Kaohsiung is usually the southernmost stop for most people exploring Taiwan, and that was exactly the case for me. It was actually my last stop before heading back up north.

I’d rank Kaohsiung as my number three favorite city in Taiwan, right behind Taipei and Tainan. The city has a super chill vibe, lots of temples, a bit of a beach feel in some areas, and of course, loads of good food (you know that’s always a big deal for me).

I spent a full 3 days here, and I’d say my itinerary was pretty packed but still left me enough time to just hang out, eat, and wander around the night markets without feeling rushed.

After spending those days, I felt like I really got to know the city, so I put together this Kaohsiung itinerary with all my personal favorite spots, plus a few random tips I think are worth knowing. Let’s get into it.

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3 Days in Kaohsiung itinerary: How I Spent an Amazing 72 Hours Here

3 Day Kaohsiung Itinerary – My Experience

When I was in Kaohsiung, it was just so hot, probably around 35°C (about 95°F). Luckily, this city is right by the ocean (it’s actually a big harbor city), so you do get a nice sea breeze, especially if you hang out by the waterfront or head over to Cijin Island.

I really enjoyed my time in Kaohsiung. Was I as blown away as I was in Taipei? Maybe not. But I still think it’s a great addition to your Taiwan itinerary. It felt super different from both Taipei and Tainan, so it’s definitely worth checking out.

Kaohsiung also has some of the most beautiful temples I’ve seen in Taiwan. The Sunfong Temple was stunning, and the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas were just so fun and unique, make sure to check out the photos I added.

Aside from that, Kaohsiung felt pretty “cool” to me overall. There’s a big art scene here, and the city has this artsy, edgy, student vibe that I really enjoyed. The Pier 2 Art Center and the waterfront warehouses with all their art installations, little restaurants, and bars actually reminded me a bit of the Melbourne waterfront and that’s a big compliment coming from me.

So yep, overall I had a great time in Kaohsiung and would totally recommend adding it to your Taiwan itinerary. Now let’s get into my 3 days in Kaohsiung itinerary so you can see exactly how I spent my time there.

A Quick Taiwan Travel Guide – Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung gets super hot: Especially in spring and summer (around 35°C / 95°F). Bring sunscreen, a hat, and always carry water. There’s barely any shade in many spots.
Not a super walkable city: Things are really spread out, so you’ll rely on the MRT and light rail. Try to book a hotel close to a station.
Menus are in Chinese: Have Google Translate ready. It’ll save you from accidentally ordering pig’s blood soup (unless that’s your thing).
Cash is king at night markets: Most stalls don’t accept cards, so always bring cash if you’re planning on visiting a Night Market.
Ferry to Cijin Island is easy: Just tap your EasyCard (same as the MRT), no need for an extra ticket.
Hotel prices spike on weekends: Book early because prices go up fast. Last-minute deals are not really a thing here.
Super safe everywhere: Even at night, I felt totally comfortable walking around alone.
Locals are super friendly: Even if they don’t speak much English, people are helpful. Smile, be patient, and you’ll be fine.

My 3 Days in Kaohsiung Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Dragon And Tigers Pagoda & Ruifeng Night Market

Morning

On day one, I start things with a coffee at Formula Coffee Roasters which is hands down one of the best coffee spots in Kaohsiung. I tried a few different cafés in the city, but this one really was my favorite.

After that, I headed straight to the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond. The easiest way to get there is to take the MRT red line; from the station, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the lake. The pagodas themselves are super fun to explore (yes, you’re meant to enter through the dragon and exit through the tiger, don’t mess it up!), but what I enjoyed most was wandering around the entire lake. There are loads of other temples, statues, and random shrines all around, so definitely take your time.

I’m glad I did this in the morning because it got insanely hot later in the day, and there’s basically zero shade around the lake.

Afternoon

If it’s hot outside, as it was when I was in Kaohsiung, I definitely recommend doing something indoors in the afternoon. If your hotel has a pool, now’s the perfect time to jump in.

Otherwise, Kaohsiung is known for its art scene, so it’s a great excuse to check out a museum. You can visit the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts or the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts. Both are great spots to cool off, enjoy the AC, and even enjoy some local culture at the same time.

Evening

Once the sun starts going down a bit, it’s time to head out again. I’m pretty sure night markets in Taiwan exist partly because no one wants to be outside during the day, it’s way too hot.

In Kaohsiung, there are a few options, but I really liked Ruifeng Night Market. It was big, lively, and didn’t feel overly touristy at all. I had some chicken and noodle soup there, and it totally hit the spot.

FYI: I wouldn’t bother with Liuhe Night Market, it was probably the most disappointing night market I visited in Taiwan.

Day 2: Sunfong Temple & Pier 2 Art Center

Morning

For day two, I started the morning with a visit to what I think might actually be the prettiest temple I saw in all of Taiwan. Sunfong Temple (you can get there by taking the red MRT line and walking about 15 minutes) is just stunning.

I don’t know if it’s okay to say this, but it kind of looked like something straight out of Disney’s Mulan. The bright red lanterns everywhere, the intricate Chinese architecture, incense burning, it was all so beautiful and atmospheric.

I only went in the morning, and it was already amazing, but I heard the temple is open until 10 pm. I can totally imagine it looking even more magical at night when all the lanterns are lit up. Just a thought!

Afternoon

In the afternoon, I recommend heading over to the waterfront area. You can get there easily by taking either the orange MRT line or the light rail (which is super practical and loops around Kaohsiung).

Hop off at Hamasen Station and walk over to the big lawn area with all the quirky art installations. Then pop into the Kaohsiung Port Warehouse No. 2, which is a converted old harbor warehouse with shops, restaurants, and even a hostel. It’s a good spot for some souvenir shopping and, more importantly, a much needed AC break.

From there, you can wander along the waterfront past the Pier 2 Art Center and check out even more art installations. I’d definitely finish this little walk with a beer at Beer Talk Cafe or one of the other chill waterfront bars.

Evening

If you feel like hanging around the same area (which is what I did), you can cross the harbor over the Great Harbor Bridge and grab dinner. We went to Yonshin Fudopia, a beautiful waterfront restaurant where we had some octopus and seafood dishes and more drinks while watching the sunset. It was so good.

And if you’re not quite ready to call it a night after dinner, check out Hush Drinker. It’s a local cocktail bar that makes some excellent drinks. Definitely a fun way to end the day.

Day 3: Cijin Island & Sunset Drinks

Morning

On the last day, I took the ferry over to Cijin Island, it only takes about 5 minutes from Gushan Ferry Pier, super easy and cheap (you can use your EasyCard). Once you arrive, it immediately feels more laid-back and beachy, kind of a nice change of pace from the city.

I definitely recommend renting a bike when you get there (super affordable), so you can cruise along the coastal bike paths. You’ll pass Cijin Beach, which is fun to check out, and then head up to the Cijin Lighthouse and Cijin Fort for some pretty cool panoramic views over the harbor and city.

Afternoon

After exploring up there, ride through Cijin Old Street, which is full of seafood stalls, selling grilled squid, fresh oysters, and shrimp skewers. Super casual and really fun to try a few different things.

Evening

For the evening, the plan is simple: head to Cijin Sunset Bar. It’s right by the beach, has a super fun, relaxed vibe, and is the perfect spot to grab a drink and watch the sun go down. They sometimes have live DJs, and the whole place feels like a little beach festival on weekends.

After the sunset, you can jump back on the ferry and head back to the city. Honestly though, I think ending the day here with a drink in hand is the perfect way to wrap up your Kaohsiung itinerary.

Where to Stay in Kaohsiung

Ok so, for me personally, Kaohsiung wasn’t super walkable. A lot of sights and temples are pretty spread out, and the city feels quite big and scattered. I actually stayed in the city center, but to be honest, I wouldn’t really recommend it, as there wasn’t much going on right outside my door.

What I realized quickly is that staying close to an MRT line is key. I barely went anywhere on foot from my hotel, but being right by the red MRT line was super handy and got me to most places easily.

If I had to pick again, I’d definitely stay in Yancheng District. It’s a great area to explore on foot, you’ve got the waterfront, art installations, loads of bars and restaurants, and you’re still close to the MRT to reach the rest of Kaohsiung easily.

Here are a couple of my favorite hotel picks:

Fullon Hotel Kaohsiung

I absolutely recommend this one because it’s one of the few hotels in Kaohsiung with a proper swimming pool. And trust me, it gets hot here, even in spring, but especially in summer. Having a pool to jump into after a day of exploring is the best. Also great if you’re traveling with kids.

Book Here: Fullon Hotel Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung Chateau de Chine Hotel

This hotel has super spacious rooms and is in a perfect location, close to the MRT and just a 5-minute walk from the waterfront. They serve great food right in the hotel, and it’s actually pretty affordable, which is always a win.

Book Here: Kaohsiung Chateau de Chine Hotel

FAQs About My Kaohsiung 3 Day Itinerary

What is the best Kaohsiung night market?

For sure, the best night market I went to in Kaohsiung is Ruifeng Night Market. It’s pretty big, fun to wander around, and the food was great. Stay away from Liuhe Night Market though, barely any food stalls, super touristy, and overpriced.

Is Kaohsiung worth visiting?

Yes, I’d 100% say so. If you’re short on time, I’d prioritize Taipei and Tainan first, but if you have a few extra days, Kaohsiung is definitely worth adding to your Taiwan itinerary.

Can you do a Kaohsiung day trip from Taipei?

Technically yes, with the THSR high-speed rail it only takes a few hours. But honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it. You’d spend more time on the train than actually exploring, so at least stay a night if you can.

What are the best things to do in Kaohsiung?

My personal highlights were the Pier 2 Art Center and the whole waterfront area. But of course, Sunfong Temple and the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas were also some of the coolest cultural sights I saw in all of Taiwan.

Final Thoughts on How to Spend 3 Days in Kaohsiung

I honestly think Kaohsiung is a bit underrated. I had such a good time here, and because it was so hot, it was actually super nice to hang out on Cijin Island (even though I didn’t go swimming).

The city has this really cool artsy vibe, especially around the waterfront and it even felt a bit like Melbourne to me, which is a huge compliment.

Sightseeing-wise, Sunfong Temple and the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas were for sure some of the most impressive cultural spots I saw anywhere in Taiwan.

So yeah, if you have the time, I totally recommend checking out Kaohsiung. I hope this little 3 day Kaohsiung itinerary helps you plan your own trip and gives you a feel for what the city is all about!