Taiwan First-time Guide for Travelers: Planning, Transportation, Food, and Must-See Places

Planning Your First Trip to Taiwan

Visiting Taiwan for the first time is often described as a pleasant surprise. Many travelers arrive with limited expectations, only to discover a destination that is safe, welcoming, efficient, and culturally rich. Taiwan blends modern infrastructure with deeply rooted traditions, offering night markets next to skyscrapers, mountain railways not far from high-speed trains, and local street food that rivals fine dining in popularity.

This Taiwan First-time Guide is designed as a starting hub rather than a step-by-step itinerary. Instead of overwhelming you with details all at once, this guide helps you understand what matters most before your first visit, while directing you to in-depth articles for each topic. If this is your first time in Taiwan, reading this guide in full will give you the clarity and confidence to plan your trip smoothly.

About Taiwan

Why Visit Taiwan

Taiwan stands out as one of Asia’s most balanced travel destinations. It offers the cultural depth of East Asia without the overwhelming scale or intensity found in larger countries. Visitors often highlight how easy it is to navigate, how friendly locals are to foreigners, and how safe they feel even when traveling alone.

The extended article explores Taiwan’s strengths in depth, including food culture, natural scenery, city life, affordability, and accessibility. It also explains why Taiwan is particularly suitable for first-time Asia travelers, digital nomads, families, and independent explorers looking for authentic experiences without constant logistical challenges.

Taiwan Weather

Weather plays a major role in shaping your Taiwan travel experience. Taiwan has a subtropical to tropical climate, which means warm temperatures year-round, seasonal rainfall, and noticeable regional differences between the north and south.

The detailed weather guide breaks down Taiwan’s climate month by month, explaining what to expect in terms of temperature, humidity, rainfall, and seasonal activities. It also offers practical advice on what to pack, when to plan outdoor activities, and which months are best for sightseeing, hiking, or city exploration.

Taiwan Typhoon Season

Typhoons are a common concern for first-time visitors, but they are often misunderstood. While typhoons do occur during certain months, Taiwan is highly prepared, with clear warning systems and strong infrastructure designed to minimize disruption.

The extended article explains when typhoon season occurs, how often typhoons actually affect travel plans, and what typically happens when a typhoon approaches. It also provides practical tips on how travelers should adjust itineraries, transportation plans, and accommodation bookings during typhoon periods.

What First-Time Visitors to Taiwan Should Know

Taiwan Visa and Arrival Requirements

Entry requirements are one of the most important topics for first-time travelers. Taiwan offers visa-free entry to many nationalities, but the length of stay, documentation requirements, and arrival procedures vary.

The extended guide walks readers through visa types, eligibility by nationality, passport validity rules, and the online arrival card system. It also highlights common mistakes first-time visitors make, such as misunderstanding visa-free durations or overlooking onward ticket requirements.

Electrical Plugs and Power in Taiwan

Taiwan uses a different electrical plug type and voltage standard than many countries. Travelers bringing laptops, cameras, medical devices, or hair styling tools should confirm compatibility in advance.

The extended article explains Taiwan’s voltage, frequency, and plug design in detail, along with advice on converters versus adapters. It also covers where to buy adapters locally and what to expect in hotels, airports, and older buildings.

Taiwan Map and Geography

Source: Globe Program

Although Taiwan is relatively small, its geography is surprisingly complex. High mountains dominate the center of the island, while major cities are concentrated along the western plains and northern coastline.

The extended guide introduces Taiwan’s main regions, key cities, transportation corridors, and travel distances. It helps first-time visitors understand why certain routes take longer than expected and how geography influences weather, culture, and travel planning.

Avoiding Taiwan Public Holidays

Public holidays can significantly impact travel experiences in Taiwan. During long weekends, transportation tickets sell out quickly, popular destinations become crowded, and accommodation prices rise.

The extended holiday guide lists Taiwan’s major public holidays and explains which ones have the biggest impact on domestic travel. It also offers strategies for avoiding crowds or adjusting itineraries when traveling during peak holiday periods.

What You Can Do in Taiwan

Taiwan offers far more than sightseeing. From culinary exploration and cultural immersion to hiking, cycling, hot springs, and island hopping, the range of activities is exceptionally broad.

The extended article categorizes Taiwan travel experiences by interest type and travel style, helping first-time visitors identify what kind of trip best suits them. It also explains how different regions of Taiwan support different activities.

Transportation in Taiwan

Taoyuan Airport to Taipei

Most international travelers arrive via Taoyuan International Airport. Choosing the right transportation into Taipei can affect your first impression of Taiwan.

The extended guide compares all available options—including airport MRT, buses, taxis, and private transfers—highlighting travel time, cost, luggage considerations, and suitability for first-time visitors.

Taoyuan Airport MRT

Source: Taoyuan Metro

The Taoyuan Airport MRT is one of the most convenient ways to reach Taipei. It is modern, clearly signed, and foreigner-friendly.

The extended article explains the difference between express and commuter trains, station locations, ticket purchasing, luggage storage, and transfer points within Taipei’s metro system.

Taiwan High Speed Rail

Source: Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

Taiwan’s High Speed Rail (HSR) makes long-distance travel fast and efficient. First-time visitors often underestimate how easy it is to move between cities.

The extended guide covers ticket types, seat classes, booking methods, station locations, and how to integrate HSR travel into multi-city itineraries.

Taipei Main Station

Source: Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government

Taipei Main Station is the most important transportation hub in Taiwan and can be confusing for first-time visitors.

The extended article explains the station’s layout, transportation systems, underground malls, signage, and navigation tips to help travelers move confidently through the station.

Taipei Metro System

Taipei’s metro system is often praised as one of the cleanest and most efficient in the world.

The extended guide introduces metro lines, ticketing systems, etiquette rules, accessibility features, and common mistakes first-time riders make.

Food, Fun, and Experiences in Taiwan

Taiwanese Food

Food is a central part of Taiwan’s identity. From street stalls to internationally recognized restaurants, eating in Taiwan is both affordable and deeply cultural.

The extended articles explore Taiwanese food culture, iconic dishes, night market etiquette, and what first-time visitors should prioritize when sampling local cuisine.

• Taiwan Night Market Guide
  Taiwan night markets are where local food culture comes alive, offering a wide variety of street snacks in a lively, social setting. This guide explains what to expect, how to navigate night markets, and which foods first-time visitors should not miss.

• Din Tai Fung Must-Eat Guide
  Din Tai Fung is Taiwan’s most internationally recognized restaurant, famous for its soup dumplings and refined service. This guide explains what to order, how to manage wait times, and why Din Tai Fung remains a must-visit dining experience for first-time travelers.

Taiwanese Souvenirs

Souvenirs in Taiwan often reflect local flavors, craftsmanship, and cultural symbolism.

The extended guide introduces popular souvenir categories, shopping locations, customs considerations, and items most appreciated by international travelers.

Hotels and Accommodation in Taiwan

Taiwan’s accommodation standards are consistently high across price ranges.

The extended article explains hotel categories, location considerations, booking tips, and how accommodation choices affect transportation convenience.

Must-Visit Places in Taiwan

For first-time visitors, choosing where to go in Taiwan can feel overwhelming, as the island offers diverse landscapes and experiences within a small area. Certain destinations stand out as ideal starting points because they quickly introduce Taiwan’s modern cities, historic towns, natural scenery, and cultural heritage. From landmarks like Taipei 101 and historic Jiufen to scenic Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, and cultural institutions such as the National Palace Museum, these places create a balanced and accessible introduction to Taiwan. The extended readings below explain what makes each destination unique and how to plan efficiently, helping travelers build a meaningful itinerary without trying to see everything at once.

RTR Editor’s Recommendation: Customized Tours for First-Time Visitors to Taiwan

For first-time travelers, customized tours often provide the most balanced introduction to Taiwan. At Round Taiwan Round (RTR), we regularly see how tailored itineraries reduce stress while deepening cultural engagement. Instead of worrying about transportation logistics, language barriers, or time constraints, travelers can focus on experiencing Taiwan itself.

Customized tours are especially valuable for families, seniors, solo travelers, and visitors with limited time. By adjusting pace, destinations, and daily structure, these tours create smoother travel experiences without sacrificing flexibility.

From the RTR editorial team’s perspective, a well-planned first visit often becomes the beginning of a long-term connection with Taiwan. When travelers leave feeling confident rather than exhausted, Taiwan tends to call them back again.