12Go’s Taiwan Travel Guide. Why visit in 2025?
Taiwan is an island in the western Pacific Ocean that is attracted by its mix of high-tech innovation and deep tradition. It’s where neon-lit night markets pulse with life, mountains rise sharply from the sea, and temples stand against a backdrop of skyscrapers.
The island is a world leader in semiconductor production, and its dense forests hide the elusive Taiwan bear. In Taipei, the first cat café opened long before the trend spread worldwide. And in the Alishan mountain area, you can watch the sun rise and set over the ocean.
Why visit Taiwan?
It’s raw and honest and effortlessly blends city energy with nature’s quiet: the steam rising from a bowl of beef noodle soup in a crowded night market, the scent of cypress trees in Alishan’s morning mist, the hum of a high-speed train slicing through green mountains.
It’s an island that moves fast yet knows how to pause, where innovation coexists with centuries-old traditions. It offers a mix of mid-Japanese culture and is inclusive of its culture, which is evident in its architecture, festivals, and cuisine. Taiwan's nightlife, such as Shilin in Taipei, is famous for its street food, including bubble tea, which originated here.
Taiwan is also known for its focus, with much of its land designated as tropical parks or nature reserves. Taiwan is also home to the Taroko Gorge, a huge marble canyon. The beauty here isn’t just in what you see but in what you feel welcomed, intrigued, and alive.
What’s the best time to visit Taiwan?
The best time to visit Taiwan is from October to April when the weather is cooler and drier. Typhoon season runs from June to September, bringing heavy rain and possible disruptions. Spring (March–April) offers cherry blossoms and mild temperatures, while autumn (October–November) is ideal for outdoor trips. If you prefer fewer crowds, avoid major holidays like Lunar New Year.
Transport in Taiwan
Taiwan has the most complete and safe transportation network, caring for people's travel needs. Taiwan has an easy-to-use transport system with trains, buses, and scooters. The High-Speed Rail (HSR) is the fastest way to travel between major cities, while local trains and buses cover smaller areas. The MRT is the best way to get around in Taipei and Kaohsiung, for islands like Lyudao or Lanyu, ferries and small planes are available.
Where to travel in Taiwan?
Taipei
Taipei is a must-see destination in Taiwan that pulls you in with its contrasts: thick incense curling through Longshan Temple, neon lights flickering over street food stalls, and the hum of scooters cutting through humid air.
The city moves at its rhythm, unhurried but alive. You sip oolong tea in a quiet corner of Maokong, then dive into the chaos of Shilin Night Market, where the scent of stinky tofu lingers.
Taipei 101 towers above, but the real views are from a misty peak on Yangmingshan or a rooftop bar where the skyline blurs into midnight. A city that never demands, but always lures you back.
What to do in Taipei?
When in Taipei, skip the usual tourist routes and start your journey at Dihua Street. It’s old Taipei wrapped in tea, incense, and apothecary jars, with hidden cafés where time slows down.
Explore Huashan 1914 for indie films and art installations that feel more like whispers than statements. When the city gets too loud, escape to Yangmingshan. Here, you will find misty trails, sulfuric steam rising from the ground, and a silence that lingers.
Hike up Elephant Mountain for a skyline still waking up. Hunt for the best beef noodle soup, or soak in Beitou’s hot springs, and when night falls, let Shilin or Raohe Night Market pull you into a feast of skewers, dumplings, and too many bubble teas.
Where to go from Taipei?
Taipei to Taichung
Taipei to Kaohsiung
Taipei to Taoyuan Airport
Taipei to Sun Moon Lake
Taipei to Tainan
In Taipei, release a sky lantern on Shifen Old Street and walk along the old railway tracks. You can also walk through the lantern-lit alleyways of Jiufen, sip tea with a view, and get lost in the atmosphere. If you are looking for nightlife and street performances, shop, eat, and people-watch in Ximending.
At Yehliu Geopark, walk among surreal rock formations, take photos, and let the wind and waves set the mood.
Taichung
Taichung is great for food, culture, and outdoor spots. Fengjia Night Market has some of the best street food, while Rainbow Village adds a colorful stop. Sun Moon Lake is a short trip away for scenic views and cycling. The city’s cafes and creative spaces make it a good spot to explore at a slower pace.
Where to go from Taichung?
Taichung to Sun Moon Lake
Taichung to Taipei
Taichung to Taoyuan Airport
Taichung to Kaohsiung
Taichung to Tainan
Tainan
Tainan is Taiwan’s oldest city, known for history and street food. Anping Old Street has local snacks like oyster pancakes and Danzai noodles. Chihkan Tower and Anping Fort look into the city's past. Shennong Street is good for cafes and small shops. It’s a walkable city, but renting a scooter makes exploring easier.
Where to go from Tainan?
Tainan to Taipei
Tainan to Kaohsiung
Tainan to Taichung
Tainan to Chiayi
Sun Moon Lake
Amid the mountains and forests of central Taiwan, this high-altitude lake sparkles, with boat cruises, bike rides, hotels overlooking the water, and breathtaking aerial views from the Ropeway. In spring, look out for the annual Sun Moon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival, the largest such event in Taiwan, with some 5,000 pink cherry trees.
Alishan Forest
Alishan Forest is one of Taiwan’s best spots for mountain views, tea, and sunrise hikes. The Alishan Forest Railway takes you through misty forests, with sunrise at Zhushan being a highlight. Walking trails pass through giant cypress trees and quiet temples. Try Alishan high-mountain tea, grown locally. The area is cooler year-round, making it a good escape from the city.
Taroko National Park
Taroko National Park is known for its marble cliffs, deep gorges, and scenic trails. The Shakadang and Baiyang trails offer easy hikes with great views, while Swallow Grotto has dramatic rock formations. The Eternal Spring Shrine is a popular stop with a waterfall. Rent a scooter or take a bus to explore at your own pace. Go early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
Lyudao
Lyudao (Green Island) is great for snorkeling, diving, and hot springs. The island’s coral reefs are full of marine life, and Zhaori Hot Spring is one of the few seawater hot springs in the world. Rent a scooter to visit spots like the Sleeping Beauty Rock and Little Great Wall. The best time to go is spring or autumn for clear water and fewer crowds. Ferries run from Taitung, but flights are the faster option.
Jiufen
Jiufen isn’t just about lantern-lit alleyways and teahouses. It has a hidden side most visitors miss. Locals say the town’s misty weather isn’t just natural but linked to its past as a gold mining hub, where underground tunnels still snake beneath the surface.
Unlike the tourist-packed Shuqi Road, the Secret 18 Cave Tunnel is a forgotten spot where miners once smuggled gold. If you wander past the usual food stalls, you’ll find a tiny, unmarked teahouse where the owner still grinds his oolong leaves by hand.
And here’s something wild—some believe the town’s eerie, lingering fog isn’t just weather but the spirits of miners who never left.
What to do in Jiufen?
Skip the usual tourist traps and experience Jiufen differently. Visit one of the teahouses that grinds its leaves. Most teahouses serve mass-produced blends, but a few, like one tucked behind a souvenir shop, still grind oolong by hand. They serve a variety of Taiwanese oolong teas and traditional snacks.
Explore the Benshan No. 5 tunnel, Jiufen's mining legacy. For a nominal fee, you can walk through the 200-meter passage and observe wax figures depicting miners' lives during the gold rush.
Explore the Jiufen Gold Mine Museum, where you can learn about the city's mining history, touch a 2,000kg gold bar and view exhibits detailing the gold mining process.
Taiwan Visa Requirements
Taiwan has specific visa requirements based on your nationality. For many countries, Taiwan offers visa-exempt entry for short stays (up to 30 days) for tourism or business purposes.
However, most foreign nationals need a visa for longer stays or if they are not from visa-exempt countries.
Visa-Exempt Countries
Citizens from countries such as the United States, Canada, the EU member states, Japan, South Korea, and several others are allowed to enter Taiwan without a visa for stays of 30 days or less.
This can vary, so it’s always best to check Taiwan’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website for the latest updates.
Food in Taiwan
Taiwan is known for its night markets, street food, and local specialties. Try beef noodle soup, xiao long bao, and lu rou fan (braised pork rice). Oyster omelets and stinky tofu are popular at night markets, especially in Taipei and Tainan. Bubble tea started here, so it’s worth getting from a local shop. If you like desserts, pineapple cakes and taro balls are easy to find.
FAQ
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Is English widely spoken in Taiwan?
In major cities and tourist spots, some people speak English, but it's less common in smaller towns. Google Translate and basic Mandarin phrases help. -
Can I use credit cards everywhere?
Cards work in hotels, malls, and big restaurants, but cash is better for night markets, small shops, and local eateries. -
Is Taiwan safe for travelers?
Yes, Taiwan is one of the safest places to visit. Petty crime is rare, and public transport is reliable even at night.