What if I told you there’s an island where you can hike through mist-shrouded mountains in the morning, relax in a natural hot spring by afternoon, and feast on world-famous street food at night? That island is Taiwan—a destination that somehow manages to pack an entire world of adventure into its modest borders.
Whether you’re drawn to its vibrant cities or its tranquil countryside, Taiwan offers an unforgettable mix of culture, history, and breathtaking scenery. But with so many incredible places to explore when you visit Taiwan, narrowing down your itinerary can be tough. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to the 12 best places to visit in Taiwan—so you can experience the very best this enchanting island has to offer.
The 12 best places to visit in Taiwan
Depending on your travel style, you can take a guided tour, use my pre-done 14-day Taiwan plan, or design your own itinerary.
If you have limited time, it's probably best to opt for a guided tour, as they take care of everything for you and optimize your time. This 5-day tour, for example, visits Sun Moon Lake, Foguangshan, Kaohsiung, Kenting, Taitung, the East Coast, and Taroko Gorge, so you'll see a lot of the country in less than a week.
Here's a map to help you get a sense of where these attractions are located.
Whichever way you choose to travel, you won't go wrong if you add some of these must-see attractions to your itinerary:
1. Shilin Night Market
Shilin Night Market is the heartbeat of Taiwanese nightlife, offering a glimpse into the country's vibrant culture. As the largest and most famous night market in Taipei, it's a place where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy delicious food, lively games, and a bustling atmosphere. Conveniently located near MRT Jiantan Station, Shilin Night Market is easy to reach from anywhere in the city.
The market is a treasure trove of food, fun, and shopping opportunities. With over 539 stalls in its food court, you can indulge in a wide variety of Taiwanese delicacies, from lemon aiyu jelly and Jian Ji Papaya Milk to fried fish balls and stinky tofu. Beyond the food, the market offers a lively atmosphere filled with quaint shops, carnival games, and roadside stalls selling everything from fashion to souvenirs.
Whether you're a food enthusiast or a curious traveler, you'll probably agree that Shilin Night Market is one of the most intriguing attractions in Taipei. It's an experience that will leave you wanting more of Taiwan's unique culture and cuisine.
2. Fulong Beach
If you want to experience the beaches of Taiwan, this is the beach to go to. Taiwan rarely has golden beaches, but this one boasts beautiful gold sand.
Only an hour east of Taipei, this beach is a favorite for locals and tourists during the summer, and concerts and events often occur on the beach. The beach offers a wide range of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, and canoeing, thanks to its unique location where the Shuang River meets the Pacific Ocean
3. Shei-Pa National Park
Taiwan is known for its lush greenery, and the Shei-Pa National Park is a magnificent place for anyone interested in seeing the natural side of the country.
Encompassing over 50 peaks in the Hsuchshan and Dabajian Mountains, this park has some of the best alpine scenery in Taiwan. Its 768-sq-km area is filled with hot springs, rivers, rare animals, and native plants. Much of it is prohibited to ordinary travelers, but there are three sections you are permitted to enter: the forest recreation areas of Wuling, Guanwu, and Xuejian.
If you're a hiker or enjoy camping, Shei-Pa National Park is even more of a must. It offers some fantastic multi-day trails that lead deep into the rugged interior of the park.
4. Wuling Farm, Heping
Wuling Farm combines breathtaking mountain scenery with a fascinating history rooted in Taiwan’s agricultural development. Situated within Shei-Pa National Park, this high-altitude farm is known for its cherry blossoms, fruit harvests, and maple leaves that change with the seasons.
Originally established in 1963 to provide jobs for retired servicemen, the farm has grown into a popular tourist destination with fruit orchards, tea gardens, flower fields, and hiking trails. One highlight is the Taoshan Waterfall Trail—a challenging yet rewarding hike that takes you through dense pine forests to panoramic views of the mountains.
With camping areas and cozy guesthouses available, Wuling Farm is perfect for travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature while learning about Taiwan’s farming heritage.
5. Taroko National Park, Xiulin County
Arguably the most popular tourist destination among the nine national parks in Taiwan, Taroko National Park is the most visited spot on the east coast.
Taroko is a favorite day trip from Taipei, as well, mainly because of its landmark Taroko Gorge. One of Asia’s 7 wonders, this incredible canyon features marble cliffs, deep winding tunnels, and an enchanting river flowing through the bottom.
Another of the park's most picturesque spots is the Eternal Spring Shrine. The classic shrine is a memorial for veterans and worth a stop for its beautiful views of the mountains and never-ending waterfall.
7. Sun Moon Lake, Nantou County
Ask any local to name the best places to visit in Taiwan, and Sun Moon Lake will always make the list. Known for its beautiful, clear blue water, this lake has a romantic feel and is a favorite spot for couples and honeymooners.
Many of the attractions here are run by an aboriginal tribe that has inhabited the area for centuries. The area is a must-go location for any couple.
7. Shanlinxi Forest Recreation Area
Shanlinxi Forest Recreation Area offers hotels, restaurants, shops, and stores that visitors can enjoy during their visit. With bus touring and hiking paths, people can enjoy the waterfalls, caves, greenhouses, and other features that this area offers.
This is an ideal destination for anyone who wants to make more than a day trip and wants to see the nature of Taiwan.
8. Alishan National Scenic Area
Located in the Alishan Mountains, this scenic area is home to Tsou aboriginal villages, highly regarded for their tea making. This area allows you to take in the local nature of Taiwan, including the fallen Alishan Sacred Tree.
With the Alishan Forest Railway, a narrow train makes its way through the forest as well. Enjoy the tropical views and beautiful mountains in this location.
9. Guanziling Hot Spring, Tainan City
Fire and Water Cave is a geological phenomenon that is the most interesting, if not one of the best, things to see in Taiwan. This cave outflows with a combination of methane gas and hot spring water, creating a fire that burns on water!
This popular hot spring is located in Tainan City. It has been attracting people for almost three centuries.
10. Chimei Museum
Speaking of the things to do in Tainan, Chimei Museum is a must-see attraction, especially if you're interested in art.
This privately owned museum has five exhibits spanning a wide range of interests. The Western Art exhibit features a large collection of weapons, paintings, and sculptures. Other sections include Natural History, Antiquities and Artifacts, Arms and Armour, and Musical Instruments. The latter exhibit showcases one of the largest violin collections in the world.
11. Fort Zeelandia Museum
Tainan City's Fort Zeelandia was built between 1624 and 1634 by the Dutch East India Company. During the 17th century, it became a vital transit city. It is now a museum where people can experience and learn about different aspects of history and Taiwanese culture.
If you are keen to learn more about the history of Taiwan, this is a great place to go. The historical artifacts and unique views will provide you with a wealth of knowledge.
12. National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium
This museum and aquarium is located in Checneny Township and displays three exhibits to inform visitors about different aspects of marine life. The three pavilions are
- Water of Taiwan features the native marine life of Taiwan.
- Coral Kingdom showcases coral reef habitats.
- World Waters discusses the ancient oceans during the beginning of Earth's history.
The aquarium is a wonderful location for families or anyone interested in learning about Taiwan's aquatic life.
These are some of the top Taiwan attractions
If you're planning your next trip or heading to Taiwan soon, consider adding these 12 spots to your itinerary. You are sure to have a memorable visit.
Every place on this list offers you a diverse experience that will make your trip to Taiwan unforgettable. With a wide range of things to do, everyone is bound to find a few spots to enjoy.
If you are arriving at Taoyuan International Airport, this Taoyuan airport review has information on all the airport features and on getting into Taipei. For details about getting around in Taiwan, read this article.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Taiwan
When is the best time to visit Taiwan?
The best times to visit Taiwan are in the spring (February–April) and fall (October–December). You can take advantage of the warm, subtropical weather and some of Taiwan's best events during these two seasons, which bookend the hot summer and typhoon season.
Is Taiwan cheap to travel?
Taiwan is a cheap place to travel, especially if you plan ahead. Taiwan is less expensive than Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan, but not as cheap as Vietnam, Malaysia, or Indonesia. Apart from hotels, Taiwan is also cheaper than South Korea, except when it comes to lodging.
How much should I budget for a trip to Taiwan?
Most visitors spend around NT$2,920 ($97) per day on average, although much depends on your travel style. Backpackers have reported spending as little as $599.82 in 27 days.
All the places mentioned in this post are amazing. Nature lovers must visit Wuling Farm to see the full greenery.
Thanks for the tip!
I kind of miss some spot in the east side of the country. Taroko National Park comes to my mind as a likely must see everybody should think to visit in Taiwan.
I would add some of the amazing hikes Taiwan can offer…it is indeed a fantastic country for mountain lovers!
Thanks – we always appreciate new ideas!