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Things to Do in Taiwan
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Taiwan
Things to do in Taiwan include exploring Taipei 101, once the world's tallest building standing at 508 meters, and marveling at ancient Chinese art in the National Palace Museum, which houses over 600,000 pieces. Nature lovers will appreciate the dramatic marble cliffs of Taroko Gorge, perfect for hiking and photography.
1. Taipei 101
Taipei
Quick facts: From the observation deck you can feel a subtle sway as a 660-ton tuned mass damper cushions wind and quake forces, the massive sphere visible through the glass adding a surprising industrial drama. Riding the elevators is a giddy thrill; they climb at about 60 km/h and reach the observation level in roughly 37 seconds, leaving the city rushing away beneath the windows.
Highlights: Behind a wall of glass on the 88th floor, a 660-ton tuned mass damper, a polished 5.5-meter steel sphere suspended by 41 cables, rocks like a slow metronome during typhoons and earthquakes, and you can hear the faint creak and see the room drift. Step into the glass elevator and you surge from the 5th to the 89th floor in about 37 seconds at 60.6 km/h, your ears pop and the skyline melts into a streak of lights.
2. National Palace Museum
Taipei
Quick facts: Step into hushed galleries where over 600,000 jade, porcelain, and ink treasures shimmer under soft lights, their tiny brushstrokes and kiln marks rewarding close, patient viewing. A rotating exhibit schedule means you might stumble on imperial seals, miniature carvings, or scrolls that rarely travel, so every visit can feel like uncovering a secret.
Highlights: Walk up to the tiny, pale-green 'Jadeite Cabbage' and you'll spot a miniature locust and katydid tucked into the carved veins, the leaves standing about 18 centimeters tall yet carved with insect legs so fine they catch the light. Nearby the 'Meat-shaped Stone' shines like a lacquered slice of braised pork, its layered bands and glossy surface tricking your eyes and making many visitors laugh out loud.
3. Taroko Gorge
Hualien
Experience jaw-dropping marble cliffs and vibrant river hues. Navigate scenic trails with tunnels and suspension bridges for epic views.
Quick facts: Towering marble cliffs rise dramatically from turquoise rivers carving one of Asia's deepest gorges. Narrow trails snake through tunnels and suspension bridges, offering jaw-dropping views at every turn.
Highlights: Rainbow-colored marble walls shimmer under sunlight with hues shifting between emerald, ivory, and gold, creating a natural kaleidoscope. Echoes of the flowing Liwu River blend with birdsong and the rumbling of waterfalls in a symphony of natural sound.
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Taiwan, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
4. Sun Moon Lake
Nantou
Experience serene beauty where sun meets moon on shimmering waters. Enjoy boat rides, scenic mountain views, and cultural encounters.
Quick facts: This lake is the largest body of water in Taiwan and spans nearly 8 square kilometers. It is famous for its precise halving into a sun side and a moon side, inspired by its mountainous surroundings.
Highlights: Glide across the water on boats emblazoned with the patterns of the local Thao tribe, adding culture and color to your journey. When sunrise hits, the reflection of nearby Xiangshan Mountain creates a breathtaking mirror effect that changes colors throughout the day.
5. Alishan Forest Recreation Area
Chiayi
Experience breathtaking mountain sunrises and misty trails. Walk among ancient trees and ride a scenic forest railway through serene clouds.
Quick facts: Sunrises here light up the sky with a palette of vibrant colors that change by the minute. Towering ancient cypress trees stand sentinel, some over two thousand years old.
Highlights: The early morning mist weaves through the forest, making the trails feel like walking through a dreamscape bathed in soft light. A famous train route snakes through the park, offering breathtaking views of cloud seas and mountain peaks.
6. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Taipei
Quick facts: A thunderous hourly changing of the guard draws crowds, the precise choreography and imposing bronze statue create a surprisingly cinematic moment. Visitors remark on the vast marble plaza and striking white-and-blue color scheme, where the echoing vaulted hall and manicured gardens make the space feel both monumental and unexpectedly peaceful.
Highlights: Every hour on the hour a perfectly timed guard change plays out beneath the cobalt roof, boots snapping and drums punctuating the air so sharply that tourists fall into silence and children press their noses to the balustrade. At sunset the marble hall blazes a warm ochre while the reflecting pool flips the whole scene into mirror-image, the smell of frying scallion pancakes drifting across the plaza and making the place feel alive rather than solemn.
7. Shilin Night Market
Taipei
Quick facts: Neon signs and sizzling woks guide you through a maze of hundreds of stalls, where the smell of stinky tofu and the rattle of arcade games hit every sense at once. Vendors push giant fried chicken cutlets and scallion pancakes that sometimes draw lines over a hundred people, turning midnight snacking into a full-on local pastime.
Highlights: Follow the smell of five-spice and frying oil and you'll find a Hot-Star stall where the signature fried chicken is pounded paper-thin, fried until the crust crackles, and served on a paper bag roughly 15 centimeters across. After midnight veteran vendors still gather under red lanterns to trade NT$100 palm readings, a quirky ritual where readers scribble tiny characters on slips of paper and gossip about exam results like old friends.
8. Yangmingshan National Park
Taipei
Quick facts: Misty trails release a mineral tang as steaming fumaroles and bubbling hot springs punctuate fields of bright cherry and azalea blooms. Hikers can loop short crater trails to find panoramic ridgelines and rare volcanic landscapes, where cool forests sit alongside warm geothermal vents.
Highlights: Steam hisses from fumaroles at Xiaoyoukeng, where mineral-streaked rocks and a sulfur tang make the air taste metallic, a raw reminder that you're standing on one of the seven volcanoes of the Datun range. On sunny weekends families spread checkered blankets on Qingtiangang's windswept grassland, nibbling warm 'hot-spring eggs' bought from vendors near Lengshuikeng while chrysanthemums and azaleas paint the slopes in pinks and whites.
9. Kenting National Park
Pingtung
Experience breathtaking coastal views and vibrant marine life. Encounter glowing plankton and coral reefs in a stunning tropical paradise.
Quick facts: The park is home to Taiwan's southernmost point, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Taiwan Strait in a dramatic coastline. You can spot rare coral reefs and more than 200 bird species within its diverse ecosystems.
Highlights: A natural spectacle unfolds at the Eluanbi Lighthouse area where you can watch fishermen unloading their catch against the backdrop of turquoise waters. Night snorkeling lets you witness glowing plankton illuminating the sea, creating a magical underwater light show.
10. Lukang Old Street
Changhua
Step into vibrant streets full of traditional crafts and mouth-watering treats. Experience lively markets, rich history, and authentic local culture all in one stroll.
Quick facts: Narrow alleys meander past over 200 well-preserved shops showcasing traditional Taiwanese crafts and snacks. The street buzzes with locals and tourists alike, drawn by its lively markets and old-time charm.
Highlights: Spot intricately carved wooden doors that tell stories of the town's past, and savor the aroma of freshly made peanut candy wafting through the air. Watch artisans delicately molding plaster gods in a centuries-old craft that captivates all ages.
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Most popular day trips
Jiufen
Historic mountain town with teahouses and gold-mine history.
Yangmingshan National Park
Hot springs, hiking trails and spring flower displays.
Pingxi & Shifen
Old railway towns, sky lanterns and scenic waterfalls.
Tamsui (Danshui)
Riverside sunsets, street food and historic forts.
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
TRA (conventional rail), Taipei Metro, THSR (Taipei) access
THSR (high-speed), TRA (conventional rail)
Use the Taoyuan Airport MRT to Taipei; Songshan is a short taxi/MRT ride; HSR links Zuoying to Kaohsiung.
Click to get eSim for Taiwan
The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.
Visa & entry
Many EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia
Nationals from some countries (e.g., mainland China, India) and others not listed above typically need a visa or prior approval
Check Taiwan's eVisa/entry rules and passport validity; some stays differ by nationality.
Comments (10)
Weather was mostly hot and humid, so pack light clothes. I'd say a week is good to cover Taipei and a couple day trips.
I was a bit underwhelmed by the temples, they all start looking similar after a while. But the local friendliness more than made up for it.
If you want cheaper dinner, eat at small local joints away from tourist areas; usually no English menus but staff is nice enough to help.
Food-wise, try the street snacks but skip the bubble tea chains, local shops taste way better and cheaper. Overall a vibrant city!
Most museums have free entry on Wednesdays but check times carefully; planning around this saved me good money.