Taiwan holidays
Located off the coast of China, Taiwan leans hard into its independent spirit with fun festivals, thriving night markets and one of East Asia’s most inventive food scenes. A perfect holiday to Taiwan might start in its rapidly developing capital, Taipei, then move to a laid-back surf town. Throw in hot springs, mountain hikes and black-sand beaches, and you’ve got a getaway to remember.
Top destinations in Taiwan
Taipei
Ancient traditions meet 21st-century sizzle in Taiwan’s mesmerising capital, home to sacred memorials, ornate temples and some of the tastiest street food in Asia.
Tainan
Taiwan’s former capital is a hub for food, culture and history. Admire mystical temples, explore art-filled neighbourhoods and sample sizzling street food at night markets.
Kaohsiung
Ornate pagodas meet bubble tea cafes and public art installations in this Taiwanese port city. Don’t let the laid-back vibes fool you — Kaohsiung has some of the country’s top attractions.
Taiwan: fast facts
Language
Mandarin Chinese
Currency
New Taiwan dollar (NT$)
Time Zone
UTC+8 (CST)
Taiwan holiday highlights
Night markets
Eating your way through the island’s bustling night markets is one of the best things to do in Taiwan. Tuck into delicacies like oyster omelettes, cups of fragrant noodle soup, buns stuffed with pork belly and doughy balls of mochi. You can find them all over Taiwan, but some of the best are in Taipei. The famous Shilin and Nanjichang markets are good starting points.
Hot springs
People come to Taiwan just to soak in its many thermal hot springs. The Beitou District of Taipei is filled with soaking options, from public pools to high-end resorts. In the southwest, Guanziling is known for its muddy springs. And the Zhaori Hot Springs, located on Green Island off Taiwan’s eastern coast, are fed by the Pacific Ocean.
Temple architecture
You don’t have to go far to see some of Taiwan’s most beautiful temples. A waterfall decorates the courtyard of the ornate Longshan Temple in Taipei. And the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond are both a stunning sight. The Fairy Cave Temple in Keelung dwells within a network of caverns. Always be respectful when visiting — these are active sites of worship.
Things to do in Taiwan
Top attractions
Zoom up Taipei 101 for dramatic 360-degree views of the city from the observatory, or walk the deck on the 101st floor. Take the ferry across Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County to explore historic temples and Indigenous villages. Slather on a mud mask at Guanziling Hot Spring in Tainan — the mineral-rich waters are said to have health and beauty benefits.
Beaches
Whether you’re a surfer, kayaker or just want to grab some rays, the beaches in Taiwan answer the call. If you’re based in Taipei, take the 80-minute drive to Fulong Beach for lazy paddles in calm water. Dip your toes in soft, black volcanic sand at Wai’ao Beach on the northeast coast. And catch surf waves on the tropical shores of Kenting, on Taiwan’s southern tip.
Nature
Taiwan boasts a wide variety of natural wonders, from soaring peaks to pristine pools, many connected by trails that make hikers drool. Explore Taiwan’s highest peak at Yushan National Park, or head to the misty Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area to see a raging waterfall. Some of the better parks here require permits, so do your research ahead of time or consider joining an organised tour.
Culture and museums
Don’t miss the incredible museums in Taiwan. Explore nearly 700,000 pieces of Chinese art at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. At the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung, you can see a preserved giant squid. For a more immersive experience, visit Jiufen Village outside of Taipei, which has been preserved to look like it did when it was a gold-mining hub.
Cuisine
Taiwan’s cuisine is a beautiful hotchpotch of Chinese, Japanese and Indigenous influences. Seek out tasty dishes like hot pot, scallion pancakes and beef noodle soup for a taste of the traditional. If you’re looking for something special, there are dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants in Taiwan to choose from. Tea is huge here. Take a plantation tour to taste it at its source.
Family friendly
Explore Taiwan’s aquatic diversity at the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in Kenting. Even picky eaters will love the covered arcade packed with games at Taipei’s Shilin Night Market. Fans of all things ‘ke ai’ (cute) will love the cafes and shops dedicated to adorable cartoon mascots, such as Taichung’s Bugcat Capoo House.
Find the best time to visit Taiwan
Weather in Taiwan
March – May: By April, the water around Taiwan is warm enough to swim comfortably. The monsoon season begins in mid-May, bringing heavy thunderstorms, especially in the south.
June – August: Summer is hot, with temps usually above 32°C and lots of humidity. Typhoon season peaks from July to September.
September – November: Once the rains stop, autumn is one of the best times to visit Taiwan. The weather is sunny and not too humid, and the blooming silvergrass signals cooler days.
December – February: Things stay mild with temperatures usually below 21°C, making this a great time to visit hot springs. While nights can be chilly and the mountains occasionally see snow, it rarely drops below freezing in the cities.
Events in Taiwan
Taiwan Lantern Festival (February or March): This celebration marking the end of the Lunar New Year is one of the most iconic events in Taiwan. In Pingxi, thousands of glowing lanterns carry New Year wishes into the sky.
Daija Mazu Pilgrimage (March): Every year, thousands of worshippers honour Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea, with a nine-day pilgrimage from Taichung to Xingang. The journey is filled with chanting, fireworks and vibrant displays of devotion.
Penghu International Fireworks Festival (May to July): Between dazzling fireworks, musical performances and stalls packed with local treats, this summer spectacle delights all your senses. Grab a seat in Guanyinting Park, or watch the show from a harbour cruise.
Know before you go
Getting around Taiwan
Public transportation
Buses: A network of bus routes runs along Taiwan’s west coast from Taipei to Kaohsiung. Service to and along the east side of the island is less frequent. Tourist shuttles also connect train stations to popular destinations like Sun Moon Lake and hot springs.
Trains: Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) and Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) operate up and down the coasts. THSR makes the trip between Taipei and Kaohsiung in only 90 minutes. Small tourist trains, like the Alishan Forest Railway, are a relaxing way to get around the countryside.
Boats: Ferries run to Xiaoliuqiu year-round, but other routes are seasonal. Service may be delayed or cancelled due to weather.
Domestic flights
With high-speed rail and affordable buses, you don’t need to book domestic flights on the main island. However, flying can be a good way to visit islands like Kinmen and Penghu. UNI Air and Mandarin Airlines run domestic routes from Songshan Airport.
Driving
Many visitors find driving in Taiwan challenging. Traffic is heavy in cities, with lots of scooters sharing the road. However, a car can be helpful for exploring the eastern side of the island, where public transport is less frequent. Some travellers hire a private chauffeur for sightseeing.
