The Ultimate Guide to Taiwan’s Top Places and Experiences

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Taiwan’s top places and experiences, ensuring reliable communication while immersing yourself in the island’s stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique attractions.

Taiwan packs a remarkable variety of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and modern conveniences into a compact space. This 14,000-square-mile island, about the size of Maryland, offers a tantalising blend of Chinese, Japanese, and indigenous influences shaped by its complex history. Today, Taiwan is a vibrant democracy and economic powerhouse, renowned for its bustling night markets, soaring mountains, and some of the friendliest people you’ll meet.

Places to Visit in Taiwan

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is a bustling metropolis known for its blend of modernity and tradition. Key attractions include the iconic Taipei 101, vibrant night markets, and historic temples like Longshan. The city offers rich culinary experiences, scenic parks, and cultural sites, making it a diverse destination for travellers.

Taipei 101

No list of Taiwan places to visit is complete without seeing Taipei 101, the island’s tallest building and an icon of the capital city. Take the world’s fastest elevator to the 89th-floor observation deck for sweeping views over Taipei. This activity is one of its kind and the best thing to do in Taipei, Taiwan. At the base of the tower, the multilevel mall features hundreds of stores and restaurants, including the flagship Din Tai Fung, famed for its xiao long bao (soup dumplings).

National Palace Museum

Home to the world’s greatest collection of Chinese art, this vast museum deserves a full day to explore. The nearly 700,000 artefacts span 8,000 years of history, from ancient jade carvings to paintings and calligraphy from the imperial collections. Highlights include the intricately carved Jadeite Cabbage and the Meat-Shaped Stone, which looks uncannily like a chunk of braised pork belly.

Sun Moon Lake

This serene lake in central Taiwan is the island’s largest body of water, a popular weekend getaway, and a must on the list of places to visit in Taiwan. Rent a bike and pedal around the shore, hike nearby trails, or take a boat tour to tiny Lalu Island. The area is also known for its high-quality black tea and aboriginal culture, especially of the Thao people.

Other Notable Taipei Attractions

Things to Do in Taipei, Taiwan

Soak in a Hot Spring

Thanks to its volcanic geology, Taiwan boasts an abundance of natural hot springs. The most famous is at Beitou, on the outskirts of Taipei, where you can soak in public baths or the more upscale springs of a luxury hotel. Further afield, the Ruisui Hot Springs in Hualien and Guanziling Hot Springs near Chiayi are also worth a visit.

Explore the Night Markets

Taiwan’s night markets are a sensory feast, with sizzling grills, bright lights, and a cacophony of sounds. They’re the best place to sample cheap and delicious street food, like oyster omelettes, stinky tofu, and flame-torched beef cubes. Shilin Night Market in Taipei is the largest and most famous, but Tainan’s Flower Night Market and Fengjia Night Market in Taichung are also top places to visit in Taiwan.

Hike in Taroko National Park

This stunning park on Taiwan’s east coast is a must-see place to visit in Taiwan for nature lovers. The main draw is the 12-mile-long Taroko Gorge, a steep marble canyon carved by the Liwu River. Hikes range from easy walks to challenging treks, like the Zhuilu Old Trail, which follows a narrow cliff face high above the gorge.

Eat Your Way Through Taiwan

Taiwanese cuisine is a delicious blend of Chinese, Japanese, and aboriginal influences, emphasising fresh seafood, local produce, and bold flavours. Here are some dishes you won’t want to miss while you are touring Taiwan places of interest:

• Beef noodle soup: Taiwan’s national dish, with tender beef and chewy noodles in a rich broth

• Gua bao: Fluffy steamed buns filled with braised pork belly, pickled mustard greens, and peanut powder

• Oyster omelette: A savoury pancake studded with plump oysters and topped with a sweet and tangy sauce

• Pineapple cake: Buttery shortbread filled with candied pineapple, a popular souvenir

• Bubble tea: Invented in Taiwan, this sweet tea drink with chewy tapioca pearls comes in endless flavours

Where to Stay in Taiwan

Taiwan offers accommodations for every budget, from simple guesthouses to five-star hotels. In Taipei, the lively Ximending area is a good base for shopping and nightlife, while the upscale Xinyi district puts you close to Taipei 101 and high-end malls. For a more low-key experience, consider staying in Tamsui, a historic port town on the city’s outskirts.

Getting Around Taiwan

Taiwan has an efficient and affordable public transportation system, making it easy to get around without a car. The high-speed rail connects major cities along the west coast, while the slower but more scenic train is a good option for the east coast. In Taipei, the MRT subway system is clean, safe, and easy to navigate, with signage in English and Mandarin.

Stay Connected in Taiwan with Airtel’s Postpaid International Roaming Plans

Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Taipei, soaking in a hot spring, or hiking in the mountains, Taiwan offers a wealth of experiences for every type of traveller. With its friendly locals, delicious food, and stunning scenery, it’s no wonder this small island has become a big destination. Start planning your Taiwan places to visit and things to do today—you won’t be disappointed.

One final tip for travellers to Taiwan: consider getting an international roaming plan for your mobile phone. While free Wi-Fi is widely available, having reliable data access can be a lifesaver when navigating unfamiliar streets or looking up translations on the go. Airtel’s postpaid international roaming plans offer affordable options for high-speed data and calling across Taiwan, so you can stay connected with loved ones back home and make the most of your trip.