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.

Taipei MRT – Bib Gourmand Map

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)
Taipei 101 Observatory

Xinyi Shopping District (Taipei)
Taipei 101

Ximending or Ximending Night Market (Taipei)
Ximending Shopping District

The Red House (Taipei)
Ximending Shopping District

National Palace Museum (Taipei)
National Palace Museum Jadeite Cabbage

Yangmingshan National Park  (Taipei)
Yangmingshan National Park

Maokong Gondola (Taipei)
Maokong Gondola Crystal Cabin

Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail (Xiangshan) (Taipei)
Elephant Mountain

Yehliu Geopark (New Taipei)
Yehliu Geopark

Yehliu Ocean World (New Taipei)
Yehliu Ocean World

Jiufen Old Street (New Taipei)
Jiufen Old Street

Shifen Old Street and Sky Lantern Experience (New Taipei)
Pingxi Sky Lantern
(Source: New Taipei City)

Dihua Street (Taipei)
Dihua Street

Dadaocheng Wharf Container Market (Taipei)
Dadaocheng Wharf

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (Taipei)
Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Popular Tourist Attractions in Other Cities

Gaomei Wetlands (Taichung)
Gaomei Wetlands

Alishan Taiwan (Chiayi)
Alishan Taiwan

Sun Moon Lake (Nantou)
Sun Moon Lakea

✅ 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)
Tamsui Old Street

Wulai Waterfall (New Taipei)
Wulai Waterfall

Taipei Botanical Garden (Taipei)
Taipei Botanical Garden

For Kids

▼ Taipei Zoo (Taipei)

▼ Taipei Children’s Amusement Park (Taipei)

▼ Taipei Astronomical Museum (Taipei)

Temples

Longshan Temple (Taipei)
Longshan Temple

Xingtian Temple (Taipei)
Xingtian Temple

Xia-Hai City God Temple (Taipei)
Xiahai City God Temple

Evening itinerary

Raohe Street Night Market (Taipei)
From: MRT(G19 Songshan Exit 5) → walk 100 meters
Raohe Street Night Market

Ningxia Night Market (Taipei)
From: MRT(R12 Shuanglian Exit 1) → walk 500 meters
Ningxia Night Market

Shilin Night Market (Taipei)
From: MRT(R15 Jiantan Exit 1) → walk 200 meters
Shilin Night Market

Tonghua/Linjiang Street Night Market (Taipei)
From: MRT(R04 Xinyi Anhe Exit 4) → walk 350 meters
Linjiang Street Night Market

Nanjichang Night Market (Taipei)
From: MRT(BL10 Longshan Temple Exit 3) → walk 1100 meters
Nanjichang Night Market

Xinyi Shopping District (Taipei)
Taipei 101

Dadaocheng Wharf Container Market (Taipei)
Dadaocheng Wharf

▼ MAJI Square (Taipei)
MAJI Square

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