Are you headed to the land of stinky tofu and boba tea and wondering what should be on your list of things to do in Taiwan? I have some pretty neat ideas for your Taiwan bucket list!
Taiwan is home to so many exciting things to do, including beautiful national parks, stunning beaches, bustling big cities, and picturesque small towns—the list is endless! Having lived in Taiwan for the past 13 years, I’ve had the chance to explore pretty much every corner of this stunning little island.
And that’s why, I decided to put together this list of must-do things to help you find the best places to visit in Taiwan on your trip! While this Taiwan bucket list only scratches the surface of what this island nation has to offer, it will give you a good overview of what not to miss on your Taiwan trip.
So if you’re ready to venture to one of the most underrated destinations in East Asia, here are some of the top things to do and places to visit in Taiwan!
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Top 25 Things to Add to Your Taiwan Bucket List
Enjoy the views from Taipei 101’s observation deck
Taipei 101 is Taiwan’s most impressive landmark and a highlight on any itinerary for Taipei. It’s famous for being the tallest skyscraper in the country, and many people come here to enjoy the magnificent views over the city.
Another thing that makes visiting Taipei’s bamboo-shaped skyscraper a must is the chance to ride in one of the world’s fastest elevators. The elevator takes just 37 seconds to reach the 89th floor! The main observation deck is allocated here and offers panoramic views over the entire city.
While here, be sure to send a postcard from the world’s highest postbox, access a free audio and video guide tour, and check out the massive 660 metric-ton damper stabilizing the tower during strong winds. Not many tourists know this, but there’s a huge outdoor deck with stunning views over the city on the 91st floor. It’s accessible via the stairway.
If you want to visit Taipei’s crown jewel, it’s best to come during the week. It’s one of the top things to do in Taipei City, and as a result, waiting times are often long. Therefore, purchasing a fast-track ticket in advance is always a good idea.
Visit Taiwan’s no.1 attraction, Taroko Gorge
Taiwan is well known for its wild beauty, and one of its finest examples is Taroko Gorge. Located on the island’s east coast in Hualien County, Taroko Gorge is arguably Taiwan’s most popular national park. And for a good reason.
With stunning marble cliffs, deep winding tunnels, and the picturesque Liwu River flowing along the bottom, Taroko Gorge is a breathtaking 19-km gorge and a huge must on your Taiwan bucket list. Besides the amazing scenery, the park also features secret temples and a bunch of fantastic hiking trails catering to all levels.
Try the Eternal Shrine trail if you’re looking for something low-key. For something a bit more challenging (but absolutely worth the effort), the Shakadang trail is a must. It’s easy to explore Taroko Gorge independently if you have your own set of wheels. Alternatively, you can also join a guided excursion, like this day tour from Hualien or this Taroko one-day tour from Taipei.
NB: Taroko Gorge was severely damaged in the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Taiwan in April 2024. Many of the trails are still closed, so it’s not a good idea to visit at the moment. However, the park is working hard to repair trails and roads. I’ll keep you posted!
Enjoy the scenery at Sun Moon Lake
No Taiwan bucket list is complete without visiting Sun Moon Lake — the island’s largest natural lake in central Taiwan.
Best known as the ultimate cycling destination in Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is a popular day trip from Taichung but it’s also a fabulous base to spend a few days. It features stunning mountain scenery and is definitely a place not to skip on your list of places to visit in Taiwan. Especially, if you’re into hiking, boating, and cycling. (Here’s a great tour from Taichung, but you can also check out this SML day tour from Taipei).
Other popular activities include visiting quaint temples, getting a birds-eye view of the entire lake from atop Ci’en Pagoda, riding the cable car to Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, indulging in various aboriginal snacks, and trying SML black tea.
For more insider tips, see my detailed guides on where to stay in Sun Moon Lake and exactly how to get there. This first-timer’s guide to Sun Moon Lake will also come in handy.
Wander through the alleys of Jiufen
A visit to Jiufen is a must on any Taiwan bucket list. Located just a short distance from Taipei, Jiufen is an enchanting mountain town. It’s famous for its scenic views, narrow, steep streets lined with red lanterns, traditional tea houses, and delicious street food stalls.
It’s one of Taiwan’s most atmospheric places to visit! Plus, the surrounding mountains and ocean views are beyond dreamy. While you can easily travel between Jiufen and Taipei independently or join an organized day tour, it’s worth staying overnight as there are some cool hidden gems nearby. Highlights include hiking Keelung Mountain, Teapot Mountain, or Bitou Cape and visiting the Golden Waterfall and the Ying Yang Sea.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Jiufen, I highly recommend Jiufen 35. The rooms are modern and comfy, and the views are amazing!
Visit Taiwan’s ancient capital, Tainan
Taiwan’s ancient capital, Tainan, is a treasure trove for history buffs. It has forts, century-old buildings, Japanese-inspired alleys, a giant tree house, and the largest concentration of temples anywhere on the island—with more than 1,000 to check out!
Of course, that’s not the only reason to add the country’s oldest city to your Taiwan bucket list! Tainan is also the foodie capital of Taiwan and it’s famous for a myriad of famous Taiwanese treats. Try dou hau (tofu pudding) and danzai noodles — both are must-eats!
Other unmissable things to do in Tainan include stopping by Anping Old Fort, Anping Tree House, Chikah Tower, Chimei Museum, Shennong Old Street, and the Tainan Art Museum. If you plan to see a couple of these tourist attractions, it’s worth getting the Tainan city pass. It offers fantastic discounts on the city’s major sights.
Visit the tea farms
Tea is a big deal in Taiwan, and if you love all things tea, you’ll definitely love Tawain! There are dozens of tea shops in Taiwan, so you’ll never have to wander too far to find one. But for the ultimate treat, visit one of the gorgeous tea farms for a more authentic experience.
Tea farms in central Taiwan
The most famous tea in Taiwan is Alishan High Mountain oolong tea, which grows in the island’s central region. The sleepy village of Shizhao, en route to Alishan Forest Recreation Area, is one of my absolute favorite places to visit in Taiwan. And I’m sure you’ll love it too!
While the village is a little boring compared to neighboring Fenqihu, Shizhao’s charm lies in its picturesque setting featuring vast tea fields and impressive mountain backdrop scenery. There are a couple of fantastic trails you can follow through tea fields (don’t miss the Mist Trail), and if you’re up for it, you can even stay overnight at a tea farm. That way, you can wake up to a dreamy view and learn a little more about the tea-making process. (We loved staying at Shan Ming Show B&B).
Nearby, a real hidden gem to check out is the Eryanping trail. The hillside trail runs along a wooden boardwalk through tea fields and a great spot to witness the sea of clouds. Other fantastic places to experience central Taiwan’s rich and varied tea culture are Cingjing and Sun Moon Lake.
Tea farms near Taipei
Closer to Taipei, you can join a day tour of the tea fields around Thousand Island Lake. Alternatively, hop on the Maokong gondola over sprawling tea fields and pop into cozy teahouses. The charming lantern-strewn village of Jiufen (mentioned above) is another popular place for tea tasting. While there, don’t miss Amei Tea House. It’s arguably the most Instagrammable teahouse in Taiwan!
Browse the largest collection of Chinese Art
If you’re into history, there is one place you cannot skip on your list of things to do in Taiwan. And that’s the National Palace Museum.
Located in Taipei City’s Shilin District, the National Palace Museum is as stunning on the outside as the treasures it holds within its walls. Resembling a Chinese palace with colorful green tiled roofs and a striking yellow facade, it houses the biggest collection of Chinese artifacts and artworks anywhere in the world, with more than 700,000 pieces on display. Pretty impressive, right?
If you want to visit, it’s best to avoid weekends. Another insider tip I have for you is to avoid visiting the museum between 10 am and 3 pm, as it can get very crowded with tour groups. If you want to save some money (and skip the long lines), purchasing an e-ticket in advance is a good idea, but the Taipei Pass also covers entry.
As mentioned before, the museum is huge. So set aside at least a few hours to explore the various exhibitions and surrounding gardens. Don’t miss the Meat-Shaped stone dating back to the Qing Dynasty. It is one of the museum’s most prized artifacts. Oh, and insider tip: the museum’s most famous piece, the Jadeite Cabbage, has recently been moved to the museum’s southern branch. If you want to see it, you’ll need to venture to Chiayi.
Swim with sea turtles at Xiaoliuqiu
Did you know there is a beautiful coral island 40 minutes from Kaohsiung by fast ferry where you can swim with sea turtles? Welcome to Xiaoliuqiu!
Xiaoliuqui, also known by several other names, such as Lambia Island, Little Liuqui, or simply Liuqui, is a tiny island famous for its incredible marine life, bright corals, and the chance to see giant sea turtles up close.
Most people visit the island on a day trip from Kaohsiung. However, I highly recommend spending at least two to three days here instead. In addition to snorkeling, scuba diving, freediving, and kayaking in a clear kayak, Xiaoliuqiu has several unique caves to explore. There is also a cool mushroom-shaped rock jutting out of the sea, incredible sunrise and sunset viewing spots, and pretty beaches where you can easily laze around for days.
Since it’s one of my absolute favorite places in Taiwan, I’ve written a complete Xiaoliuqui travel guide. It covers everything you need to know about visiting this dreamy gem.
Indulge at the night markets
It would be an absolute shame to visit Taiwan without at least checking out one of its bustling night markets to sample local street food. It’s a must on any Taiwan bucket list and one you should definitely not skip!
Major cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung have some of the best night markets on the island. Many of them actually offer food tours, so you don’t even need to plan a thing. Plus, you’ll get the inside scoop on the best street eats! (Check out this Michelin Night Market tour to Ningxia or this Shilin Night Market walking tour). However, many smaller ones are worth visiting in places like Hualien, Keelung, and Danshui.
Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a unique cultural experience, you’re guaranteed to have a wild time at any of Taiwan’s night markets! Read my detailed guide on the best Taiwan night markets for all my insider tips.
Visit Taiwan’s many temples
Taiwan has an estimated 15,000 temples in all shapes and sizes dedicated to various gods and folk heroes. That’s pretty impressive, right? Most are associated with Chinese folk religion, with Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism as the three main religions.
Two of the most famous temples in Taiwan are Longshan Temple (the oldest temple in Taipei) and Fo Guang Shan (the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan). Other must-sees include Sanfeng Temple, which has hundreds of dangling red lanterns, Wuji Tianyuan Temple (Taiwan’s prettiest cherry blossom viewing spot), and Bishan Temple, which offers incredible views over Taipei City. If you prefer something less touristy, check out two of my favorite hidden gems: Baiyang Temple of Heaven and Xianfo Temple.
Even if you’re not into religion, you should try to visit at least one or two of Taiwan’s stunning temples — even if it is just to admire their colorful and intricate details and ornate carvings. Unlike other temples in Asia, temples in Taiwan are free to enter and don’t have strict dress codes. However, since they are still living places of worship, it’s a good idea to dress modestly.
Relax at the beaches
Taiwan might not be famous for its beaches, but it’s home to oodles of pretty beaches ready to welcome sunseekers, surfers, paddleboarders, and snorkelers.
You’ll find some of the island’s loveliest beaches in and around the Kenting National Park. Located at the southern tip of the island, Kenting is hands-down Taiwan’s most popular beach area. It sports a fine selection of cozy nooks and vast white sand beaches with stunning views. For the ultimate beach day, head to the dreamy beaches of Baishawan or Xiaowan. Both offer soft white sand, crystal clear water, and fun watersport activities!
Of course, there are many other beautiful beaches in Taiwan. You’ll find a good selection of beaches accessible on a day trip from Taipei, such as Fulong Beach, Dawulan Beach, Baishawan Beach (yes, there’s another one up north), Laomei Green Reef, and Zhongjiao Bay.
Further afield, Neipi Beach and Dongao Bay in Yilan County are also worth a visit. And if you ever find yourself on the east coast of Taiwan, you must visit the stunning pebble beach of Qixingtan just outside Hualien City. It’s one of the prettiest places in Taiwan and a top attraction in Hualien!
Visit Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial Hall
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is one of Taipei’s most important landmarks. Dedicated to Taiwan’s former leader, this impressive 76-meter-tall structure in blue and white is a real must-see. Within its main hall, you can catch the changing of the guards or browse an extensive exhibition about the former president’s life and legacy.
While you’re here, check out the beautiful traditional Chinese-style National Theater and Concert Hall. Both are great photo spots!
Explore Taiwan’s Harbor City, Kaohsiung
Taiwan’s largest port city, Kaohsiung, is located in the southwestern corner of the island. It’s home to some of the island’s most Instagrammable spots, such as the Dragon & Tiger Pagodas, Pier-2 Art Center, the Dome of Light, and Fo Guang Shan.
Besides all the cool photo spots, Kaohsiung also has awesome temples, night markets, shopping streets, and a charming waterfront perfect for cycling or strolling. If you’re up to it, I highly recommend hopping on one of the tourist boats that sail along the Love River. It’s one of the best things to do in Kaohsiung at night, when all the bridges are illuminated.
If you only have limited time in Kaohsiung, read my 2-day Kaohsiung itinerary to help you maximize your time. This guide on how to get to Kaohsiung will also come in handy.
Walk across Sanxiantai Dragon Bridge
Most tourists visiting Taiwan’s east coast make a beeline for Hualien and Taroko Gorge. While they should definitely be on your Taiwan bucket list, a little further down the coast is one of Taiwan’s most beautiful and underrated areas, Taitung. It’s home to stunning beaches, swaying rice fields, cool geological sights, and Duoliang — the prettiest railway station in Taiwan.
Another real must-do in Taitung is to see the magnificent Sanxiantai Bridge for yourself. It’s one of the coolest places to visit in Taiwan and resembles a Chinese dragon. The bridge has eight arches stretching over the ocean and connects the mainland to a small island that serves as a nature reserve with several beautiful trails to explore.
While Sanxiantai is a bit remote, you can reach it by scooter, bus, or a guided tour. I rented a scooter in Taitung, and it took me roughly 1h30 to drive there. Would I do it again? Absolutely! The stunning views along the way 100% made up for the effort!
Cycle through the Chishang Rice Fields
Another scenic spot in Taiwan is Chishang, located in the East Rift Valley. Although Chishang is largely considered the rice basin of Taiwan, producing some of the best rice on the island, it has remained a relatively hidden gem.
Located about 30 minutes by train from Taitung, Chishang is a picturesque small town and the perfect place to spend a day or two slow traveling and biking. There are several interlinking bike paths weaving through emerald-colored rice fields to explore. The most popular landmark here is Brown Boulevard. And if you visit, it’s obligatory to snap a photo underneath the famous Takeshi Kaneshiro Tree. The tree got its name from a famous Japanese-Taiwanese actor filmed here sipping tea underneath the tree during an EVA Airways commercial.
For more tips, check out my guide covering everything you need to know about cycling in Chishang.
Relax in the hot springs
If you fancy soaking in a steamy hot spring, you’re in for a real treat. Taiwan has more than 100 hot springs scattered around the island, making it a fantastic thing to do if you visit Taiwan in winter.
The highest concentration of hot springs lies in northern Taiwan. And Beitou, just outside Taipei City, is among the most famous. It’s home to countless hot springs hotels and resorts. Try Beitou Public Millenium Hot Spring if you’re looking for an outdoor setting. Alternatively, check out The Gaia if you fancy something more private.
Other great Taiwanese hot spring areas to add to your bucket list include Wulai, Jiaoxi, Ruisui, Guanziling (the most famous mud hot spring on the island), and Zhaori Hot Springs (one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world).
See the rock formations along the North Coast
Seeing the Queen’s Head at Yehliu Geopark for yourself is a must-do day trip from Taipei. But did you know there are oodles of other unique geological rock formations, in all shapes and sizes, scattered along Taiwan’s North Coast worth checking out?
Among the most notable is Nanya Rock, a peculiar sandstone with a beautiful striped pattern. Another cool formation is the Twin Candlesticks, which juts from the sea. Although Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock has sadly eroded and lost its “trunk” in late 2023, it is still worth visiting to see the odd mushroom-shaped rocks there.
Chase waterfalls
Taiwan is littered with pretty waterfalls, some a little more accessible than others. If you want to check out the most unique and famous one, plan to visit Shifen Waterfall. It is the widest waterfall in Taiwan and is easily accessible on a day trip from Taipei.
While the waterfall is certainly impressive, another popular activity in the nearby village is setting off a sky lantern with a special wish written on it. Since Shifen is one of the best places to go near Taipei, you can easily join an organized day tour from the city. Most of the Shifen tours typically include stops at Jiufen and Yehliu, too.
Other unmissable waterfalls include Wulai Waterfall, Sandiolang Waterfall, and Songlong Rock Waterfall. And if you really want to get off the beaten path, don’t miss Frog Rock Waterfall, Qikong Waterfall, and Qingshan Waterfall. See my guide on top waterfalls in Taiwan for more must-visit falls.
Go island-hopping
Okay, so I’ve mentioned Xiaoliuqiu (who doesn’t love turtles, right?), but that’s actually not the only awesome island you need to check out while visiting Taiwan. In fact, there are several beautiful Taiwan islands easily accessible from the mainland. And if you love island vibes as much as I do, you simply have to visit at least one!
Penghu
The Penghu Archipelago, just off the western coast of the island, is easily accessible by a short flight from Taichung or Taipei. But you can also catch a fast ferry from Chiayi. Read my guide on how to get to Penghu or check flights on Skyscanner.
About 90 islands and islets make up the archipelago, although only a few are inhabited. On the main island of Magong, you can check out the historic coral village, see a temple covered in an ancient banyan tree, visit cool basalt columns, or enjoy some beach time.
A short boat trip from there, you can access the beautiful Qimei Island, home to a rock formation resembling Taiwan’s shape and the twin hearts stone weir. Another worthwhile island here is Jibei, home to a pretty tear-shaped beach with soft white sand and turquoise waters.
Green Island
Green Island is another unmissable island, although a little more challenging to reach. Located off the coast of Taitung, Green Island is accessible via ferry or flight. It is home to some of the best diving spots in Taiwan and one of only three saltwater hot springs in the world!
Of course, there are many other amazing things to do in Green Island besides diving and soaking in a hot spring! Among the most notable are checking out the White Terror Memorial Park, snorkeling in the blue cave, free diving, hunting for cool rock formations, and tackling a grueling hike down to the Sleeping Beauty Cave. (It’s 100% worth it, though!)
Other must-visit Taiwan islands include Orchid Island, Matsu, Kinmen, Cijin, and my ultimate fave, Turtle Island, where you can see the incredible milky sea phenomenon.
Watch the sunrise
The sunrises in Taiwan are really special, and whether you’re an early bird or not, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you simply shouldn’t miss while traveling in Taiwan. Two of the most famous sunrise viewing spots on the island are Alishan and Hehuanshan.
Alishan Sunrise
The most famous place to see the sunrise in Taiwan is Alishan. This mystical mountain area rises more than 2200m above sea level! The main sunrise viewing spot here is Zhushan Sunrise Observation Deck. It sits at an elevation of 2400m and is accessible via a small forest railway within the Alishan National Recreation Area. The train usually departs around 4 am to 5 am, depending on the season and weather. Note though, train tickets are only sold the day before.
To witness the famous Alishan sunrise, planning well in advance is key. I recommend basing yourself within the Alishan National Recreation Area, particularly at Alishan House, to make things easier. For more tips, read my detailed Alishan travel guide and this one on how to get to Alishan.
Hehuanshan Sunrise
While Alishan is certainly the crown jewel of sunrise viewing spots in Taiwan, Hehuanshan Mountain is a close contender! If you can’t make it to Alishan or are just not a fan of crowds, Hehuanshan is your best bet.
Hehuanshan National Forest Recreation Area was the first recreational park in Taiwan, established in the early 60’s. It’s famous for providing access to three of Taiwan’s 100 Peaks, its beautiful alpine scenery, and is actually one of the few places in Taiwan where you can see snow in the winter. But that’s not all! It’s also home to the highest accessible road in Taiwan (Highway 14), with an altitude of 3275m!
Unfortunately, there is only one place to stay in the park (Song Syue Lodge). And yes, you guessed it! Since it’s practically the highest hotel in Taiwan, it’s often booked out months in advance. Therefore, a better bet is to base yourself in Taiwan’s very own little European-style hillside village, Cingjing, about a 40-minute drive away.
If you don’t have your own set of wheels, the easiest way to see the sunrise is to join a sunrise tour from Cingjing. It usually lasts about 4 hours. That’s what I did, and I cannot recommend it enough! Not only will you enjoy a truly remarkable sunrise, but you’ll also get to see the Milky Way at Dark Sky Park.
Watch the sunset
Another unmissable bucket list item for your list of things to do in Taiwan is watching the sunset! The best part? There are loads of awesome places to watch the sun dwindle over the horizon. Here are my top picks!
Sunset spots in Taipei
If you’re in the Taipei area, Elephant Mountain and Danshui (Tamsui) are among the best sunset viewing spots.
To access Elephant Mountain, you can take the MRT red line to the Xiangshan MRT stop. From there, you’ll need to walk about 20 minutes to reach the trailhead and hike up the mountain. The trail consists of VERY steep stairs, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart! There are several viewing platforms along the way, each offering a picture-perfect view over Taipei City and Taipei 101. If you’re up to it, go all the way to the top. There are some cool boulders to scramble on to get a better view and snap some epic Instagram photos.
If hiking is not for you, head in the opposite direction to the very end of the MRT red line. Tamsui is a lovely seaside area with a bustling promenade lined with food stalls, vendors selling knick-knacks, and cozy eateries. Lover’s Bridge is the most popular spot to watch the sunset here. But a great alternative is to watch the sunset while enjoying an ice-cold beer or cocktail. Try LB Cafe, La Vie Revee Des Anges, or ORO Pizzeria if that’s your vibe.
Sunset spots in Southern Taiwan
Beyond Taipei, Cijin Island, just off the coast of Kaohsiung, offers some of the dreamiest sunset views in all of Taiwan. The island can be accessed via a short ferry ride from Gushan Harbor. Several places offer great viewing spots, like Cijin Beach, atop Cihou Fort, and my personal fave Sunset Bar.
And, if you’re in Kenting, don’t miss Guanshan Cafe. It’s a super laidback cafe with a lush jungle vibe and pretty views over the ocean. It’s just around the corner from Maobitou, but you’ll need wheels to get there.
See the cherry blossoms
If you’re visiting Taiwan during late winter or early spring, seeing cherry blossoms is a real bucket list item not to miss. Cherry blossom season usually runs from mid-January to early April, and you can see these beauties all over the island.
Wuling Farm, Alishan National Forest, Cingjing Farm, and the Formosan Culture Village at Sun Moon Lake are among the most famous places to see cherry blossoms. That said, there are many other places to enjoy blushing blooms! Wuji Tianyuan Temple in Taipei is one of my all-time favorite spots for cherry blossom viewing, while Wanggao Tea Garden in Nantou is a real hidden gem with minimal crowds. I’ve written a complete guide on the top cherry blossom viewing spots in Taiwan, so be sure to read it for more tips.
Sample some Taiwanese food
If you enjoy trying local dishes from different countries, you’ll love Taiwan. Taiwanese love to eat and your food plays a huge role in their culture. Pork, tofu, leafy vegetables, rice, and noodles are the staples, but there are dozens of variations and other unique dishes to try. And if you’re up for it, you can join an authentic Taiwanese cooking class in Taipei! Here are my top picks.
Must-try Taiwanese foods
- Beef noodles are tender beef chunks served with chewy noodles in a spicy, sweet, dark broth. For a real treat, try it with dao xiao noodles (hand-cut noodles) instead of thin noodles.
- Xiaolongbao, aka soup dumplings, are small, bite-sized steamed buns stuffed with pork, shrimp, or vegetables. Michelin-starred Din Tai Fung is the most famous and popular place to try them!
- Bubble milk tea, also known as boba or pearl milk tea, is the most popular drink to try in Taiwan. It consists of black tea, milk, ice, and chewy tapioca pearls.
- Danbin is an egg pancake stuffed with various fillings, such as bacon and cheese, pork floss, tuna, or corn.
- Scallion pancake: a chewy yet crispy pancake topped with scallions. Add an egg and some spicy sauce for a dream combo!
- Fried chicken steak: Yes, I know South Korea has the best fried chicken. But if you’re in Taiwan, you’ve got to try its version. It’s similar to a schnitzel, which is basically a huge flattened chicken steak coated with secret spices and deep-fried. You’ll specifically want to try Hot Star Fried Chicken at Shilin Night Market.
- Lu rou fan consists of small cubes of braised pork served over hot steamed rice.
- Gua bao: the Taiwanese version of a hamburger. It consists of braised pork stuffed in a soft and fluffy steamed bun.
- Hotpot: a dish consisting of thinly sliced meat, seafood, tofu, dumplings, and vegetables that you cook in boiling broth.
- Stinky tofu: deep-fried fermented tofu topped with chili sauce, garlic sauce, and pickled cabbage. You’ll need to muster up some courage to try this one, though!
Venture off-the-beaten path
Most travelers to Taiwan stick to the common tourist spots. But there are dozens of places in Taiwan that are stunningly beautiful, albeit a bit harder to reach. If you have time and want to make an effort, here are some of the most unique places to see:
- Sun Link Sea: A beautiful forest area full of towering trees, idyllic hiking trails, perfectly manicured gardens, and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Taiwan—Songlang Rock Waterfall. I joined this day tour, which was great fun!
- Xitou Monster Village is a quirky Japanese-inspired village featuring huge monster sculptures, a red Torri gate, dangling lanterns, and baked goodies. The village is a bit out of the way but accessible by Nantou bus from nearby Sun Link Sea or Sun Moon Lake. Alternatively, consider joining this 2-day Sun Link Sea and Xitou Tour if you’d rather not plan a thing.
- Houtong Cat Village, also known as Taiwan’s Cat Village, is a gorgeous mountain village. It’s famous for its 200+ free-roaming cat residents.
- Yingge is a laid-back town roughly 30 minutes away from Taipei. It is home to dozens of stores selling pottery and ceramics. Here’s a day tour that includes visiting the impressive Ceramics Museum and Historic Ceramics Street.
- Jingzijiao Salt Fields is the oldest surviving tile-paved salt field on the island, built during the Qing dynasty. Here’s a great guided tour with stops at the salt fields, Chigu Salt Mountain, and Dadong Night Market.
- Shenkeng Old Street is famous for stinky tofu and ancient houses from the Qing Dynasty and Japanese occupation. You can visit Taipei’s tofu street independently, but this private day tour to Shenkeng Old Street & Maokong is a great option if you don’t want to figure out how to get there.
Attend Lantern Festival
One of Taiwan’s most notable festivals is the Lantern Festival, which typically happens towards the end of winter. The exact date varies a little every year as it’s based on the Lunar Calendar. However, it always falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month. In 2025, the Lantern Festival will be on February 12. During the weeks leading up to it, massive lantern displays are set up in almost every city and county across the country. It’s a great time to admire and snap photos of beautiful lanterns in all shapes and sizes.
While you could attend any major lantern festival event and have a grand time, a truly special one is the Pingxi Lantern Festival. During it, hundreds of lanterns with special wishes written on them are released into the sky. The exact dates for the 2025 festivities have not been announced yet, but I’ll keep you posted!
Taiwan Bucket List in Conclusion
There you have it — my ultimate Taiwan bucket list! Although Taiwan is one of the smallest islands in Asia, it’s incredible diverse with a whole bunch of awesome things to do! From wild beauty, beaches, hikes, and night markets, there are plenty of cool activities to add to your Taiwan bucket list!
Do you have other must-visit places or things to do in Taiwan that deserve a spot on this list? Share them in the comments below!
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