The best things to do in Taiwan include visiting famous landmarks, exploring historic towns, enjoying mountain and lake scenery, and trying local food. You can plan your itinerary around Taipei, Jiufen, Alishan, Sun Moon Lake, Tainan, Kenting and other popular destinations.
1. Visit Taipei 101
You can start your Taiwan sightseeing in Taipei with a visit to Taipei 101. The observatory gives you views across the Taipei Basin, and you can also explore the surrounding Xinyi district.
The general observatory ticket currently costs NT$600 for adults and covers the 88F and 89F observatory floors. An additional charge applies if you want to visit the 101st floor. Check the official observatory website for current ticket information before visiting.
| Aspect | Details |
| Where | Taipei, northern Taiwan |
| Best time | October to April for comfortable city sightseeing |
| Entry/cost | Paid entry for the observatory |
| Things to do | Visit the observatory, enjoy panoramic city views and explore the surrounding Xinyi district |
| Why visit | City views, architecture, shopping and dining |
2. Explore Taroko National Park
If you want mountain scenery, Taroko National Park can be part of your itinerary. The park is known for marble landscapes, steep mountain walls, rivers and forested areas.
However, you should check the latest official trail and road conditions before planning this part of your trip. Access can vary because of ongoing recovery work following the 2024 earthquake and later weather events. The official park website provides current information on trails and visitor areas.
| Aspect | Details |
| Where | Hualien County, eastern Taiwan |
| Best time | Check current weather and park access before planning your visit |
| Entry/cost | Access and individual activities may vary |
| Things to do | Explore accessible trails, viewpoints and scenic areas that are open during your visit |
| Why visit | Mountains, cliffs, valleys and natural scenery |
Access to parts of Taroko can change because of ongoing recovery and weather conditions, so check official information before travelling.
3. Watch the sunrise at Alishan
You can travel into the central mountains to experience Alishan's forests, mountain scenery and sunrise views. The area is also known for its narrow-gauge railway and tea-growing regions.
If sunrise is your priority, check train schedules and weather conditions in advance. Mountain weather can change quickly, so allow enough time for the journey and early start.
| Aspect | Details |
| Where | Chiayi County, central Taiwan |
| Best time | October to April for cooler weather and sunrise views |
| Entry/cost | Transport and individual attractions may involve charges |
| Things to do | Watch the sunrise, explore forest trails and experience the Alishan Forest Railway |
| Why visit | Mountain scenery, forests and sunrise experiences |
4. Spend time at Sun Moon Lake
Sun Moon Lake is a good choice if you want a slower part of your itinerary. You can take a boat, cycle along parts of the lakeside route or visit nearby temples and viewpoints.
You can stay overnight if you want more time around the lake instead of making a quick day trip.
| Aspect | Details |
| Where | Nantou County, central Taiwan |
| Best time | October to April for comfortable outdoor activities |
| Entry/cost | Lake-area attractions and activities may charge separately |
| Things to do | Take a boat ride, cycle around the lake, visit nearby temples and enjoy viewpoints |
| Why visit | Lake scenery, cycling, boating and nature |
5. Explore Taiwan's night markets
You can make a night market visit part of almost any Taiwan itinerary. Taipei's Shilin Night Market and Taichung's Fengjia Night Market are among the places where you can try local snacks and browse food and shopping stalls.
Go hungry and allow time to try several small dishes rather than planning one large meal.
| Aspect | Details |
| Where | Taipei and other major cities |
| Best time | Evening, throughout the year |
| Entry/cost | Entry is generally free; food and shopping are charged separately |
| Things to do | Try local snacks, browse food stalls, shop for souvenirs and experience the evening atmosphere |
| Why visit | Taiwanese street food, shopping and local culture |
6. Walk through Jiufen
You can take a trip from Taipei to Jiufen to see its narrow old streets, traditional tea houses and hillside views. The town is especially atmospheric as the lanterns come on in the evening.
Because the streets can become busy, visiting earlier on a weekday can give you more time to explore.
| Aspect | Details |
| Where | New Taipei City, northern Taiwan |
| Best time | October to April for cooler weather |
| Entry/cost | Old Street areas are generally free; food and individual attractions cost extra |
| Things to do | Walk Jiufen Old Street, try local snacks, visit tea houses and enjoy hillside views |
| Why visit | Historic streets, mountain scenery, food and traditional architecture |
7. Visit the National Palace Museum
If you want to add history and culture to your Taiwan trip, spend time at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. Its collection includes Chinese art, objects and historical artefacts.
An indoor museum can also give you a useful alternative when rain affects outdoor plans.
| Aspect | Details |
| Where | Taipei, northern Taiwan |
| Best time | Throughout the year; allow several hours for the visit |
| Entry/cost | Paid museum entry |
| Things to do | Explore the permanent collection, view historical artworks and visit special exhibitions where available |
| Why visit | Chinese art, historical objects and cultural heritage |
8. Relax in Beitou's hot springs
You can reach Beitou from central Taipei by metro, making it an easy addition to a city itinerary. The district is known for its hot springs, and you can choose between public bathing facilities and private spa options.
The cooler months can be particularly comfortable if you want to include a hot-spring experience.
| Aspect | Details |
| Where | Taipei, northern Taiwan |
| Best time | October to April for cooler weather |
| Entry/cost | Public attractions may be free; hot-spring facilities charge separately |
| Things to do | Visit Thermal Valley, explore the hot-spring area and experience a public or private hot spring |
| Why visit | Hot-spring culture, nature and a slower-paced experience |
9. Spend time in Kenting
If you want beaches and warmer weather, consider travelling south to Kenting. You can spend time on the coast, try water-based activities and explore tropical landscapes.
Kenting works particularly well if you want to balance city sightseeing with a more relaxed beach stay.
| Aspect | Details |
| Where | Pingtung County, southern Taiwan |
| Best time | October to April for comfortable outdoor sightseeing |
| Entry/cost | National park areas are generally accessible; activities and facilities may charge separately |
| Things to do | Visit beaches, explore coastal viewpoints, walk around the national park and enjoy water-based activities where available |
| Why visit | Beaches, coastal scenery and outdoor activities |
10. Explore historic Tainan
You can experience a slower pace in Tainan, where temples, historic buildings, old streets and local food give you a different view of Taiwan.
Plan your visit around a few historic sites and leave time for local food. Tainan is also a useful stop if you are travelling south by rail.
| Aspect | Details |
| Where | Tainan, southern Taiwan |
| Best time | October to April for comfortable sightseeing |
| Entry/cost | Many areas are free; individual attractions may charge |
| Things to do | Visit historic sites and temples, walk through old streets and try local Tainan food |
| Why visit | History, temples, old streets and local food |
