Why visit Taiwan
Taiwan is one of Asia's most underrated travel destinations — vibrant cities, spectacular mountains, world-famous street food, beautiful coastlines and some of the friendliest locals on the planet.
From the skyscrapers of Taipei and the lantern-lit alleys of Jiufen to the marble cliffs of Taroko Gorge, the calm waters of Sun Moon Lake and the sunrise forests of Alishan, Taiwan packs an incredible mix of culture, adventure and nature into a country small enough to explore comfortably in 10–14 days.
Efficient public transport, excellent safety, brilliant value and arguably the best night markets in the world make Taiwan an ideal first-time Asia destination — and one experienced travellers keep returning to.
This guide covers everything you'll actually need: smart itineraries, honest costs, the high-speed rail, the best places compared, the food that's worth crossing a city for, and the practical details — visa, SIM, money, weather — most blogs gloss over.
Taiwan destinations map
Tap any destination to jump to its overview. Taiwan splits loosely into the north (Taipei, Jiufen, Pingxi), the east (Hualien, Taroko, Taitung), the centre (Taichung, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan), the south (Tainan, Kaohsiung, Kenting) and the offshore islands (Penghu, Xiaoliuqiu, Lanyu).
Best places to visit in Taiwan
From Taipei's neon-lit night markets to the marble walls of Taroko and the lantern-strung alleyways of Jiufen, here are the destinations worth building a Taiwan trip around — what each is like, how long to stay and who they suit best.
North · Capital
Taipei
Taiwan's energetic capital — Taipei 101, brilliant night markets, Elephant Mountain sunsets, hot springs in Beitou and the world's most efficient metro.
North · Day trip
Jiufen
Lantern-lit mountain old town overlooking the Pacific — tea houses, traditional snacks and one of Taiwan's most atmospheric evenings.
East · Nature
Taroko Gorge
Marble canyon walls, suspension bridges and turquoise rivers near Hualien — Taiwan's most spectacular landscape.
Central · Lake
Sun Moon Lake
Calm alpine lake with cycle paths, cable car, sunrise boats and lakeside temples — easy half-day from Taichung.
Central · Mountains
Alishan
Cloud-sea sunrises, the historic forest railway, cherry blossoms in spring and ancient cypress groves.
South · Food & history
Tainan
Taiwan's oldest city — temples on every corner, the country's best street food scene and a slower southern pace.
South · Harbour
Kaohsiung
Sunny port city — Lotus Pond pagodas, the Pier-2 art district, Liuhe night market and easy access to Kenting.
Far South · Beaches
Kenting National Park
Tropical southern tip — surf, snorkelling, beach towns and palm-fringed coastal drives.
East · Gateway
Hualien
Laid-back east coast base for Taroko Gorge, beach cycling and the Pacific coastal highway south.
Central · Cafés
Taichung
Hip café and art-museum city — Rainbow Village, brilliant Miyahara dessert hall and the easiest gateway to Sun Moon Lake.
North · Day trip
Yehliu
Otherworldly sandstone rock formations on the north coast — pair with Jiufen and Shifen for a perfect day trip.
North · Sky lanterns
Pingxi & Shifen
Old railway towns where travellers release paper sky lanterns along the tracks and visit Shifen Waterfall.
Offshore · Beaches
Penghu Islands
Wind-swept archipelago in the Taiwan Strait — basalt columns, empty beaches and superb seafood.
Things to see and do in Taiwan
From Taipei 101 sunsets and Raohe night-market crawls to Taroko's marble trails and Alishan's sunrise railway — these are the experiences worth building each leg of your Taiwan trip around.
Capital
Taipei
- Taipei 101 observatory at sunset
- Elephant Mountain hike for skyline views
- Raohe & Shilin night markets
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
- Longshan Temple at dusk
- Ximending neon nightlife
- Beitou hot springs afternoon
- Maokong gondola and tea houses
Day trip
Jiufen & Northeast Coast
- Tea house overlooking the lanterns
- A-Mei Tea House at sunset
- Old Street snacks (taro balls, peanut ice rolls)
- Yehliu rock formations
- Shifen sky lanterns and waterfall
- Sandiaoling waterfall trail
Nature
Taroko Gorge & Hualien
- Shakadang turquoise river trail
- Eternal Spring Shrine viewpoint
- Swallow Grotto suspension walk
- Baiyang waterfall tunnel hike
- Qingshui Cliffs coastal viewpoint
- Cycle Hualien's coastal path
Central
Sun Moon Lake & Alishan
- Cycle the lakeshore path
- Sunrise boat across Sun Moon Lake
- Cable car to the Aboriginal Cultural Village
- Alishan forest railway sunrise
- Sister Ponds boardwalk
- Cherry blossoms in March / April
South
Tainan & Kaohsiung
- Anping Old Fort and tree-house
- Tainan beef-soup breakfast crawl
- Confucius Temple and Shennong Street
- Lotus Pond pagodas in Kaohsiung
- Pier-2 Art Center sunset
- Liuhe Night Market
Beaches
South coast & islands
- Kenting beaches and night market
- Eluanbi Lighthouse and Sail Rock
- Surf lesson at Jialeshui
- Snorkel with turtles at Xiaoliuqiu
- Penghu basalt columns
- Lanyu (Orchid Island) flying-fish coast
Best Taiwan itineraries
How long do you need? Taiwan rewards both short city breaks (5 days covers the north) and slow loops. Here are five route lengths that consistently work.
Taiwan Weekend +
Taipei (3) → Jiufen + Shifen day trip → Taroko Gorge (1).
Best for: Short city breaks
Taiwan in a Week
Taipei → Hualien/Taroko → Sun Moon Lake → Taichung → back to Taipei.
Best for: Short trips & stopovers
Classic Taiwan
Taipei (4) → Sun Moon Lake (2) → Alishan (1) → Tainan or Kaohsiung (2) → return.
Best for: First-time visitors
Two Weeks in Taiwan
Add Kenting, the east coast highway from Hualien to Taitung, and Jiufen overnight.
Best for: Most travellers
Taiwan In-Depth
Add Penghu Islands, full east coast loop, more time in the southern temples and Alishan hikes.
Best for: Slow travel & repeat visitors
Best time to visit Taiwan
Taiwan is doable year-round, but the sweet spots are October–November and March–April: dry, mild and perfect for hiking, cities and night markets. Avoid July–August for extreme humidity and typhoons, and Lunar New Year week when the country effectively closes.
Taipei ⭐
October–April — cool, crisp, perfect for the city and Jiufen.
Taroko & East Coast
October–May — dry trails, clear gorge water.
Alishan
March–April for cherry blossoms; October–November for sunrises.
Kenting & islands
April–June and September–October — warm seas, no typhoons.
Avoid
Lunar New Year week (late Jan / early Feb) and August typhoons.
Overall best months
October, November, March and April.
Taiwan budget guide
Taiwan is one of Asia's best-value destinations. Here's what each tier actually looks like day-to-day, with realistic daily, weekly and 2-week estimates.
Backpacker
£35 – £55 / day
£245 – £385 / week · £490 – £770 / 2 weeks
- Accommodation: Hostels & capsule hotels · £15–25
- Food: Night markets, 7-Eleven, beef-noodle joints · £2–6
- Transport: EasyCard on MRT and buses, second-class HSR
- Activities: Free temples, hikes, night markets, beaches
Mid-Range
£70 – £120 / day
£490 – £840 / week · £980 – £1,680 / 2 weeks
- Accommodation: Boutique & 3–4★ hotels · £45–80
- Food: Mix of restaurants, cafés and night markets
- Transport: HSR standard class, occasional taxis
- Activities: Taroko day tour, hot springs, Sun Moon Lake cable car
Luxury
£180 – £350+ / day
£1,260 – £2,450 / week · £2,520 – £4,900 / 2 weeks
- Accommodation: 5★ hotels & lake resorts · £100–300+
- Food: Fine dining & Michelin-starred restaurants
- Transport: HSR business class, private cars and drivers
- Activities: Private guides, helicopter, spa retreats
Sample mid-range day in Taipei
7-Eleven breakfast £2 · MRT day pass £4 · Taipei 101 entry £15 · beef noodle lunch £5 · Raohe night-market dinner £6 · craft beer £4 · 3★ hotel near MRT £55 = £91
Money-saving tips for Taiwan
Taiwan is already excellent value, but these small habits quietly cut a 2-week trip cost by 20–30% without sacrificing the experience.
Taiwan transport guide
Taiwan has some of the best public transport in Asia. The High Speed Rail runs the length of the west coast in 90 minutes, the MRT is excellent in Taipei and Kaohsiung, and the single EasyCard pays for almost everything.
World-class bullet train down the west coast — Taipei↔Kaohsiung in 90 minutes. Book on the app for early-bird discounts up to 35% off.
£10 – £45
Taiwan Railways — covers the east coast (Hualien, Taitung) and small towns the HSR misses.
£3 – £15
Excellent in Taipei and Kaohsiung — clean, cheap, English-signed, runs late.
£0.50 – £1.50
Tap-to-pay card for MRT, buses, trains, YouBike share, ferries and even 7-Eleven. Essential.
NT$100 (£2.50) + top-up
Reliable and cheap nationwide — Kuo-Kuang and Ubus link cities; local buses reach trailheads.
£1 – £10
Useful only for Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu islands; trains beat flights on the mainland.
£40 – £80
Plentiful, metered, honest. Uber works in major cities.
£2 – £10
City bike-share linked to the EasyCard — perfect for Sun Moon Lake and Taipei riversides.
£0.20 / 30 min
Best in Kenting, Hualien and small islands — requires an international scooter licence to rent legally.
£10 – £15 / day
Where to stay in Taiwan
Each Taiwanese city has neighbourhoods with completely different personalities. Use this as a shortlist before opening Booking.com or Agoda.
Taipei
Best for
Recommended areas
- Zhongzheng (Taipei Main)
- Ximending (nightlife)
- Da'an (cafés & parks)
Jiufen
Best for
Recommended areas
- Jishan Street (Old Street)
- Shuqi Road steps
- Jinguashi quiet side
Hualien
Best for
Recommended areas
- Downtown near the night market
- Qixingtan beachfront
Sun Moon Lake
Best for
Recommended areas
- Shuishe Village
- Ita Thao (south shore)
- Xuanzang Temple area
Tainan
Best for
Recommended areas
- Anping (historic)
- Zhongxi District (temples)
- Near Tainan Station
Kaohsiung
Best for
Recommended areas
- Yancheng (Pier-2)
- Sanduo Shopping District
- Zuoying (HSR station)
Best food to try in Taiwan
Taiwanese food is the reason many travellers come — and the reason they all come back. From beef noodle soup and xiao long bao to bubble tea (invented here in 1986), every region has its specialities and every night market is a feast.
Beef Noodle Soup
Taiwan's unofficial national dish — slow-braised beef shank in a deep soy-and-spice broth with hand-cut noodles. £4–7.
Xiao Long Bao
Soup dumplings — paper-thin skin around a parcel of pork and broth. Din Tai Fung started in Taipei. £4–8.
Gua Bao
Steamed bun stuffed with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, peanut powder and coriander. £2–3.
Oyster Omelette
Night-market classic — sweet potato starch, eggs, oysters and a sweet chilli glaze. £3–4.
Lu Rou Fan
Comfort-food champion — minced soy-braised pork over rice. £1.50–3.
Bubble Tea
Invented in Taichung — chewy tapioca pearls in milk tea, the original and best. £1.50–3.
Scallion Pancakes
Flaky, layered, pan-fried — often topped with an egg and basil at street stalls. £1.50–3.
Taiwanese Fried Chicken
Salt & pepper crispy bites or giant Hot-Star cutlets bigger than your face. £2–4.
Stinky Tofu
Fermented and deep-fried — divisive but iconic. Try it at Raohe or Shilin night market. £2–3.
Pineapple Cake
Buttery shortbread with a chewy pineapple-jam centre — the classic Taiwan edible souvenir.
Shaved Ice (剉冰)
Mountains of fluffy mango-and-condensed-milk ice — Smoothie House in Taipei is legendary. £4–6.
Beef Roll (Niu Rou Juan Bing)
Flaky scallion pancake rolled around beef, hoisin and scallions. £3–5.
Top experiences in Taiwan
Beyond the obvious sights, these are the experiences travellers consistently call out as their Taiwan highlights.
Taiwan for different travel styles
Solo travel
Taiwan is one of the easiest, safest and friendliest places to travel solo anywhere in Asia. Locals will go out of their way to help you.
Couples
Lakeside resorts at Sun Moon Lake, hot springs in Beitou, lantern evenings in Jiufen — Taiwan does romance brilliantly.
Families
Excellent infrastructure, safe food, great parks and zoo-aquariums. Kids love sky lanterns, bubble tea and the bullet train.
Luxury
Mandarin Oriental Taipei, Silks Place Taroko, The Lalu at Sun Moon Lake — small luxury scene but world-class at the top.
Backpackers
Cheap hostels, the world's best night markets, easy MRT/HSR network and a lively traveller scene in Taipei and Hualien.
Adventure
Taroko Gorge canyoning, Yushan trekking, surfing Kenting, river tracing in Wulai, paragliding above Hualien.
Photographers
Jiufen lanterns, Alishan sea-of-clouds, Taroko marble walls, Shifen sky lanterns, Yehliu rock formations.
Foodies
Night markets, Tainan's 300-year food scene, Michelin-starred Taipei, the home of bubble tea — Taiwan is a food trip first.
Hikers
Yushan (Taiwan's highest peak), Taroko trails, Hehuanshan alpine ridge, the Caoling old trail.
Taiwan safety guide
Taiwan consistently ranks among the safest countries in Asia. The main risks are typhoons in summer, scooter accidents and occasional earthquakes — not crime.
General safety
Very safe day and night, including for women travelling solo. Locals are exceptionally helpful.
Typhoons
June–October. Most pass in 24–48 hours; have a flexible day in your itinerary and watch AccuWeather.
Earthquakes
Taiwan sits on a fault line — small tremors are common. Hotels are built to high seismic standards.
Scooter safety
Wear a helmet. International scooter licence required to rent legally. Roads can be chaotic.
Hiking
Carry water and tell someone your route. Mountain weather changes fast — check forecasts.
Food & water
Tap water is safe in most cities but locals boil it first. Night markets are very safe to eat at.
Air quality
Generally good in Taipei; occasionally worse in central and southern cities — check AQI.
Solo travel
Excellent — Taiwan is one of the easiest and friendliest countries in Asia for solo travellers.
Emergency numbers
Police: 110 · Ambulance & Fire: 119 · Tourist hotline (English): 0800 011 765
Practical information
Money & ATMs
Cards work in hotels and chains, but cash rules at night markets and small shops. ATMs are everywhere — 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards.
EasyCard
Essential — buy at any MRT station. Tap to pay on MRT, trains, buses, YouBike and 7-Eleven.
SIM cards & eSIMs
Chunghwa Telecom tourist SIMs are sold at every airport (around £8 for 10 days unlimited). Airalo eSIMs work too.
Internet & WiFi
Free public WiFi (iTaiwan) is widespread; hotels and cafés all offer free WiFi.
Plugs & power
Type A and B sockets · 110V / 60Hz. UK/EU travellers need an adapter.
Tipping
Not expected. A 10% service charge is automatic at many sit-down restaurants.
Dress code
Casual everywhere. Modest at temples — shoulders and knees covered.
Useful Mandarin
Nǐ hǎo (hello), xièxie (thanks), duōshǎo qián? (how much?), hěn hǎo chī (delicious).
Healthcare
Excellent and affordable. Travel insurance still recommended.
Vaccinations
None required for entry. Routine vaccines should be up to date.
Visa
90 days visa-free for most Western nationalities including UK, EU, US, Australia, NZ.
Taiwan Tax Refund
Tourists can claim 5% VAT refund on purchases over NT$2,000 at TRS-labelled stores.
Essential apps for Taiwan
These are the apps actually worth downloading before you fly.
EasyCard app
Top up your transport card, check balance, see metro and bus times.
Taiwan HSR
Official high-speed rail app — book up to 28 days ahead with early-bird discounts.
Klook / KKday
Best for HSR discount tickets, day tours, Taroko transfers, theme parks.
Uber
Works in Taipei, Kaohsiung and Taichung — usually cheaper than street taxis.
Google Maps
Excellent in Taiwan — transit directions are pin-sharp and accurate.
Pleco
Best offline Chinese-English dictionary; camera mode reads menus.
Google Translate
Reliable Mandarin translation and offline camera mode.
Airalo
eSIMs that activate instantly on Chunghwa Telecom's network.
Wise
Cheap GBP → TWD transfers; debit card works in most ATMs.
AccuWeather
Best typhoon tracking June–October.
Booking.com / Agoda
Both have wide Taiwan coverage; Agoda often wins on price.
XE Currency
Quick GBP / USD / TWD conversions.
Taiwan FAQs
The most common questions about travelling in Taiwan, answered honestly.
Is Taiwan worth visiting?
Absolutely. Taiwan combines incredible food, friendly locals, dramatic mountain and coastal scenery, world-class transport and city life in a country small enough to see properly in 10–14 days. It's one of Asia's most rewarding and underrated destinations.
Is Taiwan safe for solo travellers?
Yes — Taiwan is consistently ranked one of the safest countries in Asia, especially for solo and female travellers. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare, and locals will often go out of their way to help if you look lost.
How many days do you need in Taiwan?
7 days is enough to cover Taipei, Taroko and Sun Moon Lake. 10–14 days is the sweet spot — adds Alishan, Tainan or Kaohsiung and Kenting. 3 weeks lets you slow down and add the east coast or Penghu.
What is the best month to visit Taiwan?
October to April. Autumn (October–November) and spring (March–April) are ideal. Avoid July–August (very humid, typhoons) and Lunar New Year week (everything books up and closes).
Is Taiwan expensive to travel?
No — it's excellent value. Backpackers travel on £35–55 a day; mid-range trips around £70–120. Night-market meals from £2, MRT rides under £1 and HSR with early-bird discounts.
Can tourists drink tap water in Taiwan?
Tap water is officially potable in most cities, but locals usually boil it first. Bottled or filtered water is safest for sensitive stomachs; hot-water dispensers are everywhere.
Is English widely spoken in Taiwan?
More than in mainland China. Signs and metro announcements are in English in major cities. Younger people generally speak some English. In Tainan and the countryside, basic Mandarin or Google Translate helps.
Do I need cash in Taiwan?
Yes — many small restaurants, night markets and family-run guesthouses are cash-only. Cards are accepted at hotels, chain restaurants and convenience stores. ATMs are everywhere.
What's the best Taiwan itinerary for first-time visitors?
10 days: Taipei (4) including Jiufen day trip → Hualien/Taroko (2) → Sun Moon Lake (2) → Tainan or Kaohsiung (2). All linked by HSR or TRA, easy logistics, big variety.
Are Taiwan's night markets worth visiting?
Absolutely — they're a highlight of the trip. Raohe and Shilin in Taipei, Liuhe in Kaohsiung, Hua Yuan in Tainan. Plan dinner around them rather than restaurants.
Do I need a visa for Taiwan?
Most Western nationalities — UK, EU, US, Australia, NZ — get 90 days visa-free on arrival. Bring an onward ticket and a passport valid for 6+ months.
Is Taiwan good for families?
Yes — exceptionally so. Safe, clean, brilliant public transport, child-friendly hotels, Taipei Zoo & Maokong gondola, sky lanterns in Pingxi, beach days in Kenting.
How does the high-speed rail work?
Buy tickets at the station or via the Taiwan HSR app; early-bird tickets (8–28 days ahead) are up to 35% off. Taipei↔Kaohsiung in 90 minutes. Foreigners can buy unlimited 3- or 5-day passes.
What's the food like in Taiwan?
Genuinely one of the best food countries in the world — beef noodle soup, xiao long bao, gua bao, oyster omelette, bubble tea (invented here), shaved ice, fried chicken. Tainan is the food capital.
When is typhoon season?
June to October, peaking in August. Most typhoons pass quickly; have a flexible day or two in your itinerary and check AccuWeather. Trains and flights pause briefly during direct hits.
Is tipping expected in Taiwan?
No — tipping is not part of the culture. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge automatically. Rounding up a taxi fare is appreciated but not expected.
What plug type does Taiwan use?
Type A and B sockets at 110V / 60Hz — same as the US and Japan. UK and EU travellers need an adapter.
Should I get travel insurance for Taiwan?
Yes — healthcare is excellent but private treatment is expensive. Standard travel insurance with hiking and scooter cover is recommended.
Can I rent a scooter in Taiwan as a tourist?
Legally you need an international scooter licence (most international driving permits don't cover scooters). Many shops in Kenting and small islands rent without checking — do so at your own risk and wear a helmet.
How do I get from the airport to Taipei?
The MRT Airport Line runs from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station in 37 minutes for around £4. Way easier than a taxi.
