Taiwan is still a hidden gem among travellers. But it has everything to offer. Big cities, amazing and cheap food, stunning beaches, beautiful national parks and cultural history and temples. Enjoy reading my guide for the top things to do in Taiwan – ultimate itinerary.

6 Top things to do in Taiwan

Quick overview

Taipei
Kaohsiung
Donggang
Kenting National Park
Hualien, Taroko National Park
Sun Moon Lake

Taipei (5 days)

Taipei is a fascinating city with delicious food, awesome local people and a diverse culture.
Visit the Taipei 101 skyscraper is for me one of the highlights of Taipei. It’s well worth the entrance fee. If you have the chance you should visit it by day and night. Eat Xiao Long Bao at the world famous Din Tai Fung restaurant, just next to the Taipei 101. Another must do is to hike up the Elephant Mountain to have a stunning view to the Taipei skyline. Walk around the Ximending entertainment and shopping pedestrian street, which is often visited from a younger crowd (but as well young at heart people 😉 ). Another evening take the metro to Shilin and visit the vibrant Shilin Night Market to eat delicious street food. If you have extra time you can visit the Taipei Zoo. Amongst many other animals, you can see the Panda there.

Make sure you stay close to a Metro station to move around fast in the city.
Check out my Taipei City Guide for more detailed information about things to do in Taipei.

Kaohsiung (3 days)

Kaohsiung is a large port city in southern Taiwan. There are many skyscrapers like the 248 meter high Tuntex Sky Tower and there are numerous parks. The center forms the Love River with walking paths and cafes on the shore and excursion boats on the water. Perfect to stroll along on a nice day and for dinner.

Another day head over to the Lotus Pond (artificial lake) where you will see the: Wuliting, Tiger Dragon Pagoda, Spring & Autumn Pavilions and the Chi Ming Palace.

Beside the cultural sights you can try your skills in the wake board park on the lake.

Visit the Liuhe or Ruifeng night market to eat some amazing local food.

On the third day, I recommend to visit Qijin island (or as well spelled Cijin Island). Rent a bicycle and bike along Cijin Beach.

Then cross through the Cijin Tunnel and

enjoy the view to the Kaohsiung Pier.

The Kaohsiung Port is the largest Harbour in Taiwan. Therefore, a lot of “Made in Taiwan” things will be shipped from here 😉

Donggang (1 day)

Chill a day at the beach in Donggang and have dinner at the night market.

Kenting National Park (2 days)

Kenting is the beach place in Taiwan. Many locals come here for their beach vacation.

Other beach in the Kenting National Park.

Hualien, Taroko National Park (3 days)

Taroko National Park with its Taroko Gorge is the place to visit on the east side of Taiwan.

Sun Moon Lake (1 day)

In the center of Taiwan you will find the beautiful Sun Moon Lake. The Sun Moon Lake is one of Taiwan’s eight wonders, according to the Taiwanese government.

Transportation in Taiwan

In Taiwan I recommend to use the Taiwan HSR (high speed train). It is fast and reliable.
In Taipei itself the Metro is the best option to move around in the city.