Taiwan may be a fairly small island, but it’s packed with an incredible degree of diversity. It’s one of the most densely populated areas in the world, yet has huge tracts of beautiful wilderness. At the same time as being a fantastic destination for fashion and shopping, it’s just as popular for its hiking trails and outdoor pursuits.
The different cities and counties of Taiwan each have their own unique character and culture. Taipei is naturally the most lively and cosmopolitan, while Nantou has the most interesting history, Yilan has the friendliest people and Hsinchu is the most artistic. With the help of an ultra-modern public transport system, getting from one of the island to the other is very easy and affordable, so you can enjoy all of these different destinations and more within a single trip.
Hsinchu is the oldest city in Northern Taiwan, yet is a hub of scientific and technological innovation. The area was originally inhabited by a native tribe called the Taokas some 400 years ago. They named the city “Chuchang”, and it wasn’t until the late 1800s that its name was officially changed to Hsinchu by Emperor Guangxu, launching a very prosperous...
The choice of things to do in Taiwan is excellent, and includes a surprising amount of outdoor activities. Despite being one of the most densely populated places in the world, large areas of the island are still delightfully untouched, especially around Nantou and Yilin counties. You’ll find great hiking trails, fishing spots and even some excellent surfing beaches on the coast.
However, Taiwan is perhaps more famous for the cityscapes of...
Among the best things to do in Taipei are words like “biggest”, “best” and “first” – the city is a world-leader in many ways. There’s also a lot of variety, ensuring that most types of tourist will find something to...
Taiwan’s restaurant and dining scene is growing in popularity across Asia as tiny back-alley outfits grow to become international franchises. On the island itself, virtually every corner restaurant offers a mouth-watering selection of noodles or rice dishes, and will tempt you into trying a morsel of the hot soupy noodles made in every way possible. Notable noodle dishes include the steaming hot Hsinchu rice noodles, Nantou slender noodles and noodle...
Taiwanese cuisine features some really stand-out dishes which have gained global popularity, carrying simple back-alley vendors to international acclaim. To say that noodle dishes are popular in Taiwan is an understatement – there are countless types of noodle dishes in...
Taiwan is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Asia. With its incredible amount of shopping malls, Taipei is a great place to find clothes, fashion accessories, footwear, electronic products and virtually everything available under the sun. Except that you don’t have to be under the sun while you shop – you can enjoy the air-conditioned coolness and modern conveniences.
At the other end of the spectrum, Taiwan is famous...
When it comes to buying souvenirs in Taiwan, it’s very easy to be overwhelmed by the variety of things you can buy. With numerous shopping malls, commercial outlets and night markets in Taiwan, you will quickly find yourself spoiled for...
Taiwan’s nightlife scene is mostly concentrated in Taipei. The array of things you can see and do after dark there will be more than enough to keep you entertained. The pubs and clubs here are of a world-beating standard, and there’s the added entertainment of karaoke lounges, which are especially popular with locals.
Taiwan is also famous for its night markets, and these are just as good in the quieter counties...
The best night markets in Taipei are extremely popular for their great range of local street food, to the point that they are treated more as a dining option than a shopping one. Markets are a common feature throughout Taiwan,...
Taiwan is undoubtedly one of the most famous islands in Asia, thanks to its remarkable people, culture and natural landscapes. While heavily westernised, it helps to know a little Mandarin, Hokkien or Cantonese to make your travels easier. Otherwise, you can stick to English because most of its locals in major cities are well-versed in this language.
The best time to visit Taiwan is during the months between October and December,...
There are 2 Taipei airports, with 1 serving most of the international arrivals while the other is primarily for domestic travel around Taiwan. As is often the case, the city centre airport – Taipei Songshan Airport – is the older...
Tainan
Nantou
Taipei
Kaohsiung
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Pingtung
19 Best Things to Do in Taipei
10 Best Things to Do in Kaohsiung
10 Best Family Things to Do in Taipei
14 Best Things to Do in Tainan
11 Best Places Where Locals Love to Go in Taichung
10 Places Where Locals Love to Go in New Taipei
11 Things to Do in Taipei on a Small Budget
10 Best Places Where Locals Love to Go in Taipei
12 Best Things to do in Hsinchu
15 Best Taiwanese Foods & Dishes
10 Best Local Foods in Taipei
10 Best Tainan Foods Everyone Should Try
14 Taiwanese Souvenirs Your Family Actually Want
5 Best Night Markets in Taipei
20 Best Places to Go Shopping in Taipei
5 Best Night Markets in Taipei
17 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Taipei
3 Best Nightclubs in Taipei
Taipei Airport Information
Weather in Taipei
Getting Around Taipei
