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, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Fo Guang Shan Monastery.
- 🌿 Nature escapes: Taroko Gorge, Alishan Mountains, Sun Moon Lake.
- 🏙️ Vibrant cities: Taipei night markets, Kaohsiung art district.
- 🎎 Culture & traditions: Temples, festivals, and Taiwanese street food.
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.
The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a grand monument in Taipei dedicated to Taiwan’s former leader. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, it is one of the island’s most photographed attractions.
✨ What to see:
More than just a memorial, the complex is a cultural hub that reflects Taiwan’s history and identity. For visitors wondering what to do in Taipei, this site offers history, architecture and culture in one location.
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.
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.
The Alishan Mountains are world-famous for their sunrises, misty forests and scenic railways. This natural gem is one of Taiwan’s most beloved attractions.
✨ Highlights:
Alishan is perfect for hikers, photographers and anyone seeking peace in nature. With cool weather year-round and charming local villages, it’s a top spot for both locals and tourists. No trip to Taiwan is complete without experiencing Alishan’s magical sunrise.
Located near Kaohsiung, Fo Guang Shan Monastery is Taiwan’s largest Buddhist monastery and a place of spiritual and cultural significance.
✨ What to explore:
The monastery welcomes tourists to join ceremonies, try vegetarian meals and even participate in short meditation sessions. It’s not just a religious site but also a cultural bridge that introduces visitors to Buddhist traditions. For travelers seeking both sightseeing and inner peace, Fo Guang Shan is among the most inspiring tourist places in Taiwan.
Kenting National Park, at Taiwan’s southern tip, is famous for its tropical climate, white-sand beaches and vibrant nightlife.
✨ Top experiences:
With its relaxed atmosphere, Kenting is perfect for families, couples and adventure seekers. Whether you want to sunbathe, party or explore nature, it’s one of the most popular tourist spots in Taiwan.
Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city, is a vibrant hub of culture, art and entertainment. A must-see here is the Pier-2 Art Center, a creative space on the waterfront.
✨ Highlights:
The city combines modern skyscrapers with cultural districts, making it dynamic yet relaxed. For travelers wondering what to do in southern Taiwan, Kaohsiung offers the perfect blend of art, nightlife and harbor views.
Tainan is Taiwan’s oldest city and the country’s cultural heart. Known for its temples, history and food, it’s a must-visit for culture lovers.
✨ Must-see landmarks:
Tainan’s narrow streets are filled with traditional shops, markets and cultural sites. A visit here feels like stepping back in time while enjoying the island’s best cuisine. It’s one of the top places to visit in Taiwan for history enthusiasts.
Located on Taiwan’s north coast, Yehliu Geopark is famous for its striking rock formations carved by wind and sea.
✨ Highlights:
The park is easy to reach from Taipei, making it a perfect day trip. For those interested in geology and landscapes, Yehliu is a must-see Taiwan sightseeing destination that blends science, nature and beauty.
Beyond its famous landmarks, Taiwan is full of hidden gems that give travelers unique experiences off the beaten path.
✨ Highlights:
These lesser-known spots are perfect for travelers who want more than just the “big 10” attractions. They add variety to your itinerary, mixing culture, nature and authentic local life.
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.