Popular Places to Visit in Taiwan for First-Time Travelers

Before you go: Opening hours, ticket prices, transportation schedules and road conditions may change. Always check the latest information from the official attraction or transportation provider before your visit.

In This Guide

1. Taipei: Landmarks, History and Night Markets
2. Jiufen: Old Streets and a Mountain Town Day Trip
3. Sun Moon Lake: Boats, Cycling and Cable Car Views
4. Hualien: East Coast Scenery and Taroko Updates
5. Alishan: Forest Railway and Mountain Scenery
6. Tainan: Historic Sites, Old Streets and City Walks
7. Kaohsiung: Harbor Views, Art and the Coast
8. Kenting: Lighthouses, Beaches and the Aquarium
9. How to Plan Your Taiwan Trip by Number of Days
10. How to Choose a Taiwan Souvenir
11. Taiwan Travel FAQ

Taipei 101

• Getting there: Take the Taipei MRT Red Line to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station.
• Shopping mall: No admission ticket is required.
• Observatory: A ticket is required, with prices depending on the package and booking channel.
• Reference opening hours: Around 11:00 AM–9:30 PM. Check the observatory website for the latest admission time.
• Suggested visit: About 1.5–2 hours.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

• Getting there: Take the MRT to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station.
• Outdoor grounds: Free to enter.
• Exhibition areas: Generally free.
• Reference opening hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM.
• Opening areas may change during exhibitions, maintenance or special events.

Elephant Mountain

• Getting there: Take the MRT to Xiangshan Station, then walk to the trailhead.
• Opening hours: The outdoor trail is generally accessible throughout the day.
• Admission: Free.
• Suggested visit: Around 1.5–2 hours round trip, depending on your route and fitness level.
• Tip: There are many stairs, so avoid the hottest part of the day in summer and bring water.

Raohe Night Market

• Getting there: Take the MRT to Songshan Station.
• Admission: Free. Food and shopping are paid separately.
• Opening hours: Individual stalls vary, with most activity beginning in the evening.
• Suggested visit: About 1–2 hours.

Getting from Taipei to Jiufen

• Take a train to Ruifang Station, then transfer to a local bus to Jiufen.
• Direct buses also operate from areas near Zhongxiao Fuxing, Ximending and Beimen.
• For small groups, a taxi or private car may be more convenient.
• Weekend traffic can be heavy in the afternoon and evening, so leave extra time for the return trip.

Jiufen Old Street

• Admission: Free.
• Opening hours: Individual shops vary, and some begin closing in the evening.
• Suggested visit: Around 2–3 hours.
• Tip: Stone steps can become slippery when it rains, so wear shoes with good grip.

Shengping Theater

• Admission: Generally free, except for certain special events.
• Opening hours: Follow the latest Gold Museum announcement.
• There may be scheduled closing days, so check before visiting.

Gold Museum

• Getting there: Take a local bus from Jiufen toward Jinguashi.
• Some outdoor areas may be free, while certain exhibitions or experiences may require tickets.
• Check the official Gold Museum website for current opening hours, closing days and ticket prices.

Shifen Day Trip

• Shifen can be combined with Jiufen as a full-day trip from Taipei.
• Popular stops include Shifen Old Street and Shifen Waterfall.
• Jiufen and Shifen are not within walking distance, so allow enough time for train, bus, taxi or tour transfers.
• If you visit both in one day, start early and avoid adding too many extra stops.

Getting to Sun Moon Lake

• Take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Sun Moon Lake Route from Taichung HSR Station or central Taichung.
• From Shuishe, you can continue by lake bus, boat or rental bicycle.
• If you plan to visit several locations around the lake, check schedules in advance so you do not miss the last bus or boat.

Xiangshan Visitor Center

• Admission: Free.
• Public areas are accessible, while indoor service hours follow on-site announcements.
• From Shuishe, you can travel by shuttle bus, bicycle or car.
• The Xiangshan Bikeway is suitable for leisure cycling, but always watch for other visitors and weather conditions.

Sun Moon Lake Boat Cruise

• Main piers include Shuishe, Xuanguang Temple and Ita Thao.
• Tickets are required. One-way, round-trip and package prices may differ.
• Schedules can be affected by seasons, fog, wind, waves or special-event restrictions.
• Confirm the stops, last departure and return route before boarding.

Sun Moon Lake Ropeway

• Location: Near Ita Thao and accessible by walking or local transportation.
• Reference hours: Weekdays 10:30 AM–4:00 PM; weekends and holidays 10:00 AM–4:30 PM.
• Maintenance is generally scheduled on the first Wednesday of each month, but always check the latest announcement.
• Reference round-trip adult fare: NT$380. Actual fares should be confirmed at the time of purchase.
• The last cable car is earlier than many evening activities around the lake, so avoid leaving it too late in the day.

Check Official Sun Moon Lake Transportation Information →

Important: Some Taroko attractions listed above may still be closed or have restricted access. Inclusion in this list does not mean they are currently open. Always check the latest Taroko National Park and road-condition announcements before planning your visit.

Qixingtan Beach

• Getting there: Take a bus, taxi or rental vehicle from Hualien Station.
• Opening hours: The outdoor coastal area is generally accessible throughout the day.
• Admission: Free.
• Safety: Waves can be powerful and the shore drops off quickly. Avoid getting too close to the water or entering the sea.

Dongdamen Night Market

• Getting there: Take a bus or taxi from Hualien Station.
• Admission: Free. Food and shopping are paid separately.
• Opening hours: Individual stalls vary, with most opening in the evening.
• Suggested visit: About 1–2 hours.

Pine Garden

• Opening hours, closing days and admission fees may apply.
• Check the latest official information before visiting.

Not All Taroko Attractions Have Reopened

Access to Taroko Gorge remains limited, and many trails and scenic areas may still be closed or under restoration.

Shakadang Trail, Eternal Spring Shrine, Swallow Grotto and Tunnel of Nine Turns should not be added to your itinerary based only on older travel guides. Public transportation between Taroko Visitor Center and Tianxiang may also be limited.

Before visiting, check:

• Highway 8 road conditions and traffic controls
• Trail and attraction opening status
• Bus and shuttle services
• Weather, rockfall and safety notices

If mountain conditions are unsuitable, consider Qixingtan, Hualien City, Liyu Lake or other confirmed open attractions instead.

Getting to Alishan

• You can transfer to a bus from Chiayi Railway Station or Chiayi HSR Station.
• Forest railway schedules, operating sections and booking rules should be checked in advance.
• Mountain transportation is limited, so confirm your return trip before heading up.

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area

• An admission ticket is required.
• Ticket prices vary by visitor category, transportation method and discount eligibility.
• Opening and ticketing hours may change seasonally.
• Sunrise train schedules depend on daily weather and sunrise time, and separate tickets are required.

Forest Railway Branch Lines

• Zhushan, Sacred Tree and Zhaoping line schedules may change.
• Check the official railway booking system and current operating notices before departure.
• Services may be suspended because of typhoons, heavy rain, rockfalls or maintenance.

Taiping Suspension Bridge note: Taiping Suspension Bridge is located in Meishan, Chiayi, and is not inside the Alishan National Forest Recreation Area. If you want to include both in the same trip, allow additional road travel time.

Anping Old Street

• Getting there: Take a city bus from Tainan Railway Station.
• Admission: Free.
• Opening hours: Individual businesses vary, with most activity from daytime into early evening.
• Anping Tree House and Anping Fort can be visited in the same area.

Anping Tree House

• An admission ticket is required.
• Opening hours and last ticketing time apply.
• Suggested visit: Around 1–1.5 hours.
• Check the latest official ticket prices before visiting.

Chihkan Tower

• Getting there: Take a bus or taxi from Tainan Railway Station.
• An admission ticket is required.
• Some areas may be restricted during restoration work.
• Check current opening hours, ticket prices and construction notices before visiting.

Shennong Street and Guohua Street

• The streets themselves are free to visit.
• Individual shops keep different hours, and some open later in the afternoon or evening.
• Shennong Street is still a residential area, so keep noise down and respect private property while taking photos.

Pier-2 Art Center

• Getting there: Take the MRT to Yanchengpu Station or use the light rail.
• Outdoor areas: Free.
• Indoor exhibitions: Some require tickets and individual venue hours vary.
• Suggested visit: Around 2–3 hours.

Cijin Island

• Getting there: Take the MRT to Sizihwan Station, walk to Gushan Ferry Pier and take the ferry.
• The ferry requires a fare, and electronic payment may be available according to current local rules.
• Cijin's streets and coastline are free to explore, while some facilities charge separately.
• Expect longer ferry lines on weekends.

Lotus Pond and Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

• Travel from Zuoying, Xinzuoying or nearby MRT stations by bus or taxi.
• The outdoor lake area is free.
• Access to individual buildings may depend on restoration work and current announcements.

Liuhe Night Market

• Getting there: Take the MRT to Formosa Boulevard Station.
• Admission: Free.
• Most stalls operate in the evening, but hours vary by vendor.

Getting to Kenting

• From Zuoying HSR Station, take the Kenting Express or another intercity bus.
• Once on the Hengchun Peninsula, use local buses, shuttles, taxis or rental transportation.
• Bus intervals can be long, so avoid trying to visit too many widely separated attractions in one day.

Eluanbi Lighthouse & Eluanbi Park

• Reference hours from April to September: 6:30 AM–6:30 PM.
• Reference hours from October to March: 7:00 AM–5:30 PM.
• Reference adult ticket: NT$60; reduced ticket: NT$30.
• Parking fees are separate.
• Always confirm current prices and hours with Kenting National Park before visiting.

Check Kenting National Park Ticket Information →

Maobitou Park

• An admission ticket is required.
• The reference adult price provided is NT$30.
• Parking fees are separate.
• The coastal area can be very windy, so secure hats and loose belongings.

South Bay, Baisha Beach and Longpan Park

• Outdoor areas generally do not charge a standard admission fee.
• Parking, showers, umbrellas and water activities may cost extra.
• Choose legal water-activity operators and always pay attention to sea conditions, wind and warning flags.

National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium

• An admission ticket is required.
• Opening hours and ticket prices may vary by season, visitor category and activity package.
• The museum is large, so allow at least half a day.
• From Hengchun or Kenting, additional bus or shuttle transportation is required.

Remember that transportation time includes more than the actual train or bus journey. Waiting, transfers, hotel check-in and packing all take time. Staying at least one or two nights in each region usually makes the trip much more comfortable.

Looking for More Taiwan Souvenir Ideas?

Explore souvenirs inspired by Taiwanese cities, landmarks, railways and everyday travel memories, and bring home a small piece of the places you enjoyed most.

How many days do you need for a first trip to Taiwan?

For a first visit, 5–7 days gives you enough time to explore around two main regions without rushing too much. If you only have 3–4 days, staying in Taipei and adding one nearby day trip is usually more practical.

Do I have to visit Taipei on my first trip to Taiwan?

No, but Taipei is one of the easiest cities for first-time independent travelers because transportation is convenient and many attractions are close together. If you prefer nature, southern Taiwan or a slower itinerary, you can choose other regions based on your flights and interests.

Can I visit Taipei, Hualien, Alishan and Kenting in one trip?

Yes, but you will need a longer trip. These destinations are spread across different parts of Taiwan. If you only have 5–7 days, trying to visit all of them will involve a lot of travel time. With 8–10 days or more, three major regions are generally easier to manage.

Do I need to rent a car in Taiwan?

Not necessarily. Taipei and Kaohsiung are easy to explore using MRT and public transportation. Jiufen, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan and Kenting may require buses, Taiwan Tourist Shuttle routes, local transfers or other transportation depending on your itinerary.

Can I visit Taroko Gorge now?

Access to parts of Taroko may still be affected by road conditions, trail closures and restoration work. Do not rely on older itineraries alone. Always check the latest Taroko National Park and road authority announcements before your visit.

You Don't Have to See All of Taiwan on Your First Trip

Taiwan may look small on the map, but every region has a very different travel rhythm.

Taipei is great for city exploration, Jiufen offers mountain-town scenery, Sun Moon Lake is perfect for slowing down by the water, Hualien brings you closer to Taiwan's east coast, and Alishan is known for forests and railways. Farther south, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Kenting combine historic streets, harbor views and tropical coastline.

On your first visit, you do not have to complete the whole island. Leave a few places for your next trip, and give yourself enough time to really remember the places you do visit.

Small Souvenirs, Special Stories.