Why Taiwan is a must-visit destination, blending culture, nature, food, and friendly vibes into one inviting post. Perfect for drawing in first-time travelers or anyone still deciding where to go next. Taiwan Should Be at the Top of Your Travel List
If you find yourself torn between a culinary adventure, a nature getaway, and an in-depth experience of a rich culture. Taiwan is the answer you didn’t know you were looking for.
Tucked between towering mountains and a turquoise coastline, Taiwan is often called Asia’s best-kept secret. And once you visit, you’ll wonder why you didn’t go sooner.
From the lantern-lit streets of Jiufen, to the soaring peaks of Alishan, to the neon-splashed night markets of Taipei—Taiwan is a beautiful contradiction of modern and ancient, wild and refined, chill and chaotic in all the best ways.
Why Taiwan is an absolute must-visit:
Food Heaven
Let’s get this out of the way—Taiwan might just have the best street food scene in the world. Night markets are everywhere, and each one has its own local specialties: beef noodle soup, bubble tea, lu rou fan (braised pork rice), stinky tofu (yes, try it!), and fresh seafood pulled straight from the coast. You’ll eat better here for $5 than anywhere else, guaranteed.
Epic Nature
Taiwan’s landscapes are jaw-dropping. You can wake up in a buzzing city and be hiking in misty mountains by lunch. Think Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, hot springs in Beitou, and sunrise from a mountaintop in Alishan. It’s an outdoor lover’s dream—with clean trails, dramatic cliffs, and waterfalls around every corner.
Culture & Temples
Taiwanese culture is a colorful blend of Chinese, Japanese, and Indigenous influences—reflected in everything from the temples tucked into urban alleyways to the ornate architecture of Lukang, Tainan, and beyond. People are incredibly welcoming, and it’s easy to go from city vibes to cultural depth in one day.
Super Easy to Travel
Despite all it offers, Taiwan is small and super well-connected. The trains are fast and reliable, the MRT systems in major cities are clean and efficient, and signs are usually in English. Whether you’re solo, with friends, or family—Taiwan is stress-free travel at its finest.
The People
Taiwanese hospitality is legendary. People go out of their way to help, even if they don’t speak your language. It’s not uncommon for strangers to help you find your way, offer food, or just share a smile that makes your whole day better.
Top 5 Must-Visit Places in Taiwan
1. Taipei – The Heartbeat of Taiwan
If it’s your first time in Taiwan, start in Taipei. This capital city is a wild mix of old and new: towering skyscrapers (hello, Taipei 101), ancient temples, street art, and night markets that stay open late and keep your taste buds busy.
2. Alishan – Misty Mountains & Sunrise Magic
This high-altitude retreat is famous for its cloud ocean sunrise, ancient cypress forests, and of course, Alishan high-mountain tea. Ride the iconic Alishan Forest Railway, stroll through sacred woods, and snack on bamboo rice and wild boar skewers near Sacred Tree Station.
Perfect for:
Nature lovers, photographers, tea enthusiasts, and anyone looking to slow down and breathe fresh air.
3. Jiufen & Shifen – Lanterns, Nostalgia & Waterfalls
These charming mountain towns just outside Taipei feel like stepping into a Studio Ghibli film. Wander Jiufen’s lantern-lined streets with a taro ball dessert in hand, then head to Shifen Old Street to release a sky lantern with your wishes on it.
4. Taroko Gorge (Hualien) – Nature’s Masterpiece
This dramatic marble canyon in eastern Taiwan is nothing short of epic. Hike across suspension bridges, through tunnels carved into cliffs, and alongside turquoise rivers. It’s peaceful, powerful, and photogenic at every turn.
Best For:
Hiking, biking, and adventure lovers.
Pro Tip: Rent a scooter in Hualien for the scenic ride up the coast to Taroko.
5. Kaohsiung – A relaxing Port City
Down in southern Taiwan, Kaohsiung is full of cool art spaces, seaside vibes, and a growing indie culture. It’s less hectic than Taipei but just as full of surprises.
Why visit?
Ride bikes along Love River
Explore Pier-2 Art Center for creative shops and exhibits
Sunset views at Cijin Island
Bonus Spot: Sun Moon Lake
For a dose of serenity, rent a bike and ride around this gorgeous alpine lake, dotted with temples and floating piers. You can take a boat ride, sip local tea, or visit Indigenous villages for unique crafts and flavors.
Top Tourist Attractions in Taipei and New Taipei
If you have 5 to 7 days of vacation
Where To Stay in Taipei? I recommend you live in Taipei and buy 2 or 3 day tours to different cities. You can visit these famous popular attractions that are far away and cannot be reached by MRT.
▼ Taipei 101 Observatory (Taipei)
▼ Xinyi Shopping District (Taipei)
▼ Ximending or Ximending Night Market (Taipei)
▼ The Red House (Taipei)
▼ National Palace Museum (Taipei)
▼ Yangmingshan National Park (Taipei)
▼ Maokong Gondola (Taipei)
▼ Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail (Xiangshan) (Taipei)
▼ Yehliu Geopark (New Taipei)
▼ Yehliu Ocean World (New Taipei)
▼ Jiufen Old Street (New Taipei)
▼ Shifen Old Street and Sky Lantern Experience (New Taipei)
(Source: New Taipei City)
▼ Dihua Street (Taipei)
▼ Dadaocheng Wharf Container Market (Taipei)
▼ Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (Taipei)
Popular Tourist Attractions in Other Cities
▼ Gaomei Wetlands (Taichung)
▼ Alishan Taiwan (Chiayi)
▼ Sun Moon Lake (Nantou)
✅ Alishan Multi-Day Tour
■ Chiayi Alishan Day Tour & Multi-Day Tour (From Chiayi)
■ Chiayi Alishan & Nantou Sun Moon Lake 3-day tour (From Taipei)
✅ Hiking Tour
■ 2D1N or 2D2N Yushan Hiking Tour in Nantou
■ Nantou|Three Peaks of Hehuan Mountain & Little Qilai Prairie 2 Days 1 Night Mountaineering Tour
▼ Tamsui Old Street (New Taipei)
▼ Wulai Waterfall (New Taipei)
▼ Taipei Botanical Garden (Taipei)
For Kids
▼ Taipei Zoo (Taipei)
▼ Taipei Children’s Amusement Park (Taipei)
▼ Taipei Astronomical Museum (Taipei)
Temples
▼ Longshan Temple (Taipei)
▼ Xingtian Temple (Taipei)
▼ Xia-Hai City God Temple (Taipei)
Evening itinerary
▼ Raohe Street Night Market (Taipei)
From: MRT(G19 Songshan Exit 5) → walk 100 meters
▼ Ningxia Night Market (Taipei)
From: MRT(R12 Shuanglian Exit 1) → walk 500 meters
▼ Shilin Night Market (Taipei)
From: MRT(R15 Jiantan Exit 1) → walk 200 meters
▼ Tonghua/Linjiang Street Night Market (Taipei)
From: MRT(R04 Xinyi Anhe Exit 4) → walk 350 meters
▼ Nanjichang Night Market (Taipei)
From: MRT(BL10 Longshan Temple Exit 3) → walk 1100 meters
▼ Xinyi Shopping District (Taipei)
▼ Dadaocheng Wharf Container Market (Taipei)
▼ MAJI Square (Taipei)
Beach
If you come to Taiwan in the summer, you can also find a beach to play in the water.
▼ Kenting White Sand Bay Beach (Baishawan)(Pingtung) 墾丁白砂灣
▼ Waiao Beach (Yilan) 外澳沙灘
▼ Fulong Beach (New Taipei) 福隆海水浴場
▼ Qijin Beach (Kaohsiung) 旗津海水浴場
▼ Qixingtan Beach (Hualien) 七星潭
A beautiful bay where swimming is prohibited
▼ Shanshui Beach(Penghu) 山水沙灘
🔥ChiaTe Pineapple Cake / Delivery or Airport Pickup
■ ChiaTe Bakery Pineapple Pastry-Delivery(Home / Hotel) / Airport Pickup (klook)
Prepare your trip to Taiwan✈️Buy discounted tickets in advance (Klook)
■ EasyCard and SIM Card Package
■ Taipei 101 Observatory Ticket
■ Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus
■ National Palace Museum Ticket
■ Taipei Fun Pass (Taipei 101, National Palace Museum, Taipei MRT, city buses, and 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle)
■ Taipei Transport Fun Pass (Taipei MRT, city buses, 6 Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes, and Maokong Gondol)
■ Taipei Metro (MRT) Day Pass
■ (Taiwan Pass) HSR + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Day Pass
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Ticket for non-Taiwanese Discounts or Buy 1 Get 1
■ Taiwan High Speed Rail Joint Ticket
■ (Taiwan Pass) Taiwan Railways + MRT + Taiwan Tourist Shuttle