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Things to do in Taiwan

Things to do in  Taiwan

Welcome to Taiwan

Taiwan’s relatively small size makes gaining a comprehensive picture of the Asian island nation a breeze. In one day, you can visit ancient stone temples, national parks, and bustling street food markets. The Taroko Gorge, a 5-million-year-old geographical marvel, verdant Elephant Mountain, and Sun Moon Lake allure nature lovers. The capital, Taipei, and second-largest city, Kaohsiung, house temples, striking skylines, and museums. Incessant grazing is encouraged in Taiwan: Be sure to sample steamed dumplings, oyster omelettes, shrimp rolls, and tofu from ubiquitous food stalls. Time your visit for February to see the Sky Lantern Festival light up the night in Pingxi.

Top 15 attractions in Taiwan

Yehliu Geopark

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Yehliu Geopark, home to the iconic Queen’s Head rock formation, looks more like a landscape from Mars than the northern coast of Taiwan. With its otherworldly natural structures, all of which have alluring names such as the Fairy Shoe and Sea Candles, the park makes for an enriching day trip from Taipei.More

Taipei 101

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At a soaring 1,667 feet (508 meters), Taipei 101 was the world’s tallest building when it was completed in 2004—Dubai’s Burj Khalifa overtook it in 2010. A landmark in Taipei, it houses offices, restaurants, and a multilevel shopping complex, as well as indoor and outdoor observatories offering stunning panoramic views of Taipei.More

Shifen Waterfall

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Horseshoe-shaped Shifen Waterfall is one of the most famous falls in Taiwan. Torrents of water plunge into a deep pool and raise a shroud of mist that creates a rainbow effect on sunny days. With a width of more than 131 feet (40 meters), Taiwan’s Little Niagra isn't quite as big as Niagara Falls but its shape is similar.More

Taipei National Palace Museum

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The National Palace Museum in Taipei is home to one of the most important collections of Chinese art in the world, and covers more than 8,000 years of Chinese history and culture. Featuring some 690,000 pieces, it covers all areas of Chinese art, including antiquities, painting, calligraphy, bronzes, jade, ceramics, and sculpture.More

Longshan Temple

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The oldest temple in Taiwan, Mengjia Longshan Temple was built in 1738 by immigrants from Fujian, China. The ornate and exquisite structure has been damaged by war and natural disasters, but also rebuilt, expanded, and improved over the years. Today is remains a center of religious life and a bastion of local culture in Taipei.More

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

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The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is one of the most prominent landmarks and popular attractions in Taipei, and sees thousands of visitors daily. Learn about the life of Chiang Kai-Shek and the history of Taiwan inside this impressive building set within a 62-acre (25-hectare) memorial park with gardens, pools, and walkways.More

Fo Guang Shan Monastery

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As one of the largest Buddhist temples in Taiwan, Fo Guang Shan Monastery is a must-see destination for first-time visitors. Home to a 100-meter (328-foot) statue of a golden Buddha, as well as 500 smaller versions of the religious deity, the complex promises epic photographs and scenic views of the nearby Gaoping River.More

Yangmingshan National Park

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Located on the northern edge of Taiwan, just a quick trip from Taipei, Yangmingshan National Park offers a dose of nature for city-dwellers and those touring the bustling capital. Visit Yangmingshan to hike through its volcanic scenery and rolling hills, soak in its hot springs, and, in the spring, see the cherry blossoms in bloom.More

Dihua Street

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This street that once served as Taipei’s major commercial center during the late Qing Dynasty still caters to more traditional tastes, giving visitors a glimpse at what the city was like in decades past. The market stalls and Chinese medicine shops sell a variety of teas, herbs, dried mushrooms, sweets, and other dried goods.More

Taroko National Park (Taroko Gorge)

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Taroko National Park, home to the Taroko Gorge, is one of Taiwan’s foremost tourist attractions. Highlights of this diverse landscape include the looming Qingshui Cliff, the twisting vistas of the Tunnel of Nine Turns, and the dramatic hanging bridges of Swallow Grotto. Then there’s the Eternal Springs Shrine, which hugs a lush green hillside next to its namesake springs.More

Sun Moon Lake

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Located in central Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is one of the only natural lakes in the country, which takes its name from the shapes formed on either side of the water by the dividing Lalu Island. It’s also the largest and arguably the most beautiful Taiwanese lake, with an indigenous history that dates back thousands of years.More

National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine

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Built in 1969, the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine is dedicated to the 390,000 soldiers who died in the Chinese Civil War. Today, the striking landmark is popular for its hourly Changing of the Guard ceremony. Located on the slopes of Mt. Chingshan on the Keelung River, the shrine was inspired by the Forbidden City’s Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing.More

Kaohsiung Pier-2 Art Center

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Once a forgotten, abandoned warehouse, this contemporary hub for art and design has become a destination for hip and cultured visitors to Taiwan. The series of shops, galleries, and cafes hosts popular exhibits, including 3D street art, automotive art, and even technological displays from gaming developers.More

Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)

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Don’t be deterred by the name Elephant Mountain. A relatively easy climb takes you to the top of a hill that affords panoramic views of Taipei. Nestled among other rolling green hills, Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan Hiking Trail) is indisputably the best place in Taipei to enjoy a sunset over the capital’s skyline.More

Yilan

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Located in northeast Taiwan, Yilan is a popular day trip and weekend destination from Taipei. Set on a lush plain, with the ocean on one side and mountains on the others, the district offers plenty of natural beauty, a variety of outdoor activities, as well as historic towns, and a wealth of cultural and other attractions.More

Trip ideas

How to Spend 3 Days in Taipei

How to Spend 3 Days in Taipei

Top 6 Foods to Try in Taipei

Top 6 Foods to Try in Taipei

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Top Destinations

Top Destinations

Recent reviews from experiences in Taiwan

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Definitely worthwhile day trip
Sherry_S, Mar 2023
Pingxi and Jiufen Day Trip from Taipei with Sky Lantern Experience
Nice way to see how the Taiwan people live now and understand how people lived here decades ago.
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Customised day trip to northeast coast of Taiwan
Au_K, Mar 2023
Full-Day Private Northern Taiwan Tour from Taipei with Pickup
My route took me to Yehliu Geopark, Keelung, Jiufen, Shifen waterfalls and Shifen railway sky lanterns.
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Above and beyond
KunYang_C, Dec 2022
Full-Day Private Northern Taiwan Tour from Taipei with Pickup
He also accommodated requests to visit places outside the agreed schedule.
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We had a great time!!
Lily_C, Nov 2022
Small-Group Tour: Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Shifen from Taipei
We went to all the places we wanted to visit.
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The best layover tours!
Alexandra_C, Mar 2023
Full-Day Private Custom Taipei City Tour
We were able to visit beautiful sites with the short amount of time we had in Taipei.
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What a stress-free experience in a 6 hours tour
Armalie_V, Mar 2023
Private Custom Taipei Airport Layover Tour
Our tour guide Vincent was very friendly, knowledgeable, communicates well in English and helpful.
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Short trip with plenty stops and information
Thamer_B, Mar 2023
4-Hour Morning Cycling Tour in Taipei
The guide is Taiwanese and fluent in English.
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Great tour!
KimberlyPeck, Mar 2023
Small-Group Tour: Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Shifen from Taipei
I wish we had more time to walk around the last waterfall, it seems like there are a lot of great trails to get better views of it!
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People Also Ask

What is Taiwan best known for?

Taiwan is known for bustling cities such as Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Tainan, and skyscrapers like the soaring Taipei 101. Its dynamic night markets are a must, and culinary highlights like beef noodle soup, bubble tea, and soup dumplings are unmissable. Taiwan's natural attractions are also popular, including national parks like Taroko and Kenting.

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What should we do in Taiwan?

Taiwan is a dynamic and diverse place, with destination-worthy cities such as Taipei and natural attractions like Yangmingshan National Park. No trip is complete without cultural stops like the National Palace Museum and the historic Bao-An Temple, buzzing night market visits, and tastes of dishes like hot pot and gua bao.

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How many days in Taiwan is enough?

If you have time, set aside at least one week to explore all that Taiwan has to offer. Don't miss the capital of Taipei, as well as cities like Taichung and Kaohsiung. National parks like Kenting, Taroko, and Yangmingshan are essential. And save time to explore its museums, temples, and cultural landmarks.

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What is there to do in Taiwan at night?

Taiwan comes alive after dark, especially its night markets, where crowds gather to browse tempting food stalls, gather by glowing lanterns, and take in entertainment options. Taipei's nightlife is particularly renowned, and the city is known for its glitzy nightclubs, lively bars, and many late-night dining options.

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Is Taiwan dangerous for tourists?

No. Taiwan is a safe destination for visitors, and incidents of violent crime are low, even in major cities. However, it's still wise to be attentive, as some petty crime—like pickpocketing and bag-snatching—can happen in crowded tourist areas. Visitors should also take care during typhoon season, from May to November.

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Is Taiwan expensive to visit?

No, Taiwan is not expensive. It's a relatively affordable destination to explore, and decent mid-range hotels in Taipei often go for under $75 per night. Many museums and landmarks are cheap or free to visit, and Taipei's wealth of wallet-friendly bites makes it an ideal destination for food lovers on a budget.

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Taiwan information

Number of Attractions

87

Number of Tours

349

Number of Reviews

4,421

Currency

TWD
Frequently Asked Questions
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