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Must See Places & Best Things To Do in Taiwan

  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read

There’s something instantly captivating about Taiwan. Maybe it’s the night markets that hum with life until 2am. Maybe it’s the mountain ranges that rise behind neon-lit cityscapes. Or maybe it’s the way traditional temples sit comfortably beside cutting-edge technology hubs.


Taiwan is compact, easy to navigate, incredibly safe, and packed with culture, food, and natural beauty. Whether you’re here for street eats, hiking, hot springs, or bubble tea, this guide covers the best places to visit in Taiwan plus practical tips to make your trip seamless.


So… have you packed your bags for Taiwan yet?


Scenes of Taipei Tower

Best Places to Visit in Taiwan for Food, Culture and More


Street Food and Skyline Views in Taipei

Taipei is where most travellers begin, and for good reason. Taiwan’s capital blends modern efficiency with rich cultural heritage.


Best foodie finds in Taipei

Taipei’s night markets are legendary.

  • Must-try: Beef noodle soup, Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), stinky tofu (if you’re brave), and bubble tea.

  • Where to go: Shilin Night Market, Raohe Night Market, Yongkang Street for dumplings.

During the day, visit Longshan Temple or hike Elephant Mountain for skyline views of Taipei 101.


Getting around like a local in Taipei

Taipei’s MRT (metro system) is one of the cleanest and most efficient in the world. Trains are punctual, signs are bilingual, and stations are easy to navigate.


"Quick connectivity tip: Google Maps works extremely well in Taiwan, but you’ll need data underground in MRT stations. Having a Taiwan travel eSIM means you can navigate transport maps, translate menus, and order rides without searching for public Wi-Fi.Many travellers choose E.Tel Travel eSIM for quick QR activation and flexible data plans before landing."


Culture and Lanterns in Tainan

Tainan is Taiwan’s oldest city and its cultural heart.


Busy market in Tainan with lanterns

Culture, landmarks, and local vibe

Once the island’s capital, Tainan is full of temples, traditional architecture, and centuries-old alleyways.

  • Don’t miss: Anping Fort, Chihkan Tower.

  • Local tip: Visit during sunset when lanterns glow and temples feel especially magical.

What to eat in Tainan

Tainan is often called Taiwan’s food capital.

  • Try: Danzai noodles, milkfish soup, coffin bread.

  • Street food here is slightly sweeter than in the north. A regional twist locals are proud of.


Mountains and Marble Cliffs in Hualien

If you love nature, head east.

Hualien is the gateway to Taroko Gorge, one of Taiwan’s most breathtaking natural attractions.


Mountains and Marble Cliffs in Hualien

Must-do experiences

  • Hike through marble canyons in Taroko National Park.

  • Cycle along the Qingshui Cliffs coastline.

  • Soak in local hot springs after a long hike.

Signal can drop in mountainous areas, so downloading offline maps in advance is helpful.


Harbour Views and Street Art in Kaohsiung

In southern Taiwan, Kaohsiung offers a more relaxed, artistic vibe.


Harbour Views and Street Art in Kaohsiung

Street food and waterfront walks

  • Explore Liuhe Night Market.

  • Visit Pier-2 Art Center for murals and creative spaces.

  • Take a ferry to Cijin Island for seafood and beach views.

Kaohsiung feels more spacious than Taipei and is great for slow, scenic exploring.


Cultural Etiquette and Smart Tips for Travelling in Taiwan

Taiwanese people are friendly, helpful, and respectful and small gestures go a long way.


Blending in respectfully

  • Do: Queue patiently, speak softly on public transport, offer seats to elderly passengers.

  • Avoid: Talking loudly on MRT trains.

  • Helpful phrase: “Xie xie” (Thank you).

Taiwan values politeness and community awareness.


What to Pack for Taiwan

Taiwan’s weather varies by season but is generally humid.

  • Bring: Lightweight clothing, umbrella (rain showers are common), portable power bank, comfortable walking shoes.

  • Weather note: Summers are hot and humid. Winters are mild but damp.

  • Money tip: Cash is still common at night markets, though cards are widely accepted in cities.

  • Health/safety: Tap water is technically treated but most locals drink filtered or bottled water.


Staying Connected in Taiwan (Without Roaming Shock)

Taiwan has excellent mobile infrastructure, with strong 4G and expanding 5G coverage in:

  • Taipei

  • Taichung

  • Tainan

  • Kaohsiung


While public Wi-Fi exists in some MRT stations and convenience stores, it’s not always reliable for full navigation or ticket booking.


If you want seamless access to:

  • Maps

  • Ride-hailing apps

  • High-speed rail tickets

  • Translation apps

  • Restaurant bookings


A travel eSIM for Taiwan is often the easiest option.

  • Install before departure

  • Avoid airport SIM lines

  • Keep your primary SIM active

  • Choose flexible data options

Tip: Install the eSIM while connected to Wi-Fi before flying so it activates automatically when you land.


Final Thoughts

Taiwan is a destination that blends culture, cuisine, and convenience beautifully. From the neon-lit night markets of Taipei to the marble cliffs of Taroko Gorge, every corner offers something memorable.

With a little planning and reliable mobile data, exploring Taiwan becomes even smoother.

If you’re building your Taiwan itinerary for 2026, make sure your connectivity plan is sorted before departure so you can focus on discovering everything this island has to offer.

 
 
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