Destination Guide

Taiwan Travel Guide

Asia's most underrated island.

I lived in Taiwan for a year, and it is forever in my heart. The people are friendly, the national parks are incredible, and the temples are some of the most unique in Asia. Whether you are catching the High-Speed Rail down the west coast or getting lost in the neon alleys of Taipei, Taiwan is the perfect blend of Japanese efficiency and Chinese tradition.

  • Best time to visitNovember to April (cool & dry)
  • CurrencyNew Taiwan Dollar (NTD)
  • Visa90-day exemption (most UK/EU/US)
  • Best nightlife & shoppingTaipei
  • Best local city vibeKaohsiung
  • Best mountain getawayAlishan

Best Areas to Visit in Taiwan

Essential Taiwan Travel Tips

When to Go

Simply avoid typhoon season.

  • The sweet spot (Nov to Apr): This is when you want to be there. The humidity drops and it is actually comfortable to walk around.
  • Typhoon season (June to Oct): It gets hot, sticky, and wet. If a typhoon hits, the whole island shuts down: nothing is open and you cannot go outside.
  • Cherry blossoms: If you can't make it to Japan, Taiwan's cherry blossom season in February and March (especially at Alishan) is just as impressive.

Getting Around

  • The HSR (High Speed Rail): Get from Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung in the south in just 90 minutes on a bright orange bullet train. Book early for Early Bird discounts.
  • The EasyCard: Do not leave the airport without one. You use it for the MRT, buses, and even to buy coffee at 7-Eleven.
  • Uber vs. yellow cabs: Uber is legal and widely used in the cities, but the yellow taxis are everywhere and safe. Just make sure they run the meter.

The Convenience Culture

  • 7-Eleven is life: In Taiwan, 7-Eleven is not a gas-station stop; it is a way of life. You can pay bills, print documents, ship packages, and eat surprisingly good meals there.
  • Pre-drinks and afters: It is also a staple of the youth nightlife scene. Sitting outside a convenience store with a cheap Taiwan lager before heading out is not frowned upon, it is encouraged.

Highlights

Kaohsiung

Explore & Culture

  • The Dragon & Tiger Pagodas Lotus Pond
  • Fo Guang Shan Monastery A must-visit day trip
  • Pier-2 Art Center Warehouses turned galleries
  • Cijin Island For the sunset ferry ride
  • The Dome of Light Formosa Boulevard Station
  • Weiwuying National Center for the Arts

Bars & Night Markets

  • Gongguan Night Market More local than Liuhe
  • Ruifeng Night Market Where the locals go
  • Rooftop at Hotel Indigo Pier-2 views
  • Cijin Sunset Bar Beach vibes
  • Kaohsiung Main Public Library Great views at night

Nature & Escapes

  • Shoushan (Monkey Mountain) Hiking with macaques
  • Love River Evening walks
  • Central Park Green space in the city
  • Secret Beach IYKYK

Taipei

Explore & Culture

  • Dihua Street Old Taipei architecture & dried goods
  • Huashan 1914 Creative Park Former winery turned hipster art space
  • Songshan Cultural Park Tobacco factory turned design hub
  • Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Incredible large temple grounds
  • Taipei 101 Observatory Touristy, but the view is unmatched

Bars & Hangouts

  • Revolver The legendary dive bar every expat ends up at
  • Raohe Night Market A Taipei classic
  • Ounce Hidden speakeasy behind an espresso machine
  • Frank Taipei Rooftop drinks with face-to-face views of 101
  • Addiction Aquatic Development Standing sushi bar with incredible fresh seafood
  • Ningxia Night Market Smaller, food-focused, loved by locals

Nature & Day Trips

  • Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) The classic sunset hike for that photo
  • Yangmingshan National Park Volcanic vents, sulfur smells, and hiking
  • Beitou Hot Springs Public baths that are cheap, authentic, and strict
  • Maokong Gondola Ride up for tea plantations and city views
  • Da'an Forest Park The Central Park of Taipei, great for people watching

Deep Dive into Taiwan Hotspots

Taiwan Travel Guide FAQs

Do I need a visa?

Most Western passport holders (UK, USA, EU, Canada, Australia, NZ) get a 90-day visa exemption on arrival. Important: you must have proof of an onward flight to check in at your departure airport, as airlines are strict and will often deny boarding with a one-way ticket.

Is there an internet firewall like in China?

No. Taiwan has uncensored, high-speed internet. You do not need a VPN to access Google, Facebook, Instagram, or Netflix.

Do people speak English?

In Taipei, yes. Most young people and service staff speak decent English, and the MRT and signage are bilingual. Once you leave Taipei or head south to Kaohsiung, English becomes much less common.

Is Taiwan safe?

Taiwan is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world. You could leave your laptop on a cafe table, go to the bathroom, and it would likely still be there. Solo walking at night is perfectly normal and safe.