If you’re heading to Taiwan soon, Kaohsiung should definitely be on your radar. Located in the island’s sunny south, this vibrant port city is overflowing with things to do!
It’s packed with cool spots like Pier 2 Art Center, Lotus Pond, and the Dome of Light, beautiful parks and temples, and some of the best night markets on the island. Plus — Cijin Island is just a quick 5-minute ferry ride away!
Curious about what to do while there? Here’s my list of the 17 best things to do in Kaohsiung!
Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Koahsiung Travel Essentials
Before we dive into this epic list of what to do in Kaohsiung, here are a few essentials that will make your trip even easier.
- Kaohsiung is a popular tourist spot in Taiwan, so book your hotel well in advance. Find the best hotel deals here.
- Traveling between Taipei and Kaohsiung is super easy, just make sure to book your HSR ticket to Zuoying Station* to guarantee a seat. *Note: Discounted HSR tickets on Klook are only available to tourists. You’ll need to show your passport/visa to redeem the ticket at the HSR Station.
- Alternatively, consider this 5 Day Joint Rail Pass if you’re going to use both the HSR or TRA during your Taiwan trip.
- With buses, taxis, an extensive subway, and a light rail at your disposal, Kaoshiung is a very easy city to explore. But if you prefer to visit all of Kaohsiung’s top attractions without planning a thing, this Kaohsiung City day tour is a great option. Alternatively, hire a private driver if you value your freedom or want to avoid bothering with the logistics.
Top Attractions & Things to do in Kaohsiung
Hang out at Pier 2 Art Center
One of the coolest spots in Kaohsiung is Pier 2 Art Center (駁二藝術特區). Once a set of old storage warehouses, this area has transformed into a vibrant artsy hub, filled with colorful murals, quirky installations, and art galleries.
It’s a great spot to wander around with so much to see and do. If you’re there on the weekend, don’t miss the outdoor market—it’s packed with delicious food, crafts, and unique finds!
Since Pier 2 is pretty big, renting a bike is the best way to explore its best bits. You’ll find several YouBike stations near the harbor, or you can rent one from Mccoy Bikes on Penglai Road for even more flexibility. It’s a great way to soak in all the art and vibes at your own pace.
- Location: No. 1, Dayong Road, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, 803
- Getting there: Take the Orange MRT Line to Sizihwan Station so that you can also see the Hamasen Railway Culture Park before reaching the warehouses.
Hop on a ferry to Cijin Island
Cijin Island (旗津島) is a dreamy little island with loads to do and see. Best known for its historic fort, ornate temples, stunning black sand beaches, and Old Street full of seafood restaurants, Cijin Island is a great place to explore, eat and swim.
You can explore the island on foot, but renting a bicycle is the easiest way to get acquainted with Cijin’s top attractions. Some of the most popular tourist spots include Rainbow Church, the Cihou Starlight Tunnel, Cihou Tianhou Temple, Kaohsiung Lighthouse, and the Cihou Fort.
Since Cijin is only a 5-minute ferry ride from Gushan Ferry Pier Station, it’s a great add-on to your Kaoshiung to do list! The best time to visit is in the afternoon. That way, you’ll miss most of the heat while still having enough daylight hours to cycle, swim, and stuff your face with delicious seafood! If you can, stick around until the sun sets for killer views atop the Cihou Fort! For those who prefer to watch the sunset with an ice-cold beer in hand, Sunset Bar is the place to be!
- Location: Qijin District, Kaohsiung City, 805.
- Getting there: Take a 5-minute ferry ride from Gushan Harbor to Cijin Island. The ferry costs TWD 30, and you can bring your bike or scooter along. Ferries run from 5 am to 2 am every day. It is also possible to catch the famous Snoopy Ferry from KW2 to Cijin. But note that it only operates between 13:15-16:45 on weekdays and 13:15-19:45 on weekends and holidays. A single ticket costs TWD 40.
Admire the city views at 85 Sky Tower
Towering 378m above the city, 85 Sky Tower is the tallest building in Kaohsiung and the second tallest in Taiwan after Taipei 101.
85 Sky Tower is huge and you can spot it just about anywhere in the city. The building houses a high-end hotel, various restaurants, office space, and other facilities, but it is the observation deck that is the REAL shining star here! The deck, which is located on the 75th floor of this 85-floor structure, offers the best views over the cityscape and harbor. What’s more, the fast-moving lift traveling at 600 meters per minute allows you to reach the observation deck in just 43 seconds!
While the 85 Sky Tower is a fun Kaohsiung attraction any time of day, come at sunset to watch the sun melt away over the horizon. Entry to the observation deck is a bit pricey at TWD 250 per person but for such epic views it’ll be worth every penny!
- Location: No. 1, Ziqiang 3rd Rd, Lingya District, Kaohsiung City, 802.
- How to get there: Take the Red MRT line to Sanduo Shopping District Station and walk 600m.
Have sundowners at Belon
If you’re looking for the best sunset in Kaohsiung (with a cocktail in hand), Belon Restaurant and Bar (貝隆餐廳) is the place to be!
Tucked in the Singuang Riverside Park, just behind the Kaohsiung Exhibition Hall, Belon is a must-visit for seafood lovers. They’ve got everything from fresh seafood to Western classics. You can’t go wrong with their oysters, black truffle parmesan fries, and Caesar salad—they’re so good! And if you’re in the mood for a drink, their cocktail menu has it all, from sangria to kamikazes to Long Island iced teas.
But it’s not just the food and drinks that make Belon special—it’s the view. Right by the harbor, the restaurant overlooks a fleet of beautiful yachts. There’s indoor seating, but for the full experience, grab one of the comfy sofas outside.
It’s a really romantic vibe, so if you’re looking for a memorable moment, this is it. Just a heads-up: I’d recommend making a reservation.
- Location: No. 39-1, Chenggong 2nd Road, Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City, 806.
- Getting there: Take the Red MRT Line to Sanduo Shopping District Station. From there it’s a 15-minute walk to the restaurant.
Eat your way through Liuhe Night Market
When it comes to Taiwan’s night markets, Liuhe Night Market (六合觀光夜市) is definitely one you won’t want to miss!
Located in the heart of Xinxing District, just a short walk from Formosa Boulevard Station, Liuhe is a lively spot brimming with food stalls, quirky shops, and local vendors. It’s the perfect place to sample some of Kaohsiung’s best seafood and shop for unique souvenirs.
If you’re there, try the rich and savory seafood congee near the entrance—it’s a local favorite! And don’t leave without a cup of freshly made papaya milk from 鄭老牌木瓜牛奶, one of Taiwan’s most beloved drinks. Stalls typically open around 6 pm, so arrive hungry and ready to dive into all the tasty goodies!
- Location: Liuhe 2nd Road, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City, 800
- Getting there: Take the Red MRT Line from Kaohsiung Station and hop off at Formosa Boulevard Station. It’s a 4-minute walk to the market.
See the Dome of Light
One of the must-see sights in Kaohsiung is the Dome of Light (光之穹頂)—an absolutely stunning art installation right inside one of the city’s metro stations!
Created by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata, the Dome of Light is made up of over 4,500 colorful glass panels spread across 660 square meters. It tells the story of life and took more than four years to complete! It’s easy to see why this has earned a spot as one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world.
But the Dome of Light isn’t just a pretty sight—it also carries deep historical significance. It’s not only the largest colored-glass public art installation in the world, but it also honors a major pro-democracy movement that took place in the late 70s.
- Location: No. 115, Zhongshan 1st Road, Xinxing District, Kaoshiung City, 800.
- Getting there: Take the Orange or Red Line to Formosa Boulevard Station and follow the signs.
Admire the lanterns at Sanfeng Temple
Sanfeng Temple (三鳳宮) is a beautiful Taoist temple, dedicated to the deity Nezha, right in the heart of Kaohsiung City. Although Sanfeng Temple has a rich history dating back more than 300 years, it’s actually only been at its current location for several decades.
Sanfeng Temple might not be the most important temple in Taiwan, but it is certainly one of the most photogenic! Here, large decorated wooden doors open up to a huge courtyard strewn with dozens of dangling red lanterns. Despite being extremely Instagrammable, Sanfeng Temple is still very much a Kaohsiung hidden gem. Luckily, that means you can easily have the whole place all to yourself – apart from a few local worshippers, of course. For the best views over the temple and lanterns, take the staircase near the entrance to the upper balconies.
- Location: No. 134, Hebei 2nd Road, Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City, 807
- Getting there: Hop in a taxi/ Uber at Kaohsiung Station. If you prefer to walk, the temple is about 1.6km from the station.
Visit Hou Yi Shopping District (aka Umbrella Street)
Much like to Wufenpu in Taipei, Hou Yi Shopping District (後驛商圈) is a sprawling shopping area right in the heart of Kaohsiung City.
Hou Yi Shopping District is only a short stroll from Kaohsiung Main Station. It runs along Anning Street and a few side streets that jolt off from it. Since it is super accessible, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to squeeze in a bit of extra shopping on their trip.
The shopping district houses a fantastic collection of stores selling everything from bags to clothes to shoes. And while not all stores sell to the public, it’s still a really cool place to visit. What really makes this area such a must-visit Kaohsiung attraction is that it’s super Instagrammable with dozens of umbrellas and lanterns dangling from the sky!
Come before 10 am in the mornings if you want to have the street all to yourself! And, if you can, come back at night when the lanterns are lit up! Most stores close around 8 pm, but the lights stay on until around 9 pm.
- Location: Anning St, Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City, 807
- Getting there: Take the subway to Kaohsiung Main Station and then take Exit 2. Once you’re at Zhangxi Road, keep an eye out for Cu Hotel, which sits right on the corner of Anning Street.
Hang out at Pier No. 1 Rooftop Bar
Hotel Indigo is a hip 5-star design hotel located right next to the Central Park MRT Station in Xinxing District. And if you’re looking for a cool place to stay in Kaohsiung, this is definitely it!
However, what makes Hotel Indigo even more appealing is its epic rooftop bar, Pier No.1. Here, you can enjoy the city’s scenery from above while sipping on a boozy cocktail. The best part is that you don’t need to be a guest at the hotel to access the bar. Just note that there is a minimum charge of TWD 450 per person for non-guests. And even though the bar can accommodate up to 120 guests, it’s best to make a reservation well in advance to guarantee you have a spot.
Try the Mulberry Small Farmer if you’re looking for something boozy, or the Banana Smoothie if you’re into mocktails! Pier No. 1 is open from 7 pm to 1 am from Sunday to Thursday and 7 pm to 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Location: No. 4 Zhongshan 1st Road, Sinsing District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 80054.
- Getting there: Take the red MRT line to Central Park Station and then take Exit 1.
Hang out at KW2
Most visitors to Kaohsiung only know about Pier Art 2 Center, but there’s another cool, revamped warehouse complex just around the corner to add to your list of things to do. And that’s KW2, or Kaohsiung Port Warehouse 2 (棧貳庫KW2).
This hip warehouse complex houses a fantastic selection of stalls selling crafts, independent designer goods, food stalls, and even a minimalistic hostel. It’s a great place to shop for an assortment of goodies, grab some gelato or craft beer, or chill at one of the restaurants. We really liked hanging out at the outdoor restaurant. They had a good selection of cold beer and picture-perfect views over Cijin Island.
If you’re planning to go to Cijin afterward and don’t feel like making the trip all the way to the Gushan Ferry Terminal, you can catch the Snoopy Ferry along the promenade. It’s a bit more pricey than the normal ferry, but it will save you the hassle of getting to Gushan. See the ferry schedule here.
- Location: No. 17, Penglai Rd, Gushan District
- Getting there: Take the Orange MRT Line to Sizihwan Station and walk 6 minutes to the promenade.
Wander around Fo Guang Shan
You can’t visit Kaohsiung without dropping by the incredible Fo Guang Shan Monastery located just on the city’s outskirts.
The complex is home to beautiful temples, towering pagodas, and several exhibition halls where you can learn more about Buddhism. However, it’s the enormous Buddha that has made Fo Guang Shan such a go-to spot. The statue is also the largest bronze-seated Buddha in the world!
Within the Fo Guang Shan Museum’s Main Exhibition Hall, you’ll find an array of ancient artifacts and sacred artworks that make for some interesting browsing. Afterward, be sure to head to the roof, where you can get a close-up look at the 108-m tall Buddha.
Fo Guang Shan is right up there with the most beautiful places in Taiwan, so don’t miss it! If you don’t want to bother with public transport, this Kaohsiung classic day tour is a great alternative.
- Location: No. 1, Tongling Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, 84049.
- Getting there: Take direct bus E02, 8501 or bus 8501 Extend from Zuoying HSR Station and alight at Buddha Memorial Hall. The ride costs TWD 70 and takes less than an hour.
Go temple hopping at Lotus Pond
Located on the northern side of the city, Lotus Pond (蓮池潭) has been a popular pitstop since the Qing Dynasty.
Today, this sprawling area is one of the coolest places to visit in Kaohsiung and is best known for its gorgeous temples and beautiful lotus flowers that bloom during summer. There are 20 or so temples dotted along the lake’s banks and nearby nooks and crannies – each unique in its own right. The best part? All of them are accessible via relaxing walkways and bike paths!
Although there are several points of interest here, the highlight is undeniably the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, built in the 60s. The towers sit right on the edge of the lake and offer stunning views from above. No wonder it’s the most famous photo spot in the city! It’s free to enter the pagodas, but make sure to enter the dragon’s mouth and exit via the tiger’s mouth for good luck!
Other must-visit spots include Confucius Temple, the Temple of Enlightenment, the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, and the gigantic Xuantian Shang-di statue.
Lotus Pond is a great place to wander around, duck into age-old temples and take photos. Come at sunset to see the pond illuminated for a truly spectacular experience.
- Location: Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 813
- How to get there: Take the MRT to Zuoying HSR Station. Hop in a taxi or walk about 30 minutes to Lotus Pond.
Visit the Old City of Fengshan County
Not too far from Lotus Pond, you’ll find the remaining walls and city gates of the Old Fengshan City at the foothills of Turtle Mountain.
The Old City of Zuoying (鳳山縣舊城) is an important historic landmark in Kaohsiung and best known for being the first fortified city built in Taiwan. It dates back to the Qing Dynasty, boasting a rich history of more than 300 years. Today the wall is the most intact ancient city wall in Taiwan, even though only 500m remains standing.
Four gates (North, East, South, and West) served as entry points to the Old City, with the eastern gate the most well preserved. If time permits, you can stroll along the walls for a close-up look at this ancient gem. If you want to duck inside, don’t expect to find much more than neatly kept gardens and paths to stroll along. Still, it’s a nice place to wander around or have a picnic under the trees if you’re looking for a change of scenery.
- Location: Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, 813
- Getting there: Take bus 301 from Zuoying HSR Station to the Shengli Road stop and walk 1 minute. Buses come every 30 minutes, and the ride costs TWD 12.
Cruise along the Love River
A romantic boat ride along the beautiful Love River is a huge must-do in Kaohsiung. The river is 12 km long and runs through the city to Kaohsiung Harbor. Love River Park, a large riverside park, is situated along the riverbank and is filled with bars, restaurants, and swanky riverside cafes.
The Love River boat cruise is only about 30 minutes long, but it’s a great way to see the area from a different vantage point. Some of the most notable sights include Kaohsiung Music Hall, Love Pier, Zodiac Wharf, and Glory Pier. For the best experience (and lower temps), come at night when you can enjoy the harbor, rainbow-colored bridges, and surrounding buildings lit up.
If boat cruises aren’t for you, you can still enjoy the beauty of Love River by walking (or cycling) along the promenade. There are lots of benches scattered around where you can take a rest and admire the views. Oh, and if you’ve got time and are looking for a trendy spot to grab drinks or some food, pop into White Lover Container (白色戀人貨櫃屋). This super Instagrammable cafe offers semi-outdoor seating and is an awesome spot to chill for a few hours. They’ve got a good selection of boozy cocktails and light snacks, too!
- Getting there: Take the Red MRT Line to Formosa Boulevard Station and transfer to the Orange Line. Alight at either City Council. From there, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the waterfront.
Hike Monkey Mountain
If you’re looking for something outdoorsy to do in Kaohsiung, then be sure to head to Shoushan (壽山).
More commonly known as Monkey Mountain, Shoushan is a beautiful scenic area just north of the Kaohsiung Harbor. It’s a cool place to immerse yourself in nature, spot Formosan Macaques, and hike among varied plant and animal life. The main trail, Chaishan Trail, is an easy to moderate 5 km trek, that takes about 2-3 hours to complete. Besides the epic views over the lower-lying city, diverse fauna, and flora, Monkey Mountian is also home to some of the oldest archaeological ruins in Kaohsiung, dating back 5,000 years.
If hiking is not your thing, another option is to cycle up the mountain instead. However, I highly recommend grabbing an electric YouBike, as the slopes can be challenging. We cycled all the way to Chaishan Fishing Pier (柴山漁港), and the views along the way were absolutely stunning. Make sure to pop into one of the cozy cafes, like 萊加呵, that overlooks the ocean. Stick around until sunset if you can, as the sunset views here are truly magical!
Just a heads up: While the macaques might seem cute, they’re still wild animals. It’s best to keep a safe distance at all times and refrain from feeding them.
- Location: Gushan District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 804
- Getting there: Take a TRA train to the Museum of Fine Arts and walk west. The trailhead starts near Qianguang Temple (千光宮).
Get your kicks at E-Da Theme Park
If you’re visiting Kaohsiung with kids or looking for something a bit more fun to do, E-Da Theme Park (義大遊樂世界) is just the answer.
E-Da is one of Taiwan’s most popular theme parks and houses the largest entertainment theatre and biggest indoor recreation center in Taiwan. What’s more, this massive Greek-themed amusement park is located just 30 minutes drive from Kaohsiung City!
The park is divided into three themed zones, Acropolis, Santorini Mountain City, and Trojan Castle, each unique and full of fun things to do. You’ll find everything from a Ferris wheel to a 55-meter U-shaped roller coaster to haunted houses and even a 5D ghost ship here! Make sure to grab your park entry ticket in advance to skip the lines.
Besides the cool rides, E-Da also has a wide selection of shops, restaurants, shows, and an uber-luxe hotel if you want to spend the night.
- Location: No. 10, Section 1, Xuecheng Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, 840
- Getting there: Catch bus 8501 or bus 8501 Extend from Zuoying Station. The ride takes 36 minutes and costs NT$37 one way. Buses come every 15-30 minutes.
Explore the city’s outskirts
Although there is no shortage of awesome things to do in Kaohsiung, there are also stacks of cool places near the city. Here are three of the best.
- Xiaoliuqiu or Lambai Island (琉球嶼) is a beautiful coral island just 40 minutes by speed boat from Donggang Harbour near Kaohsiung City. Boasting pristine beaches and incredible treasures underwater, Liuqiu is a popular spot among day trippers, snorkelers, free divers and scuba divers. Read my detailed Liuqiu Island Guide covering absolutely everything you need to know about visiting this stunning island.
- Tainan (台南市) is Taiwan’s oldest city and a great place for anyone interested in history, culture, and art. The city is home to some of Taiwan’s most important historical sites and houses more than 1000 temples. Read my detailed Tainan travel guide to discover the city’s best bits.
- Tianliao Moon World (田寮月世界) might just be one of the weirdest attractions in Kaohsiung! While it is the most developed badland in Taiwan, Tianliao looks more like something straight out of a sci-fi movie! Large barren slopes resembling the moon’s surface poke out of the ground, creating a unique yet freaky scene. It’s not the easiest place to reach, so make sure to hire a private driver.
Where to stay in Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung has a plethora of excellent accommodation options to match any budget and traveling style. Here are some of the best places to stay in the city.
- Luxe: If you’re looking for a ridiculously luxurious hotel, then be sure to check in at the Kaohsiung Marriot Hotel. Featuring everything from beautifully decorated rooms, an indoor pool, an onsite spa and even a yoga room, it is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a 5-star stay.
- Affordable luxe: Hotel Indigo is one of my fave places to stay in the city. It is a beautifully designed and conveniently located right across from Central Park Station. The hotel features funky interiors and spacious rooms with epic city views. You’ll find lots of shops and eateries nearby, and with the MRT practically on your doorstep, it’s super easy to explore the rest of the city from here.
- Mid Range: I’ve stayed at FX Inn Hotel a bunch of times and really like it. It’s a posh 4-star hotel featuring clean, modern rooms with comfy beds and lovely city views. The best perk about staying here is the location, with loads of shops, restaurants, Luihe night market, and the City Council MRT practically on your doorstep,
- Budget: Let’s Hostel is a fantastic pick if you’re traveling on a budget but still want a stylish and comfy place to stay. It’s right next to Formosa Boulevard Station (super convenient!), and you’ll find both modern dorm rooms and private rooms if you prefer a little more privacy.
What to do in Kaohsiung in Conclusion
Kaohsiung is full of amazing spots and things to do! While this post only scratches the surface of what the city has to offer, I hope it gives you a sneak peek into what’s waiting for you here.
That’s a wrap on this Kaohsiung guide, but if you have more questions about all the must-see places, drop a comment below—I’d love to help you out! And if you’re looking for a complete itinerary, check out my detailed 2-day Kaohsiung travel plan to help you make the most of your time in this incredible city!
If you enjoyed this guide, don’t forget to pin it for your upcoming trip!
Leave a Reply