Things to Do in Taiwan: Top Attractions & Hidden Gems
Taiwan is a small island with an enormous variety of things to see and do. Whether you’re drawn by breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, delicious street food, or vibrant city nightlife, Taiwan has it all. From the dazzling Taipei 101 skyscraper to misty mountain sunrises in Alishan, from bustling night markets to tranquil island escapes, there’s something for every kind of traveler.
This guide covers the best things to do in taiwan, blending must-see attractions with off-the-beaten-path experiences. Perfect for first-time visitors or seasoned explorers looking for new adventures.
Things to Do in Taiwan: Must-See Landmarks
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Taipei 101 Observatory
Once the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101 remains Taiwan’s most iconic landmark. Head to the 89th-floor taipei 101 observatory for sweeping views of the entire Taipei Basin. Sunset and nighttime visits are especially magical as the city lights sparkle below. The surrounding Xinyi District is also a hotspot for shopping, dining, and nightlife, making it a must-visit when exploring Taipei Taiwan.
Further Reading:
How to Enjoy Taipei 101? Tickets, Transportation, Food, Attractions, and Family-Friendly Activities—All in One Guide!-
National Palace Museum
Home to over 700,000 artifacts, the national palace museum taipei showcases one of the world’s most impressive Chinese art collections. Famous pieces like the Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-Shaped Stone draw large crowds, and for travelers seeking things to do in taipei taiwan, the museum’s rotating exhibitions always offer something new to explore.
Further Reading:
Taiwan National Palace Museum Complete Guide | Discover the Palace Museum’s History, Tickets, Transportation, Highlights, and Must-See Exhibits!-
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
This grand memorial in central Taipei is surrounded by wide plazas, beautiful gardens, and traditional Chinese architecture. Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall tickets are free of charge, making it one of the most accessible attractions in the city. Today, the memorial also serves as a popular venue for exhibitions, concerts, and cultural festivals, drawing both locals and international visitors. The wide open plaza is a favorite spot for photography, leisurely strolls, and even civic gatherings.
Things to Do in Taiwan: Nature & Outdoor Adventures
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Taroko Gorge National Park
Carved from marble and granite, taroko national park is one of Taiwan’s most dramatic natural wonders. Visitors can explore scenic trails such as Shakadang and Baiyang, walk through tunnels, and marvel at waterfalls cascading between steep cliffs. As one of the island’s most famous landmarks, it’s a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Beyond its breathtaking views, Taroko also showcases Taiwan’s rich geology and indigenous culture, making it an unforgettable destination.
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Alishan Forest Railway & Sunrise
Riding the historic alishan taiwan forest railway feels like stepping back in time. The journey winds through towering cedar forests and ethereal mountain mist, eventually leading to the famous Alishan sunrise. Watching the first light spill over the sea of clouds is one of Taiwan’s most unforgettable experiences. As one of the top things to do in taiwan, this scenic adventure offers both breathtaking views and a glimpse into the island’s rich history.
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Sun Moon Lake Cycling & Boating
Nestled in central Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is a tranquil spot surrounded by lush mountains. Visitors can cycle along its scenic paths, take a boat cruise, or visit lakeside temples. Its romantic atmosphere makes it especially popular among couples and honeymooners. The lake is also home to the Thao people, one of Taiwan’s indigenous groups, giving visitors a chance to experience local culture and traditions. Annual events like the Sun Moon Lake Swimming Carnival further add to its charm, attracting participants from around the world.
Things to Do in Taiwan: Cultural & Historical Experiences
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Traditional Night Markets
Taiwan’s night markets offer an essential cultural experience. Stalls buzz with energy, serving everything from sizzling oyster omelets to quirky souvenirs. While Shilin Night Market in Taipei is the most famous, local markets like Liuhe in Kaohsiung and Fengjia in Taichung are equally worth exploring. For travelers seeking things to do in taichung taiwan, wandering through Fengjia Night Market provides a lively mix of street food, shopping, and local culture that shouldn’t be missed.
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Temples & Religious Sites (Longshan, Fo Guang Shan)
Temples are at the heart of Taiwanese life. In Taipei, Longshan Temple blends Taoist, Buddhist, and folk traditions, making it one of the most iconic things to do in taipei. Further south, Fo Guang Shan in Kaohsiung is Taiwan’s largest Buddhist monastery, home to a massive golden Buddha statue and tranquil gardens.
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Old Streets (Jiufen, Tamsui, Lukang)
Exploring Taiwan’s historic old streets is like stepping back in time. Jiufen’s lantern-lit alleys inspired the film Spirited Away. Nearby, the breathtaking Shifen Waterfall adds a natural highlight to any trip, making it a perfect complement to visiting Jiufen or Pingxi. Tamsui old street offers riverside strolls and stunning sunset views. Lukang, once a bustling port, retains beautifully preserved temples and traditional shops.
Things to Do in Taiwan: Food & Nightlife
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Taiwanese Street Food to Try
Taiwan is a foodie’s paradise. Must-try snacks include bubble tea, stinky tofu, beef noodle soup, oyster vermicelli, and braised pork rice. Don’t leave without sampling pineapple cakes and sun cakes as souvenirs.
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Best Night Markets in Taiwan
While Shilin is the biggest, Raohe Night Market is beloved for its pepper buns baked in clay ovens, and Ningxia Night Market offers more traditional fare. In the south, Kaohsiung’s Liuhe Market and Kenting’s night market are equally lively. Fengjia Night Market in Taichung, one of the largest in Taiwan, is famous for its variety of innovative street snacks. Many night markets also serve as social hubs where locals and tourists mingle, making them a must-visit for experiencing Taiwan’s food culture and daily life.
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Trendy Cafés & Bars in Taipei and Kaohsiung
If you're still thinking about what to do in taipei, the café culture in Taipei is thriving, with stylish coffee shops tucked in hidden alleys. Kaohsiung, on the other hand, is known for its creative bar scene and live music venues. Both cities are perfect for a relaxed night out.
Things to Do in Taiwan: Unique & Local Experiences
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Hot Springs (Beitou, Jiaoxi)
Thanks to its volcanic geology, Taiwan is full of natural hot springs. Beitou, just outside Taipei, combines relaxing hot spring resorts with cultural attractions like the Hot Spring Museum. Jiaoxi in Yilan offers open-air foot baths and family-friendly options. For travelers looking for things to do in taiwan taipei, a visit to Beitou’s hot springs provides both rejuvenation and a fascinating glimpse into local culture.
Further Reading:
Beitou Hot Springs No-Risk Recommendations｜8 Selected Must-Try Bathhouses + Gourmet Foods + Scenic Spots!-
Festivals (Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival)
Taiwan’s festivals are colorful and lively. The Lantern Festival sees the sky filled with glowing paper lanterns, while the Dragon Boat Festival features thrilling races and sticky rice dumplings. Timing your trip around these events makes for an unforgettable cultural experience.
Further Reading:
2025 Pingxi Sky Lantern All In One: Event Information, Transportation, Attractions, and Food-
Indigenous Culture & Handicrafts
Taiwan is home to 16 officially recognized indigenous groups, each with its own traditions, crafts, and festivals. Visitors can explore indigenous villages, learn about weaving, and taste millet wine. This is a wonderful way to connect with Taiwan’s roots beyond the cities.
Source: Unsplash｜Winston Chen
Things to Do in Taiwan: Island & Coastal Escapes
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Penghu Archipelago
This group of islands is famous for its basalt cliffs, pristine beaches, and seafood. Summer brings the Penghu Fireworks Festival, a spectacular event over the harbor.
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Green Island & Orchid Island
Green Island is a paradise for snorkeling and diving, with vibrant coral reefs and unique saltwater hot springs. Orchid Island, inhabited by the Tao people, offers cultural immersion alongside dramatic volcanic landscapes.
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Kenting National Park
At the southern tip of Taiwan, Kenting is the country’s most famous beach destination. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, surfing, and tropical vibes. The annual Spring Scream music festival also adds to its lively atmosphere.
Getting Around Taiwan: Five Convenient Ways
Taiwan’s efficient transport system makes exploring easy:
- High-Speed Rail (HSR): Connects Taipei to Kaohsiung in under two hours, perfect for city-to-city travel.
- Regular Trains (TRA): Slower but scenic, especially along Taiwan’s east coast.
- Private Transfers: If you're looking for short-distance tranfers, Uber and Metropolitan Taxi can be convenient. If your looking for long-distance transfer service, pre-booked platforms like tripool with cheaper fixed prices can be ideal for families, groups, or remote destinations like Alishan and Sun Moon Lake.
- Metro and Local Transit: Taipei and Kaohsiung have modern metro systems; YouBike rentals and taxis cover shorter distances.
- Intercity Coaches: A budget-friendly option connecting all major cities and towns. Buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and sometimes offer overnight routes—perfect if you want to save on accommodation. They’re slower than HSR but often reach areas not covered by trains.
With these options, Taiwan is one of Asia’s most convenient countries for independent travelers.
RTR Editor’s Note: The Taiwan We Love
At Round Taiwan Round (RTR), we’ve seen travelers fall in love with Taiwan again and again. It isn’t just the sunrise at alishan national forest recreation area, the serenity of Sun Moon Lake, or the grandeur of Taroko Gorge—it’s also the small things: sipping tea in Jiufen, chatting with a vendor at a night market, or being guided to a hidden trail by a friendly local.
Taiwan is not only a destination but a collection of moments. And often, the most memorable “things to do in Taiwan” are the unplanned ones—the unexpected kindness of strangers, the flavors you never thought you’d try, the quiet sunsets that stop you in your tracks. That’s the Taiwan we carry with us, and it’s the Taiwan we hope you’ll discover too.
FAQ About Things to Do in Taiwan
Q: Is 7 days in Taiwan too long?
A week is ideal for first-time visitors, covering Taipei, Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, and a few cultural experiences. Two weeks or more lets you add Alishan, Kaohsiung, and the offshore islands.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Taiwan?
- Spring (Mar–May): Cherry blossoms, mild weather.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot, perfect for beaches and festivals.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Clear skies, best overall season.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Mild in the south, great for hot springs and lantern festivals.
Avoid late summer typhoons if possible. For more information, you can take a look at : Taiwan Weather Guide: Your Complete Travel Planning Resource
Q: Is Taiwan easy to travel around without speaking Chinese?
Yes! Public transportation is reliable, and signs are often bilingual. In major cities, many people speak basic English. Apps like Google Translate also help in rural areas.
Q: What are Taiwan’s must-try foods?
Bubble tea, beef noodle soup, stinky tofu, xiao long bao (soup dumplings), and braised pork rice are essentials. Night markets are the best place to sample them all.
Q: Do I need cash in Taiwan, or is card payment widely accepted?
Cash is still king at night markets and small shops, though credit cards and mobile payments are increasingly common in hotels, malls, and larger restaurants. It’s best to carry some cash for street food and transport.
Q: Should I buy a SIM card or Wi-Fi device?
Yes. Tourist SIM cards with unlimited data are widely available at airports, with excellent coverage across the island, even in Alishan. For groups, renting a portable Wi-Fi router can be more practical.
Q: How do I choose the transportation that's the most convenient for my itinerary?
If you’re traveling within the same city (for example, Taipei or Kaohsiung), the MRT, buses, and taxis are all convenient options. However, if you’re going across cities, long-distance buses or private transfers are more practical and cost-effective. For families, travelers with multiple pieces of luggage, or those heading to more remote attractions, Tripool’s private transfer service is the most convenient and economical choice.
Q: What are the things to do when it rains in Taiwan?
Rainy days in Taiwan don’t have to spoil your trip—there are plenty of indoor activities:
- Explore museums and cultural centers like the National Palace Museum in Taipei or Chimei Museum in Tainan.
- Relax in hot springs in Beitou or Jiaoxi, perfect for a cozy experience.
- Visit shopping districts and underground malls, such as Taipei Main Station’s underground mall or Kaohsiung’s Dream Mall.
- Enjoy themed cafés (cat cafés, gaming cafés, or book cafés) which Taiwan is famous for.
- Go night market hopping—many stalls are under cover, so you can still enjoy street food without getting drenched.
Q: What are the top 10 things to do in Taiwan?
While every traveler’s list may vary, here are 10 must-do experiences that combine landmarks, culture, and food:
- Watch the skyline from Taipei 101 Observatory.
- Explore the treasures of the National Palace Museum.
- Hike or drive through Taroko Gorge National Park.
- Ride the Alishan Forest Railway and catch the sunrise.
- Cycle or cruise around Sun Moon Lake.
- Wander Jiufen Old Street and sip tea with a mountain view.
- Feast at night markets (Shilin, Raohe, Fengjia).
- Soak in a hot spring at Beitou or Jiaoxi.
- Relax on the beaches of Kenting National Park.
- Take a boat to the Penghu Islands or Green Island for snorkeling and coastal scenery.
Q: What do people in Taiwan do for fun?
Taiwanese leisure activities often blend tradition with modern trends:
- Eating out and night markets: Locals love to try new food, from street snacks to late-night hot pot.
- Outdoor recreation: Hiking, cycling, and camping are hugely popular thanks to Taiwan’s mountains and coastline.
- Hot spring trips: A favorite weekend escape, especially in winter.
- Shopping and cafés: Urban dwellers enjoy department stores, trendy cafés, and themed restaurants.
- Festivals and community events: Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat races, and temple fairs are lively cultural gatherings.
- Karaoke (KTV): A classic social activity, especially for young people and office groups.