How to pick the best places to visit in Taiwan

Taiwan’s biggest trap is overpacking your route. It’s tempting because everything looks close on a map, but switching hotels too often burns time. Instead, choose 2–3 bases, then add day trips that match your interests.

• First-timers: Taipei + one central nature stop + one south city.
• Nature lovers: east coast + central mountains + a short Taipei stay.
• Food-focused: Taipei + Tainan (then Kaohsiung if you want beaches and ports).
• Short trip (4–6 days): Taipei as your base with 2–3 day trips.

15 places to travel in Taiwan (with what they’re best for)

1) Taipei

Taipei is the easiest starting point: iconic skyline views, neighborhood cafés, and night markets that are genuinely world-class. It also works as a hub for day trips, which is perfect if you don’t want to move hotels every other night.

• Best for: city energy, food, museums, day trips
• Don’t miss: a night market, a viewpoint, and a slow neighborhood day

2) Jiufen

Jiufen is a classic day trip from Taipei for scenery and atmosphere. Go on a weekday if you can, and don’t rush—half the point is wandering.

3) Shifen

Shifen is often paired with Jiufen. It’s a simple add-on that makes the day feel fuller without adding complexity.

4) Yangmingshan National Park

This is your “I want nature but I don’t want a long journey” option. Hot springs, trails, and views—close enough to do as a half-day.

5) Hualien

Hualien is a key gateway to Taiwan’s dramatic east coast landscapes. It’s worth at least one overnight if you want to start early for nature.

6) Taroko area (for scenery)

If you’re building a Taiwan nature itinerary, this region is usually on it. Plan early starts, and always check local conditions before setting out.

7) Sun Moon Lake

A calmer, more reflective stop in the center of the island—good for biking, lakeside walks, and a slower day between cities.

8) Alishan

Alishan is a high-mountain escape with cooler air and famous viewpoints. It’s especially satisfying if you’ve been doing city heat and want a reset.

9) Taichung

Taichung is a comfortable mid-island city stop—useful as a base and easy to fit into an itinerary if you’re traveling north to south.

10) Tainan

Tainan is the food-and-history capital for many travelers. If you like older streets, temples, and “eat all day” energy, this is your city.

• Best for: street food, temples, heritage neighborhoods
• Good to know: it’s a place to wander, not rush

11) Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung is more spacious and modern-feeling, with a strong waterfront vibe. It’s a great south base, especially if you want a less hectic city experience.

12) Kenting

For beaches and warm-weather travel, Kenting is the obvious pick. It’s a good “end of trip” destination when you want to slow down.

13) Taitung

Taitung is a quieter east coast option—good for travelers who want fewer crowds and more open landscapes.

14) East Coast scenic route (coastal stops)

If you can spare time, the east coast is where Taiwan feels most “wild.” Even a short stretch of coastal travel adds a totally different texture to your trip.

15) Local night markets (everywhere)

Night markets aren’t one destination. They’re a travel strategy. Plan to visit more than one, and treat them like a progressive dinner. Try something, walk, repeat. Simple.

Sample Taiwan itineraries (realistic, not exhausting)

5 days (Taipei base + day trips)

• Days 1–3: Taipei (night markets, neighborhoods, viewpoints)
• Day 4: Jiufen + Shifen
• Day 5: nature half-day (park/hot springs) + departure

8–9 days (Taipei + central nature + Tainan)

• Days 1–3: Taipei
• Days 4–5: Sun Moon Lake or Alishan
• Days 6–8: Tainan (food + temples)
• Day 9: buffer day or Kaohsiung add-on

10–12 days (Taipei + east coast + south)

• Days 1–3: Taipei
• Days 4–6: Hualien + east coast scenery
• Days 7–9: Tainan
• Days 10–12: Kaohsiung + Kenting (if beach time matters)

A practical tip: build your itinerary around morning travel. Taiwan days are best in late afternoon and evening—especially for night markets—so don’t waste those hours on transit.

Getting around Taiwan (the basics you’ll actually use)

Taiwan is friendly for independent travel. In cities, public transport and taxis are easy. Between cities, trains and buses handle most routes. The only thing that consistently saves time is having reliable mobile data for routing and real-time changes.

• In cities: metro systems where available + walking.
• Between cities: trains are usually the easiest for north–south movement.
• For nature areas: tours, buses, or private transport depending on location.
• Navigation: save hotel addresses and key stops offline as a backup.

Stay connected while traveling Taiwan with a Zetsim eSIM

Taiwan is the kind of destination where you’ll constantly use your phone: maps for day trips, translation for menus, booking confirmations, and figuring out the “right entrance” to stations and attractions. Wi‑Fi helps, but mobile data keeps the trip smooth.

Why a travel eSIM is the simplest option

• No need to swap a physical SIM.
• Install before you fly so you can get online quickly after landing.
• Use data for navigation, messaging, and travel planning across the island.

Quick setup checklist

• Confirm your phone is eSIM-capable and carrier-unlocked.
• Install your Zetsim eSIM on stable Wi‑Fi before departure.
• On arrival, set the eSIM as your Mobile Data line.

eSIM reference: GSMA eSIM overview.

Build your Taiwan route, then travel with flexibility

Taiwan rewards travelers who plan just enough: pick a few great bases, leave room for night markets and side streets, and stay connected so you can adapt in real time. Zetsim helps with the connectivity part—so you can focus on the trip.