whatdo

Taiwan

Taiwan is an East Asian island nation known for its vibrant culture, bustling cities, and lush landscapes, including towering mountains and tranquil beaches. It is a major player in the global economy, particularly in the technology sector, showcasing a remarkable blend of traditional Chinese heritage and modern innovation.

Despite its contentious political status, with the People's Republic of China claiming sovereignty over it, Taiwan maintains a distinct identity and has developed its own democratic political system, contributing significantly to the international community in various aspects.

Places to visit

Taroko National Park (Taroko Gorge)
Jiufen Village

Day plans

Spend a day exploring around

day 1

Exploring Taipei

morning:Start your day with a visit to the peaceful Longshan Temple, where you can soak in the spiritual atmosphere. After that, take a stroll through the lively Ximending district among the shops and street food stalls. Don't miss out on the famous Ah-Chung Mian Xian for a comforting bowl of steaming hot noodles. 🍜

afternoon:Head to Taipei 101 and ascend to its observatory for breathtaking city views. Spend some time exploring the vibrant Xinyi Shopping District and drop by the famous Din Tai Fung for their world-renowned xiaolongbao. 🥟

evening:Experience the bustling Shilin Night Market for tasty local treats and lively atmosphere. Don't forget to visit the maze-like Shilin Night Market Underground Shops for unique souvenirs and trendy clothes. For a night-out, unwind at a cozy jazz bar in the Zhongshan district. 🎷

day 2

Cultural Taichung

morning:Begin with a visit to the National Taichung Theater, an architectural masterpiece that hosts a variety of performing arts. After that, explore the nearby Kuangsan SOGO Department Store for local designer fashion and accessories. Consider tasting famous Taichung sun cakes for a delightful local snack. 🍰

afternoon:Take a leisurely walk through the natural beauty of Taichung's Maple Garden and marvel at its picturesque scenery. Enjoy a relaxing midday meal at Chun Shui Tang, credited with inventing bubble tea. 🍵

evening:Head to Blue Fantasy at the Second Market for a tantalizing blend of local and international cuisines. After dinner, explore the lively Yi Zhong Night Market, a haven for food enthusiasts and shopaholics. For the night-out, venture to one of the energetic pubs near Fengjia Night Market. 🍻

day 3

Natural Beauty in Hualien

morning:Embark on an adventure to Taroko National Park and marvel at the breathtaking landscapes. Don't miss the stunning view at Swallow Grotto and the enchanting Liwu River. For breakfast, taste traditional scallion pancakes and soy milk at a local vendor. 🥞

afternoon:Discover the beauty of Hualien's coast by visiting Qixingtan Beach, a perfect spot for a relaxing seaside stroll. Enjoy a seafood feast at one of the nearby oceanfront restaurants and savor the fresh catch of the day. 🦞

evening:Experience the lively atmosphere of Hualien Night Market, indulge in diverse culinary delights, and explore the vibrant collection of local products. For a night-out, enjoy the laid-back vibes of a beachfront bar with soothing music and refreshing drinks. 🍹

day 4

Historical Tainan

morning:Start your day at Chihkan Tower, a historical site surrounded by elegant gardens. Delve into the rich history and culture of Tainan by visiting the National Museum of Taiwan History. For a delightful breakfast, indulge in savory danzai noodles at a renowned local eatery. 🍲

afternoon:Explore the charming streets of Anping District and visit the iconic Anping Tree House, a fascinating historical site with a unique blend of nature and architecture. For lunch, enjoy Tainan's famous Coffin Toast at a traditional eatery. 🍞

evening:Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Garden Night Market, sample a variety of local delicacies, and shop for unique souvenirs. Later, relax and enjoy the evening breeze at one of the cozy outdoor bars near Tainan Canal with a refreshing local craft beer. 🍺

Taiwan Famous Food

Must-Try local dishes

Beef Noodle Soup

A hearty and flavorful noodle soup with tender beef, often served with pickled mustard greens. Visit Lin Dong Fang in Taipei for an excellent version of this iconic dish.

Must-Try!

Oyster Vermicelli

A fragrant noodle soup with fresh oysters and a savory broth. Try Ah Zong Mian Xian in Taipei's Ximending district for a popular rendition of this dish.

Stinky Tofu

Fermented tofu with a strong aroma, deep-fried to crispy perfection. Sample the best Stinky Tofu at Shilin Night Market in Taipei.

Bubble Tea (Boba)

A beloved Taiwanese invention featuring chewy tapioca pearls in a sweet milk tea base. Chun Shui Tang in Taichung is credited with concocting the original bubble tea.

Food Markets & Street Food

A food market and street food guide

Shilin Night Market, Taipei

One of Taiwan's most famous night markets, offering a plethora of street food options including stinky tofu, oyster omelets, and grilled squid.

View on map

Raohe Night Market, Taipei

A vibrant night market known for its diverse array of street food, such as pepper buns, medicinal herb-infused pork ribs, and mochi.

View on map

Feng Chia Night Market, Taichung

A bustling night market featuring a wide variety of local snacks, from coffin bread to flame-grilled beef cubes.

View on map

Dietary Restrictions

Navigating dietary restrictions locally

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Taiwan is very accommodating to vegetarian and vegan diets, with many eateries offering dedicated plant-based menus. Notable vegetarian restaurants include Herban Kitchen & Bar in Taipei and Sufood in multiple locations.

Vegetarian, Vegan

Gluten-Free Options

Gluten-free options can be found in Taiwan, particularly at health-conscious establishments and international cuisine restaurants. It's advisable to communicate your dietary needs clearly and inquire about ingredients when dining out.

Gluten-Free

Restaurants & Cafés

Best places to eat and drink in Taiwan

Din Tai Fung

Internationally acclaimed for its outstanding xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and delectable dim sum, with branches across Taiwan including the original restaurant in Taipei.

Raw: Almond

A celebrated fine dining establishment in Taipei offering innovative and artful vegan cuisine, showcasing Taiwan's diverse produce and culinary heritage.

Jiufen Tea House

Nestled in the atmospheric town of Jiufen, this traditional tea house serves exceptional local teas and delectable mountain-grown specialties, providing an authentic glimpse into Taiwanese tea culture.

Things to do in Taiwan

Unique local experiences...

Popular cities in Taiwan

Explore local food, attractions and more!

TaipeiTaichungKaohsiungTainanZhongliChanghuaPingtungHsinchuTaoyuan DistrictKeelungChiayiZhubeiPingzhenBadeYangmeiYilanYuanlinHualienTaitungDouliuToufenNantouZhudongMiaoliHemeiZhunanLuodongMagongTaibaoBanqiaoNanganJinchengCaotunLugangJi’anHukouPuliHuweiMinxiongXinfengXihuZhushanChaozhouDongshanNeibuPoziWandanMailiaoErlinShuishangDonggangHuatanFuxingXiluoYuanliDounanZhongbuShetouBeigangWujieDacunTianzhongShengangXiushuiSu’aoYongjingMingjianBuxinJiaoxiBeidouHoulongZhuqiXinyuanXinbuBuyanWaiyuanshanTongxiaoFangyuanGongguanXingangDalinGukengHengchunPitouChangzhiXizhouTouchengTukuCitongGuanxiTianweiYuanchangLigangKouhuBudaiErlunZhuangweiYanbuDongshiShuilinLunbeiGaoshuFangliaoFenyuanTaixiYuliJiuruSihuSanxingXinchengXionglinWanluanJiadongDapiMeishanLinbianYizhuLinneiGuoxingXianxiShoufengXiulinTongluoBeinanZhutianLuguShuiliErshuiZhuolanRenaiKandingDachengSanyiYuchiLucaoZhutangBaoshanXikouDongshicuoZhongliaoDahuChenggongBaozhongHengshanKuangfuZaoqiaoLinluoFanluRuisuiTaimaliFenglinNanzhouJijiTouwuFuliXinpiNanzhuangBeibuJianshi