chiayi County

Alishan is Taiwan's most renowned high-altitude mountain retreat, situated at elevations exceeding 2,000 meters. It is famous for its ancient, mist-shrouded red cypress forests and cooler alpine climate.

 

 

Key Highlights:

• The Sunrise: Visitors typically board the Alishan Forest Railway, a historic narrow-gauge line and masterpiece of Japanese colonial-era engineering, before dawn. The train climbs to Zhushan station, the primary viewing platform for watching the sunrise over a spectacular "sea of clouds."
• Forest Trails: The area features a network of scenic walking paths that wind through groves of towering, centuries-old red cypress trees.
• Tea Culture: The region is celebrated for its high-mountain oolong tea, which thrives in the cool, misty environment. Many family-run farms offer visitors the chance to participate in professional tea tastings.

Travel Tips:

• Getting There: The recreation area is accessible by bus or the Alishan Forest Railway, both of which depart from Chiayi City.
• Best Time to Visit: Try to avoid weekends to escape the heavy crowds. Since temperatures are significantly lower than in the plains, be sure to pack warm layers regardless of the season.
• Advance Booking: Accommodation within the forest recreation area is limited and in high demand; book your stay well in advance to ensure availability.

→ Do not miss: Discover the Majestic Beauty of Alishan

 

Best Places to Travel in Southern Taiwan

Tainan City: The Historic Heart

Founded as a Dutch trading settlement in 1624, Tainan is Taiwan's oldest city and its former capital. It is a place where history is lived daily, boasting a temple density unmatched anywhere else on the island.

• Historic Exploration: Wander through the narrow, lantern-lit lanes of Shennong Street or visit the Confucius Temple, Taiwan's first Confucian temple, built in 1665.
• Legendary Food Scene: Tainan is widely regarded as Taiwan's culinary capital. Don't miss local specialties like milkfish porridge, savory coffin bread, and authentic danzai noodles at long-standing family stalls.
• Practical Tip: The best way to experience Tainan is on foot or by bicycle, as many of its most charming temples and eateries are tucked away in alleys too narrow for cars.

→ You might love: Catch a glimpse of Tainan city's highlighted landmarks

 

Kaohsiung City: Maritime Modernity

Kaohsiung has successfully transformed from a gritty industrial port into a sophisticated city of art and culture. It offers a more spread-out, relaxed urban pace than Taipei's dense energy.

 

 

• The Waterfront: Explore the Pier-2 Art Center, where abandoned warehouses have been converted into vibrant galleries, boutiques, and large-scale public art installations.
• Iconic Landmarks: Visit the scenic Lotus Pond to see the ornate Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. Entering through the dragon's mouth and exiting the tiger's is said to turn bad luck into good.
• Practical Tip: Take the light rail along the harbor for a scenic and affordable way to see the city's major modern architectural highlights.

→ Explore more: Discover the Cultural Highlights of Kaohsiung

 

Kenting National Park: The Tropical Escape

Located at Taiwan's southernmost tip, Kenting is the country's premier beach destination, offering a sun-drenched environment characterized by white-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs.

• Outdoor Activities: Kenting is perfect for snorkeling in clear turquoise waters or exploring the rugged coastal sea cliffs.
• Surfing: While beautiful year-round, surf conditions are at their peak during autumn and winter when the north-easterly winds provide consistent swells.
• Practical Tip: Rent a scooter to easily access the more remote beaches and lighthouses that are far from the main Kenting Street night market area.

→ You might love: Explore Kenting's Scenic Coastline & Natural Beauty

 

Penghu Islands: An Island-Hopping Paradise

An archipelago of nearly 90 islands and islets scattered across the Taiwan Strait, Penghu offers a dramatic landscape of basalt columns, sea caves, and quiet fishing villages that feel worlds away from the mainland.

 

 

• Key Highlights: Marvel at the towering, hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity, traverse the 2.5-kilometer Great Penghu Bridge connecting the main islands, and explore the historic temples and well-preserved colonial architecture of Magong City.
• Top Activities: Dive into crystal-clear waters for snorkeling or take advantage of consistent breezes for world-class windsurfing. If visiting in the spring, don't miss the spectacular Penghu International Fireworks Festival, which lights up the Magong skyline.
• Travel Practicalities: The ideal visiting window is from April to October. Outside these months, harsh winter monsoon winds frequently disrupt ferry service and ground flights. Access the islands via a short 30–60 minute flight from Taipei, Tainan, or Kaohsiung, or take a scenic ferry ride from Chiayi's Budai Harbor.

→ See Tour: Scenic Journey through Taiwan 11 Days

 

Best Places to Travel in Eastern Taiwan

Hualien City & The East Rift Valley

Hualien is the primary gateway to the east coast, serving as a base for both the dramatic Taroko Gorge and the lush East Rift Valley to the south.

• Cultural Immersion: The valley is a hub for Indigenous Amis culture. Experience it by staying in local homestays, joining harvest festivals, and trying unique local cuisine featuring foraged mountain greens and river fish.
• Active Exploration: The flat farm roads around Chishang and Luye offer some of Taiwan's most scenic and relaxing cycling routes, perfect for soaking in the pastoral landscape.
• Travel Tip: Spend at least two full days here, one for the mountains and one to cycle the valley, to truly appreciate the region's pace.

→ Do not miss: Journey Through Hualien’s Nature & Traditions

 

Taroko National Park

Famous for its towering white marble cliffs and the jade-colored Liwu River, Taroko Gorge is a natural wonder.

 

 

• Current Access: Following the 2024 earthquake, the park is undergoing a phased, partial reopening. Key areas like the visitor center and Tianxiang are accessible, but trail status changes frequently.
• Essential Planning: Always check the official Taroko National Park website for real-time road and trail updates before departing. Avoid visiting during heavy rain, as closures can occur on short notice.
• What to Expect: While access is limited, the sheer scale of the gorge and the dramatic river views remain highlights of any trip to Taiwan. So do not miss the scenic journey through Taroko Gorge.

 

Taitung County

Taitung offers a quiet, remote coastal experience, making it the perfect final stop to unwind before leaving the island.

• Natural Beauty: Relax on unique black-sand beaches or explore the rugged coastline. 
• Key Events: Visit in the summer to witness the spectacular Hot Air Balloon Festival held over the Luye Highland.
• Indigenous Heritage: The region is deeply connected to Amis and Paiwan cultures. Take time to enjoy the local food scene, which is one of the most authentic on the island.
• Practical Tip: Taitung is ideal for travelers who want to skip the crowds. Use the local airport for connections back to Taipei, or take the scenic coastal road south toward Kenting.

→ See Tour: The Beauty of Taiwan

 

 

Planning Your Taiwan Journey

Taiwan is not just a destination; it is a profound journey through contrasting worlds. From the neon-lit pulse of its high-tech cities to the ancient silence of its mist-shrouded peaks, the island rewards those who travel with intention. By moving beyond the surface and embracing the distinct rhythm of each province, you discover a land where tradition and innovation exist in breathtaking harmony.

Don't just dream of the perfect escape, experience the Taiwan that speaks to your soul. Whether you crave the thrill of the city or the serenity of the mountains, your unforgettable adventure starts here.