Things To Do
in Keelung
Keelung is a bustling port city located in northern Taiwan, known for its vibrant culture and maritime heritage. The city offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Keelung is famous for its delicious seafood, with a bustling night market offering a wide variety of fresh and local delicacies.
Visitors can also explore historic sites such as forts and temples, providing a glimpse into Keelung's rich history.
- "Ni hao" - Hello
- "Xie xie" - Thank you
- "Zai jian" - Goodbye
- "Qing" - Please
- "Duibuqi" - Sorry
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the iconic Keelung Harbor to enjoy the stunning ocean views. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and capture some amazing photographs.
Head to the Keelung Night Market for lunch and try local delicacies. Sample some fresh seafood and traditional Taiwanese snacks that are unique to the region.
As night falls, enjoy the vibrant lights of the harbor. Find a cozy spot to watch the sunset while sipping on a cup of local bubble tea.
Start your day by visiting the historic Zhunwei Temple, known for its intricate carvings and beautiful decorations. Spend time learning about local religious practices and traditions.
Take a walk through the nearby gardens and parks to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Relax and take in the beauty of the greenery surrounding the temple.
Try a dinner at a nearby restaurant featuring local cuisine. End the night with a visit to the temple again for an evening prayer ceremony.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic coastal views and beautiful landscapes.
- Rich maritime history and culture.
- Access to fresh seafood and local delicacies.
- Vibrant night markets and various shopping options.
- Mild climate, making it pleasant year-round.
- Frequent rain and high humidity.
- Limited job opportunities compared to larger cities.
- Traffic congestion, especially during tourism season.
- Transportation may be less efficient than in metropolitan areas.
- Some areas may lack modern amenities or infrastructure.
Best Activities in Keelung
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy panoramic views of the city and coastline from the top of Keelung Mountain.
Witness unique rock formations and scenic coastal views at Yehliu Geopark.
Explore the historic attractions and beautiful seascapes at Heping Island Park.
Take a leisurely walk along the coastal paths and enjoy the sea breeze at Badouzi Coastal Park.
Tours
Uncover the best of Keelung with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Keelung
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a stunning view of the harbor and city skyline, especially beautiful at sunset.
Provides panoramic views of Keelung and the ocean, a great spot for photography enthusiasts.
Known for its vantage points overlooking the city and surrounding landscape, ideal for capturing the beauty of Keelung.
Food in Keelung
Keelung Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A-Gei is a popular Keelung snack consisting of tofu filled with glass noodles and sealed with a fish paste, then deep fried and served with a special sauce. A must-try dish when visiting Keelung.
Must-Try!
Fried milkfish is a local specialty, known for its crispy texture and distinct flavor. It's often served with steamed rice and pickled vegetables, and can be found at various seafood restaurants along the Keelung coast.
Keelung tempura features an assortment of seafood and vegetables coated in a light, crispy batter. The most famous spot to enjoy this dish is the Miaokou Night Market.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Keelung better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant night market is a street food paradise, offering an array of local delights such as oyster omelets, tempura, braised pork rice, and more. It's an essential destination for experiencing Keelung's street food culture.
Set against the backdrop of the harbor, this market is a hub for fresh seafood and local produce. Visitors can enjoy a variety of grilled seafood, fish ball soup, and other marine-based delicacies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is customary to give and receive gifts with both hands as a sign of respect. When visiting someone's home, it is polite to bring a small gift, such as fruit or pastries.
In Keelung, elders are highly respected, and it is important to show deference to them in both speech and behavior. It is customary to address them with the appropriate honorifics and to listen attentively when they speak.
When dining with others, it is important to wait for the host to start eating before beginning your meal. It is also considered good manners to try a bit of everything served and to express appreciation for the food.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Keelung with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Keelung
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Keelung, Taiwan. It is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or taxis.
In Keelung, Taiwan, cash is widely used for small transactions, although credit cards are accepted in many larger establishments. Mobile payment methods like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay are also becoming more popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Keelung.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Keelung is in spring, from March to May. The weather is mild and comfortable, with blooming flowers and lush greenery.
Summer, from June to August, is characterized by hot and humid weather with occasional rains. It's a peak tourist season, and visitors can enjoy various festivals and events.
Autumn, from September to November, offers pleasant weather and is another good time to visit Keelung. The temperatures are milder, and the cityscape is adorned with beautiful autumn foliage.
Winter, from December to February, is the coldest season in Keelung. It's less crowded with tourists, and visitors can experience cooler temperatures and enjoy seasonal local cuisine and cultural activities.
Keelung at Night
Hiking in Keelung
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail that leads to coastal views and dramatic cliffs, with lush vegetation and a serene atmosphere.
A beautiful park featuring coastal trails, rocky shores, and historical sites, perfect for leisurely hikes and family outings.
A moderate hiking trail that offers panoramic views of the coastline and is well-suited for both experienced hikers and beginners.
This trail provides a more challenging hike with steep sections, rewarded by stunning vistas of Keelung and the surrounding sea.
A lesser-known hiking area with trails winding through forested areas, providing a peaceful retreat close to urban surroundings.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Keelung through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Keelung by plane.
The largest and busiest international airport in Taiwan, located approximately 50 kilometers west of Keelung.
Located closer to the city center of Taipei, this airport primarily handles domestic flights, along with some international flights to nearby cities.
The second largest international airport in Taiwan, located about 350 kilometers south of Keelung, serving southern Taiwan.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Taiwan, including various sub-groups and practices.
Indigenous groups with distinct cultures and languages, representing the original inhabitants of Taiwan.
Individuals from other countries who have come to Taiwan for employment, often in sectors like manufacturing and services.
People with parents from different ethnic backgrounds, representing a blend of cultures.
The Soul of Keelung
Discover the essence of Keelung through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Keelung, with numerous amateur and youth leagues attracting many participants and fans.
Basketball enjoys broad popularity in Keelung, with many public courts and school teams fostering local participation.
Soccer has a growing following in Keelung, supported by local clubs and school programs that promote the sport among youth.
Tai Chi is practiced widely in parks throughout Keelung, attracting people of all ages for its health benefits and cultural significance.
With its coastal location, swimming is a popular recreational activity in Keelung, supported by local swimming pools and aquatic centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Keelung.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Keelung’s food scene is primarily seafood-oriented, vegetarian and vegan options can be found at various Buddhist vegetarian restaurants and certain stalls within the night markets. Miaokou Night Market, for example, offers meat-free dishes such as fried tofu, vegetable buns, and vegetarian tempura.
Travelers with gluten sensitivities may find it challenging to locate gluten-free options, as soy sauce and wheat-based ingredients are prevalent in Taiwanese cuisine. However, seafood and fresh fruit are safe choices, and communicating dietary needs to restaurant staff can help in finding suitable dishes.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Keelung with these cultural adventures.
