PROBYTRAVEL
Taiwan

Things to Do in Taiwan

A seamless blend of ancient heritage, neon-lit night markets, and rugged, cloud-shrouded peaks.

  • CapitalTaipei
  • CurrencyNew Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
  • LanguageMandarin Chinese (Traditional characters)
  • Time zoneUTC+8
  • Emergency110 (Police), 119 (Fire & Ambulance)

Why visit Taiwan?

Taiwan is a highly efficient, culturally rich island that packs dramatic landscapes, centuries-old temples, and cutting-edge urban centers into a relatively compact footprint. From the soaring skyscraper of Taipei 101 to the sheer marble walls of Taroko Gorge, the island offers an incredibly diverse travel experience. Thanks to its world-class public transportation, including the ultra-reliable Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR), you can easily transition from sampling Michelin-recommended street food in Taipei to hiking high-altitude trails in Alishan within a single day.

Beyond the convenience, Taiwan's charm lies in its legendary hospitality and deep-rooted traditions. Night markets serve as lively community hubs where culinary heritage is preserved in sizzling woks and simmering broths, while historic towns like Jiufen offer a glimpse into the island's gold-mining past and tea-drinking culture. Whether you are navigating the neon-drenched streets of Kaohsiung, cycling around the scenic East Coast highway, or relaxing in the natural hot springs of Beitou, Taiwan provides a safe, welcoming, and deeply rewarding destination for all types of travelers.

The Vibrant Night Markets

Taste your way through iconic food streets like Shilin or Raohe, famous for stinky tofu, beef noodle soup, and fresh bubble tea.

Taroko Gorge National Park

Hike along the dramatic marble-walled canyons, suspension bridges, and cliffside shrines carved into the mountains of Hualien.

Alishan National Scenic Area

Board the historic forest railway to witness the iconic sunrise over a sea of clouds and giant ancient cypress forests.

Sun Moon Lake

Cycle along the designated lakeside paths or take a scenic boat cruise around Taiwan's largest alpine body of water.

Jiufen Mountain Town

Explore narrow lantern-lit alleyways, traditional teahouses, and ocean-facing vistas that inspired classic cinematic landscapes.

The Southern Port of Kaohsiung

Experience modern art installations at the Pier-2 Art Center and visit the massive Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum.

Popular regions

Northern Taiwan

Northern Taiwan

Home to Taipei, New Taipei City, and Keelung. This region offers urban convenience, cultural landmarks like the National Palace Museum, and seaside escapes like Yehliu Geopark.

Central Taiwan

Central Taiwan

Anchored by Taichung, this region features artistic hubs, the high-altitude tea plantations of Alishan, and the tranquil waters of Sun Moon Lake.

Southern Taiwan

Southern Taiwan

Comprising Tainan and Kaohsiung. Tainan is the historical heartland filled with ancient temples and street food, while Kaohsiung offers a bustling harbor and modern architectural marvels.

Eastern Taiwan

Eastern Taiwan

The wild, scenic coast of Hualien and Taitung, characterized by dramatic cliffs, coastal driving routes, and the rugged beauty of Taroko Gorge.

When to visit Taiwan

Based on average conditions in Taiwan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temperature19°20°22°26°29°32°34°34°31°28°24°21°
Rain14d15d14d15d14d15d12d13d13d11d12d12d
CrowdsMedHighMedMedMedLowLowLowMedHighHighMed
  • Cold
  • Comfortable / dry / low crowds
  • Cool–hot / typical / moderate
  • Very hot / wetter / high crowds

Plan your trip to Taiwan

The Highlights Express

7-9 Days

Perfect for first-timers using the High-Speed Rail: Taipei, Taichung, Sun Moon Lake, Tainan, and Kaohsiung.

The Nature & Coastal Route

10-14 Days

Ideal for exploring the dramatic East Coast: Taipei, Hualien, Taroko Gorge, Taitung, and Kenting's southern beaches.

The Complete Ring Tour

14-21 Days

A comprehensive loop around the island including Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, southern historic capitals, and the rugged east coast.

Weekend Urban Break

3-4 Days

A quick focus on Taipei's culinary scene, thermal hot springs in Beitou, and the nearby mountain village of Jiufen.

Getting around Taiwan

MRT (Mass Rapid Transit)

Highly efficient, clean, and cheap metro networks serving Taipei and Kaohsiung. Eating and drinking are strictly forbidden inside stations and trains.

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR)

Runs along the western corridor of the island, connecting major cities. It is fast, punctual, and highly comfortable.

Local Trains (TRA)

Slower than the THSR, but essential for reaching the East Coast (Hualien and Taitung) and smaller branch lines like Pingxi and Jiji.

YouBike Public Bicycle Sharing

An excellent, cheap option for short trips within major cities. Register using an EasyCard and a local phone number at any kiosk.

Costs, food & practical info

Costs

  • Budget

    NTD 1,000 - 1,800 per day

    Hostel bed, public transport with EasyCard, local night market meals, and free temple exploration.

  • Mid-range

    NTD 2,500 - 5,000 per day

    Private double room in standard hotels, high-speed rail travel, sit-down dining, and museum entries.

  • Luxury

    NTD 7,000+ per day

    Five-star international hotels, private guided tours, high-end hot spring resorts, and premium fine dining.

Cash remains highly favored in Taiwan, especially at traditional night markets, small local eateries, and temples. Keep an EasyCard loaded for seamless transit payments.

Food & drinks

  • Beef Noodle Soup (Niu Rou Mian)NTD 150 - 280
  • Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)NTD 120 - 250 per basket
  • Bubble Milk Tea (Zhen Zhu Nai Cha)NTD 50 - 80
  • Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice)NTD 35 - 60
  • Oyster OmeletNTD 65 - 85

Practical

  • Get an EasyCard

    This contactless IC card is essential. You can buy it at any convenience store (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) and use it for the MRT, public buses, and even small retail purchases.

  • High-Speed Rail Bookings

    The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) connects Taipei to Kaohsiung in under two hours. Book early-bird tickets online up to 28 days in advance for discounts up to 35%.

  • Convenience Store Culture

    7-Eleven and FamilyMart in Taiwan offer multi-service kiosks where you can print documents, pay bills, buy concert tickets, and ship packages. Most also have clean public seating areas.

  • Garbage Truck Music

    Do not throw trash on the street; public bins are rare. Instead, wait for the musical yellow garbage trucks (playing Beethoven or 'A Maiden's Prayer') to hand-deliver sorted trash.

Insight in one click

Frequently asked questions about visiting Taiwan

How many days do I need in Taiwan? +

A 7 to 10-day trip is ideal for first-timers to experience Taipei, take the High-Speed Rail down the west coast to Tainan or Kaohsiung, and visit Taroko Gorge on the east coast.

When is the best time to visit Taiwan? +

Autumn (October to December) offers the most pleasant, dry weather. Spring (March to May) is also comfortable, while summer is hot, humid, and prone to typhoons.

Is Taiwan expensive to travel? +

Taiwan is moderately priced. It is much more affordable than Japan or Western Europe, especially when eating at night markets and utilizing public transit, but offers premium luxury options if desired.

Do I need cash in Taiwan? +

Yes, cash is highly recommended. While hotels and chain stores accept credit cards, smaller street vendors, night markets, and local temple-front food stalls only accept cash or local digital pay.

How do I get around Taiwan? +

The High-Speed Rail (THSR) connects western cities instantly, while the TRA train network services the scenic eastern coast. Inside major cities, use the incredibly clean MRT and local buses.

Is English widely spoken in Taiwan? +

English is commonly spoken in major hotels, transit hubs, and tourist locations. While street stall owners may have limited English, they are incredibly helpful and menus often feature pictures or English translations.