7 Best Places to Visit in Taiwan
HOSHINOYA Guguan in Taichung
Taiwan is a beautiful country with a perfect blend of cityscapes, rich history, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking scenery, from mountains to the sea.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for more adventures, I’ve put together a list of my personal favorite experiences to help you discover the best that Taiwan has to offer.
Let’s explore my top seven must-visit spots in Taiwan!
Northern Taiwan
Jiufen, New Taipei City
I visited Jiufen when I was very small, like a young kid, and I never had any recollection of that visit. So my goal was always to want to go back! Recently, I went to Jiufen with my partner, and we had an amazing time exploring this stunning old mountain neighborhood.
With tons of history about gold mining, delicious street food, and cute shops, you’ll feel like you’re transported back in time. Especially at night, when you visit the iconic A-Mei Teahouse, and the lanterns light up, you’ll experience an enchanting Spirited Away vibe!
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EXPLORE JIUFEN OLD STREET
Wander through the old street and find cute shops, taste delicious local food like taro balls and stinky tofu!
AFTERNOON TEA AT THE ICONIC A-MEI TEAHOUSE
Perfect for tea lovers, Taiwanese snacks, and amazing photo ops of the ocean in the background
If you don’t have time to do the planning, let someone do it for you!
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chic yet cozy stay with stunning mountain and ocean views!
Aesthetic, forest-y and cozy stay
Sleek and modern stay with stunning views of the ocean!
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Budget-friendly but takes longer
Fast and convenient, which is ideal for maximizing your day in Jiufen!
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Spring or autumn (March, April, November, December).
Visit early (10 AM–Noon) for fewer crowds, or in the evening for the enchanting lantern-lit atmosphere.
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Taipei City
Staying at the Shangri-La Far Eastern in Taipei City
There’s an endless amount of things to do in Taipei City, and each time I go back, there’s more to discover!
You can shop, eat at cute cafes, dine in stunning city-view restaurants, and find local eats that are to die for — many aren’t even on Google Maps! You can also explore endlessly or chill at a park if you need some time away from the city. There are tons of activities and night markets to explore and you’ll never run out of things to do!
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Stunning and iconic city views at the top
Craving street food? Best place to get all the yummy stuff is here!
A mix of history and stunning Chinese architecture
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Unbeatable luxury with amazing views of Taipei 101!
This stunning 14-story hotel with a ton of history dating back to 1952.
A newly opened hotel featuring European-inspired architecture, established in 2021
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Spring (March–May), fall (October–December), and winter (January–February).
For a more festive vibe, visit during Chinese New Year or enjoy the city’s epic New Year’s Eve fireworks at Taipei 101!
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Central Taiwan
Taichung City
Fazi Riverway in Taichung
My parents recently moved to Taichung, and I never visited until they settled there. To be frank, I fell in love right away! Taichung is a place that not many people think of visiting during their first trip to Taiwan, and they’re missing out.
The weather is amazing — better than Taipei and Kaohsiung — with sunny days and a nice ocean breeze to cool you off in summer or fall. With nearby mountains for quick escapes, tons of history, delicious food, and incredible shopping, you’ll never be bored. I highly recommend adding Taichung to your travel plans!
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Famous for its whimsical interior and ice cream
A serene escape with stunning blooms in the mountains
Relax in natural hot springs surrounded by lush mountains
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Newly opened hotel in Taichung! With stunning architecture that’ll take your breath away.
Modern hotel located in the central part of Taichung with convenient trains and shopping areas nearby.
Luxurious hot springs resort!
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While Taichung only has one MRT line… buses, taxis, and YouBikes make getting around easy.
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Spring, fall, and winter! November is perfect for mild weather, while December brings festive vibes.
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Lukang Old Street, Changhua County
This historic port town in Changhua County is rich in culture, temples, and traditional eats. Stroll through car-free streets lined with old buildings, visit ancient temples, and savor street food bursting with flavor.
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VISIT LUKANG MAZU TEMPLE
ICONIC TAIWANESE SNACKS
Try iconic Taiwanese snacks like oyster pancakes (蚵仔煎)and pineapple cakes (鳳梨酥)
Join a Lukang day tour and discover the iconic historical spot
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Lukang Old Street No. 13 B&B (鹿港老街十三號民宿)
Cute and cozy B&B stay that’s nearby Lukang Old Street and yummy restaurants
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October to April are the best time to visit! 🌤️
If you want to avoid large crowds, weekdays are better. However, if you’re looking for the full busy market experience, definitely check it out on the weekends!
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Sun Moon Lake, Nantou County
Sun Moon Lake is a stunning lake shaped like a sun and a crescent moon from above, located in Nantou County. When I visited with my partner and parents, I felt like I was floating — it was beautiful!
Biking around the lake, enjoying the breathtaking scenery, enjoying delicious street food, and exploring the area made for an unforgettable day. Plus, it’s one of the great places to fly your drone!
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Biking along the lakeside is the best experience!
Hop on the boat and head to different piers and wharves to experience the best of Sun Moon Lake, visiting temples, experiences, and pagodas.
Visit all the iconic spots in Sun Moon Lake with a one-day tour from Taichung City!
PRIVATE ONE-DAY TOUR FROM TAIPEI
If you’re in Taipei City and want to visit Sun Moon Lake privately, you can experience the best spots here on this tour!
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A luxurious hotel with sustainable aspects, saving on plastic. Standing atop the hill, you can see a 360-degree view of Sun Moon Lake’s beauty.
A luxurious and historical hotel with traditional Zen-style architecture.
It's in the best location, right by the Ita Thao District and right in front of one of the wharves!
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November to April is the best time to visit with the best weather!
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Southern Taiwan
Chiayi
If you’re a nature lover, Chiayi is a dream destination!
This area is best known as the gateway to Alishan National Forest Recreation Park. It offers stunning mountain views and serene landscapes, the perfect escape from Taiwan's busy cities.
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Explore Alishan National Forest Recreation Park
Purchase tickets to head inside and discover the 5 wonders of Alishan — the sunrise, sea of clouds, sunset, forest, and forest railway
ALISHAN DAY TOUR FROM CHIAYI, KAOHSIUNG OR TAICHUNG
Book an Alishan Day Tour so you don’t have to worry too much about planning the logistics!
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A cozy B&B with stunning serene mountain views
Modern comfort with excellent amenities
Unique hotel design in the mountains and premium service
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ALISHAN FOREST RAILWAY
Ride the Alishan Forest Railway for a striking and historic experience
For a more affordable option, you can ride the bus
If you’re confident driving on winding mountain roads, you can rent a car to go up the mountains
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November to April, when the weather is cool and clear.
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Kaohsiung City
View of the city and infinity pool at TAi Urban Resort in Kaohsiung
I’ve been so thankful for living in Taiwan for two years; during those two years, I was actually in Kaohsiung! I recently revisited Kaohsiung and saw how the city itself has changed so much.
From stunning architecture to amazing places to explore, great big night markets, and many shopping spots, there is so much to do and so little time!
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PIER 2 ART CENTER
A creative spot with murals, art exhibitions, ESLITE bookstore, and unique shops
DRAGON AND TIGER PAGODAS
For an in-depth experience of Kaohsiung
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Modern luxury and prime location
A sophisticated, high-end stay
A cozy yet stylish option for city travelers
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MRT
Convenient and affordable, perfect for getting around the city.
LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT)
Covers tourist hotspots and connects to Kaohsiung Airport.
YOUBIKES
An eco-friendly way to explore.
UBER AND TAXIS
Readily available for quick trips.
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Fall (October to November) and Spring (February to April) for pleasant weather.
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check out my Taiwan travel vlog
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From the lantern-lit streets of Jiufen to the breathtaking views of Sun Moon Lake —your dream adventure starts here!