Places to visit in Taiwan
Taiwan offers breathtaking landscapes, historic temples and lively cities. Discover the 10 best tourist attractions for an unforgettable travel experience across the island.
Taiwan is a fascinating travel destination that blends tradition, modernity and spectacular nature. From dynamic cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung to serene mountain landscapes and pristine coastlines, the island offers something for every traveler. In this guide, we highlight the 10 best tourist attractions in Taiwan, including iconic landmarks, cultural treasures and natural wonders. Whether you’re interested in history, gastronomy, outdoor adventures or sightseeing, Taiwan has endless opportunities to explore. This list will help you decide what to see and what to do in Taiwan, ensuring a memorable journey.
Tourism in Taiwan: Top places to visit
- 📍 Iconic landmarks: Taipei 101, Jiufen Old Street, National Palace Museum.
- 🌿 Nature escapes: Taroko Gorge, Yehliu Geopark, Sun Moon Lake.
- 🏙️ Vibrant city experiences: Taipei city tours, night markets and street food.
- 🍵 Local culture: Pinglin Tea Museum and tea traditions.
- 🛂 Before you travel: Make sure to complete your Taiwan Arrival Card, the mandatory entry form for all visitors.
Taipei 101 is Taiwan’s most iconic skyscraper and one of the tallest buildings in the world. This landmark dominates the capital’s skyline and offers visitors a mix of sightseeing, shopping and fine dining.
✨ Highlights:
A visit to Taipei 101 is a must for first-time travelers. It combines modern architecture, culture and lifestyle in a single destination, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Taiwan.
A day trip to Jiufen and Shifen is one of the most popular experiences from Taipei. You’ll discover lantern-lit alleys, traditional tea houses and scenic nature — all in one itinerary.
✨ Highlights:
If you’re wondering what to do near Taipei, Jiufen and Shifen are the perfect mix of culture, atmosphere and photo spots — and they’re often the #1 day-trip choice for visitors.
Taroko Gorge, located in eastern Taiwan, is one of the country’s most breathtaking natural wonders. With its marble cliffs and turquoise rivers, it offers unforgettable scenery.
✨ Must-see spots:
The gorge is part of Taroko National Park, accessible by train from Hualien. It’s perfect for nature lovers, hikers and photographers. Whether you take short walks or full-day treks, Taroko Gorge showcases Taiwan’s wild beauty and ranks among its most famous tourist attractions.
Located on Taiwan’s north coast, Yehliu Geopark is famous for its striking rock formations carved by wind and sea. It’s one of the easiest and most recommended day trips from Taipei.
✨ Highlights:
Yehliu is a must if you love landscapes and unusual geology. It’s close to Taipei, easy to visit in half a day, and consistently ranks among Taiwan’s most popular sightseeing spots.
The National Palace Museum in Taipei is one of Asia’s greatest museums, home to an exceptional collection of Chinese imperial treasures. It’s a top cultural visit, especially if you want a deeper understanding of the region’s history.
✨ What to see:
If you’re looking for the best museum in Taiwan, this is it. The National Palace Museum is an essential stop for culture lovers and a great option on rainy days in Taipei.
Beitou and Yangmingshan are among the most popular nature escapes from Taipei. You can soak in hot springs, then head into volcanic landscapes and scenic viewpoints — all in one day.
✨ Highlights:
This combo is perfect for travelers who want nature without leaving the capital area. It’s one of the most recommended day trips for first-time visitors to Taiwan.
Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s largest natural lake and one of its most popular travel destinations. Surrounded by lush mountains, it offers a peaceful escape with plenty of activities.
✨ Things to do:
Visitors can also take the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway for incredible aerial views. Whether you want relaxation, culture or outdoor adventure, Sun Moon Lake is a must-see on any Taiwan travel itinerary.
Joining a Taipei city tour is one of the easiest ways to see the capital efficiently, especially if you only have 1 or 2 days. Many tours are private and can be customized to match your interests.
✨ Highlights:
If you’re unsure what to do in Taipei, a guided city tour helps you get oriented fast, discover local stories, and avoid wasting time on transport planning.
Taipei’s night markets are a must for food lovers. A guided street food tour (or a self-guided night market crawl) is one of the most popular evening activities in Taiwan.
✨ Top experiences:
For many travelers, night markets are the highlight of Taipei. It’s the best place to experience Taiwanese daily life — and eat incredibly well for a small budget.
Just outside Taipei, Pinglin is a peaceful tea region known for high-mountain oolong. The Pinglin Tea Museum is the best place to understand Taiwanese tea culture — and a great half-day trip for something different.
✨ Highlights:
If you want a relaxing cultural activity near Taipei, Pinglin is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for tea lovers, photographers and travelers looking to escape the city crowds.
Beyond the most famous attractions, Taiwan is full of underrated places that can make your itinerary more unique.
✨ Highlights:
These extra stops are ideal if you have more time in Taiwan. They add variety to your trip, mixing nature, culture and modern creativity beyond the classic highlights.
Planning your trip to Taiwan is easy if you know a few essentials.
✨ Travel advice:
With these tips, you’ll enjoy Taiwan more comfortably and make the most of its attractions, food and culture.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
The best time to visit Taiwan is during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). These months offer mild weather, fewer typhoons, and clear skies—ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Spring brings cherry blossoms in the mountains, while autumn features pleasant temperatures and vibrant festivals. Summer can be hot and humid, with higher chances of typhoons, and winter is cooler but still comfortable for travel. For most visitors, spring and autumn provide the most enjoyable conditions to explore Taiwan’s attractions.
Yes, Taiwan is considered one of the safest destinations in Asia for tourists. Crime rates are low, and locals are generally friendly and helpful. Public transportation is reliable and secure, even at night. That said, visitors should still take normal precautions such as safeguarding valuables in crowded night markets. Natural hazards like typhoons or earthquakes occasionally occur, so it’s wise to stay updated on local weather reports. Overall, Taiwan offers a welcoming and safe environment for travelers of all ages.
A stay of 7 to 10 days is ideal to explore Taiwan comfortably. This allows time for major highlights like Taipei 101, Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake and Alishan. Shorter trips of 3–4 days can cover Taipei and nearby attractions such as Jiufen or Yehliu Geopark. For travelers wanting a deeper experience, two weeks provide the chance to add southern destinations like Kenting, Kaohsiung and Tainan. The length of stay depends on whether you prefer a fast-paced tour or a relaxed journey.
Taiwan is world-famous for its street food and night markets. Must-try dishes include beef noodle soup, bubble tea, xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and oyster omelets. Adventurous eaters can sample stinky tofu, a local delicacy with a strong aroma but unique taste. Night markets such as Shilin in Taipei or Liuhe in Kaohsiung offer endless options. Taiwanese cuisine is a blend of Chinese, Japanese and indigenous influences, creating flavors that appeal to all travelers. Food is truly one of Taiwan’s top tourist attractions.
Taiwan offers a wide range of cultural experiences for visitors. Highlights include exploring temples such as Longshan in Taipei and the Confucius Temple in Tainan. Traditional festivals like the Lantern Festival or Dragon Boat Festival bring the streets alive with color and performances. Tea culture is another essential experience, especially in Alishan or Pinglin. Travelers can also enjoy aboriginal music, crafts and local markets. Together, these experiences showcase the island’s rich heritage and make Taiwan a destination full of cultural depth.