Things To Do
in Tainan
Tainan is Taiwan’s oldest city and former imperial capital, famous for its dense concentration of temples, historic forts, and slow-paced, deeply local atmosphere. The city is a food-lover’s paradise where centuries-old snacks and bustling night markets coexist with quiet tea houses and preserved streets. Tainan’s coastal districts offer mangrove tunnels, salt fields, and dramatic sunsets that contrast with the compact urban core of lanes and colonial-era buildings.
Visiting here feels like stepping into Taiwan’s history while enjoying modern conveniences and exceptional street food.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Chihkan Tower, where the echoes of the past resonate through its ancient walls. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the surrounding gardens, taking in the lush greenery and historical architecture. Make sure to stop by a local breakfast spot to savor traditional Taiwanese rice rolls and soy milk.
After lunch, head to the Confucius Temple, the oldest of its kind in Taiwan, and immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance while learning about Confucian philosophy. Take a walk along the quaint streets nearby, where you can find unique shops and artisanal crafts. Don't miss the opportunity to capture beautiful photos of the temple's stunning architecture and serene surroundings.
As the sun sets, enjoy a dinner of local delicacies at a night market, where the vibrant atmosphere and tantalizing smells will delight your senses. Try the famous Danzai noodles and other street food favorites as you mingle with locals and other travelers. End your night with a leisurely walk along the Anping Canal, watching the city lights reflect on the water.
Begin your exploration of Anping by visiting the Anping Fort, an important historical site that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Wander through the fort's well-preserved structures and learn about its significance during Taiwan's colonial history. Grab a refreshing local fruit juice from a nearby vendor to energize you for the day ahead.
Next, explore the Anping Tree House, where you can witness how nature has reclaimed an old warehouse through its intertwining roots and branches. The unique blend of history and nature creates a captivating atmosphere that is perfect for photography. Afterward, stroll through Anping Old Street, sampling local snacks like shrimp rolls and sweet potato balls from the various food stalls.
As evening approaches, find a charming seaside restaurant to enjoy fresh seafood dishes while watching the sunset over the Taiwan Strait. The gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore creates a relaxing backdrop for your meal. Wrap up your evening with a visit to the nearby Anping Lighthouse, where the panoramic views are simply breathtaking.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee (local café) | $2.50-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $3-6 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $50-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical sites and temples concentrated in a compact city
- Outstanding and affordable street food and night markets
- Laid-back, local atmosphere — less crowded than Taipei
- Easy access to coastal nature, mangroves, and salt pans
- Hot, humid summers and typhoon season can disrupt travel
- Many streets are crowded with scooters which can feel chaotic
- Limited late-night entertainment compared with larger cities
- Some vendors and older shops are cash-only
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "謝謝 (Xiè xiè)" - Thank you
- "多少錢？ (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "廁所在哪裡？ (Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "可以刷卡嗎？ (Kěyǐ shuākǎ ma?)" - Do you accept credit card?
- "我對...過敏 (Wǒ duì... guòmǐn)" - I am allergic to...
Places to Visit in Tainan
Visit one of these nice places.
Ruined warehouse overtaken by banyan roots and vines — dramatic for daytime and golden-hour photography.
Colonial-era fort with red architecture and ornamental gardens; good for architectural shots and close street scenes nearby.
Calm, photogenic courtyard temple with elegant lines and mellow morning light — great for cultural portraits and details.
Narrow mangrove waterway reached by small boat; lush green canopy creates reflective, moody images.
Textured salt mounds and coastal sunsets provide unique landscape compositions and pastel skies.
Narrow, old lane with preserved shopfronts, stone walls, and nostalgic details — excellent for street photography.
Food in Tainan
Tainan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A small bowl of flavorful shrimp-and-pork noodle soup; try the historic Du Hsiao Yueh (度小月) or local stalls in the Chihkan/West Central area.
Must-Try!
Comforting minced-braised pork over rice — ubiquitous and available in tiny diners and night markets across the city.
Crispy shrimp rolls often associated with Anping; sold at Anping Old Street and seafood stalls nearby.
A savory omelette of oysters, starch, and special sweet-savory sauce; a night-market classic.
A deep-fried bread bowl filled with creamy stew — a playful Tainan invention best sampled at popular street vendors in West Central.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of Tainan’s largest night markets (operational nights vary) with a huge variety of snacks, games, and stalls — great for tasting many specialties in one place.
Historic coastal street lined with seafood vendors, shrimp-roll shops, and old-fashioned sweets — best in late afternoon to early evening.
Another large market that rotates nights; known for local desserts, fried snacks, and lively atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly and behave quietly in temples; don’t step over altar thresholds and avoid pointing with your finger.
Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice (resembles funeral rites) and don’t pass food directly from chopstick to chopstick.
Use polite phrases and a slight nod; offering things with both hands is appreciated, and queuing is generally observed.
Scooters dominate streets—watch for them when crossing and avoid walking in scooter lanes.
Safety
Tipping in Tainan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Taiwan; service charges may be included at some hotels and restaurants. For exceptional private guides or drivers, small tips are appreciated but not expected.
Cash (New Taiwan Dollars) is widely used for markets and small vendors. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants; EasyCard and local mobile payments work for buses, some shops, and bike rentals. ATMs are common but bring a card that works internationally.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid, with temperatures often 30–36°C (86–97°F); frequent afternoon showers and typhoon risk from June to September. Stay hydrated, use sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for morning or late afternoon.
September–November brings slightly cooler, drier conditions and is one of the best times to visit — still warm but more comfortable for walking and cycling.
December–February is mild (around 15–22°C / 59–72°F); rare cold snaps but generally comfortable — ideal for temple sightseeing and outdoor walks.
March–May warms up with increasing humidity and occasional rain; blossoms and festivals occur, but bring a light rain jacket.
Tainan at Night
Hiking in Tainan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Network of trails, reservoirs, and viewpoints in the hills north of Tainan offering moderate hikes, seasonal flowers, and cultural sites — ideal for a day trip.
Historic reservoir with surrounding trails and viewpoints popular for walking and birdwatching; engineered scenery dating to the Japanese era.
Hilly area on the Tainan/Chiayi border known for its scenic trails and mud-hot springs — combine a hike with a soak.
Flat coastal paths around salt fields and the shoreline for easy walks focused on landscapes, birds, and sunset photography.
Airports
How to reach Tainan by plane.
Small domestic airport close to the city with some domestic flights; limited international service. Taxi or shuttle options connect to the city center.
Major international airport about 45–70 minutes by car or train; frequent shuttle and rail connections to Tainan make it a common arrival point for international travelers.
Main international gateway to Taiwan; reachable from Tainan by High-Speed Rail (HSR) plus local transit or direct long-distance bus (total travel ~3.5–5 hours depending on connection).
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population in Tainan, speaking Taiwanese Hokkien in addition to Mandarin; strong local cultural traditions.
People and families who moved to Taiwan after 1949 and their descendants — part of the city’s modern demographic fabric.
Smaller indigenous populations and cultural influences in nearby rural and mountain areas.
Large student population centered on National Cheng Kung University and other colleges, contributing to a youthful energy in parts of the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is very popular across Taiwan — local amateur games and school matches are common and passionate fan culture exists.
Basketball is widely played in parks, school courts, and community centers; pickup games are frequent.
Leisure and road cycling are popular thanks to flat coastal routes and designated bike paths.
Traditional dragon-boat events occur around the island and in nearby waterways during festival season.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tainan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and vegan options exist (many Buddhist-style vegetarian restaurants and veggie-friendly night-market stalls). Ask for 素 (sù) dishes and confirm no fish sauce. Larger restaurants and cafes increasingly label vegetarian items.
Street food often contains wheat, soy sauce, or hidden ingredients — carry a translated allergy card and communicate clearly. Restaurants in tourist areas may accept requests but always double-check.