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 10 Tourist Attractions in Taipei
▼ Taipei 101 Observatory + Xinyi Shopping District
▼ Ximending or Ximending Night Market + The Red House
▼ Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail (Xiangshan)
▼ Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
▼ Dihua Street + Dadaocheng Wharf Container Market
Popular Tourist Attractions in Other Cities
▼ Yehliu Geopark + Yehliu Ocean World
▼ Shifen Old Street + Sky Lantern Experience
✅ Alishan Multi-Day Tour
■ Chiayi Alishan Day Tour & Multi-Day Tour (From Chiayi)
■ Chiayi Alishan & Nantou Sun Moon Lake 3-day tour (From Taipei)
Taipei Popular Attractions nearby MRT
The best way to get around Taipei is by taking the MRT. Locals take the subway to visit these nearby attractions on weekends. These places are part of the daily life of locals. If you have time in Taipei, you can buy Day Pass and go see it.
Tamsui-Xinyi Line
▼ R02: Xiangshan
Elephant Mountain Trail
▼ R03: Taipei 101–World Trade Center
Taipei 101 Observation Deck, 44 South Village, Jimmy Moon Bus, World Trade Center
▼ R05: Daan
Taipei Public Library Main Branch
▼ R06: Daan Park
Daan Forest Park, Jianguo Holiday Flower Market, Taipei Mosque
▼ R07: Dongmen
Yongkang Street Business District
▼ R08: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
▼ R09: NTU Hospital
Taiwan Museum, Tuyin Dinosaur Museum, 228 Park, Presidential Office Building
▼ R10: Taipei Main Station
Taipei Main Station
▼ R12: Shuanglian
Ningxia Night Market
▼ R15: Jiantan
Shilin Night Market
▼ R16: Shilin
Shilin Residence, Children’s Park, Science Education Center, Taipei Astronomical Museum, National Palace Museum
▼ R22: Beitou
Beitou Market, Yangmingshan Bamboo Lake Flower Sea (transfer to the bus)
▼ R22A: Xinbeitou
Beitou Hot Springs, Beitou Library, Hot Spring Museum, Geothermal Valley, Sulfur Valley
▼ R28: Tamsui
Tamsui Old Street, Tamsui Fortress, Little White House, Fisherman’s Wharf, Tamsui Day Tour, Huwei Art and Leisure Park
Bannan Line
▼ BL10: Longshan Temple
Longshan Temple, Bopiliao Historic District, Xinfu Town Cultural Market, Huaxi Street Night Market, Mengjia Night Market
▼ BL11: Ximen
Ximending shopping district, Ximen Red House, Xihonganji Temple
▼ BL12: Taipei Main Station
Taipei Main Station
▼ BL14: Zhongxiao Xinsheng
1914 Huashan Cultural and Creative Park
▼ BL15: Zhongxiao Fuxing
SOGO Department Store, East District Shopping District, Dinghao Outlet Mall
▼ BL17: Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Songshan Cultural and Creative District
▼ BL18: Taipei City Hall
Xinyi Shopping District
▼ BL20: Houshanpi
Wufenpu Business District
Songshan-Xindian Line
▼ G01: Xindian
Bitan Scenic Area
▼ G07: Gongguan
National Taiwan University, Gongguan Night Market, Water Supply Park, Treasure Rock
▼ G08: Taipower Building
Shida Night Market
▼ G10: Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
▼ G12: Ximen
Ximending shopping district, Ximen Red House, Xihonganji Temple
▼ G15: Songjiang Nanjing
Miniature Museum
Zhonghe-Xinlu Line
▼ O06: Dongmen
Yongkang Street Business District
▼ O07: Zhongxiao Xinsheng
1914 Huashan Cultural and Creative Park
▼ O09: Xingtian Temple
Xingtian Temple
▼ O12: Daqiaotou
Dadaocheng, Dihua Street, Xiahai City God Temple
Wenhu Line
▼ BR01: Taipei Zoo
Taipei Zoo, Maokong Gondola
▼ BR15: Jiannan Road
Miramar Ferris Wheel and Jiannan Mountain Night View
▼ BR19: Neihu
Baishihu Suspension Bridge, Baishihu Strawberry Farm
▼ BR20: Dahu Park
Dahu Park
Taipei MRT Map
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