My FULL Taiwan Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go in 2025

Taiwan has easily become one of my favorite countries to visit recently, and the funny part is, I hadn’t even planned on going there this year. I just ended up in Taiwan by chance and loved it.

For me, Taiwan was a totally new culture, with so much food, traditions, and landscapes I hadn’t seen before. Everything felt new and exciting.

I spent about 3 weeks traveling from top to bottom, from Taipei all the way down to Kaohsiung.

In this Taiwan travel guide, I’ll share my own experience traveling around Taiwan, but I’ll also try to give you an “at a glance” overview of everything you need to know before visiting.

In a Rush? Here Are Our Favorite Hotels in Taipei Taiwan

⭐️⭐️⭐️ MGH Mitsui Garden Hotel – Click here for rates & availability

⭐️⭐️ Humble Boutique Hotel – Click here for rates & availability

⭐️ Green World Grand – Click here for rates & availability

My FULL Taiwan Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go in 2025

My Time & Experience in Taiwan – A Quick Take

Ok, so as I’ve said already, I spent about 3 weeks in Taiwan, and I actually didn’t really plan on coming here at all. I was backpacking in the Philippines at the time, looking for a cheap flight out of Manila, and then I found a dirt-cheap one to Taipei. I thought, why not try something new? So suddenly, I ended up in Taiwan.

The culture, landscapes, and food here were all so exciting. The country felt more foreign to me than anywhere I had been before, but at the same time, because it’s so modern, it was super accessible too. The food is delicious, and even with the language barrier, the locals were super friendly and always tried to help.

Taiwan was awesome and I loved it, but there were definitely a bunch of things I kinda wish I’d known before coming. It makes sense; so many things are different here, and it would’ve been nice to be a bit more prepared.

I definitely wasn’t ready for how hot Taiwan can get, or for the fact that barely anyone speaks English. I also had no clue about the Taiwan travel lottery you can join before arriving to win free travel credits, or how insanely expensive hotels get on the weekends, or how quickly trains book out.

Anyway, I still had an amazing time, and I guess I’m writing this so you can have an even better experience than I did.

Random Travel Facts About Taiwan (That I Think are Worth Knowing)

Join the Taiwan Arrival Lottery: Sign up for the Taiwan the Lucky Land lottery before you arrive to win travel vouchers (free money basically) that you can use on hotels, transport, and more.
Hotels Get Crazy Expensive on Weekends: For whatever reason, weekends here are wild. Hotels and hostels can double or triple in price and book out fast so book your stays in advance, especially for Friday and Saturday.
Trains Sell Out on Weekends: Same as with hotels, trains (especially long-distance ones) book out quickly on weekends. Get your tickets a few days ahead to avoid standing tickets or weird schedules.
Taiwan Gets Super Hot: Especially in summer and sometimes even in spring, it can feel like an oven. Plan accordingly, bring sunscreen, and if possible, travel in spring or fall.
Coffee Shops Open Late: Most coffee shops don’t open before 10 am. So if you’re an early bird, good luck, I always struggled to find a good coffee before then.
Booking the Alishan Forest Railway is a Whole Mission: Tickets sell out crazy fast, and you also have to stay at least one night in Alishan if you want to take the scenic sunrise train. I wrote a whole separate guide on that because it’s such a process.
The High-Speed Rail Isn’t Always Worth It: The THSR is great, but it’s expensive and stations are often far from the city center. I found the normal trains way better (and cheaper) for most routes and they actually arrive in the middle of the cities.
You’ll Use Your EasyCard Everywhere: Buy an EasyCard at any 7-Eleven when you arrive. You’ll use it for the MRT, buses, local trains, and even some shops. It makes life so much easier.
Trash Cans Are Rare: There are basically no public trash cans, so you’ll often end up carrying your trash around all day.

Best Places to Visit in Taiwan (These are the Places I’ve Been to)

Taipei

I started my Taiwan trip in Taipei and honestly loved it. The city feels super modern, but there’s still loads of culture and local life everywhere. It’s a fun mix of big shiny malls and old street food alleys.

I loved exploring all the different neighborhoods, eating my way through the night markets (Raohe Night Market was my favorite!), visiting the Kai Shek Memorial Hall, and going up Taipei 101 for some incredible city views. It’s a great base to get your first taste of Taiwan.

Jiufen

Jiufen is a cute little mountain village just outside of Taipei. It’s famous for its old streets covered in red lanterns and teahouses on the side of the hill and it kinda feels like you stepped into a movie set (actually, it inspired the animated movie Spirited Away).

I stayed here overnight to avoid the day-trip crowds and did the Teapot Mountain hike in the morning, which I really recommend if you’re up for a bit of adventure outside the city.

Taichung

Taichung felt like a bit more of a local city to me, less touristy compared to Taipei or Tainan. I loved wandering around and checking out the little cafes and the art scene here. There’s also the Rainbow Village, which is a cute quick stop, and it’s the easiest base to get to the Sun Moon Lake.

However I don’t think Taichung is worth a visit if you’re not planning on going to Sun Moon Lake afterwards!

Tainan

Tainan was probably my second favorite place to visit in Taiwan, after Taipei. It’s the former capital, so it feels older, more traditional, and honestly it is also the food capital of Taiwan and naturally I made use of that.

I basically spent my time here just eating non-stop since the markets and all the local specialties are amazing. My favorite place to eat at was Ding Fu Fa for the pork lard mixed rice (trust me on this one).

Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung has a more artsy and edgy vibe that feels much younger than the other cities. It weirdly reminded me of Melbourne in some ways.

My favorite things here were visiting Sunfong Temple (I think the prettiest temple in Taiwan) and the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, which are just so cool and fun to see in person. The city feels super chill and creative, and I loved it. Especially hanging out by the harbour front with all its art installations, restaurants and bars was so much fun.

Alishan

Alishan Forest is super popular for its big cedar trees, misty mountains, and incredible sunrises. The atmosphere here is totally different from the cities and after I had spent quite a few days in the cities I was very excited to be in nature for a bit.

There are some cute little hiking trails, sacred trees and shrines as well as a little train taking you up to an amazing sunrise viewpoint early in the morning.

Need Help With Your Travel Itinerary?

Let us help you put together your personalized custom itinerary with our Travel Itinerary Planning Service, so you can stress less and travel more.

Learn More

How to Get Around Taiwan (Transport Tips)

Transportation within cities

So, within the cities, Taiwan has a fantastic public transport system, but it does vary a bit depending on where you are. I think Taipei and Kaohsiung have the best public transport, with loads of different MRT (metro) lines as well as buses, so getting around is super easy at pretty much any time.

Tainan doesn’t have an MRT, but the bus system works fine. I usually just made sure to stay in a fairly central hotel so I could walk most places anyway.

One thing I loved is that the EasyCard (your public transport card) works in all these cities. You can buy it at stations or even at a 7-Eleven, and then just tap in and out on buses and metros everywhere in Taiwan.

Transportation between cities

Getting between cities is also super straightforward. On the west coast (which is more developed than the east), there’s a big train network connecting pretty much all major cities. You have the high-speed rail (THSR) and the regular trains. Both types of intercity trains require you to buy a separate ticket at the station, you can’t use your EasyCard here (learned that the hard way).

One thing annoyed me so much: Only in Taipei and Kaohsiung does the high-speed rail (THSR) share the main station with the regular trains in the city center. In every other city, the THSR station is way out on the edge of town, so you’ll still need to take a local train or bus to actually reach the city center.

That’s why, personally, I only recommend using the high-speed rail for the Taipei to Kaohsiung route. Otherwise, I think the normal trains make way more sense since they’re way cheaper, still fast enough, and they actually take you right into the city center, where you want to be.

Where to Stay in Taiwan

When visiting Taiwan, I recommend basing yourself in the cities and areas I mentioned above. Taiwan has some amazing hotels for pretty much all budgets.From stunning luxury hotels to small social hostels, from what I’ve seen, Taiwan has pretty much all sorts of accommodations.

One thing to know: A lot of hostels in Taiwan are also used by locals (like for quick overnight stays), so if you’re looking for a more backpacker-style social vibe, definitely do a bit of research first and don’t just book the cheapest hostel you can find.

Here are some of my favorite places I stayed at in Taiwan:

Best Luxury Hotel: Miramar Garden Taipei

Best Mid-Range Hotel: Fullon Hotel Kaohsiung

Best Budget Hotel: Jiufen The Dragon B&B

Best Hostel: Meander Taipei

Food in Taiwan – What to Eat in Taiwan

Food in Taiwan is honestly a whole thing. Like, I’m not being dramatic, if you asked me what my favorite thing about Taiwan is, I’d say the food, no question. Out of all the Asian countries I’ve been to, Taiwan easily has the best food.

I basically structured my entire daily itinerary around where I wanted to eat, what dishes I wanted to try, and which night markets I needed to visit. That might sound funny, but I really think food in Taiwan is such a huge part of the culture and identity of the country. Eating where the locals eat is one of the best ways to get to know Taiwan, and I 100% recommend you do the same.

For pretty much all the major cities, I also put together separate little food guides, definitely check those out if you’re planning your trip.

But to give you a quick idea, here are some of my absolute favorites:

Beef Noodle Soup – This is such a classic. A hearty, rich broth with tender chunks of beef and noodles. To me, it almost tastes like a European beef and pasta dish (maybe that’s why I loved it so much). Fuhong Beef Noodles is a famous local spot in Taipei that’s worth trying, but my favorite was actually Xin Dao Beef Noodle Restaurant in Tainan.

Pepper Pork Buns from Fuzhou Pepper Buns at Raohe Night Market (Taipei): Big buns stuffed with juicy pork, baked in a clay oven. Good lord. Probably my favorite night market snack in all of Taiwan.

Milk Donuts from Crispy Milk Donuts (Taipei): Is it worth waiting 20 minutes in line for donuts? When they’re warm, fluffy, and as insane as these… yes, absolutely.

Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao): Dumplings filled with soup and pork. You poke a hole, slurp the soup, dip them in the soy-vinegar-ginger sauce, then pop them in your mouth. Din Tai Fung is the most famous spot (totally worth going there, it’s a Taiwan original), but my favorite local place was 湯包樂. The food there is so delicious, and the value for money is just amazing.

The Best Time to Visit Taiwan (When I’d go Again)

Alright, so obviously this is just my opinion, but I visited Taiwan in April and honestly, it was already way too hot.

Some days I was literally dreading going out to explore because I knew five minutes into walking around Taipei, I’d be dripping in sweat. I found myself constantly hiding in shopping malls and cafés just to enjoy some AC.

Based on that experience, I’d definitely not recommend visiting in summer, I can’t even imagine how unbearable that must be. Personally, I think the perfect time to visit is in spring, but more around March, when it’s warm but not sweltering yet. That also lines up with cherry blossom season, which is a nice bonus.

Alternatively, I could see October being a great time to visit too. The temperatures would be more comfortable, and you’d probably deal with fewer crowds than in spring.

A lot of people might not recommend winter, but honestly, we had a few colder, rainy days towards the end of my stay in Taipei, and I loved it. Walking around with a jacket and umbrella, grabbing a hot coffee, and slurping steaming bowls of noodle soup, it was actually pretty awesome. I can imagine places like Jiufen and Alishan, with their misty, higher-altitude vibes (and even a bit of snow), would feel super cozy and atmospheric too.

Is Taiwan Safe?

To answer this question quickly, yes, it’s super safe. In fact, Taiwan might be the safest country I’ve ever been to. Of course, like anywhere in the world, there are probably some sketchy areas somewhere, but in all the big cities I visited, I always felt completely safe.

Public transport is super modern, with cameras and good lighting everywhere. Shops, restaurants, and night markets stay open super late, sometimes even 24/7, so it never feels dead or deserted at night.

I remember walking through a night market at 1 or 2am, and there were families, older people, and groups of friends all just hanging out. It always felt lively, and definitely not scary.

Also, to back that up with actual numbers, Taiwan has incredibly low crime rates and often ranks as one of the safest countries in the world.

Budget & Costs in Taiwan

Taiwan definitely sits somewhere in the middle cost-wise, maybe even leaning more toward the affordable side. It’s not as cheap as Vietnam or Indonesia, but it’s nowhere near as pricey as the US, Japan or most of Europe.

I stayed in hostels a lot and ate mostly at local spots, which is honestly where the best food is anyway. Many activities are free, like visiting temples or wandering night markets. Of course, it can add up quickly if you choose fancier hotels or go for pricier experiences.

To make it a bit easier, here’s a rough breakdown of what you might expect to spend per day depending on your travel style:

Travel Style	Daily Budget	Example Expenses
Shoestring	$30–40 USD	Dorm bed, street food, public transport, free sights
Mid-range (my style)	$50–70 USD	Hostel/private room, mix of local & some nicer meals, trains, a few paid activities
Comfortable/luxury	$150+ USD	Nice hotels, fancier meals, private tours, taxis

I probably spent around $40–60 USD per day on average, including everything, accommodation, food, transport, and activities.

So yep, Taiwan can be super affordable if you want, but you can also easily splash out if you feel like it. Up to you!

Solo Travel in Taiwan / Backpacking Taiwan

If you’re doing what I did, visiting Taiwan as part of a bigger Southeast Asia backpacking trip, just know it’s going to feel pretty different from Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, etc. Taiwan doesn’t really have that same classic “backpacker scene” with big party hostels and booze cruises everywhere.

That said, there are backpacker hostels, and you’ll still meet other travelers. The vibe is just more chill and less party-focused. If you want to be social, you can definitely find it, but it’s not as in-your-face as in other parts of Southeast Asia.

Aside from that, I think Taiwan is honestly perfect for solo travel in general. It’s super safe, transport is amazing, it’s pretty affordable, and there’s a ton to do. I actually think Taiwan will blow up even more in the next few years with Western tourists, so I totally recommend going if you want something a bit different from the usual Southeast Asia “banana pancake trail.”

Do I Need a Visa for Taiwan

So I’ll preface this by saying obviously check the official info for your own passport, but for most Western travelers (like EU countries, the US, Canada, Australia, etc.), you actually don’t need a visa if you’re staying in Taiwan for under 90 days. You just show up, get a stamp at immigration, and you’re good to go.

That’s exactly what I did. I didn’t need to do any paperwork beforehand, no e-visa, nothing, super straightforward. If you plan on staying longer than 90 days or working/studying, then obviously you’d need to look into a different visa situation, but for a normal trip or backpacking stop, it’s easy.

Do I Need a Sim Card in Taiwan?

Short answer: yes, 100%.

I personally bought a SIM card right at the airport after landing, which I highly recommend doing because it’s just so convenient. You’ll need internet a lot more than you think, especially in Taiwan where almost no one speaks English and you’ll be using Google Translate constantly (at least I did). Plus, looking up food spots, bus schedules, MRT connections, all of that.

There are multiple providers, but I just went with the first one I saw at the airport kiosk, and it worked great. They’ll even help you set it up on the spot. You can also pre-book one online to pick up at the airport, but honestly, I think just buying it there is easier and not more expensive.

Travel Insurance for Taiwan

I’ve been traveling pretty much full-time for the past 5–7 years, and having travel insurance has always been non-negotiable for me.

Sure, some countries feel “safer” or have fewer extreme activities, but honestly, anything can happen anywhere. Especially in Asia, where you’re riding scooters all the time, going on random hikes, or just trying all sorts of food, I 100% recommend having travel health insurance.

Even in Taiwan, I really think it’s worth it. Food poisoning, slipping on a hike, or getting in a traffic accident can quickly get expensive if you end up in the hospital.

I’ve personally been using SafetyWing for over two years now, and I couldn’t be happier. Their support is super easy to reach, and every claim I’ve made so far was dealt with quickly and smoothly. It’s the travel medical insurance I always recommend.

Learn More: SafetyWing Travel Insurance

Final Thoughts on My Taiwan Travel Guide

I know there is way more to say about Taiwan than only what’s in this guide, but I really hope it gave you a good first glimpse into traveling there and what to expect. Taiwan honestly surprised me in the best way possible, and I’m already excited to come back again someday.

Whether you’re planning to backpack, travel solo, or just eat your way through night markets, I think Taiwan is one of the coolest and most underrated places in Asia right now.

FAQs About my Taiwan Travel Guide

What is the best Taiwan travel guide itinerary?

Honestly, this depends so much on how much time you have and what type of travel you like. But I’d say a mix of Taipei, Jiufen, Tainan, Alishan, and Kaohsiung is a pretty solid start.

Is Taiwan worth visiting?

Absolutely yes. Taiwan is one of the most interesting, friendly, and delicious (yes, that’s important) places I’ve been to.

What are the best things to do in Taiwan?

Night markets, hikes like Teapot Mountain or in Taroko Gorge, temple hopping, checking out Taipei 101, exploring Tainan’s food scene, the list goes on.

Is Taiwan safe?

Yes, it’s honestly one of the safest places I’ve traveled to. I always felt comfortable even at night, and the locals are super helpful.

Is Taiwan expensive?

Taiwan sits somewhere in the middle. Not as cheap as Vietnam or Indonesia, but nowhere near as pricey as Japan or Western Europe. You can definitely travel on a budget here.