9 Great Places to Visit in Taiwan

Are you planning your next big adventure and looking for a destination that has it all? Taiwan is a beautiful island that perfectly blends massive modern skyscrapers, centuries-old temples, gorgeous natural landscapes, and some of the best street food in the entire world.

Whether you are a budget backpacker, a family traveler, or a solo explorer, Taiwan has something incredible waiting for you. In this guide, we will look at nine of the absolute best places to visit in Taiwan, answer your biggest travel questions, and show you how to get your travel visa sorted out without any stress.

What makes Taiwan a must-visit destination in Asia?

Taiwan is incredibly easy to travel around, very safe, and filled with highly welcoming people. Within just a few hours, you can travel from a bustling high-tech city center to quiet, misty mountains or sandy tropical beaches. The local public transport system—especially the High-Speed Rail (HSR) and the clean city metro systems (MRT)—is world-class and extremely affordable. Additionally, the island is famous for its night markets, where you can eat your way through delicious, cheap local delicacies every single night.

What is the best month to visit Taiwan?

The best time of year to visit Taiwan is during the autumn months (September to November) and spring (March to May). During these times, the weather is pleasantly cool, dry, and ideal for long days of walking and outdoor sightseeing.

Summers (June to August) can get incredibly hot, humid, and are prone to heavy rains and occasional typhoons. Winters (December to February) are generally mild but can feel damp and chilly, especially in northern cities like Taipei. If you love flowers, visiting in early spring also gives you a fantastic chance to view the beautiful cherry blossoms blooming across the mountain parks.

Is Taipei 101 still worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely! Standing at 508 meters tall, Taipei 101 was once the tallest building in the world and remains the absolute icon of Taiwan’s skyline. Its postmodern design looks like a giant green bamboo stalk, symbolizing strength and growth.

While the massive shopping mall at the base of the tower is free to enter, the real thrill is taking one of the world's fastest elevators up to the 89th-floor observation deck. In just 37 seconds, you will be treated to sweeping, 360-degree views of Taipei City.

• Local Insider Tip: Before you go up, check the weather. If it is a very cloudy or foggy day, save your money on the observation ticket and enjoy the shopping and dining on the lower floors instead. Don't forget to look at the giant golden steel pendulum (the wind damper) inside the tower, which keeps the building stable during earthquakes and typhoons!

Is Jiufen Old Street actually worth the hype?

Jiufen is a stunning, historic mountainside village in northeastern Taiwan. Once a bustling gold-mining town during the Japanese colonial era, it is now famous for its narrow, steep alleyways packed with glowing red lanterns, traditional teahouses, and endless food stalls. Many travelers believe the town’s atmospheric streets served as the inspiration for the famous animated movie Spirited Away.

Jiufen is definitely worth visiting, but you need to prepare for crowds. Because the alleys are narrow, it can feel like a maze during peak hours.

• What to try: Do not leave without tasting the famous sweet taro balls (served hot or cold with sweet beans) and the traditional herbal rice cakes.
• How to beat the crowds: Visit on a weekday afternoon and stay until early evening when the red lanterns light up. It looks magical, and most of the large tour buses start leaving around dusk.

Can you visit Taroko Gorge after the earthquake?

Taroko Gorge is one of Asia's most spectacular natural wonders, known for its towering marble cliffs and rushing turquoise rivers. However, a major 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the region in April 2024, causing heavy damage to the roads and trails.

The good news is that Taroko Gorge is partially open in 2026, but you must plan carefully:

• Road Controls: Highway 8, which runs through the gorge, is not open 24 hours a day. Due to ongoing repair work, vehicles are only allowed to pass through during five specific daytime release windows (such as 07:00–08:00, 12:00–13:00, and 15:00).
• Open Areas: You can currently visit the Taroko Arch Gate, the Taroko Visitor Center, and the Tianxiang Recreation Area.
• Closed Areas: Iconic trails like Shakadang, Swallow Grotto, and Zhuilu Old Trail remain closed for long-term geological stabilization.

If you plan to visit, make sure to hire a local driver or book a professional tour from Hualien City to navigate the strict road schedules safely.

What makes Sun Moon Lake so famous?

Located in the center of Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is the island’s largest and most beautiful alpine lake. The lake gets its poetic name because the east side is shaped like the sun, while the west side resembles a crescent moon.

The area is highly sacred to the indigenous Thao tribe, who have lived around these waters for generations. Visitors love renting a bicycle to ride along the lakeside path, which has been named one of the most beautiful cycling routes in the world. You can also take a relaxing scenic boat cruise across the water or ride the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway (cable car) to get a bird's-eye view of the entire valley.

Where is the best street food in Taiwan?

To experience the true heart of Taiwanese culture, you must visit the night markets. While almost every town has one, Taipei is home to the most famous markets:

1. Shilin Night Market: The largest and most famous market in Taipei. It is a massive maze of clothing shops, carnival games, and hundreds of food stalls.
2. Raohe Street Night Market: A much more straightforward, single-street market that is incredibly popular with foodies. It is highly organized and easier to walk through than Shilin.

• Must-Try Dishes: * Black Pepper Buns (Fuzhou Pepper Buns): Baked inside a clay oven, these crispy buns are stuffed with juicy minced pork and green onions.
• Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan): A comforting, simple bowl of steamed rice topped with tender, slow-cooked pork belly in a savory soy sauce glaze.
• Stinky Tofu: Don't let the strong smell scare you! When deep-fried and topped with pickled cabbage and garlic soy sauce, it is absolutely delicious.

What is there to do in Kaohsiung's Art Center?

Kaohsiung is Taiwan's major southern port city, and it has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. The absolute highlight here is the Pier-2 Art Center.

This creative park was built inside a collection of abandoned, old seaside warehouses. Today, it is filled with giant colorful statues, realistic 3D street murals, independent galleries, and cute craft shops. It is completely free to walk around and is the perfect place to spend an afternoon taking photos, enjoying a coffee, and watching the sunset over the harbor. You can also rent a bicycle to ride along the harbor paths all the way to the nearby, futuristic Kaohsiung Music Center.

What is the most scenic way to explore Yehliu Geopark?

Yehliu Geopark is a narrow peninsula on the northern coast of Taiwan. Over thousands of years, strong ocean winds and sea waves have carved the soft limestone rocks into incredible, otherworldly shapes. Walking through the park feels like stepping onto the surface of Mars.

The most famous rock formation is the "Queen's Head", which looks exactly like the elegant profile of an ancient queen. Because the rock is naturally eroding over time, scientists estimate that the queen's neck may eventually break, making this a must-see sight before it disappears.

• How to explore: Walk along the paved wooden pathways that wind through the rock formations. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring an umbrella, as the coastal winds can be strong and rain can start unexpectedly.

Is Rainbow Village still open to tourists?

Rainbow Village is a tiny, incredibly colorful neighborhood in Taichung. It was single-handedly painted by a military veteran named Huang Yung-Fu (affectionately known as "Rainbow Grandpa") to save his village from being demolished by the government. He painted bright, whimsical animals, people, and encouraging words on every wall and doorway.

While Rainbow Grandpa sadly passed away in early 2024 at the age of 101, and parts of the village have changed due to renovations, the site remains open to the public. It is still a beautiful, heartwarming place to stop by, take photos, and appreciate the incredible creative spirit of one man who saved his community through art.

Where can you find the best beaches in Taiwan?

If you are looking for sun, sand, and tropical vibes, head straight to Kenting National Park at the absolute southern tip of Taiwan.

Kenting is famous for its warm weather, lush green hills, and beautiful white-sand beaches like Baishawan (White Sand Bay)—which was famously featured in the movie Life of Pi. The main Kenting strip comes alive every night with a bustling beachside night market where you can grab fresh seafood, tropical drinks, and listen to live music. It is the ultimate spot in Taiwan for surfing, snorkeling, and renting a scooter to explore the scenic coastal cliffs.

Do I need a visa to visit Taiwan?

Whether you need a visa to enter Taiwan depends heavily on your nationality.

• Many passport holders—including citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and EU nations—can enter Taiwan visa-free for tourism purposes for up to 90 days.
• If your country is not on the visa-exempt list, you will need to apply for a visa before you travel. Fortunately, the Taiwanese government offers an eVisa (electronic visa) system for eligible travelers, which allows you to apply completely online without having to visit an embassy or consulate in person.

How do I apply for a Taiwan e-Visa online?

Getting your travel documents sorted should be the easiest part of planning your trip. If you are eligible for an eVisa, you can submit your application online in just a few simple steps.

To ensure your application is filled out perfectly and approved without any delays, we highly recommend using a trusted, professional visa agency. You can learn exactly how to apply and begin your quick online application here: Taiwan e-Visa Application Guide.

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