tainan city tourism

70 Things to Do in Tainan, Taiwan’s Ancient Capital

Dear reader: This article contains links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you.

Tainan is the original capital of Taiwan and one of the country’s most culturally rewarding destinations. Nicknamed “Phoenix City” after its shape and its phoenix trees, Tainan is famous for its historic sights and considered the food capital of Taiwan .

Some of the top things to do in Tainan city center including touring the city’s historic temples and artsy lanes and districts. A hop over to Anping District , with its forts and famous treehouse, is also a must, while Tainan’s night markets are mostly found outside the city center, too.

Further afield (keeping in mind that ever since 2010, “Tainan City” now encompasses all of what used to be “Tainan County”), there are worthwhile Tainan day trips to impressive salt fields, mud hot springs, and the fear-inducing Yanshui fireworks festival.

Below I’ll cover the top attractions in Tainan City Center (West Central District), North and South District, Anping, Annan, and other places to visit around Tainan, based on multiple visits I’ve made over my past decade-plus of living in Taiwan , including most recently in mid-2022. For more general info about visiting, see my guide to Tainan .

You can find lots of discounts for Tainan activities and attractions on Klook, such as this Tainan historical sights pass . If you sign up with my referral link first, you’ll get NTD100 off your first booking!

Table of Contents

Getting to Tainan

From Taipei, the regular (TRA) train takes 3-4 hours, and seats can be reserved 2 weeks in advance. The TRA station is conveniently located in the Tainan city center, walking distance from the main sights.

By taking the High Speed Rail to Tainan, you can get there in 1.5-2 hours, but it will cost around twice as much. You can order discounted HSR tickets to Tainan and read how to reserve seats with them here , up to 28 days in advance. It’s also important to note that the Tainan HSR station is well out of the city center, to the southeast.

Upon arrival at the HSR station, simply hop onto the regular train at Shalun Station (it’s connected by a walkway to the HSR station – it takes less than 5 minutes to transfer). The local train from Shalun to Tainan TRA station takes 22 minutes; almost the same as a taxi, but a fraction of the price. You can swipe an EasyCard to board the local train, and there are regular departures. You can also go into the city by private transfer or by taxi.

In Tainan, you can rent a scooter or Gogoro for exploring the sights; it’s also possible to visit most places on foot, but the sights are quite spread out, so the occasional bus and/or taxi ride will make your explorations more feasible.

Where to Stay in Tainan

There are loads of hotels and hostels to choose from in Tainan. Many of the hostels and budget hotels are in atmospheric old buildings.

When I last visited, I stayed in the low-budget hotel Wabisabi (see on Booking / Agoda ). My miniature room was in the Japanese worker’s dormitory style, like staying in a capsule hotel but facing a small courtyard. It was definitely an experience, but perhaps not for everyone. It was conveniently located near Shennong Street, Yongle Market, and Matsu Grand Temple.

For a comfortable guesthouses conveniently located near Tainan Train Station, try Huzi Room (see on Booking / Agoda ). For visitors with kids, Hotel Cozzi (see on Booking / Agoda ) is highly recommended.

If you decide to spend a night in Anping like I did (see the Anping section of this article), I highly recommend Anping Inn Here (see on Booking / Agoda ). It’s brand new, close to the Old Street, and my room came with a large bean bag chair and free drinks. The owner was super friendly and even let me borrow her scooter!

Central Tainan Attractions

Tainan City’s West Central District (中西區) can be considered the city center of modern-day Tainan. All the Tainan sights below are within walking distance of the Tainan Train Station (the TRA, or regular train station, not the HSR, or Tainan High Speed Rail station, which is a ways south of the city center).

It would be too much to try to visit all of the below Tainan attractions in a single day, but if you want to try, I’ve listed them roughly in a sort of zig-zag order across the city center that I actually followed myself on one wild day of touring Tainan, starting from the Tainan Train Station. I would suggest picking and choosing, especially when the weather’s hot!

This list starts out with lots of temples; but scroll on for a variety of other things to do!

Taiwanfu City God Temple

A 10-minute walk southwest of Tainan Train Station, the small Taiwanfu City God Temple (臺灣府城隍廟) features a giant abacus used for calculating people’s good and bad deeds. You can spot it above the entranceway when you first step inside the temple (see right side of the photo above).

“Taiwanfu” refers to the Prefecture of Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty, and this temple is dedicated to the god who protected that “city”. It is the oldest of several City God temples in Taiwan, including one on Dihua Street in Taipei . 

You can read more about this and other local temples in my guide to the most important Buddhist and Taoist temples in Tainan .

See my similar guides to the top attractions in Taipei and attractions in Kaohsiung .

Dongyue Temple

Five minutes further south on foot, the Dongyue (東嶽殿) or “Hell Temple” is a small but colorful temple where you can spot demon statues, and people go there to communicate with the dead through spirit mediums. There’s a good chance you could even witness such a ceremony there; I did when I visited!

Yanping Junwang Temple (Koxinga Shrine) and Koxinga Museum

These two structures in the same park are dedicated to Koxinga ( Zheng Cheng Gong in Mandarin or Kok-sìng-iâ in Taiwanese language ), one of the most important figures in Tainan’s (and Taiwan’s) history. Koxinga was son to a Chinese pirate and Japanese woman. He was responsible for expelling the Dutch from Taiwan and establishing the Kingdom of Tungning, the first Han state in Taiwan. The temple was constructed by Koxinga’s son, Zheng Jing, to honor his father.

This beautiful Yanping Junwang Temple (延平郡王祠), also called Koxinga Shrine (but not to be confused with the Koxinga Ancestral Shrine, or 鄭成功祖廟, near Hayashi Department Store) sits in a calm park that also has a large statue of Koxinga riding a horse and a Shinto stone gate, right in front of the temple. The temple contains cultural artifacts and lots of info covering the history of the shrine and Tainan.

The large Koxinga Museum (鄭成功文物館) next to the temple is currently undergoing major renovations and was closed when I last visited in mid-2022.

Lady Linshui’s Temple

Just across the street from the park, Lady Linshui’s Temple (臨水夫人媽廟) is famous for its many depictions of women. Lady Linshui was a Taoist priest in Fuzhou, China who is said to have brought rains during a flood, but lost her baby as a result.

Women visit Lady Linshui’s temple to pray for a successful pregnancy, or they bring babies who cry too much there. Make sure to visit the second floor at the back, which features especially stunning paintings, such as in the above photo.

Wufei / Temple of the Five Concubines

It’s a bit of a detour to the south, but if you make it, you’ll be rewarded with a visit to this small temple, called Wufei Temple (五妃廟), in a serene park.

The temple honors the five concubines of the Ming Prince Zhu Shugui (朱術桂), who committed suicide along with the prince himself when the Qing Dynasty took over in 1683. The concubines killed themselves in the prince’s palace, which now houses the Tainan Grand Matsu Temple (see below). Wufei used to have beautiful cracked paintings of the concubines (see my picture above, taken several years ago), but unfortunately they are now replaced with ugly printouts, which hopefully they will eventually replace with new paintings.

Tainan Confucius Temple

The Tainan Confucius Temple (臺南孔廟) is the oldest of several Confucius temples across Taiwan (read about them in my guides to temples in Taipei and things to do in Taichung ) and is arguably Tainan’s most famous attraction. The temple was constructed by Zheng Jing and is considered the first educational institution in Taiwan. Like other Confucius temples, it is known for its simplicity of design, contrary to the busy designs of most Taiwanese temples.

You can enter the Confucius Temple from the gate on the east side, opposite Kongmiao Shopping District (see below). Entrance to the grounds is free, but you’ll need to pay NT40 (students/seniors 30) to enter the Main Hall. West of the temple, via another gate, is the Japanese-built Tainan Wude Hall (原臺南武德殿), or Old Tainan Martial Arts Hall (台南武德殿), which isn’t usually open to the public, but looks cool when lit up at night.

Kongmiao Shopping District

Named after the Confucius Temple, Kongmiao Shopping District (孔廟商圈) is an atmospheric street lined with cafés and craft/souvenir shops leading east from the entrance to Tainan Confucius Temple. It’s best to visit in the afternoon or early evening when the shops are actually open. 

Tainan Art Museum

The popular Tainan Art Museum has two locations not far apart. Building 1 (臺南市美術館1) is housed in an old art deco police station and is across the street from the northeastern corner of the Tainan Confucius Temple. Building 2 (臺南市美術館2館) is a large, contemporary museum in a striking white building (see image above), a short walk west of Tainan Confucius Temple and Wude Hall.

You can buy discounted Tainan Art Museum tickets online here .

Hayashi Department Store

The evocative Hayashi Department Store(台南林百貨) is a Japanese-built art deco department store dating to 1932. Wealthy people would have gone shopping there during Japanese colonial period in Tainan.

The once abandoned department store has been totally fixed up and is a department store once again, with five floors of artisanal goods, teas, jewelry, and souvenirs.

Check out the 4th floor for some relics of the original building and displays covering the building’s history. The rooftop houses a café and the ruins of a Japanese Torii shrine overlooking the city. There’s even some damage from WII.

Tiantan Tiangong Temple

Tiantan Tiangong Temple (臺灣首廟天壇) is worth a quick stop to see the calligraphy tablet that consists of a single stroke – it is considered one of the three most famous tablets in Taiwan. You can spot it on the ceiling above the main shrine. The temple is was built in 1854 on the site of what was the oldest temple in Taiwan, an altar that was used by Koxinga to communicate with the gods.

Behind (east of) the temple, a small dessert restaurant called 鷲嶺食肆 is housed in a beautiful Japanese-era house, while the Former Tainan Weather Observatory (原台南測候所) is an iconic, circular Tainan landmark beside it.

Tainan Wu Garden

The Tainan Wu Garden (吳園藝文中心) is a short walk from there, with a lovely coy pond, pavilion, and wooden teahouse called Daybreak 18 (奉茶.十八卯), pictured above.

Down a small lane (Zhongshan Road Lane 79) to the east of Wu Garden is a popular fruit juice and ice cream shop called 旭峯號 that is housed in an iconic, classically Tainan-style building. It has become something of an Instagram hotspot in recent years. 

Snail Alley

Skipping over to the west now (I recommend hopping in a cab on Zhongshan Road if you want to avoid the 10-minute walk), Snail Alley (蝸牛巷) is a cute, super narrow lane that contains a few cafés. These include Pâtisserie Le Paradise (巴哈迪 印象甜品工房), which sells snail-shaped cakes (pictured above), and a cocktail bar called Bar Lonely (籠裏). There’s also a snail mosaic in the alley.

The location of Snail Alley on GoogleMaps is not quite right and led me astray. I recommend going to Minsheng Road Section 1 #157 (民生路一段157號) to find it, or search Serendipity Café (不經意的美好 by 熹餐廳) on GoogleMaps. The alley starts right beside it.

Tai Cheng Fruit Shop

About 5 minutes’ walk from Snail Alley, this ice cream shop (and the next entry, which is right across the street from it) have become all the rage in Tainan.

Tai Cheng Fruit Shop (泰成水果店) is literally a fruit shop, but they became famous when they started adding traditional Taiwanese ice cream (like sorbet, and totally vegan!) to huge pieces of fruit. Their half melon filled with scoops of ice cream (NT220, good for 2 people) is the most famous, but there are also pineapple and mango versions.

Quan Wei Jia Ice Cream 

Opposite Tai Cheng, Quan Wei Jia Ice Cream (蜷尾家甘味處散步甜食) is a Japanese-style soft serve ice cream shop. You can expect tasty flavors like almond, earl gray, oolong tea, and genmaicha (brown rice green tea). If you can’t decide between the two ice cream shops, just get both like I did! There are also some really cute little shops in the area.

Tainan’s “Spring” (河樂廣場) is a pretty public artificial pond and water fountain. You can walk in it to cool your feet off after exploring the sights, or do as the locals do and sit in the shaded area under the street overpass. I wish we could have something like this in Taipei! This is a great stop for anyone visiting Tainan with kids.

Note that it is closed on Tuesdays for cleaning. It may also sometimes be empty when there are water shortages, which is a common problem in Taiwan, or when the weather is cool. Always check the more recent reviews on GoogleMaps before you go.

Shennong Street

Shennong Street(神農街) is one of the most atmospheric streets in Tainan. It used to be a row of shops like one of the 5 canals (五條港) leading to Anping Harbor. Boats used to go right up to the back doors of the shops.

The street is especially in the evening when all the shops are open and lanterns are lit up along the street. It runs west to east, starting at the Medicine Temple (see below) and ending at Shuixian Gong Market (also see below).

On Shennong Street, don’t miss Fat Cat Story , a cat café at the western end near the Medicine Temple. They’ve only got one cat, Bing Bing, but he’s lovey and cute, and they’ll give you food to feed him at your table. If cat cafes are your thing, here are my recommended cat cafes in Taipei , where it all started! And it’s not on Shennong Street, but there is also a capybara cafe in Tainan (there are several capybara cafes and zoo across Taiwan ).

Medicine, Wind, and Water Temples

These three Taoist temples are small but considered some of the most important in the city. They are all within a few minute’s walk from each other in the Shennong Street Area.

Medicine Temple (三協境全台開基藥王廟) is at the western end of Shennong Street, Wind Temple (風神廟) is just a few steps off Shennong Street, and Water Temple (臺郡三郊水仙宮) is inside Shuixian Gong Market (see below).

Shuixian Gong Market

Shuixian Gong Market  (水仙宮市場) is a traditional wet market (think lots of raw fish and meat, open in the morning only), but it’s worth visiting for the excellent sushi bar right in the middle of it, called 達也濱家漁場.

The Water Temple is also right in the market, a few steps from the sushi bar, and the market is named after it.

Yongle Market

Yongle Market (永樂市場) is another large morning market that is connected to Shuixian Market, starting right behind the Water Temple.

It is similar to Shuixian Gong Market, but features more restaurants and food stalls, especially along Guohua Street Section 3 (國華街三段). These include 科芬園砂鍋魚頭, where you can try fish head stew, a Chiayi dish that was famously featured on the Netflix series Street Food Asia (this isn’t the restaurant that was featured, but it’s the same dish).

Tainan Grand Mazu Temple

The most famous Matsu temple in Tainan’s city center is Tainan Grand Matsu Temple (大天后宮), but there are also impressive Matsu temples in Anping and Luehrmen (see below sections of this article).

Originally this Matsu temple was the palace of the Ming Prince Zhu Shugui and his five concubines before they killed themselves on the eve of the Qing takeover. They killed themselves in what is now the second room of the temple when you enter.

The palace was later converted into a temple honoring Matsu, goddess of the sea, who is often considered Taiwan’s patron goddess. The large Matsu statue on the main altar is a masterpiece that inspired many later Matsu statues in Taiwan. It was made over 300 years ago by a master from Quanzhou, China.  

God of War Temple

Near the Grand Matsu Temple, the God of War Temple (臺灣祀典武廟)  features a long, crimson red outer wall running along the street. Another unique feature is the super tall threshold at the entrance, dating to when women were banned from entering the temple.

Chihkan Tower

Across Minzu Road from the God of War Temple, Chikhan Tower (赤崁樓) is another of the city’s most recognizable structures. Originally called Fort Provintia (普羅民遮城), it was built by the Dutch in 1652, making it the oldest still preserved building in the central Tainan area. It is especially atmospheric when viewed at night.

You can get a small discount if you book your ticket to Chikhan Tower here on Klook .

North and South District Sights

There are a few noteworthy Tainan attractions just north and south of West Central District, in North District (北區) and South District (南區). They can be added on to the above walking tour, if you’ve got time!  

Tainan Park

Tainan Park (台南公園) in North District is the largest green space in central Tainan city, at 132,000 square meters, and often called the “Lungs of Tainan”.

The park includes a lovely pond (燕潭) with pavilion and zigzag bridge across it, a Qing Dynasty stone gate (重道崇文坊), the Tainan City Children’s Science Museum (台南市兒童科學館) for those visiting Tainan with kids, and a playground at the center. It’s a short walk from Chihkan Tower, and I enjoyed a lovely sunset there at the end of my long day of touring Tainan’s attractions!

321 Arts Village

321 Arts Village (321巷 藝術聚落) is a former Japanese military dormitory village converted into arts community, along the lines of 44 South Village in Taipei and Guangfu Village in Taichung. There are 18 former residences on site to explore, housing art galleries, live-in artist’s studios, cafés, and more.

There is always art on display, inside the homes, and in the lanes running between them. Note that it was still closed as of mid-2022.It is a short walk from Tainan Park.

Shiji Café (是吉咖啡) is a really cool café nearby with a large second-floor window overlooking a leaf-filled lane.

Also read about Pier 2 Art Village in Kaohsiung .

Blueprint Culture & Creative Park

Blueprint Culture & Creative Park (藍晒圖文創園區) in South District is best visited at night, when the photogenic 3D blueprint of a house is all lit up. There’s also a souvenir shop, a few cafés, some community art spaces, an indigo dying house, a statues of a blue robot mascot guy throughout!

Black Bridge Sausage Museum

Yes, there is a dedicated sausage museum (黑橋牌香腸博物館) in South District, and no, I never made it there. But it’s quite popular among locals, so I’ll throw it out there for all you sausage lovers!

Night Markets in Tainan

The night markets in Tainan work a little differently than night markets in Taipei or other cities in Taiwan. Each one has its own night, or a couple nights of the week, and some of the most famous food vendors move between them on each day of the week.

There’s a common local saying to help you remember when to go where: 大大武花大花花 (大 for Ta-Tung on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, 武 for Wusheng on Wednesday, and 花 for Garden on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Tainan night markets are also typically set up in large open areas like parking lots, not on regular streets. Also, they are all located well away from the city center, so you’ll have to journey to reach them. You can find out what to eat at each one in my guide to Tainan’s night markets (coming soon).

Garden Night Market

Garden Night Market (花園夜市) is the largest and most famous night market in Tainan, and by some counts, the largest in all of Taiwan, with over 400 stalls. It’s open on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, and is a ways up in North District.

Ta-Tung Night Market

Ta-Tung (大東夜市, or Dadong Night Market) in East District is the second most famous night market in Tainan. It runs Monday, Tuesday and Friday.

Wusheng Night Market

Wusheng Night Market (武聖夜市) used to be Tainan’s favorite, but it has now slipped to the third spot. It runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It is in West Central District, but in the northwestern corner of the district, a ways from any of the city center attractions (it takes 15 minutes to reach it on foot from Shennong Street, mentioned above in this article)

Xiaobei Night Market

Xiaobei Night Market (小北觀光夜市) is near Garden Night Market in North District, but opens on days when Garden isn’t (Tuesday and Friday).

Xin Yong Hua Night Market

Xin Yong Hua Night Market (新永華夜市) in Anping district (see next section) is a new, pleasantly uncrowded, and relatively small night market that runs on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Things to Do in Tainan’s Anping District

You really can’t visit Tainan without spending a day in Anping District (安南區), even half a day, if you can! This historic district features the original Dutch Fort from when they colonized Taiwan, the awesome Anping Treehouse, Anping Old Street, and a few other worthwhile sites.

If you’ve got extra time, there are a few more sights in neighboring Annan District, but easily accessible from Anping, in the next section below, including the famous Sicao Green Tunnel.

 Anping Grand Mazu Temple

It makes sense to start your Anping visit at Anpring Grand Mazu Temple (安平開臺天后宮), near entrance to the fort, because the exit of the fort will then lead you to the next destination below. Anping’s Matsu Temple holds the title for oldest running Matsu temple on mainland Taiwan (there’s an even older one in Penghu ).

The three large Matsu statues on the main shrine inside have flexible bodies and sit on wooden stools that date to the Song Dynasty. The temple is a stunner, but if I could make one request, it would be to install air conditioning; it was scorching inside the temple on the day I visited!

Anping Old Fort

Anping Fort (安平古堡), or Fort Zeelandia , was the original Dutch Fort in Taiwan during their brief (38-year) occupation. It was built from 1624 to 1634 by the Dutch East India Company. When you first enter near the back of Anping Grand Mazu Temple, you’ll see a small museum to the left, which includes models of the original fort.

Behind the museum is an original outer fort wall built of bricks imported from Batavia (today’s Jakarta, capital of the Dutch East Indies at the time). You can climb the inner fort, which is to the right of the main entrance.

There are canons, statues, and a souvenir shop on top. You can also climb the white scouthouse for an impressive 360-degree view of the surrounding Yanshui River, Anping Canal, Anping District. The exit of the complex is at the backside of the fort and leads to the next attraction below.

For another interesting fort in southern Taiwan, see my guide to Cijin Island in Kaohsiung .

Entrance to the fort is NT50, or cheaper if you pre-order your ticket online . It’s also included on the Tainan Historical Sights pass .

Anping Treehouse and Former Tait & Co. Merchant House

Anping Treehouse (安平樹屋) is one of Anping’s most popular attractions. It consists of an abandoned warehouse that has been completely taken over by banyan trees. It sits behind Former Tait & Co. Merchant House (英商德記洋行), now a small museum, which was a merchant house during the Qing Dynasty and Japanese period.

There’s also Mr. Zhu’s Home & Calligraphy Exhibit (朱玖瑩故居(因鹽玖定), the first building you’ll see when you enter the site, while Former Tait is to the left, and the treehouse is behind it. Before leaving, enjoy the excellent soft serve ice cream at the small café on site (I had sea salt and caramel flavor when I visited). Note the staircase decorations on the walls inside, meant to replicate the elevated walking paths inside the treehouse.

For more information see my detailed guide to Anping Treehouse .

You can also pre-order your tickets online to save a little money. The treehouse is covered by the Tainan Historical Sights Pass .

Anping Old Street

Anping Old Street (安平老街), also called Yanping Street (延平街), is sometimes called the oldest street in Taiwan. It runs west to east from the east side of Anping Fort, and doesn’t really get going until around noon.

The street’s two major specialties are shrimp crackers (蝦餅), which you can see being made right on the street, and dried fruits, with the most famous shop selling the latter being Lin Yong Tai Dried Fruit Store (林永泰興蜜餞行, #84). Like other old streets in Taiwan, Anping Old Street can get very crowded, but when I visited during COVID, there was hardly anyone there.

Here’s my foodie-focused self-guided walking tour of Anping Old Street .

Haishan Hall

While exploring the Old Street, if you left turn down Lane 104, just after the small temple, you can reach a beautiful old house called Haishan Hall (海山館). Look for the lion with a sword in its mouth above the entranceway; these were once used as house markers instead of numbers, and they are now a symbol of Anping. 

Cultural Museum of An-Ping Oyster Shell Cement Kiln

A five-minute walk from Haishan Hall or Anping Old Street, this small, free museum (安平蚵灰窯文化館) explains more than you ever wanted to know about oysters, including how their shells were fired in the kiln on site to make cement.

On the way, you can also stop in at Anping Market (安平市場, 6 am to 1 pm), if you’re interested in seeing a traditional Taiwanese wet market.

Anping Salt God White Beach Park

Anping Salt God White Beach Park (安平鹽神白沙灘公園) is a small white-sand beach on a pond, with a white statue of a god beside it. You can’t swim here on, but it makes for an interesting, if unexpected, photo op in Anping.

Sio House Salt Museum

Right next to the white beach, the Sio House Salt Museum (台南安平-夕遊出張所)  is a very small museum about Tainan’s salt industry. There isn’t much to see, but they do sell birthday salts, as in a different type of salt for every day of the year.

You can also buy a few salt-flavored foods and drinks (including salt soda, popsicles, and dou hua ), and the museum is housed in a lovely Japanese wooden home. There are other more interesting salt-related attractions in Tainan (see the final section of this article).

In the same area, the Old Julius Mannich Merchant House (東興洋行) is another old house that now contains a restaurant. Anping Small Fort (安平小砲臺) is also a short walk away, but it won’t blow you away compared to Anpring Fort or Eternal Golden Castle (see below).

I recommend visiting the following sights in the late afternoon, as the sun is beginning to set (I did so after I checked into this hotel, which I highly recommend ). They are in order as you would encounter them on foot, coming from the Anping Fort/Old Street area.

Anping Harbor and Anping Canal

To Enjoy a good view of Anping Harbor (安平港), you can climb to the top floor of the Anping Community Center (台南市安平區金城里活動中心), just a 5-minute walk south of Anping Old Street and Fort. The building houses a bar called Hola (安平果然是你) with a view of the harbor. The harbor-side of the building also has a whale mural that looks cool when lit up at night.

Anping Canal runs for six kilometers inland and back to the harbor, creating a large island that makes up most of Anping District. There are walking and cycling trails along it, and Anping Canal Park (安平運河公園) can be lovely, especially at night. There are several bridges crossing the canal, including the rainbow-colored New Lin An Bridge (新臨安橋). There’s also the small Anping Canal Museum (安平海關 運河博物館), which was closed when I visited in 2022.

Anping Fisherman’s Wharf

If you cross Anyi Bridge, where Anping Harbor connects to Anping Canal, you’ll reach Anping Fisherman’s Wharf (安平漁人碼頭), which is known for sunset views. Historic Harborside Park (港濱歷史公園) is famous for its Whale Art Installation (大魚的祝福(鯨魚裝置藝術), which you can climb up into.

Lin Mo Niang Park

Following the Historic Harborside Park on foot or by bike to the west toward the ocean will bring you to Lin Mo Niang Park (林默娘公園), named after Matsu, the goddess of the sea. There, a towering white Matsu statue stands, protecting Taiwan, and welcoming ships as they enter the harbour. This is just one of several large Matsu statues in the county (see the others in my guide to the most important landmarks in Taiwan ).

1661 Taiwan Warship Museum

The Taiwan Warship Museum (臺灣船園區) is a small, harborside museum featuring a red and black wooden warship dating to the 1600s. There isn’t a whole lot to see; usually you can go on the ship, but it was closed for renos when I visited. Still, marine warfare fans might want to take a quick look on the way to the next entry.

Entrance is listed as NT30 (it was actually free when I visited, possibly because I showed up just a few minutes before closing), and it’s closed on Mondays. Make sure to get there before the 5:30 closing time.

Deyang Ship Destroyer Exhibition Hall

The more worthwhile Deyang Ship Destroyer Exhibition Hall (安平定情碼頭德陽艦園區) features the USS Sarsfield , a US Navy ship that was laid down at the end of WWII, deployed in Cuba, the Vietnam War, and finally used by the Taiwan navy before being retired in 1977.

You can explore several floors and rooms of the ship. There are also some small Republic of China tanks and aircraft on site. You can get a small discount if you buy your tickets here on Klook .

Eternal Golden Castle

The Eternal Golden Castle, also called Erkunshen Battery (億載金城 / 二鯤鯓砲臺) was built to resist invading Japanese troops. I recommend visiting right before the 5:30 p.m. closing time, when the low rays of the sun make the ruins live up to their name.

The Eternal Golden Castle is located in the large Yizai Park (億載公園), just five minutes from Deyang Ship Destroyer. You can get a small discount if you book your ticket here on Klook . Entrance to the castle is covered by the Historical Tainan Sights Pass .

Yuguang Island

Yuguang Island (漁光島) is an unexpected gem and rare tropical beach/island on the otherwise super developed west coast of Taiwan. I’ve included it on both my lists of best beaches and islands of Taiwan .

connected to the mainland via a rounded bridge. It’s a bit far (20 minutes on foot), but possible to walk from Eternal Golden Castle to the beautiful stretch of sand at Moon Bay.

It’s a popular spot at sunset, and there are some food stalls at the end of the bridge, just before the park and beach. If you’ve got your own wheels, you could further explore the island’s various fishing docks and lighthouses.

Sunset Platform

For another sunset vantage point, you can consider Sunset Platform (觀夕平臺), which is just across the harbor entrance from Yuguang Island, but too far away from the latter to reach on foot (you’d have to walk all the way around the entire harbor.

There’s also a beach near Sunset Platform at Qiaotouhaitan Park (橋頭海灘公園), also popular at sunset, as well as Anping Lighthouse (安平燈塔).

Places to Visit in Annan District

The following attractions are in Annan district, just north of Anping, but easily accessible from Anping. Since it’s possible to see the main attractions of Anping in half a day, you could include one or more of the following to complete your day, and spend the night in Anping at this hotel , and visit the following sights the next morning like I did.

Taijiang National Park

Taijiang National Park (臺江國家公園) is a relatively new (created in 2009) national park protecting mostly wetlands and marine areas. The most popular way to explore the national park is by taking a boat tour to Sicao Green Tunnel (see next entry) or a longer tour of the national park provided by the same boat operator.

The longer tour visits several stops in the national park, but mainly only runs in winter, when rare black-faced spoonbills, a migratory bird, can be seen in the area.

Sicao Green Tunnel

A popular attraction, Sicao Green Tunnel (四草綠色隧道) is a “tunnel” formed by a canopy of trees over a canal in a wetland area in Taijiang National Park . Thirty-minute boat tours depart after enough people arrive.

The same company offers longer tours that cover more ground in the national park, which are more popular in winter, when the migratory black-faced spoonbill can be spotted. Read my guide to Sicao Green Tunnel for all the details!

Luerhmen Mazu Temple

The extremely impressive Luerhmen Mazu Temple (正統鹿耳門聖母廟) is one of the largest temples in Taiwan. It’s well out of the way and not easy to reach. I recommend going by scooter, which I did, but you can also take bus Tainan bus 11 to Shengmu Temple stop, or Tourist Bus 99, when it’s actually running (the bus has been majorly reduced because of lack of tourists).

The huge, colorful temple complex is surrounded by a moat and has two towering statues of demons protecting the temple in the parking lot. It is the world’s largest temple dedicated to Matsu.

National Museum of Taiwan History

Also far out of the way, the National Museum of Taiwan History (國立臺灣歷史博物館) is nevertheless one of the best history museums in Taiwan. To get there, you can take bus 18 from the city center.

Tainan Day Trips

The following places are further afield in Tainan City, making them suitable as day trips from Tainan.

Chimei Museum

The rather unexpected (it looks something like the Whitehouse in Washington D.C.) Chimei Museum (奇美博物館) also contains a surprisingly large array of artifacts. Inside you’ll find five major collections: musical instruments (including the world’s largest violin collection), fine arts, natural history/fossils, antiques, and an impressive armor collection.

Several buses go there from the city center, including ones en route to the Tainan High Speed Rail station; use GoogleMaps to find the best bus options from your departure location.

You get discounted tickets to Chimei Museum here on Klook .

Cigu Salt Mountain

Cigu Salt Mountain (七股鹽山, or Qigu Salt Mountain) is exactly what it sounds like: a mountain of salt. It’s a photogenic site, and you can climb several staircases to the top. It lies in the namesake Qigu District, which was once famous for its salt industry. You can also taste a wide variety of salted items on site, including salt ice cream, salt douhua, and seafood baked atop hunks of salt.

The Qigu Salt Museum (成功鹽體驗館) is just around the corner and worth an hour of your time. There are salt sculptures, loads of info about the former industry, and a café that does salted coffees.

For more information on Cigu and the next entry, see my guide to Cigu Salt Mountain and Tainan’s Salt Fields.

About 25 minutes’ drive away from Cigu Salt Mountain, Guosheng Lighthouse (國聖港燈塔) sits at the westernmost point on Mainland Taiwan. There are also some beautiful sand dunes there, called Dingtoue Sandbar (頂頭額沙洲).

Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields

The Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields (台南北門井仔腳瓦盤鹽田) are the most photogenic reminders of Tainan’s salt producing past. The beautifully preserved salt fields north of Qigu Salt Mountain are especially photogenic in the late afternoon. You can even walk on some of them and try your hand at shoveling salt. There’s a tower you can climb to get a truly impressive view from above.

Beimen Crystal Church

Not far from Jingzijiao Wapan, Beimen Crystal Church (水晶教堂) is a curved glass structure surrounded by a pond. It’s a popular Instagram spot and wedding photography location. If this kind of site appeals to you, also consider visiting the High-Heeled Shoes Church (高跟鞋教堂) not too far away across the border in Chiayi County.

Laotanghu Art Village

Art lovers can consider visiting Laotanghu Art Village (老塘湖藝術村), where the ruins of old homes have been fixed up by artists, including treeehouses, cute shops, and a wooden bridge to more atmospheric homes on a small island.

Yanshui Fireworks Festival

Often called one of the most dangerous festivals in the world, the Yanshui Fireworks Festival (鹽水蜂炮) takes place in Yanshui district in northern Tainan. The festival started when locals set off fire crackers to ward off a cholera epidemic in the late 1800s.

Now, every year on the 15 th day of the first month on the Lunar Calendar (the same day as the Lantern Festival ; see more info in my guide to Taiwan’s festivals ), mobs of people in the street get pummelled by thousands of bottle rockets, sometimes even causing their clothing to start on fire! You can read all about my experience at the Yanshui Fireworks Festival .

Guanziling Hot Spring

One of Taiwan’s most unique hot springs is the mud hot spring found at Guanziling in northeastern Tainan. The best spot in town to try bathing in the muddy waters, and rubbing mud on your body (it’s great for the skin) is King’s Garden Villa (see on Booking / Agoda / TripAdvisor ).

You can find all the details you need for visiting in my guide to Guanziling Mud Hot Spring .

Dongshan Coffee Road

Also in Guanziling district, Dongshan Coffee Road (175咖啡公路) on highway 175 offers the chance to sample locally grown coffee directly from coffee farmers. Plums, longans, and other citrus fruits are also grown in the area. It’s a popular cycling destination.

Erliao Sunrise Pavilion

The Erliao Sunrise Pavillion (台南二寮觀日亭) in southeastern Tainan is a wooden walkway along a mountainous road to a platform that features epic mountain views. You’ll want to come for sunrise, if possible, for a chance to see the famed sunrise above mist-covered hilltops. It’s a similar view that is often associated with Alishan in neighborhing Chiayi County .

Caoshan Moon World Grand Canyon

A 20-minute drive further up the same road will bring you to Caoshan Moon World Grand Canyon (草山月世界大峽谷). Head to “308高地觀景台 viewing platform” for the best views of the canyon. The scenery is reminiscent of the similar Moon World Landscape Park in neighboring Kaohsiung.

Tsailiao Fossil Museum

A 20-minute drive in a different direction from Erliao Sunrise Pavillion will take you to Tsailiao Fossil Museum (臺南左鎮化石園區), which features fossils and replicas of dinosaurs and other ancient creatures.

Huxingshan Park

If you’re visiting the area around Lunar New Year in Taiwan, definitely make a stop at Huxingshan Park (虎形山公園), which is decked out with cool lights and lantern displays at the time. There’s also a suspension bridge and art displays on site.

Well, I hope you’ve found more than enough ideas for fun things to do in Tainan, Taiwan! Let me know in the comments how your trip goes of if I missed anything!

Related Posts

4 thoughts on “70 Things to Do in Tainan, Taiwan’s Ancient Capital”

Hi Nick, thank you for such a comprehensive list of places to see in Tainan. I am a single female solo traveller and is interested to catch the sunrise at Erliao Pavillion. How can I get there without driving a car?

Will appreciate your advice. Thank you in advance.

Best regards, Dara.

In the daytime, it takes at least 2 hours to get there by bus, usually with a couple transfers needed. If you wanted to go for sunrise, then the only option would be to find a private driver willing to go that early, wait for you, then drive you back down.

Hey Nick! Thank you for the most comprehensive English guide on Taiwan! I had a question – is it possible to get from Tainan to Alishan? On the map and from Google it seems entirely possible, yet I don’t see it being mentioned in many guides.

You just need to hop on any train from Tainan to Chiayi first, then follow the instructions on my website or other sites for taking the bus from Chiayi to Alishan

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Tainan Travel

The best tours to explore tainan, let sababoy be your guide enjoy travelling in tainan, pre-departure notes, start planning your tainan tour, how to get to tainan, travel tainan.

A Travel Guide to Tainan, Taiwan’s Original Capital

Tainan City (臺南 or “Taiwan South”) is in many ways the best major city in Taiwan for experiencing Taiwanese history and culture.

For over 200 years, Tainan was the capital of Taiwan. To this day, it retains a traditional vibe , with some of the country’s most important historical attractions and temples. Many locals also consider it the food capital of Taiwan. Outside of the city center, there are some quirkier attractions, like Cigu Salt Mountain , Guanziling Mud Hot Springs , and Sicao Green Tunnel .

In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know for visiting Tainan, including the most famous and lesser-known sights, how to reach them, where to stay, how to plan your itinerary, and most important, what to eat in Tainan.

If you prefer a listicle, see these 70+ things to do in Tainan .

Table of Contents

Tainan History

Tainan’s history is so rich that it has been dubbed the Phoenix City (鳳凰城), after the mythological bird known to kill itself and rise from the ashes time and time again.

Tainan is the part of Taiwan where both Chinese and European settlers first arrived . The name Taiwan may come from the Taivoan aboriginal people who lived there at the time, or it may have come from the name “Tayouan” used by another local tribe, the Siraya.

Whichever theory is true , the word Taiwan eventually came to be used for the whole island, and the variation “Tainan” came to be used for that area. The Chinese chose the characters 臺南 or “Taiwan South”, which differentiates it from Taipei (Taiwan North), Taichung (Taiwan Middle), and Taitung (Taiwan East).

In 1622, the Dutch established Fort Zeelandia in today’s Anping District of Tainan. Dutch presence only lasted until Koxinga , a half-Chinese, half-Japanese pirate and Ming Dynasty loyalist, showed up and kicked them out.

While Koxinga’s Kingtom of Tungning based in Tainan only lasted 22 years, it would have long-lasting impact. Even today Koxinga is revered in Tainan and there are several temples dedicated to him. (As a fun side note, my wife’s family has the same surname as Koxinga (鄭), and they come from the Chiayi -Tainan area, so my father-in-law often jokes that he is a descendent of the pirate king.)

Koxinga’s rule ended dramatically when the Qing Dynasty took over – one Ming prince and his five concubines famously committed suicide in what is now the Grand Matsu temple in Tainan.

The following centuries saw waves of Chinese migration to Tainan and Taiwan. In 1858, the Qing rulers opened up Anping Port to foreign trade. Opium flowed in, while tea, sugar, and camphor flowed out. Today’s hot attraction, Anping Treehouse , is in one of those trading houses.

Tainan also became known for its salt production , with several salt-related attractions remaining today. This would last until 2002, when cheap salt flooded in after Taiwan joined the WTO.

When Taiwan was opened for trade, Taipei developed as the preferred port, thus the capital was moved from Tainan to Taichung (briefly) then to Taipei in 1887.

The Japanese kept Taipei as the capital during their colonial rule of Taiwan (1895 to 1945), but they also transformed Tainan. Several great examples remain and are tourist attractions, including Hayashi Department Store .

After the Japanese left and KMT arrived, Kaohsiung overtook Tainan as the main financial center in Southern Taiwan. Tainan of today is a medium-sized city with refreshingly few skyrises.

In 2010, Tainan City was merged with Tainan County (just like Taoyuan , Taichung, and Kaohsiung), so the whole area is now called Tainan City.

Tainan’s City Center is rich in historic temples and buildings. Anping District in the city’s northwest is known for Anping Fort (Fort Zeelandia), Aping Treehouse, and Anping Old Street.

Getting to Tainan

Tainan is well connected to other major cities on the west coast of Taiwan. The closest international airport is in Kaohsiung – Tainan Airport only has domestic flights. Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) is 1.5 hours away by High Speed Rail.

If you come to Tainan by regular (TRA) train , you’ll fin Tainan Station is conveniently located in the city center, where many old temples and sights are. If you want to visit Anping District, you’ll need to take a bus from there (45 minutes). Travel time from Taipei to Tainan by TRA is 3 to 4.5 hours. Find out how to buy tickets for these trains here .

Tainan’s High Speed Rail (HSR) station is located here , southeast of the city center. If you come by HSR , the travel time from Taipei will be faster (1 hr 45 min). Here’s how to book HSR tickets .

But then you’ll need to take a taxi (20 min) or local train (20 min) from Shalun Station on the TRA (regular train) line to the city center. Shalun station is connected to the HSR station. Buy discount HSR tickets here .

Kaohsiung is even closer, at only 30 min to 1 hr (TRA) or 15 minutes (HSR). Just keep in mind that Kaohsiung’s HSR station is also not in the city center of Kaohsiung but in Zuoying district.

There’s no MRT in Tainan. Make use of bicycles (Tainan has YouBike but also their own local T Bike system), taxis, or local buses to get around, as the city’s main attractions are rather spread out. You can see quite a bit on foot, but the occasional bus or taxi will help. GoogleMaps is fairly reliable for bus times and stop locations.

To visit places outside of the city center, you’re going to need more time. Buses tend to be slow. Consider hiring a driver for a day if you want to visit multiple places outside the city. Guanziling Mud Hot Spring is easier to reach from Chiayi city than from Tainan’s city center, even though it”s technically in Tainan.

Where to Stay in Tainan

For the Tainan city center, Huzi Room Guesthouse (see on Booking / Agoda ) is conveniently located near Tainan Station. For a hostel, U.I.J. Hostel (see on Booking / Agoda ) is one of the nicest ones I’ve ever seen.

For visitors with kids, Hotel Cozzi (see on Booking / Agoda ) is excellent, with family-themed rooms plus indoor and outdoor play areas.

If you decide to spend a night in Anping District , for visiting the many attractions there, I highly recommend Anping Inn Here (see on Booking / Agoda ).

If you want to spend a night in a hot spring hotel, the best one at Guanziling Mud Hot Spring is King’s Garden Villa (景大渡假莊園) (see on Klook / Agoda ). Read more about it in the “Things to Do” section below.

Top Things to Do in Tainan

I’ll separate the below into the top attractions in Tainan City Center, Anping District, and Outside the City Center. You can see even more pictures and details about each of these places in my guide to the best things to do in Tainan .

Tainan City Center

The Tainan city center, especially the area west of Tainan train station, is rich in historical attractions. There’s a long list of temples in Tainan , several of which are the oldest or most important of their kind in Taiwan.

The Confucius Temple stands out as the most popular, but others worth visiting are Koxinga’s Shrine (延平郡王祠), Lady Linshui’s Temple (臨水夫人媽廟), Wufei (五妃廟 or Five Concubines Temple), Grand Matsu Temple (臺南祀典大天后宮), and God of War Temple (臺灣祀典武廟).

Hayashi Department Store (台南林百貨) is a really cool Japanese-era art deco department store where the elite used to go shopping. Today its shops still sell luxury teas, crafts, jewelry, souvenirs, and so on. Don’t miss the original Shinto shrine on the roof!

Other interesting attractions in the Tainan city center include Chikhan Tower (赤崁樓), Tainan Park (臺南公園), Tainan Wu Garden (吳園藝文中心), Blueprint Culture & Creative Park (藍晒圖文創園區), Tainan Art Museum 1 & 2 (臺南市美術館1館/2館) and Black Bridge Sausage Museum (黑橋牌香腸博物館).

For atmospheric streets, check out Snail Alley (蝸牛巷) and Shennong Street (神農街). You can even rent a qipao to take photos on Shennong Street at night, when the lanterns are lit (see more places to rent qipaos in Taiwan here ).

For visitors with kids, or anyone who feels too hot, cool off in The Spring (河樂廣場), when it has water in it, that is! It’s closed on Tuesdays, during water shortages, or when they decide it isn’t hot enough out.

321 Art Alley Settlement (321巷 藝術聚落), once a very cool attraction, is unfortunately closed for at least a few years.

Anping District

Anping is the area originally settled by the Dutch. Although it may not feel like it, it’s actually an island formed by Anping Canal (read about other fascinating Taiwanese islands here ).

Anping can be reached in about 45 minutes by bus from Tainan city center. It is a very traditional area with some fascinating attractions.

Anping Fort (安平古堡 or Fort Zeelandia) is the top attraction. Right next to it, Anping Old Street (安平老街, see my guide) is a very traditional street specializing in prawn crackers and dried fruits.

Also right next to the fort, Anping Matsu Temple (安平開台天后宮 or Anping Kaitai Tianhou Temple) is truly impressive, especially the roof details.

A short walk from Anping Fort, Anping Treehouse (安平樹屋) is a unique attraction. There, banyan tree roots have been left to take over a former trading company’s warehouse.

Besides the above must-sees, some smaller attractions in Anping District include Eternal Golden Castle (二鯤鯓砲臺), Deyang Ship Destroyer (安平定情碼頭德陽艦園區), a parked US Navy Ship, Lin Mo-niang Park (林默娘公園臺) with its giant Matsu Statue, Anping Salt Beach White God (安平鹽神白沙灘公園), and Big Fish’s Blessing (大魚的祝福, a whale art installation).

For beautiful sunsets, head to Sunset Platform (觀夕平臺) or Yuguang Beach (漁光島沙灘) on Yuguang Island.

Outside the City Center

Outside the Tainan City Center, but still technically in “Tainan City” the attractions become less about history and more varied.

South of the Tainan City Center, Chimei Museum (奇美博物館) is one of the most interesting, if unexpected, museums in Taiwan. The museum looks like the White House in Washington D.C. with the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, complete with the Fountain of Apollo from Versailles in front.

The museum houses the extensive private collection of a local billionaire, include an amazing display of violins and ancient weapons. Buy your tickets online here .

Right next to Chimei, Ten Drum Cultural Village (十鼓文創園區) occupies a former sugar refinery. You could spend a whole day exploring its skywalk, rides, art installations, cafés, second-hand bookstore, and more. It was created by the 10 Drum Percussion Group. Get your tickets here or visit it as a part of this tour .

Just north of Anping District in Annan District, Sicao Green Tunnel (四草綠色隧道) is the best way to experience the coastal wetlands of Taijiang National Park (台江國家公園). Although the green canopy of trees over canal is a little artificial, it’s undeniably beautiful.

Also in Annan, Luerhmen Mazu Temple (正統鹿耳門聖母廟) is the world’s largest temple dedicated to Matsu, goddess of fishermen and the sea. National Museum of Taiwan History (國立臺灣歷史博物館) is excellent but out-of-the-way.

Continuing north from Anan District will bring you to a few salt-related attractions on the coast. Cigu Salt Mountain (七股鹽山 or Qigu Yanshan ) is a literal mountain of salt that you can climb. You can also taste salt ice cream, salt douhua , and other snacks. Learn more about Tainan’s salt history at the Salt Museum (七股遊客中心) nearby.

Further up the coast, almost in Chiayi, Jingzijiao Wapan Salt Fields (井仔腳瓦盤鹽田) is an extremely photogenic collection of salt fields on the coast. You can even try raking some salt or climb the tower for an especially good view. It’s free to visit and included on this tour .

If you’re in the area, might as well add Beimen Crystal Church (水晶教堂), reminiscent of the High Heeled Shoe Church in neighborhing Chiayi .

In the north, Laohutang Art Village (老塘湖藝術村) is an atmospheric art village, although not super easy to get to.

Guanziling (關子嶺溫泉) in the northeast is where you’ll find Taiwan’s best mud hot spring. There you can soak in silty hot spring water or even rub the mud on your body, which is good for the skin. King’s Garden Villa (景大渡假莊園) is the best place to try it.

Also in the hills of northeastern Tainan, Dongshan Coffee Road (175咖啡公路) is a great place to coffee plantations and cafés with beautiful surroundings. Just a few examples are here , here , and here . It’s a popular road for cycling. If you’re interested in Taiwanese coffee regions, also don’t miss Gukeng area in Yunlin .

Find a way to remote Erliao Sunrise Pavilion (台南二寮觀日亭) for sunrise. Head to Caoshan Moon World Grand Canyon (草山月世界大峽谷) for cool landscapes. Last but not least, families will enjoy Zhuozhen Fossil Museum (臺南左鎮化石園區).

Best Tainan Tours and Deals

The Klook Tainan Pass can save you a little money. It lets you choose 2-4 attractions in the city and you have 30 days to use it.

You can visit Tainan’s top attractions on this day tour from Kaohsiung . To see the salt attractions plus Ten Drum Cultural Village , try this tour . You can also hire a private driver to make a custom schedule for your Tainan trip.

Discounted tickets for Sicao Green Tunnel , Ten Drum Cultural Village , Chimei Museum , and more are available on Klook.

How to Plan Your Tainan Itinerary

When checking travelers’ Taiwan itinerary in my Taiwan Travel Planning group , I usually recommend that they spend one night in the Tainan city center and one night in Anping District to best enjoy this city.

For Chimei Museum and/or Ten Drum Village , it makes sense to visit them either on the way to or from the Tainan HSR station, which they are close to. Otherwise, you could visit these two attractions together as a day trip from Tainan city center .

If you are want to visit off-the-beaten track spots like the salt attractions north of the city, you’ll need to the better part of a day to reach them by bus – consider to hire a driver for the day to speed things up.

If you want to visit Guanziling Hot Spring , it’s easiest to do it as a day trip or overnight trip from Chiayi City, perhaps before of after going to Alishan.

What to Eat in Tainan

Tainan has its own distinctive cuisine, which has earned it a reputation as the culinary capital of Taiwan. Some classic Taiwanese dishes started in Tainan and spread around the island, but others are still largely only found in Tainan and neighboring areas like Chiayi and Kaohsiung.

Tainan has a reputation for putting sugar in everything. Sugar was a hot commodity and status symbol in the early days of colonial Tainan. To this day, you will find that most dishes have some sweetness to them.

Some classic and modern Tainan dishes to watch out for include eel noodles (鱔魚意麵), fried shrimp/oyster rolls (蝦 / 蚵捲), danzai noodles (擔仔麵), coffin bread (棺材板), rice pudding (碗粿), milkfish soup (虱目魚湯), milkfish congee (虱目粥), and Spanish mackerel stew (土魠魚羹).

To find any of the above while exploring Tainan, I suggest that you copy-paste their Mandarin name to GoogleMaps to find vendors near you.

If you’re vegetarian or vegan, here’s my guide to finding vegetarian foods .

Tainan’s night markets are a great place to try the above, and the full gamut of Taiwanese street foods. But there’s something important to know: unlike most night markets in Taiwan , each night market is open on a different night of the week.

Go to Ta-Tung Night Market on Mon/Tues/Fri, Wusheng Night Market on Wed and Garden Night Market on Thus/Sat/Sun. All are a little outside the city center. See my guide to Tainan’s night markets for all the details.

In the daytime, check out the traditional Shuixian Gong Market (水仙宮市場) in the morning and the connected Yongle Market (永樂市場), which has lots of food stalls on its east side, and excellent sushi shop right next to the temple inside Shuixian Market.

For amazing ice cream, don’t miss these two shops on the same street. Tai Cheng Fruit Shop (泰成水果店) does amazing ice cream and fruit combinations. Quan Wei Jia Ice Cream (蜷尾家甘味處散步甜食) has interesting Japanese flavors of soft serve, like oolong tea and genmaicha (brown rice green tea).

Near Tainan Station, Xu Feng Hao (旭峯號) does ice cream and fruit juices in a very Instagrammable and iconic old building. For something more peculiar, there’s even a capybara café in Tainan, called Mogu Kabi – here are other places to see capybaras in Taiwan .

At night, check out Speakeasy Bar (赤崁中藥行), which is set up to look like a traditional Chinese medicine shop, and is housed in what used to actually be one.

On Anping Old Street, try the oyster rolls here and buy some prawn crackers and dried fruits to take home.

If you visit Cigu Salt Mountain, you can try salty douhua (豆花 or dessert tofu) and ice cream, while the Salt Museum has salty coffee in its café.

When traveling to Guanziling, no local visitor would miss stopping for a whole urn-roasted chicken (甕缸雞) on the way. Just a few possible ones are here and here . They’ll give you plastic gloves to rip the chicken apart yourself.

Tainan Events

In 2024, Tainan is hosting the 400-year anniversary of the arrival of the Dutch and founding of the city.

This will start with the 2024 Lantern Festival National Event , with festivities taking place in Anping district and around Tainan HSR station. See my Lantern Festival guide for all the details.

In other years, when it isn’t hosting the national event, Tainan will still have several lantern displays throughout the city, including the Yuejin Harbor Lantern Festival .

On the same day as the Lantern Festival, the annual Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival also takes place in Yanshui District of Tainan city. It is considered one of the most dangerous festivals in the world, with fireworks and bottle rocks being shot directly at crowds of people.

The Tainan Arts Festival usually falls in spring (March, April, May). Music lovers can watch for the Tainan May Jam and Tainan Summer Music Festival. For Dragon Boat Festival, Tainan’s races are usually help in Anping Canal. On Confucius’ birthday (September 28), expect festivities at the Confucius Temple in Tainan.

Winter is the best time to visit Sicao Green Tunnel and Taijiang National Park, where the rare migratory black faced spoonbill and other birds are best seen.

Last but not least, there are countless small temple fairs and parades throughout the year in Tainan, often in celebration of various gods’ birthdays. Don’t be surprised if you happen to stumble upon one. Follow the sound of firecrackers!

Read about other holidays and festivals in Taiwan here .

A Travel Guide to Taoyuan City, Taiwan’s “Peach Garden”

The 20 best night markets in taiwan, from north to south, 2 thoughts on “a travel guide to tainan, taiwan’s original capital”.

Hi. I enjoyed this post of yours! I’ll be visiting Tainan, for the first time, on 26-28 April. Would you have any suggestions on which places I should check out?

All my suggestions are in the article above.

Leave a Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Taiwanese Secrets Travel Guide

Tainan City Travel Guide

Welcome to Taiwan’s old capital city!

Tainan is the place to go if you want to experience the classical side of Formosa . It’s a living museum where every alley can show you a slice of history. Established in the 17th century, it was the capital of Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty .

To this day, the city retains ancient architecture, old religious festivals, and temples, stores that were opened a hundred year ago, and locals who practice arts and crafts passed down by ancestors. No doubt it’s referred to as the Kyoto of Taiwan!

Table of Contents

We’re here for the food, of course!

“Why are you here?” is a question I always ask travelers when I meet them on the road. “We’re here to eat, why else” is the typical answer I get from tourists in Tainan. The city is not only considered to be the cradle of traditions of the country – it’s also a highly popular food destination!

Asian and local tourists line up at popular restaurants and night market stalls ANY time of the day. The ratio of places to eat per capita has to be one of the highest in the world. The amount of tea shops, street food venues, stalls, sidewalk-eateries, and food alleys is mind-blowing.

Facts About Tainan City

• Tainan was Taiwan’s capital from 1683 to 1885.
• The city is Taiwan’s fourth largest.
• It has a population of 1.8 million people.
• It has an abundance of historic temples.
• The Taiwanese language is more popular than Mandarin.
• Most tourist attractions such as temples, museums, and historical sites are located in the West Central District 中西區 , west of the train station.

Best Attractions in Tainan – Things to Do

Tainan is packed with touristic sights such as temples, museums, night markets, and even a fort where you can learn about Taiwan and China’s military past. There are enough things to do to keep you busy for at least 2-3 days. Here are some places you’ll want to include on your Tainan travel itinerary:

Confucius Temple 孔廟

Welcome to Taiwan’s oldest Confucian Shrine! Of all the Confucius temples around the island, this one is my favorite. The halls are set in front of a vast park filled with huge banyan trees where people chat, fly kites, paint or just walk around. There’s no better place to be on a sunny day when the temple’s pink walls contrast against a deep blue sky.

Tainan’s Confucius Temple is right in the heart of the busy West Central District. If possible, try to get a room in the vicinity, as most attractions are within walking distance from here.

Great South Gate of Tainan 大南門城

Remain of Tainan’s old defences.   From the Confucius Temple, it’s only a short walk along Nanmen Rd. to get to the Great South Gate. The massive double gate was completed in 1835. Set in yet another pleasant park, the giant structure is a reminder of Tainan’s military past as well as one of the most photogenic attraction in town.

Fahua Temple 法華寺

300-year-old Fahua Temple is also worth a detour. The monk on this picture told me he spent his entire life at the temple. “ I was born to be a monk,”  he said.  “When I was a kid, I used to come here to recite sutras while my friends would stay home to work and play .” Although he doesn’t speak English, he’s always happy to take visitors around the shrine. Fahua is a quiet tourist attraction that doesn’t get as busy as Confucius Temple, so it’s a great spot to soak in the culture without the crowds.

Koxinga’s Shrine

Extremely popular with Chinese tourists from the mainland, this memorial is dedicated to Koxinga – the Ming Dynasty general who kicked the Dutch out of Taiwan in 1662. You can see a statue of the man in the main hall as well as tablets commemorating his army along the side corridors. A small museum by the shrine has traditional Taiwanese puppets on display.

City God Temple

While I was visiting the temple, a devotee explained to me: “ City God is the afterlife judge. He keeps account of people’s moral behavior and decides how one should be rewarded or punished. ”

The large abacus in the main hall is said to help City God calculate people’s good or bad deeds. The torture instruments and graphic images of hell are also quite interesting sights.

National Museum of Taiwanese Literature

Set in an attractive neoclassical building that used to be Tainan’s City Hall, this museum showcases exhibitions that detail the progression of Taiwanese literature since the Japanese occupation. For most, the building’s architecture is the main interest. It was built by the Japanese in 1916. Most displays have English descriptions. It’s just a short walk north of Confucius Temple.

Chihkan Towers

Due to its central location and its proximity to lots of good restaurants, this popular landmark seems to attract more tourists than any other attraction in town. Even if you don’t like crowds, you should still put Chihkan Towers on your travel itinerary.

When you enter the site, take a right to make your way to the pavilions. You’ll see a statue of a helpless Dutch bowing his head in front of a powerful Koxinga.

Climb up the two Fujianese-style pavilions to get good views over the city. The nine tablets lined up on the back of stone turtles at the base of the first pavilion date back as far as 1786. They were sent by the Chinese Emperor of that era.

God of War Temple

You simply can’t miss this striking temple with its pink-colored walls as you walk on Minzu Rd. The original shrine, dedicated to Guan Di, was built in 1690.

After taking this picture, the man in the blue shirt asked me:  “Do you have places like this in America?”  I said:  “I’m not from America. How about you, do you have places like this in China?” He quickly and nervously snapped back:  “This is China!”

Matsu Temple

Established in 1662, this is the  oldest Matsu Temple in Taiwan . And it’s such a lively place. It seems that every time I visit it, there’s a ritual that’s being held where giant Chinese puppets dance, gongs are beaten and joss money is thrown up in the air amidst the sound of exploding firecrackers and traditional Taiwanese music.

Being a coastal city that used to be dependent on fishing it’s understandable that Tainan should have a special liking for Matsu, the Goddess of the Sea. The city has no less than 17 temples dedicated to the deity.

Anping Fort

Also called Fort Zeelandia, this impressive bastion was originally  build by the Dutch in 1653 . All that remains from the original structure are a few crumbling walls that used to make up the foundation. The streets around the fort turn into a lively market on weekends and the entire area enjoys a carnival atmosphere as hundreds of Taiwanese tourists show up to buy snacks and play games.

Matsu Temple in Anping

Yet another temple dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. This one is right by Anping Fort and is always packed with devotees.

Look for the  fortune teller  by the main altar – he’s quite a funny character. Point your camera at him and watch his reaction. Don’t worry, he won’t get angry –  he likes attention!

Taiwanese opera  performances are often held on the parking lot in front of the temple. Careful if you see the performers walking on the stage with bottles. They sometimes throw alcohol in the crowd. It’s supposed to ward off evil spirits.

Eternal Golden Castle

The fortress is set in the biggest and most beautiful  park  I’ve seen in Taiwan. Unsurprisingly, tons of Taiwanese flock here on weekends to stroll around the fortifications.

It used to be an important piece of Taiwan’s defense against the Japanese. Military buffs will enjoy the  cannons  on top of the citadel. Photographers will want to shoot the  front gate  early morning. I highly recommend to walk between this site and Anping Fort.

Tainan Accommodation

I recommend to every traveler to stay in the core of the old district downtown, which is called the West Central District 中西區. This area has got everything to keep you busy for an entire week of exploration, eating, drinking, and shopping.

Lakeshore Hotel

This is where I’ve been staying the past few years, as one of my Pizza Rock restaurants is right next door. Lakeshore Hotel is central, modern, clean, and quite luxurious. The rooms are well designed and practical. The beds and pillows are amazingly comfortable.

The buffet for breakfast is the highlight of a stay here. It’s got absolutely everything you can imagine, bacon and eggs, Asian, steak, pasta, salads, cold cuts, huge variety of cheese and bread… Lakeshore is not cheap, but it offers a super great experience and I highly recommend it!

Tainan Transportation, Getting There and Away

By train:  Tainan’s train station is located in the northeastern part of the city, about 1km away from the Confucius Temple and Chihkan Tower.

The following fares and time travel are for the fast trains (also called Tze-Chiang).

Taipei  – NT750 – 4.5 hours Taichung  – NT380 – 2 hours Kaohsiung  – NT110 – 30 minutes

By Bus:  UBus has a station right next to the train station at #2 Beinan Rd. Buses for Taipei cost NT500 and take between 5 to 6 hours depending on the traffic situation.

Tainan  Airport  is only 5km away from the city center and has regular flights to Taipei and Kinmen. The  High Speed Railway Station  (HSR) is a very frustrating 30 minutes south of the city.

Tainan Restaurants / Places to Eat

One of the most popular areas to find traditional food in Tainan City is around Chihkan Towers. There you’ll find everything from fried rice to dumplings sold at street stalls, as well as other local specialties such as Dan Zai Noodle. If you walk around the city, you’ll pass dozens of Taiwanese, Chinese, and even Japanese restaurants that offer in BBQ, hot pot, quick stir-fries, and even western food like pizza, burgers, and steak.

Bars in Tainan

I don’t even know where to begin. There’s a shitload of bars and drinking holes in this city. If you want to hangout at one of the expat places, then you should check Trip Advisor. If you want to see where the locals drink after work, or on Saturday night for a solid Sunday hangover, check out these places:

Cosby Saloon & Bar Alley

I found this place by pure luck (or bad luck)? I had booked a room at the Premier Hotel, because it was one of the only places to stay available downtown that Saturday night. Cosby Saloon happens to be in an alley next to the hotel. As I went back to my room, after walking around town, around 1am, I could see people completely hammered, by the road, so I decided to walk down the alley to investigate. That’s when I found Cosby Saloon. Walked inside, felt at home right away. Old style wooden bar, rock music, bunch of local dudes chatting and smoking on stools.

On the way to Cosby Bar, you will pass about 5 little dinking holes, in what I have now officially coined as the Bar Alley. I can promise you only one thing: you will never see a single foreigner / expat in any of those places. This is local Tainanese territory, and that’s exactly why you’re wanting to get your ass there for a drink.

Address :  704, Tainan City, North District, Gongyuan Road, 128-20號1F

More Pictures of Taiwan’s Ancient Capital

Tainan Photo Gallery – 50 Travel Pictures:   That’s right… More pictures! There’s simply no better way to get describe this amazing city. Check pictures of temples, landscape, people, parks…

Map of Tainan

Return from  Tainan  to  Taiwanese Secrets Homepage

• Blog Contact

• Full Time Classes
• Part Time Classes

Name * Email Address * Whatsapp / Wechat / Mobile Message

Our Student Advisor Team

Fancy coming to study with us? Drop me a message.

Email : [email protected] WeChat ID : manuelsaldana

Please contact me if you wish to come and study with us!

Email :  [email protected] WeChat ID : Mojca_LTL

Discovering Tainan’s Treasures: 9 Must-Visit Places in Taiwan’s Oldest City

What to do in tainan || discover taiwan’s most historical city + what to eat in tainan.

Tainan, with its centuries-old history and rich culture, is a unique destination that offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s multicultural past.

As the island’s oldest city and previous capital, Tainan boasts a wealth of heritage sites, culinary delights, and hidden gems that offers something for everyone.

Here’s our list of 9 places you absolutely must visit in Tainan and our top food recommendations!

What to do in Tainan || Anping Tree House What to do in Tainan || Anping Fort What to do in Tainan || Chihkan Tower (Fort Provintia) What to do in Tainan || Chi Mei Museum What to do in Tainan || Tainan Park What to do in Tainan || Flower Night Market What to do in Tainan || Blueprint Cultural and Creative Park What to do in Tainan || Hayashi Department Store What to do in Tainan || Shennong Street BONUS || What to Eat in Tainan What to do in Tainan || FAQs

What to do in Tainan || Anping Tree House 安平樹屋 Ānpíng Shù Wū

Your Instagram will thank you for visiting the Anping Tree House!

The Anping Tree House is actually a former 19th warehouse built on the grounds of the Tait & Co. Merchant House and served as a vital hub during the era of the Dutch East India Company.

Now, it’s enveloped by the sprawling roots of banyan trees.

Almost totally reclaimed by nature, the many rooms of the warehouse really are a breathtaking sight.

There’s no particular path you need to follow, you can simply give yourself an hour or so to wander round the ground and elevated pathways.

Once you’ve explored to your heart’s content, there’s an Anping Tree House Café on the grounds. It’s not just for coffee lovers, it even sells beer, ice cream and souvenirs.

You will need a ticket to visit the Tree House, but at 70NTD, it’s a steal!

TOP TIP || Most people will come here during the late morning or early afternoon. To beat the crowds, you could stay overnight at the AnPing Inn and be the first on the grounds when it opens at 8:30am

What to do in Tainan || Anping Fort 安平古堡 Ānpíng gǔ bǎo

Whilst Anping Tree House is the place to indulge your inner photographer, Anping Fort is one for your inner history buff.

Constructed by the Dutch in the 17th century, Anping Fort was a center of defense and trade.

As you might’ve guessed, it’s adjacent to the Anping Tree House, so you could tick both these places off your Tainan bucket list in one afternoon!

After its completion in 1632, Anping Fort was originally known as Fort Zeelandia (熱蘭遮城 Rè lán zhē chéng) until 1662, when it was captured by Taiwanese forces and referred to as King’s Fort.

It wasn’t until after WWII that the historical site was officially named Anping Fort.

So, having passed through eras of Dutch, Taiwanese and Japanese rule, Anping Fort is teeming with 400 years of history (including total destruction of some parts !) and is a must-visit cultural location.

TOP TIP || climb the stairs of the viewing tower for a spectacular views of the surrounding area.

To enter the grounds the grounds where Anping Fort is located, tickets cost 70NTD .

Former Name of Taiwan 🏝 Isla Formosa and Taiwan History

When discussing the former name of Taiwan, Formosa & Isla Formosa come up as previous names of the Island, but how turbulent has Taiwan’s history been?

What to do in Tainan || Chihkan Tower (Fort Provintia) 赤嵌樓 Chì qiàn lóu

Chihkan Tower, originally built by the Dutch as Fort Provintia in 1653 , is another fascinating spot that encapsulates Tainan’s colonial past and is one of the most famous sites in the city.

Once a hub of administration under the Qing Dynasty, the tower now houses a museum focusing on Tainan’s intricate history since its colonial days.

Inside, you’ll find a picturesque temple and pavilion.

On the grounds of Chikhan Tower, you’ll find a famous statue of Koxinga , a Taiwanese general, accepting the surrender of the Dutch.

Also on the grounds, at the south gate, are 9 imperial plinths carried atop of 9 Bixi (贔屭), which look like large stone turtles. According to Taiwanese folklore, the Bixi is one of the nine sons of the Dragon King.

If you time your visit well, you might even have the chance to enjoy a concert, which are often held in front of the temple!

What to do in Tainan || The Chi Mei Museum 奇美博物館 Qíměi Bówùguǎn

The Chi Mei Museum, opened in 1990, houses a treasure trove of historical artifacts, from classical art to prehistoric weapons to musical instruments.

It’s not only one of the most spectacular sights in Tainan – with the huge Fountain of Apollo and grand bridge leading to the museum itself, Chi Mei Museum is one of the most beautiful museums in the whole of Asia.

Whilst it has a few permanent exhibitions dedicated to Western art development and musical history, make sure to check out the Chi Mei Museum website for the latest gallery updates.

👉 Tickets will set you back $200, but the museum is well worth a visit and you can expect to spend a few hours enjoying the grounds and various exhibits.

Things to do in Tainan || Tainan Park 台南公園 Táinán Gōngyuán

Sometimes all we want is to escape the hustle and bustle of city life – Tainan Park is just the place!

This serene oasis is nestled in the heart of Tainan and is the perfect place for an afternoon picnic or sunset stroll.

Formerly known as Zhongshan Park , Tainan Park is home to a large lake, beautiful footbridges, several pavilions and even one of the few remaining Qing dynasty stone archways.

It’s one of the oldest parks in Tainan and like many places in this city, is rich in history.

It’s also a great place to absorb some local culture.

Older residents of Tainan can often be spotted here practicing Tai Chi, joining in dance classes and playing Chinese chess .

What to do in Tainan || Tainan Flower Night Market 花園夜市 Huāyuán Yèshì

A favorite of locals and visitors alike!

Tainan Flower Night Market is a vibrant and bustling market that comes alive in the evening, offering the perfect combination of food, shopping, and entertainment.

With around 400 stalls , this bustling market is the perfect spot for foodies keen to try all kinds of Taiwanese foods.

👉 If you’re not sure what to try, we’d recommend seeing which stalls attract the most locals!

Night Markets in Tainan || The Ultimate Guide

The Best Night Markets in Taiwan || The Big 5 Night Markets in Tainan Night markets in Taiwan are an absolute institution, and night markets in Tainan in southern Taiwan are arguably some of the best and most original and…

Once you couldn’t possibly eat anymore food, there’s still plenty to do at the Tainan Flower Night Market.

There’s balloon popping games, fishing games and stalls selling clothing, accessories and gadgets.

Make sure you go on Saturday, Sunday or Thursday, as it’s only open on these days.

However, with stalls operating from 5pm until midnight, you’ll have plenty of time to try everything this famous night market has to offer.

What to do in Tainan || Blueprint Cultural and Creative Park 藍晒圖文創園區 Lán Shài Tú Wén Chuàng Yuánqū

Housed within old Japanese government dormitories, the Blueprint Cultural and Creative Park captures the artistic streak of Tainan.

First opened in 2015, the park developed into an artistic hub and now boasts some of the best graffiti and street art in Taiwan.

There’s also plenty of sculptures and artsy gift shops to peruse.

The best time to visit is in the evening or at night, as it’s the best time to enjoy the 3D Blueprint art installation – think matrix crossed with Taiwanese streets.

Once you’re done feasting your eyes, we’d recommend you feast your stomach at the Xiaomimi (Little Secret) Noodle House – some of the best beef noodles you’ll ever have!

What to do in Tainan || Hayashi Department Store 林百貨 Lín Bǎihuò

The Hayashi Department Store stands as a relic of the Japanese colonial era and was first opened in 1932.

In 2014, the department store was restored to its former glory and you can buy a wide range of gifts of souvenirs, including boxed snacks, pins, stickers, socks, bags, mugs and more.

You’ll also find a lot of Hello Kitty and Mt Fuji inspired merchandise!

👉 Make sure you make it to the top floor, which is actually a rooftop Shinto shrine with pretty impressive city views.

FUN FACT || whilst Hayashi Department Store is also locally known as Five Stories (五層樓 wǔ céng lóu), it actually has six floors!

The Hayashi Department Store is a unique historical site. The elevator is one of the only remaining old style dial types and if you look carefully around the building you’ll see damage left over from US air raids in WWII.

LTL’s Guide to Houtong Cat Village

Forget your cat cafes, Houtong Cat Village is exactly what it says on the tin: a village full of cats! Houtong is easily accessible by train from Taipei.

What to do in Tainan || Shennong Street 神農街 Shénnóng jiē

This charming historic street encapsulates Tainan’s heritage through its well-preserved architecture, traditional houses, temples, and artisanal shops.

As you stroll down its cobbled paths with red lanterns lining the walls, you’ll find plenty of picturesque spots, perfect for history enthusiasts and hipsters alike!

If you head over late afternoon, you’ll get to enjoy the daytime charms and see the lanterns all light up after dark.

Unsurprisingly, Shennong Street has its own fair share of history. During the Qing Dynasty, Shennong Street was the entrance to the Tainan Five Channels, a trading hub based in Tainan’s canal network.

Even though the street is less than 100m in length , there’s plenty of cafes, restaurants and even a couple of bars tucked away in the tiny buildings.

Once you’re done taking advantage of the photo opps, you can visit the King of Medicine Temple and the Water Fairy Temple on the west and east ends of the street respectively.

What to Eat in Tainan || Our Recommendations

As Taiwan’s oldest city, Tainan has had a lot of time to develop some seriously delicious food!

Here’s our must-eat treats:

By far the most famous food in Tainan is beef soup (牛肉湯 niú ròu tāng).

It’s a bowl of simple perfection: thinly cut beef slices, onions, cabbage and clear broth slow cooked for about 8 hours.

Michelin Guide recommends Kangle Street Beef Soup .

However, Win Chang Beef Soup (文章牛肉湯) seems to win the popular vote online, with thousands of 5 star reviews on Google!

Coffin Bread

Not as morbid as it sounds, we swear!

Coffin bread (府城棺材板 fǔchéng guāncai bǎn) is a unique and popular dish originating from Tainan.

It is essentially a type of open-faced sandwich with a creative twist.

The dish consists of a thick slice of white bread that has been hollowed out, creating a bread “coffin.”

The hollowed-out bread is then toasted or deep-fried and filled with a variety of savory ingredients, such as creamy seafood chowder, chicken stew, or curry.

Coffin bread is definitely not one to be missed on your trip to Tainan.

The most authentic coffin bread is said to be found at the Chikan Coffin Bread stall in the Kangle Market, which has been making the delicacy since 1942!

Night Markets

Specific dishes aside, Tainan is known for a thriving night market scene.

The ‘Big 5’ night markets are:

• Tainan Garden Night Market
• Tainan Dadong Night Market
• Tainan Wusheng Night Market
• Tainan Xiaobei Night Market

To find out location and opening times each one, as well as plenty of intel on what to try at each one, check out our Tainan Night Market Guide here .

Have you been to Tainan before? Why not drop your recommendations down in the comments below and tell us what you loved. We hope to see you in Tainan very soon 🤩

What to do in Tainan || FAQs

Tainan really offer something for everyone.

History buffs might most enjoy visiting cultural landmarks like Chihkan Tower and Anping Fort , shopaholics will definitely want peruse the unique merchandise at Hayashi Department Store and Shennong Street .

The Instagram influencers among you won’t want to miss out on the picturesque Chi Mei Museum and Blueprint Cultural and Creative Park .

As Taiwan’s oldest city, Tainan is teeming with history, with plenty of relics left over from the Qing Dynasty, Dutch rule and Japanese colonial times.

Some of the top sites we’d recommend are Anping Fort , Chihkan Tower and Koxinga Shrine .

Chihkan Tower, originally built by the Dutch, offers insights into various periods of rule. Anping Fort showcases maritime history, and Koxinga Shrine commemorates a national hero.

Foodies are really spoiled for choice in Tainan, with a thriving night market scene you’ll be able to try a huge array of Taiwanese specialties.

Tainan is most famous for its beef soup (牛肉湯 niú ròu tāng) and the best beef soup in town can be found at Win Chang Beef Soup (文章牛肉湯) .

— Tainan Garden Night Market

— Tainan Dadong Night Market

— Tainan Wusheng Night Market

— Tainan Xiaobei Night Market

There’s a few popular options for travelling from Taipei to Tainan, inlcuding:

High-Speed Rail (HSR): The fastest way is to take the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) from Taipei Main Station to Tainan Station. The journey takes around 90 minutes and there are frequent departures.

Train: Regular trains are also available, offering a more economical option. You can take a standard train from Taipei Main Station to Tainan Railway Station. While the journey takes longer than the HSR, it provides an opportunity to enjoy scenic views along the way.

Bus: Several long-distance bus services connect Taipei and Tainan. Buses offer varying levels of comfort and travel time. It’s advisable to choose a reputable bus service for a comfortable journey.

Driving: Renting a car and driving from Taipei to Tainan is an option if you enjoy road trips. The journey takes around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way.

Tainan is a city situated in the southern part of Taiwan.

It is located on the southwestern coast of the island, facing the Taiwan Strait.

Absolutely.

You can take small group or individual courses with LTL in Tainan from one week to one year!

Learn more about our Chinese courses in Tainan here .

Want more from LTL?

If you wish to hear more from LTL Language School why not join our mailing list.

We give plenty of handy information on learning Chinese, useful apps to learn the language and everything going on at our LTL schools!

Sign up below and become part of our ever growing community!

BONUS | Want to study the local Taiwanese dialect known as Hokkien? We provide Hokkien classes in person and online.

11 Steps to Pass the Scooter License Taiwan [2024 Guide] | Taiwan Scooter License Test

Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for Climbing Yushan in 2023 || PLUS How to Get the Yushan Permit

A Complete Guide to Kinmen Island // The Gateway to the Mainland

Leave a reply cancel reply.

You will get a reply from us Your email address will not be published. Name and Email are required.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

What To Do In Tainan – The Best Spots, The Local Dishes & More

Tainan, a city that emits seaside charm, historical beauty, and modern hipster vibes is as stunning as it is full of surprises. From chic cafes to ancient heritage sites, this is the place to go when you just want to explore – explore – explore.

Whilst education is usually not high on the priority when travelling, you’ll be pleasantly astounded by the information you gain simply by walking around and taking in the sights in Tainan. Whilst the nightlife and city hustle bustle here leaves a lot to be desired (so if you’re a night crawler, this may not be for you), this city stuns in every other way. If you’ve got a few days to spare, hit up Tainan!

How To Get To Tainan?

Tainan sits along the west coast close to Kaohsiung City , making it very easy to travel to. However, for those wanting to visit from Taipei City, there are options for you as well.

How To Get To Tainan From Hualien

Take the High Speed Rail from Zuoying Station to Tainan Station (15-minutes). Otherwise, you can catch a regular train from Kaohsiung Railway Station to Tainan Station (40-50 minutes).

How To Get To Tainan From Taipei

Take the High Speed Rail from Taipei Main Station to Tainan Station (105 minutes). Otherwise you can catch a regular train from Taipei Main Station to Tainan Railway Station (4-6 hours).  

Where To Stay In Tainan

Tainan guesthouse – chung fu inn.

Low cost, convenient location, clean, comfortable, cosy. Chung Fu Inn is exactly what you’d expect from a guesthouse, and yet it’ll seem as though they give a lot more. Located within walking distance to many popular tourist’s sites, you can be sure that you’ll get all the assistance you need to explore the area properly via the tour desk operating within the guesthouse.

For a no frills stay, you can rest in the quaint main lobby, however, there are suites that provide you with all the space you need to eat, sleep and rest in your own private quarters. At the very least, all rooms come with a flat-screen TV and private bathroom.

Why Guests Love It : “My girlfriend and I both thought the property was very clean and comfortable. It was nicely located about a 10-minute drive from most attractions. Most importantly, the staff were incredibly nice and helpful.”, “The room was stylish and comfortable. Staff was prompt in meeting our requests (even though our room was separately located from the rest of the rooms) and helpful in providing directions. There is also a 7-11 nearby”.  

Book It Now : Chung Fu Inn

Tainan Hotel – Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Tainan

Luxury and comfort have made a love child and it comes in the form of this impeccable Shangri-La hotel . Located in the downtown district, only two-minutes away from Tainan Railway Station, it’s an accommodation fit for a king.

With all the amenities that you could ever ask for (including a massive outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, four different onsite cuisines, and even a pillow menu), you’d be hard-pressed to even want to leave this palace to explore the wider city. All rooms have been furnished exquisitely and everything is in mint condition.  

Why Guests Love It : “Stunning pool – really awesome and it’s open very late! Super good selection at breakfast. Comfortable beds.”, “The meals in the café had extraordinary variety and quality with a breakfast buffet that defied belief. But more than that, what we appreciated was the great attitude of the staff. The ground floor bar was also an excellent place for a drink and snacks with cordial service. While everything was great…the staff were even better than that!”.  

Book It Now : Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel

What To Eat In Tainan?

They’re a staple to the Taiwanese diet, but Tainan City thrives off the seafood that comes from its coast so you can bet that any shell you lay your lips on will be incredibly fresh. To this point, you should probably make the most of it and eat anything and everything oyster here: fresh, grilled, pancakes, even soup.  

Tainan Fried Shrimp Spring Rolls

This is quite the delicacy here! Seen at many restaurants and night food markets, the shrimp rolls have made their mark in the culinary scene of Tainan. Fresh shrimps mixed with sticky rice, rolled in pastry and deep-fried. As you can imagine, they’re simply amazing.  

Shrimp Crackers

If you visit Anping Old Street (and we mention this later), there are street vendors flinging out shrimp crackers like no tomorrow. These are a must try in Tainan!  

Milk Fish Belly Soup

This delicacy can be found almost everything in Tainan, but if you’re after a simple, no-frills version, head to the night markets and find vendors slinging these out like clay dishes. It’s made of milkfish and does contain bones, however, the smell and fresh is not too ‘fresh ocean’. It’s usually got fried green onion and garlic.

The 8 Best Things To Do In Tainan

• Anping Old Street
• Anping Tree House
• Hayashi Department Store
• Fairy Lake Leisure Farm
• Jingzaijiao Tile-paved Salt Fields
• Dadong Night Market
• Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
• Chihkan Towers (Fort Provintia)

1. Anping Old Street  

If you love aimlessly perusing busy streets that offer anything from tiny electronic fans which you hang around your neck to freshly grilled quail egg takoyaki balls, then Anping Old Street should be your first stop. Stretches of roads that wind through the city, offering stalls and stalls of food and entertainment and souvenirs – you’ll have a grand time. Set aside maybe 1-2 hours and an empty belly to walk around and sample the wares of the area, because there is a lot to try.

We recommend stopping by the prawn crackers shop at the intersection where you’ll find employees popping off fresh crackers like they were born to do it. Grab a bag and munch on them as you continue along the route.

If you’re lucky, you might spot the crowd of youngers trying to learn how to skateboard from the famous local men, or see magic monkey do a performance. There are games that children can place such as pop the ball in the clown’s mouth, and, as always, fresh juice if you’re feeling a little parched. This is just a great street to explore.  

• Address : Yanping Street, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708
• Access : From Tainan Station, take either Bus 2, 88 or 99 and alight at Anping Old Fort.  

2. Anping Tree House  

Search up pictures of Anping and you’ll most certainly come across pictures of the Tree House that almost defines the intricacies of the history of this city. What started off as a warehouse then became a base for salt company, after which it was abandoned sometime in the 1940s.

From then on, a large banyan tree grounded its roots and eventually took over the entire property, stretching its branches all over the walls, roof, and floor. It’s quite a sight to behold. Nowadays, you can visit this once-thought-to-be-haunted house for free. It makes for a great place to take alluring pictures, and its unique disposition is something you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

• Address : No. 108, Gubao Street, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708
• Access : You will be able to catch public transport here, but we highly recommend taking a taxi because it’s relatively inexpensive and much quicker. From Tainan Station, just let them know you’d like to visit Anping Tree House. It should be a 9-minute car ride.
• Hours : 8:30am – 5:30pm  
• Cost : Free  

3. Hayashi Department Store

Fondly referred to by locals as the “Five-Stories-House”, this department store in Tainan hails from all the way in 1932, and is the absolute oldest department store in all of Taiwan. If it’s some chic shopping experience you’re after, or if you’re looking for some unique souvenirs, or even if you just want to escape the heat in summer and are looking for a nice cool place to amble around that’s both relaxing and exciting, then head here for a few hours.

From stylish local designer brands to local delicacies, delicate trinkets to traditional desserts, this place is surprisingly well-stocked and more fun than you can imagine. Retaining most of the old-school Japanese Colonial Era décor and charm, you’ll be fascinated the moment you lay eyes inside the store.  

• Address : No. 63號, Section 2, Zhongyi Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
• Access : From Tainan Railway Station, take the Red line towards Anping Industrial Park, and alight at Hayashi Department Store.  
• Hours : 11:00am – 9:00pm  

4. Fairy Lake Leisure Farm  

Taiwan and infinity pools – a highly unlikely match made in heaven, but not completely unrealistic. If you want to experience something truly spectacular and unique, head over to the Fairy Lake Leisure Farm for an overnight stay, and completely relax in the countryside whilst participating in leisurely activities such as farm tours, coffee appreciation tours, and ‘ang ku kueh’ (red tortoise cake) making classes.

Whilst you do the farm tours, keep an eye out for lychees, coffee beans, and even longans (depending on what season you’re visiting).

Whilst this is all fun, the true star of the show is the infinity pool that overlooks the surrounded mountains ranges and farms. Being this high up, the mist and fog that almost always accompany the mountains makes for a surreal sight, especially if you’re soaking in the cool water with nothing but silence (or maybe birds chirping away) as your companion. If you’re game enough, wake up early and head here to watch the sunrise – truly spectacular.  

• Address : 733, Taiwan, Tainan City, Dongshan District, 南勢里賀老寮一鄰6-2號
• Access : From Tainan City, it is a 60-minute drive.  
• Book here : Fairy Lake Leisure Farm

5. Jingzaijiao Tile-paved Salt Fields

This may seem like an incredibly random activity to do, but if you’re the type to appreciate all elements of culture, then pay this place a visit. Whilst these days, it may be filled with more tourists visiting than actual salt farmers, it’s still quite a sight to behold. Located within the Beimen District, this sight shows how salt is mined from evaporation ponds.

Once you get there, you can snap a few pictures, but the real fun starts when you actually hop on over to one of the fields (you’re allowed to, just make sure you’re wearing proper shoes) and can practice mining with the brooms and equipment left there.

There’s even an area where you can dig some salt and take it home with you as a souvenir. This place caters for tourists, so you’ll find food stalls and toilets around. Stick around for the sunset because it’s one of the best in the area.

• Address : 727, Taiwan, Tainan City, Beimen District, 64號
• Access : If you’re taking public transport, you will need to take the Blue bus line from Tainan Train Station to Jiali. At Jiali, wait for the Blue 2 line to Nan Kun Shen. If you’re driving, it is only 45-60 minutes from the city.
• Hours : 9:00am – 5:30pm
• Cost : Free

6. Dadong Night Market   

Dadong Night Market definitely deserves a shout out. As one of the biggest night markets in all of Tainan, it’s everything you dream a Taiwanese night market is.

It’s basically a foodie’s galore (as are most food markets in Taiwan) but you can never really compare one oyster pancake from southern Taiwan to another in Northern Taiwan because they’re not all one and the same – the simplicities and complexities of each traditional Taiwanese street dish are taken on by each vendor and spun into their own tale – thus, theoretically you may be just having an oyster omelette, but it’s Dadong Night Market’s oyster omelette.

Some special mentions include the deep fried sweet potato balls, jianbing, fried cuttlefish, and papaya milk. We can rave on about the food here all day long, but you get the gist. After some souvenirs or random gadgets? If you have time to explore the entire market, you’ll see that they not only serve delicious food, but it’s also an electronics, accessories and clothing galore.  

• Address : No. 276號, Section 1, Linsen Road, East District, Tainan City, Taiwan 701
• Access : From Tainan Station, it is either a 25-minute walk, or you can catch a taxi which will take 8-minutes.
• Hours : Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays from 6:00pm – 12:00am  

7. Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum  

This 100-hectare Buddhist site is, well, quite a sight to behold. The first thing you notice when you get here are the asymmetric pagodas that line the main grounds. They play a role in almost all visitors’ pictures because they’re so absolutely stunning. Visit during sunset and it’ll actually take your breath away.

It was established in 2011, and its aim was to provide prosperity of all visitors. If you’re a culture buff and enjoy places where you can really immerse yourself and learn as you explore, this is a great place to be. There are restaurants and cafes if you want to take a rest, and believe it or not, there’s even a Starbucks onsite if you’re craving that caffeine hit.

• Address : No. 1號, Tongling Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 84049
• Access : From Tainan, the easiest way to get there would be by rental car or taxi. The ride itself will take approximately 1 hour.  
• Hours : Monday – Friday ( closed Tuesdays) : 9:00am – 7:00pm, Saturday – Sunday: 9:00am – 8:00pm  
• Cost : Free for the public grounds.  

8. Chihkan Towers (Fort Provintia)

History buffs, this one’s for you; but also, if you’re after a short but sweet activity where you’ll feel like you’ve travelled back in a time a little, this is one’s also for you. Actually, to be honest, this fort is one that everyone will feel fascinated to see. Originally built in the 17 th century by Dutch colonists, this tower’s foundation is the only thing left that’s original. Over the years, the wear and tear has been replaced multiple times, however, its stark ancient structural beauty is still its most captivating feature. Almost all visitors here have been pleasantly surprised – it’s a great place to quietly spend 1-2 hours roaming around, and there is even entertainment here on the weekends.  

• Address : No. 212, Section 2, Minzu Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
• Access : From Tainan Train Station, take Bus 17 towards Chihkan Tower.  
• Hours : 8:30am – 9:30pm  
• Cost : $50 NT (1.5USD)

From the outside, Tainan may look like any other city in Taiwan with its food markets and numerous shopfronts and abundance of cafes and restaurants, but if you have the time and truly invest in exploring this underrated coastal city, you’ll understand why the locals have been keeping it a secret for so long.

Nowadays, more and more foreigners are making their way through this humble region, so you should get in quick before it becomes a major tourist hub (and no doubt it will!).

PS : More informations about Taiwan are waiting for your here: Taiwan Travel Blog .

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

What To Do In Hualien – Discover The 8 Best Spots To Visit

The 10 Most Beautiful Beaches To Visit In Taiwan

The 10 Coolest Things To Do In Taipei In 2024

What To Do In Keelung – The 5 Coolest Things To Do

The 7 Most Interesting Things To Do In Taichung In 2024

Asia , City Guides , Taiwan · December 29, 2019

The Most Amazing Things to do in Tainan, Taiwan

Wondering what to do in Taiwan’s oldest city, Tainan? This guide highlights everything you need to know about visiting Tainan for the first time and includes all the top things to do in Tainan. I’ll also be sharing useful tips and tricks to help you thoroughly enjoy your visit to this dreamy gem.

If you’re planning a trip to Tainan, chances are you’re probably wondering what to do in the city. Like most Taiwanese cities, Tainan is jam-packed with amazing things to do. The town has all the makings for a perfect quick getaway, from great food and colorful temples to historic landmarks and the great outdoors.

With a rich history dating back nearly 400 years, and deep roots influenced by the Dutch and Japanese, Tainan seamlessly epitomizes Taiwan’s unique history. As Taiwan’s very first city, Tainan offers visitors the perfect mix of old-world charm accompanied by a laid-back vibe.

Ready to discover the best things to do in Tainan? Read along to get handy tips like when to visit, where to stay, how to get to Tainan and what to do!

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Tainan Itinerary Pre-Travel Tips

It’s not hard to find amazing things to do in Tainan. The city is home to plenty of historical sites, great foodie experiences, and nature escapes within easy reach. However, before you set off on your Tainan trip, t hese top planning tips will help you explore Tainan hassle-free. 

• Search the best hotel rates in Tainan . Tainan has excellent accommodation options (more of this later). Still, if you’re traveling over weekends or special holidays, it’s best to book accommodation well in advance as rooms fill up quickly and prices might be steeper .
• Grab a local sim card upon arrival at TPE airport to help you stay connected, access maps, and enjoy a stress-free trip. Pocket wifi is also easy to pick up, but if you want to use the biking system in Taiwan (which I highly recommend by the way), you’ll need a local number to register.
• The fastest way to get to Tainan from Taipei is by High-Speed Rail. Buying a  single journey ticket is a great way to keep your schedule flexible, but if you’re planning on making good use of Taiwan’s efficient rail network, I highly recommend grabbing this 5 Day Joint Rail Pass . This will allow you to travel onwards by HSR or TRA easily and save some money. 
• Considering travel insurance for your trip?  World Nomads  offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
• Grab this awesome guidebook to help you travel onwards in Taiwan. It’s packed with excellent advice, and insights into the culture, history and much, much more. 

Tainan Essentials

For a stress-free Tainan trip, here are a few extra essentials that will help you make your trip a success. 

• Get a  Tainan Historic Sites Pass  upon arrival at T PE airport that will allow you to visit most of the city’s top sights at a discounted rate. 
• Grab Taiwan’s local top-up card, the Easy Card , to tap-and-go on trains and buses. You can also use it to rent a T-Bike, and even buy goods at convenience stores without worrying about having the right chance.
• Tainan is a very walkable city, albeit quite spread out. If you aren’t comfortable navigating the bus system, opt for a private driver to help you get around the city and explore the top attractions without the headache.
• The double-decker sightseeing tour bus is another excellent way to get to the city’s top attractions with little effort.
• Want to see all the top spots without worrying about the nitty-gritty planning details? Then,  this tour is just for you. Get to see all the highlights in the comfort of a bus. 
• If you are looking for a unique experience while exploring Tainan, consider joining this excellent  mountain village cooking class . 

Don’t have time to read this Tainan itinerary now? Save this guide on things to do in Tainan for later.

Best Things to do in Tainan, Taiwan

No visit to Taiwan would be complete without stopping by the island’s former capital city, Tainan. Today, Tainan offers a unique glimpse into bygone days, while packing the perfect mix of history, architecture, culture, and fabulous food. 

Seeing that there are so many amazing things to do in Tainan, it might be hard fitting everything in, especially if you only have a few days in this dreamy gem. Therefore, feel free to adjust this Tainan itinerary to your own needs and traveling style.  

Here are the best things to do in Tainan when you only have a short amount of time.

Shennong Street (神農街)

Shennong Street is one of the most colorful streets in Tainan and a must for photographers. Here you’ll find quirky cafes, cute shophouses selling handmade crafts, and plenty of photo opportunities.

Despite its unique aesthetic appeal, Shennong Street has quite a unique history too. During the Qing Dynasty, it was the most prosperous business area in Tainan and served as the entrance to the city’s river ports. Today, you can still see some of the shophouses built during the Qing and Japanese eras. Although most of them are broken down, a visit here offers an exciting glimpse into the past.  

Nearby, there is also a bustling day market where you can get a closer look at the locals going about their daily life and take instagram-worthy pictures. Browsing the market and wandering through the maze of alleyways, while snapping photos of authentic Asia scenes was a huge highlight for me.

More adventurous travelers are in for a real treat, too! This vibrant market is the perfect place to sample some of the local specialties on offer in the city.

Snail Alley (蜗牛巷)

One of the best things to do in Tainan is to explore all the cute alleyways. There are tons of nooks and crannies to discover, and seeing that Tainan is an extremely walkable city, it’s a great way to get to know the city and all its charms. 

If you enjoyed Instagram-worthy Shennong Street, you might also want to consider stopping by Snail Alley ( see map here ). The alley consists of several alleyways tucked away in a residential neighborhood, a short stroll away from the Grand Mazu Temple. Dotted with cute snail artwork, colorful street art, and cozy cafes, it’s the perfect spot for a leisurely walkabout. 

Insider’s Tips: If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the mindblowing sweet potato donuts at Yu Shih Donut on nearby Minsheng Road. They are amazing! Also, as this is a residential area, please be respectful and considerate while exploring the little winding streets. 

Chihkan Tower (赤崁樓)

One of the top historical landmarks not to miss on your Tainan trip is undoubtedly Chihkan Tower. Initially built as Fort Provintia by the Dutch in 1652, it served as an administrative center in the city.

Although the building has changed many hands since then and later on served as a governor’s mansion, and even an army hospital, today, the original building structure is still intact. Since then, several restorations and add-ons have been done to complete the look of Chihkan Tower as we see it today.   

Besides exploring the beautiful courtyard where you can spot the set of nine stone turtles symbolizing strength and longevity, and the broken legged stone horse, walking through the temples and towers are a must. Inside you’ll find interesting artifacts and the tower’s rich history documented on display. Oh, and don’t forget to make a wish on the upper floor of the second tower! 

Anping Tree House (安平樹屋)

Another must-visit attraction in Tainan is the jaw-dropping Anping Tree House. The grounds are home to several points of interest, such as the former Tait & Co. Merchant House, Zhu Jiu-Ying Residence, a coffee shop, a quirky souvenir shop, as well as beautiful grounds that boast with a pond, pedal-powered water wheels, and a sky bridge. However, the star attraction is undeniably the abandoned salt warehouse surrounded and intertwined with one giant banyan tree. 

It’s quite a mind-boggling sight to see all the roots and branches coiled around the building, so be sure not to miss it on your Tainan trip. There are many lookout points within the warehouse, as well as a permanent art exhibition. 

Anping Old Fort (安平古堡)

Anping Fort is the oldest fort in Tainan and filled with unique insights into the past. Initially named Fort Zeelandia, it‘s one of the most famous Tainan attractions and a huge must on your Tainan itinerary. 

Built in 1634, Fort Zeelandia served as the administrative center of the Dutch and played a significant role as a trading base. Things took a turn in 1661 when the Dutch were driven out of Taiwan by Cheng Cheng-Kung, and the fort was renamed Anping. 

Years later, during the Japanese Colonial Period, much of the fort’s interior was destroyed. Although some parts were reconstructed, the 70m long red brick walls of the outer fort are the last remnants of the original fort. 

Anping Old Street (安平老街)

A short stroll away from Anping Old Fort, you’ll find Anping Old Street – a mecca for foodies and those looking to sample some of Tainan’s famous specialties. Some of the most notable dishes to try are shrimp cakes, tofu pudding, candied fruit, shrimp rolls, oyster rolls, fish ball soup, and oyster omelets. 

Besides the many delicious local foods on offer, Anping Old Street is also an excellent place to shop for souvenirs, knick-knacks, and tasty snacks to take home. 

Seeing that Anping Old Street is one of top things to do in Tainan for locals and tourists alike, it’s best to time your visit here. If you want to skip the crowds, visit during the week or before the dinner rush. 

Grand Mazu Temple (祀典大天后宮)

Known as the city of temples, Tainan boasts more than 1000 temples. In fact, turn a corner, and you’re likely to spot one! 

A short stroll from Chihkan Tower, you’ll find Taiwan’s first Mazu temple – the Grand Mazu T emple. Built in 1684, the temple is dedicated to the sea goddess, Mazu, and is also often referred to as Datianhou or Great Queen of Heaven Temple. 

There are several halls to explore, while the giant Mazu statue dating back nearly 300 years is a testament to Taiwan’s intricate sculpting practices. 

Confucious Temple (台南孔子廟)

The oldest and most revered temple in Tainan is undoubtedly the Tainan Confucius Temple. With roots dating back to 1666, it offers a glimpse into the past and scenic surroundings where you can marvel at the place where education originated in Taiwan. 

The City Gates

During the Qing dynasty, fourteen city gates were built to protect Tainan, ultimately forming a walled city. 

Although most of the walls and gates were destroyed during the Japanese Colonial era, today, you can still see and explore 4 of the remaining barriers. These include Duiyue Gate, Great East Gate, Great South Gate, and Little West Gate. 

While you won’t need to much time here, it’s a fun add-on to your list of things to do in Tainan.

Chimei Museum (奇美博物館)

History and culture enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the Chimei Museum. The museum houses extensive collections of Western art, musical instruments, weaponry, and natural history. In the main hall, you’ll find several permanent exhibitions and well as many sculptures worth admiring. Besides the treasures within, one of the biggest draws to Chimei Museum is its unique architecture representing a Greek-style castle. 

However, since Chimei Museum is quite a popular spot among locals and tourists alike, it may be a good idea to grab the  permanent exhibition ticket online first. That way, you can spend less time waiting in long lines and tick off more things do in Tainan!

How to get to Tainan

When planning your Tainan itinerary, one of the very first things you’re probably trying to figure out is how to get to Tainan. Thankfully, Taiwan has an excellent transit system, which makes getting from A to B with public transport extremely easy. If you’re coming from Taipei, read my detailed guide on getting to Tainan from Taipei for more tips.

There are several ways to get to Tainan, ranging from buses and trains to the highly efficient high-speed rail.

However, if you want to maximize your time in Tainan, I highly recommend hopping on the HSR. (If you’re a tourist, grab a discounted ticket online here). Trains running to and from Tainan HSR station are frequent and affordable. The city is a quick 15-minute HSR ride from Taiwan’s third-largest city, Kaohsiung , and less than 1.5 hours from Taipei .

From here, you can catch a taxi at Exit 1. But, you should also know that the city center is about 45 minutes away from the station and taking a cab is not the cheapest option. We paid just over NT$400 for a single ride to our hotel.

Budget travelers, on the other hand, might want to consider taking the bus or the local train to the city center instead. Head to Exit 2 of the HSR station to access the local city bus or catch a train to the city’s central station.

When to visit Tainan

Tainan is a great city to visit all year round. Located south of the Tropic of Cancer, it has a subtropical climate, with a small amount of rainfall throughout the year. Expect warm sunny days and average temperatures of 24° C .

In general, the south of Taiwan is considerably hotter and more humid than the rest of the island. Therefore, if you aren’t used to high humidity levels, it’s best not to visit Tainan during summer (Jun-Aug).

For more bearable temperatures, visit Tainan during spring or autumn instead. You should, however, also keep in mind that typhoons aren’t uncommon in Taiwan, especially during typhoon season (Jun-Oct).

Furthermore, there are also several exciting seasonal events nearby worthy of your time. In spring, you can visit the International Orchid Show. While summer is the perfect time to watch fireflies or see the blooming lotus flowers at Baihe. In autumn, temperatures start to dip slightly, but you’ll see fewer crowds and enjoy reasonable hotel prices. If you are looking for a unique experience while visiting Tainan in winter, relaxing in the mud hot springs nearby might just be the answer.

Where to stay in Tainan

Tainan has a great selection of hotels and hostels from which to choose. However, when visiting Tainan, I highly recommend staying in the city center. This way, most of the attractions, as well as the train station, will be within walking distance.

Here are some of the best ones:

• Hua Hotel is at a perfect central location, housed in a beautiful modern building, and offers excellent value for money. Since you’ll have the top attractions in Tainan right on your doorstep, it’s a great base.
• FX Hotel is another excellent choice for travelers looking for an affordable, modern hotel, which is centrally located.
• If you’re looking for a posh 4-star hotel/hostel with an amazing vibe and cool interiors, check-in at U.I.J Hotel & Hostel .
• Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel is a stylish 5-star hotel close to some of Tainan’s main attractions. Chihkan Tower and The Grand Matsu Temple, as well as a good selection of restaurants, are all a short stroll away.
• Those looking for slightly cheaper accommodation without sacrificing style and comfort might find P Inn an excellent option, whereas shoestring travelers could opt to stay at the stylish 158Hostel instead.

Pin this post on things to do in Tainan for later.

What to eat in Tainan

When in Tainan, you’ll want to try out some of the local specialities. Tainan has a distinct gastronomical food scene and is well known as the foodies capital of Taiwan. Deeply influenced by several cultures over centuries, Tainan’s food scene is diverse and unique in all senses imaginable. Most dishes are super cheap and quite small, allowing you to sample a bunch of the city’s must-try local snacks

Here’s a quick look at all the mouthwatering snacks you simply have to try on your Tainan trip. 

Beef soup  is a popular delicacy in Tainan and packed with natural flavor. The dish consists of a clear broth served with fresh, thinly sliced beef and fresh ginger. 

Rice bowl cake  is a traditional Tainan delicacy. The chewy dish is topped with dried fish floss, braised pork meat sauce, spring onion, and garlic. 

Danzai noodles  is a must on your Tainan trip. This tasty bowl of yellow noodles is served in a broth and topped with minced meat and shrimp. 

Eel noodles  consist of chewy eel, a thick-based sauce, served on yellow noodles. 

Almond tofu pudding  has a strong almond flavor but is a refreshing snack on a hot day. 

Gua Bao  is the Taiwanese version of a hamburger. A soft steamed bun is stuffed with pork and pickled vegetable, and then topped with peanut sauce or powder.

Congee  is a popular rice soup dish islandwide. In Tainan, milkfish congee is a firm favorite among locals. 

Coffin Toast  is a thick slice of sweet fried bread filled with a thick soup. It’s quite an oily dish, so if you are health conscious, you might want to give it a skip.  

Tainan Night Markets

Besides all the great restaurant options near the historical hub, don’t forget to visit some of the local night markets. You can sample some of the city’s best eats at Tainan’s three top night markets; Da Dong Night Market, Tainan Flower Market, and Wusheng Night Market. Before you head out, though, it’s best to check each market’s opening hours first as some do not open every day. 

Need more help planning your Taiwan Travels?

Whether you’re extending your Taiwan travels or looking for more options to explore nearby, I’ve got you covered. Get more insider’s tips on southern and central Taiwan’s top attractions here:

• 2 weeks in Taiwan Itinerary
• 5 days Taipei itinerary
• Kaohsiung 2-Day Itinerary
• Top things to do in Kenting
• The Ultimate guide to Xiaoliuqiu Island

That wraps up this first-timer’s guide to Tainan. Have you visited Tainan yet? What tips do you have for fellow travelers looking for the best things to do in Tainan? Drop your comments below.

Liked this Tainan itinerary? Maybe your friends will too. Please share it with them here.

join the club

You’ll also love.

November 9, 2022 at

Hi! Thank you for this lovely post. How many days on average would you suggest to spend in Tainan?

Hi Jo! If you get an early start, you can see and do quite a lot in one day, but I recommend spending at least two days in Tainan. That way, you can experience all of its best bits without being rushed.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Currently you have JavaScript disabled. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser.

The Best Things to do at Storms River Mouth

Trending now.

Follow @ Hoponworld

[instagram-feed]

Travel guides

• Travel Guides
• Itineraries
• City Guides
• Beach Guides
• Outdoor Guides
• Tips & Inspo

Get exclusive access to detailed travel guides & tips!

Work with me

• Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2024 Hoponworld · Theme by 17th Avenue

updated on December 7, 2022

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Getty Images/LOOK

You’ll almost certainly receive looks of jealousy from any Taiwanese person if you mention you’re going to Tainan (台南), and it’s not hard to see why. Traditional culture continues to thrive here, in the oldest city in Taiwan. The name 'Taiwan' was once used to refer to Dayuan (大員), the former name of Anping where the Dutch fort is located. Inside temples, bwah bwey (moon blocks, 搏杯) are cast to determine the best course of action, as it was done hundreds of years ago. Outside, young Tainanese show off their art and make coffee in former canalside houses. Tainanese are fastidious about their food, and a number of dishes are exclusive to the region (but renowned all over the island).

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Grand Mazu Temple

This lively temple once served as the palace of Ning Jin, the last king of the Ming dynasty. If you wish to confirm visually that a king's status is lower…

City God Temple

When you enter the temple, look up for the two large abacuses used to calculate whether you have done more good than bad in life; check out the most…

Thousand Fields Seed Museum

This horticultural Eden is a home with a fantastical garden overrun with plants, and seeds, seeds, seeds – some 500 species, most endemic to southern…

National Museum of Taiwan Literature

This serious and excellent museum details the development of Taiwanese literature from the time of the pre-Han indigenous peoples to the modern era…

Shennong Street

Cafes, art galleries, fashion boutiques and B&Bs have flowered in the hub of Tainan's former Five Canals area, taking full advantage of the long, narrow,…

Ciji Temple Museum

In focus here is Koji pottery that is used to embellish roof ridges and walls by sculptor Ye Wang (1826–87). The first such artist to be born in Taiwan …

Taijiang National Park

Taiwan's eighth national park, Taijiang covers a patchwork of coastal lands north of Anping Harbour. The 50 sq km of land and 340 sq km of sea include…

Confucius Temple

Built in 1666 by the son of Ming loyalist Zheng Chenggong (Koxinga),Taiwan's first Confucian temple and official school is quiet, dignified and coloured…

Latest stories from Tainan

Jun 5, 2018 • 6 min read

Tropical southern Taiwan is a land of turquoise waters and rocky coasts, night markets and beach bars, succulent seafood and fresh produce. One of…

Borders Of Adventure

Leading Culture and Adventure Travel Blog by Becki Enright. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel.

Cultural Travel , Taiwan

Things to Do in Tainan – See Taiwan’s Oldest City Differently

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to handpicked partners, including tours, gear and booking sites. If you click through or buy something via one of them, I may receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and allows this site to keep running.

Here are the things to do in Tainan to see it differently – a historical city granted little attention, despite being the oldest city in Taiwan. 

Tainan is the oldest city and the first capital of Taiwan. This southwestern coastal city blends a 400-year-old history, from a Dutch colony in  1624 to 1662  to its time under Imperial Chinese rule.  Tainan is also known as the city of temples – having more than anywhere else in the country. A city of tradition, ritual and folklore, of which you will only scratch the surface.

An arrangement of sites within a modern metropolis that places it mostly off-radar. Altogether, Tainan is a beautiful sightseeing ground for the hardened traveller who loves to dig a little deeper. 

Where modern-day Taiwan springs into life, the spread-out canvas of Tainan can be challenging to grasp at first and may require a little planning. I was lucky enough to live in an apartment run by a local couple, who helped me map out the attractions of Tainan to ensure I covered the most important parts during my short stay. Sites that span three areas – Anping District, Annan District and Taiwan city centre. 

Here are the places to visit in Tainan to see it differently and understand its significant cultural and historical placement in the birth of modern Taiwan. 

Things to Do in Tainan – See Taiwan’s Oldest City Differently.

Planning a Trip around Taiwan

Anping kaitai tianhou temple (matsu temple), fort zeelandia (anping old fort), anping tree house, anping old street (yanping), the luermen matsu temple , the historical shennong street, temples of tainan city, heritage buildings, tainan night markets, booking a tainan homestay, getting to tainan.

The easiest and quickest way of getting to Tainan is to take the Taiwan High Speed Rail service from Taipei. 

With daily schedules, the journey from Taipei to Tainan takes 90 minutes and costs around €30 for a Standard Seat. 

Plan and book tickets from Taipei to Tainan via the popular 12Go Asia booking platform. 

Is Tainan one of many destinations you want to visit in Taiwan? Here’s how to incorporate Tainan with other island highlights. 

READ MORE: Places to Visit in Taiwan – The Little Known Island with Big Attraction

Things to Do in Tainan – Historical and Cultural Highlights

What’s Tainan known for? Historical sites spanning the Dutch occupation, the Ming and Qing Dynasties to the Japanese Colonial Period, alongside the continuance of tradition, especially the sacred temples and the beloved night markets. 

There are plenty of attractions in Tainan, but they are spread out. The easiest way to navigate it all is to start harbourside in the western Anping District, where you’ll find a cluster of heritage sites, before moving on to the neighbouring Annan District for a stop at one of Tainan’s most renowned and important temples. Then head inland and enjoy Tainan’s modern city centre, finding the historical dynastic-era streets while stumbling upon temples, parks and markets. 

Anping District

Anping is a district of Taiwan on a cluster of small islands and harbour peninsulas west of the city centre. 

The harbourside site of the original Dutch settlement, Anping’s main attractions are the preserved historical sites, including the 17th-century Dutch era Anping Fort (Fort Zeelanda) and the adjacent historical avenue, Anping Old Street, the Matsu temple, and the Anping Tree House.

Also known as Anping Matsu Temple, Anping Kaitai Tianhou Temple is the oldest Matsu temple on the island, granting it historical significance. Located near Anping Fort, the temple was built later during the Qing Dynasty in 1668. It’s dedicated to Matsu (Mazu), Goddess of the Sea and protector of all seafarers, especially Chinese settlers, as they journeyed from the mainland. It’s adorned in intricate carvings, and gilded alters filled with Matzu deities.

Anping Matsu Temple, Tainan.

Anping’s history is a layering of colonial and imperial rule. Of control and change. Built by the Dutch East India Company, Fort Zeelandia (also known as Anping Old Fort) served as a stronghold and centre of trade between Europe and Asia. The site was surrendered following the Ming siege in 1661, ending Dutch rule on the island. 

The restored fort grounds and museum allow visitors to learn about Dutch occupation history and the foundations of modern Anping.

Visiting Anping Old Fort.

Fort Zeelandia Museum, Anping.

A faded, white-washed building with colonial-style arcades housing an exhibition. Behind it the adjoining warehouse building, reclaimed by nature. The site, known as the Anping Tree House, is named for the enormous Banyan tree that has wiggled and weaved itself in a strangling hold across a huge chunk of the former British Tait & Co Merchant House from 1867. 

Former Tait & Co Merchant House in Tainan.

One of the quirky things to do in Tainan is to see the Anping Tree House.

Nature reclaiming an old warehouse of the Former Tait & Co Merchant House.

Anping is the area most entrenched in tradition, where secret passageways and narrow streets lead to pockets of local life or traditional landmarks. 

I was told to look out for a specific, easy-to-miss street connected to one of the main streets called Yanping. And I’m glad I found it, for this narrow alley led me down a little maze of traditional houses, where local people would welcome your curiosity with a gentle smile.  All around town, you will find a whole host of old streets  – quiet havens with a mish-mash of crumbling brick lanes, hutong-style settlements, street food stalls and even fairground-style games.

Residential Anping.

Wandering the historical Anping Old Street and side avenues.

Another great way to see the area is to seek out the ‘Sword-Lion’ heads scattered around. With over 30 left in the town, you will find many on outer residential walls and above the door frames.

One of the Sword-Lion heads on Anping Old Street.

Annan District

This was the day I learned about an important figure in Taiwanese religious culture called Matsu (Mazu), also known as the ‘Goddess of the Sea’ or ‘Sea Mother’. It was following a visit to the Luermen Matsu Temple, which houses a bold, black 800-year-old statue of this principal deity. The temple, built in 1661, is in a village in Tainan’s Annan District, which has great historical meaning for the Taiwanese.

I wasn’t expecting anything remotely different to some of the magnificence I had already seen during my 15 months of various temple hopping. Yet the Luermen Matsu Temple was beautifully dominating, intricate in design and detail and possibly one of the most magnificent Chinese temples I have ever seen.

Legend has it that Matsu raised the seawater to great heights so that the Chinese military ruler, Zheng Chenggong, could land in Taiwan with ease and successfully drive out the Dutch. The temple marks the exact spot where this all happened, thus marking the making of modern Taiwan and why this temple is considered one of the most important in the city. 

One of the Gates of the Luermen Matsu Temple.

One part of the Luermen Matsu Temple complex.

Inside one section of the vast Luermen Matsu Temple.

One of Tainan’s most beautiful and intricately designed temples.

Just as we were leaving the temple compound, we heard a stir in the air and a rumbling commotion of activity. It was the start of a traditional folk ceremony – a core religious performance that I was very lucky to have stumbled upon. It appeared to be the ‘welcoming back’ ceremony, where Sea Mother’s ‘Deputy Gods’ pilgrimage to the temple so that her power is recharged.  

Not only were we watching a show of the Gods, but also the rituals of The Eight Generals’ or the ‘protectors’ of the Gods (known by the distinct face paint), who clear the road of evil spirits as they travel towards the temple. I’ve never seen a temple ceremony so extravagant and elaborate.

Costume, music and dance – part of a traditional ceremony at the Luermen Matsu Temple.

See Tainan City

The oldest city in Taiwan, yet in parts hard to tell, Tainan City grows on you despite the landscape not being as ancient-looking as one might expect, interspersed with modern stores and coffee houses. 

Modern Tainan City.

Street music in Tainan.

Originally a primary Dutch colony, which later became Taiwan’s first Chinese-ruled capital after their defeat, there is a real mixture of architecture, colour and atmosphere, which changes as you wander through the juxtaposition of historical sites and modern industrial hubs. A mix of grand colonial-style buildings, ancient temples, relics and winding alleyways brimming with old structures peeking among the new.

It may not be blindingly obvious at first sight, but it’s there to find, and the old Shennong Street is the place to start. An avenue of traditional architecture, and restaurants, alongside family-run stores and street vendors selling local handicrafts. It’s also well known as the place to find medicine shops – a continuation of a centuries-old tradition. 

Wander the historical streets in Tainan, like old Shennong Street.

Tainan life – finding food vendors in narrow side-streets.

Old streets, old houses, old Tainan.

With temples in Tainan seemingly around every corner, you might be unsure which ones to put at the top of your sightseeing list. Aside from those already mentioned in other districts, the core city centre Tainan temples include:

• Tainan Confucius Temple – in dedication to the Chinese philosopher and teacher, Confucious. It is considered the first and most important of Taiwan’s Confucious temples.
• Xishe Xilong Temple – dedicated to Chi Fu Qian Sui, protecting those who go to sea. 
• Tainan Koxinga Temple – a park-set temple for Ming General Koxinga, with historical exhibits.
• Tainan Grand Matsu Temple – the central city’s renowned Sea Goddess temple, built in 1684.
• Tainan City God Temple – dedicated to the city god of Tainan, Chenghuang. 
• Tainan Wufei Temple / Temple of the Five Concubines – dedicated to the five concubines of the Ming Dynasty Prince Zhu Shi-Gui.
• Tainan Guan Yu Temple – dedicated to the God of War, known as Guan Gong or Guan Yu. 

The Tainan Confucius Temple. 

Xishe Xilong Temple in Tainan.

The city is laced with repurposed heritage structures, such as the Tainan Wude Hall, the former Old Martial Arts Hall, and the colonial old court house, now Tainan City Council History Museum. 

Tainan Wude Hall – Old Martial Arts Hall.

Tainan City Council History Museum.

The Taiwanese proudly boast about their night markets – a sensory overload you MUST experience. They are everywhere, in almost every key town and city and a place where you eat, drink, play and socialize, not just shop.

The main night markets in Tainan are the Garden Night Market (the largest), Wusheng Night Market, and Xiaobei Chenggong. Collectively, these markets are said to be the biggest outside of Taipei. They are within walking distance of each other in the centre of Tainan city if you want to hop from one to the other.

One of the best things to do in Tainan is to enjoy the atmosphere of the Night Market.

I love the buzzing, chaotic atmosphere of night markets – an ancient Chinese tradition. The sizzling sounds and the wafting smell of street food, the hum of excitement as people hang out on the street or huddle around small tables sitting on low stalls. It’s a wrap of community, friendship and fun. 

Guided by my new-found local friends, we ate sweet potato cake and ice cream, skipped the stinky tofu and intestines, and bartered for Hello Kitty phone covers, laptop cases and clothes.

Tainan Night Market BBQ.

One interesting thing I learnt was that it’s OK to drop litter on the ground within the market. When my local friend told me to do so, I looked at her in shock – people are given the job of cleaning everything up. Quote the cultural shock considering that dropping litter is a huge cultural taboo in the west.

Rows of stalls at Tainan’s Night Markets.

Why You Should Visit Tainan and Live Locally

Tainan is a treasure trove of history combined with the comfort of modern amenities. Easy to reach by the standard and high-speed (HSR) rail system, it’s a great area of the country to get to grips with the traditional folk culture, which still plays a big part in today’s society, as well as see old Taiwan in its natural state.

Thomas and Abby run At Home – a modern apartment with three rooms located within a residential area not far from Tainan’s railway station. It was a wedding gift from their parents. Instead of living there, they chose to stay with their family, as is tradition, and utilise their love of travel and knowledge of the area by running a guesthouse to help others enjoy and learn about this historical city.

Check At Home’s availability  

Abby told me that she and Thomas are now training to become licensed tour guides – a skill they have in their possession naturally. If you are looking for a homestay experience combined with the convenience of local expertise and one-on-one guidance, I couldn’t recommend these incredibly welcoming and selfless people more. 

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

11 December 2013 at 6:27 am

Tainan was the surprise breakout hit from our 3 weeks spent traveling throughout Taiwan. I loved the mix of old and new and how much history is crammed into every part of the city. It was the perfect place to just wander and get lost down the little alleyways; I always felt that around every corner I was stumbling upon a wonderful story that needed to be told or a picture that needed to be captured. I’m glad to see you enjoyed your time there too!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Article Archives
• Work with me
• Privacy Policy

Top Things to Do in Tainan - Tainan Must-See Attractions

Things to do in tainan, explore popular experiences, tours in and around tainan.

5-Day Best of Taiwan: Sun Moon Lake, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Lukang

5-day Taiwan Classic Southern Island Fun Private Tour

Tainan Ancient Capital & Wushantou Reservoir One Day Tour

8 Days Private Taiwan Culture and Heritage Tour

Private 6 Day Tour in South Taiwan

Private 3-Day Southern Taiwan Tour (Tainan, Kaohsiung, Kenting)

Private Custom Kaohsiung Day Tour

Kaohsiung Like a Local: Customized Private Tour

Private Classic Kaohsiung Day Tour

Half-day tour Kaohsiung

Nature and wildlife tours.

Top Attractions in Tainan

Other Top Attractions around Tainan

Private Sightseeing Tours

Multi-day Tours

Ports of call tours, cultural & theme tours.

Tours & Sightseeing

What travellers are saying

Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, tainan travel guide: things to do, what to eat and where to stay in tainan.

On my last visit to Taipei , I found myself with a few extra days that I could use to explore places outside of Taipei. Aside from Jiufen and Beitou, I haven’t been anywhere else in Taiwan. So I decided to go to the extreme and visit Tainan, at the southern end of Taiwan!

Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan, first established during the Dutch colonization era in the 1600s. From then on, it was known as the ancient capital city of Taiwan. It continues to hold the title of the capital city for over 200 years, until the 18th century when the capital was moved to Taichung and then to Taipei , where the capital city currently sits.

• Travel Tips for First-time Visitors

How many days should I spend in Tainan?

When is the best time to visit tainan, how to get to tainan, how to get around in tainan, where to stay in tainan, tainan itinerary example, what to do in tainan.

• What to eat in Tainan

Due to its long history, Tainan is often referred to as Taiwan’s cultural capital. You can see the remnants of Tainan’s history from the time of Dutch colonization to the Japanese era in the 18th century.

In the present day, there are plenty of eating spots, small local shops, and trendy cafes to visit. If you like walking, Tainan is a treat because there are tons of small alleys to explore. Basically, there is something for everyone in Tainan!

Tainan Travel Tips for First-time Visitors

Tainan is safe and easy to travel in, but here are a few pointers that could make your trip even easier:

1. Read my Taipei Travel Tips for First-time Visitors – Many of the travel tips I have for Taipei will apply to Tainan too, such as getting a pre-paid SIM Card that will work in Taiwan, including Tainan, and getting EasyCard , which works on buses in Tainan as well!

2. Buy the High-Speed Rail (HSR) ticket ahead of time – I will elaborate more on taking the HSR in the Getting to Tainan section below, but this is definitely the easiest way to get to Tainan if you are coming from Taipei or other major cities in Taiwan.

3. Buy most of the Tainan attraction tickets via Klook – During my time in Tainan, I bought all of the ticket attractions from Klook. It was super easy because Klook provides direct entry , meaning you don’t need to redeem another ticket – just show the QR code from your voucher!

4. There is a military air base near Tainan – the Tainan airport serves as both military and commercial air base. So occassionally you’ll hear the zooming of military air planes. If noises like this bothers you, you might want to bring an ear plug. Personally it did not bother me at all!

The touristy part of Tainan is actually not a big area. I recommend spending at least 1.5 days in Tainan.

If you’re a fast traveler, one day could even be enough to see most things in Tainan, but it will be very rushed. For those who like to travel slowly, there will be enough things to do in Tainan for 3 days.

Tainan is located in the southern part of Taiwan. The weather here tends to be warmer and more humid than in the northern region.

Like the rest of Taiwan, I would recommend visiting from March to April when the weather is still somewhat cooler and there is not much rain. Starting from mid-May, it gets hot and a little bit rainy in Taiwan. There is also a possibility of typhoons in the region around September or October. November to December might also be a good time to visit when it’s not yet too cold.

I would also recommend visiting Tainan on a weekend if you prefer a more lively atmosphere. There will be more things to do and shops will be open, but it will be more crowded and accommodations could be more expensive. I visited Tainan from Thursday to Friday and was able to visit most of the things on my list without much crowd.

The easiest way to get to Tainan is via the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) from Taipei . But of course, there are a few more ways to get to Tainan. I’ll cover all of them below so you can decide which one is best for you:

1. via the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) from Taipei (BEST WAY!)

The fastest and best way to get to Tainan is no doubt via the HSR trains . These trains are similar to the bullet train in Japan and will take you to Tainan in 1 hour and 45 minutes . The HSR Train departs from Taipei Main Station . There are multiple trains leaving from this station, so make sure to follow the sign that says HSR!

➡️ I highly recommend booking your HSR Ticket from Klook for easy redemption and the cheapest price! PS: Check for Klook promotions! when I was booking my ticket, they had a 1-to-1 promotion.

I found the HSR ticket price to be fairly reasonable. Through Klook, a journey from Taipei to Tainan cost NT$ 1,080 one way . There are multiple HSR trains every hour going from north to south Taiwan and vice versa, making it easy for your to change your plan on the go.

For example, I changed my train ticket to an earlier time in the morning. It took me less time than expected to get ready, so I was already at the station an hour before my train was due to depart. I originally reserved the 9:41 am train, but I was able to get on the 9:01 am train.

Take note changing the timing is still subject to seat availability! I tried to do the same from my Tainan <> Taipei ticket later on, but I was only able to move it to 30 minutes earlier since all the seats on the earlier trains were booked up.

Another bonus point for taking HSR is that there is a free shuttle bus that will take you to Tainan City . I asked the visitor information at Tainan HSR station how I can get to Tainan, and they directed me to take bus H31. Bus H31 dropped me off at Siaosimen , 10 minutes away from my hotel in the West Central district! Super convenient. On the way back, I took Bus H31 to catch the HSR to Taipei as well.

How to redeem your THSR ticket from Klook and reserve a seat

• Purchase the THSR ticket from Klook for the direction you want. PS: Check for Klook promotions! when I was booking my ticket, they had a 1-to-1 promotion.
• Reserve your train timing at the THSR website using the redeem code stated on your Klook voucher. Take note of the deadline to change train timing, in case your plan changes. This is usually 1 hour before your train departure.
• On the day of your reservation, head over to the THSR ticket counter and show your QR Code from the Klook voucher to redeem the physical ticket.
• If you want to make any last-minute changes, you can do so at the ticket counter too, but again, this is subject to seat availability.
• Receive the physical ticket from the THSR ticket counter and use it to board your train!

2. via the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) from Taipei

Another way to travel by train from Taipei to Tainan is using the TRA train. This journey will take 4.5 hours from Taipei, as it is a regular train and much slower than the TSHR train. However, the main draw for them is that TRA tickets cost about half of TSHR, only about NT$ 540-700 one way. So if you’re on a budget and have time to kill, you might want to consider this option.

Book your TRA ticket straight on the website .

3. Fly into Tainan Airport (TNN)

One option you can consider is flying directly to Taiwan Airport (TNN) if you intend to come straight from your home country and skip Taipei. I would only recommend this way if you can fly directly to TNN. Otherwise, I think the train from Taipei is still the best way.

I mostly got around on foot while I was in Tainan, but occasionally you might need to use other methods. Here are a few ways you can explore Tainan:

By Public Bus – Unlike Taipei , there is no convenient metro to get around in Tainan. You’ll have to rely on the bus if you want to go by public transport. The buses are punctual in Tainan but they don’t come very often.

Despite the frequency, I find that it was still pretty easy to navigate. Like Taipei, most of the bus stops in Tainan will tell you when the bus will come. The schedule on Google Maps is pretty accurate too, and the fare is the same as Taipei – NT$ 15 per bus ride.

By Tourist Bus 88 and 99 – On weekends, there are buses catered for tourists which will stop at most tourist attractions. You can buy the tourist bus ticket here .

By Bicycle – This is a popular way to get around in Tainan. Ask your hotel if they can rent you a bicycle. I personally did not use this as I found it pretty easy to just walk around in Tainan. There is also a bike rental system called YouBike you can potentially use while you’re in Tainan.

By Taxi – The yellow taxi is also available in Tainan, if you prefer that. Taxi fares are pretty reasonable in Taiwan so this is not a bad option at all.

When visiting Tainan, you’ll want to stay in the West Central district . This is where most of the food and attractions are going to be in Tainan, which will make it very convenient for you.

Here are some accommodations you can consider:

The Retro Tai-Pan – I stayed here during my visit to Tainan and I HIGHLY recommend this hotel. The hotel is done up with a retro industrial vibe, but it’s actually newly renovated and clean. The location is great, within walking distance of plenty of eateries and bus stops. The rooms are minimalist, but spacious.

They also served the most amazing hotel breakfast I’ve ever had, which was included with the stay! I don’t usually waste stomach space on hotel breakfast, but this was well worth it.

UIJ Hotel & Hostel – This was another accommodation I considered. Don’t let the name fool you – it’s not a dingy hostel, it’s actually a trendy hotel at the heart of the West Central district of Tainan. You can stay in a private room or a bed in a 6-bed dorm. A friend of mine stayed in the private room and she loved it. The private rooms are fitted with Aesop soaps!

Based on where things are located, I recommend dividing your days like so:

Day 1: West Central District

• Arrive in Tainan from Taipei
• Walk around the west central district during the day
• At night, go to Garden Night Market or check out small bars in Tainan

Day 2: Explore Anping District

• Visit Anping Treehouse, Anping Old Fort, and Anping Old Street
• Sicao Green Tunnel
• Return to Taipei

Without further ado, here are things you can do during your visit to Tainan!

1. Walk around the West Central District

The West Central district in Tainan is one of the most popular and busiest districts in Tainan. There are shops, restaurants, and historic sites to visit. There are also small alleys to get lost and walk around in.

Walking around Tainan is pretty cool. You’d be walking on a sidewalk, and it might suddenly turn into a temple, or a wet market, or an extension of a restaurant. You just never know what you’ll see.

Here are a few places I suggest you can visit in the West Central District of Tainan:

1. Check out Tainan’s historic sites

One of the most popular sites in West Central is the Chihkan Tower . Chihkan Tower is the oldest building in Tainan, built in 1653 during the Dutch colonization era as an administration center. Back then, it was called Fort Provintia.

Inside, there is a small garden and a 2-story Sea God Temple, a Chinese-style building that was added later on to the fort. Wenchang Pavilion was under renovation and was closed when I visited.

➡️ You can buy tickets to Chihkan Tower via Klook for direct entry. Just show the Klook QR code at the entrance!

When you are exploring the city on foot, you’ll notice there are so many temples in Tainan. Apparently, there are 12,000+ temples in Taiwan, and Tainan houses 1,600 of them. So let’s visit a few notable ones.

Just a short walk away from Chihkan Tower is Tainan Grand Mazu Temple . Admission is free, but when visiting the temple you’ll see people praying at the temple, so please be quiet and make sure not to linger too long.

Next, you can visit Tainan Confucius Temple , which is famous for students who are about to take an important exam or trying to gain admission to a competitive school.

2. Shopping at Hayashi Department Store

I originally did not include Hayashi Department Store on my list, because I thought it was just a department store. But I happened to pass by while I was walking around the district and… I am really glad I peeked in!

This department store was the first department store in Tainan, dating back to 1932 during the Japanese occupation. It consists of 6 floors of shops filled with unique local designer goodies. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs or even something nice to bring back for yourself.

Most of the interior has been preserved, including the old elevator which will only fit 5 people at a time. These days, the elevator will only take you from the 1st to the 5th floor and back down. It does not stop on the floors in between. You’ll need to take the stairs all the way up and down to see the different floors of the department store unless you are pregnant or elderly.

On the 5th floor, there’s a restaurant and coffee shop you can relax in. From the 5th floor, you could take the stairs up further to the rooftop. While the view up there isn’t much, there is a small Shinto temple!

3. Visit Blueprint Creative Park

Just like in Taipei , there is a creative park in Tainan too, repurposed from old abandoned building. Blueprint Creative Park is built on a former prison dorm.

At Blueprint Creative Park, you can walk around and check out the small shops they have scattered on the ground. My favorite one is the Taiwan Tile Museum . I was surprised to learn that they had Peranakan tiles in Taiwan too, just like in Singapore .

It’s best to visit the park at night or close to sunset so that you can see the light installations too. At the entrance of the park (the one facing Ximen Road), you can see one of the former prison dorms that have been painted deep cerulean blue and turned into 3D light art installations.

4. Explore the small alleys of Tainan

One of the main draws of the West Central district is that there are so many small little streets to explore and get lost in. This is why I prefer walking when I was here, as opposed to taking the bus or taxi.

A few noteworthy places for such walks are:

Shennong Street

Best visited during sundown because there are lanterns that will be lit up and make the street look pretty. Small shops, cafes, and cocktail bars line up the street.

Snail Alley

A small alley for a quiet afternoon walk. There is a cafe and a bar, but it is also residential. Most of the houses here play into the “snail” theme. You can find many snail ornaments, both obvious and hidden, decorating the alley!

2. Explore Anping District

The history of Anping dates back to the 17th century, during the Dutch colonization of Taiwan. In Anping, you can see the historical remnants of the time when it used to be called Fort Zeelandia.

From Tainan West Central District, you can take Bus 2 all the way to Anping, which will only take 20 minutes.

Here’s what you can see in the Anping District of Tainan:

1. Anping Tree House and Tait&Co Merchant House

You can start your Anping exploration by visiting the merchant house, where you can learn the history of Anping as a harbor that plays a key role in opening Taiwan for international trade. It began as a hub for exporting camphor, then during the Japanese occupation, it was taken over by a Japanese salt company.

On the back of the merchant house is its former warehouse, which is now overgrown by Banyan trees. This is now known as Anping Tree House. You can walk around inside the warehouse. It does not have a roof anymore, and you can admire how nature had completely taken over the warehouse.

➡️ You can buy tickets to Anping Tree House via Klook for direct entry. Just show the Klook QR code at the entrance!

2. Anping Old Fort

Anping Old Fort is about a 5-minute walk from the tree house. Throughout your visit to Anping, you’ll see the name “Fort Zeelandia” often. Well, Fort Zeelandia is the old name for Anping Old Fort when the Dutch occupation in the early 1600s. The fort was built by the Dutch in 1624, then renamed “Anping” when Koxinga took the area back in 1662.

Inside the old fort, you can see remnants of the original wall. What was interesting to me was that the wall was made using three very basic ingredients: oyster shells, syrup, and glutinous rice. Pay attention to parts of the wall – you can still see the “scissor wall lock” that was used to reinforce the wall!

You can also climb up the light house for a good 360 view of Anping. There is a set of stairs and it’s not too hard to climb.

➡️ You can buy tickets to Anping Old Fort via Klook for direct entry. Just show the Klook QR code at the entrance!

3. Anping Old Street

The old street is just a short walk from the old fort. Nowadays, you can find snacks and all kinds of goods here, similar to what you can expect from a night market. But you’d be interested to know that this street is the oldest street in Taiwan!

It’s best to visit the old street after 11 am and before 6pm since vendors only open around that time. You can try the famous Tainan snack here – Coffin Bread.

4. Sicao Green Tunnel

Once you are done with the historical area of Anping, you can make your way to Sicao green tunnel. Here, you can take a boat tour of the mangrove tunnel for peaceful and beautiful natural scenery.

➡️ You can buy admission tickets to Sicao Green Tunnel via Klook . You need to redeem the tickets for entry.

3. Explore Tainan’s popular street food scene

You can’t visit Tainan without appreciating their food! I have a whole section on what to eat in Tainan below, but you should also make time to visit their food street and night market.

Guohua Street

Located near the Tainan station, this street is popular with locals for good and cheap eats.

Garden Night Market

This night market is only open on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. You’ll also want to check their Facebook page or Instagram page to make sure they are indeed open since the weather might also affect their opening.

From the West Central District, you can take Bus 0 to reach Garden Night Market.

4. Visit Museums in Tainan

If you like art and the experience of going to a museum, you’ll love Tainan! There are plenty of museums to visit – here are a few:

Tainan Art Museum

Located right in the middle of the West Central district, this is definitely the most convenient museum for tourists.

➡️ You can buy admission tickets to Tainan Art Museum for direct entry. No need to redeem the ticket when you get there!

Chimei Museum

Chimei Museum is located outside of the city, so it will take some effort to get there. However, it is worth it because the museum ground is big and you can explore an outdoor area aside from the exhibition.

You can take Bus 5 or H31 (the same one we take for taking the HSR). It will take about 30 minutes by bus.

➡️ You can buy admission tickets to Chimei Museum . You need to redeem the tickets for entry.

5. Relax at a cool cafe and hang out spots!

You could say parts of Tainan have been gentrified. Many of the old buildings are now turned into trendy bars at night or coffee houses during the day. If you need a break and fancy a cup of coffee or tea, these places are a great option to hang out in!

Here are some of my favorite cafes in Tainan:

Washida Coffee – Located right in the middle of the West Central district, this coffee shop is located inside the UIJ Hotel Lobby , which also doubles as a bookshop.

Nijo Coffee – Located deep inside the alleys in one of the West Central district alleys, and next to one of the many temples in Tainan, Nijo can be a bit hard to find but it is truly a respite in the busy city. If you want a table, there is a minimum spend of NT$200, but you can also just take your drinks to go.

Mudliu Teahouse – A Hong Kong-style tea house with a retro vibe. They are only open at night and in the later part of the week.

What and where to eat in Tainan

With its long history, it makes sense that Tainan is also known for its culinary delights. There are many dishes I enjoyed during my time in Tainan, and I have made a separate post for it!

All about food in Tainan: Check out my Tainan food guide here

Alright, I hope that paints a picture of what Tainan is like and I hope it helped plan your trip to Tainan! As usual, please feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions or anything else you would like to add to the post.

Till next time 👋🏻

13 Comments

• February 4, 2024

Thank you. Very informative. From now on, I will follow your blogs. Have a nice day.

Hey Haydee, thank you for the kind words! Have fun on your travels 😀

• December 17, 2023

Hi, I will be spending 3 days 2 nights in Tainan. Was thinking to get a private charter to get around, do you think it is really needed? Or public transport is good enough? Thanks!

• October 22, 2023

Hi, is Tainan a friendly place for solo travellers?

hey JP, yes i think so. i went by my self.

• November 8, 2023

Hi Melissa, sorry didn’t have notification of your reply. Currently, I am in Tainan already. 😅 I went to Snail Alley and Shennong Street. Both were ghost towns. Including Tainan Cultural & Creative Park.

• October 19, 2023

Thank you! Will use your tips for our trip in few days there!

• October 17, 2023

Hi, I am going to Tainan via HSR on one day trip and what is your advise on the itinerary, We have 6 adults and 2 children. Do you have any recommendation for children food. This is our first time go to Tainan without tour guide. We want to go Old Street, cafe and local food. Please advise. Thank you.

• September 23, 2023

Hi What a comprehensive write out! Will definitely use yours for my upcoming trip in Oct 23 Thank you!!!

• September 24, 2023

Thanks Sharen. Have fun in Tainan!

• June 18, 2023

Thank you for the sharing. Will be visiting Tainan in early Nov 2023. Your sharing is definitely very useful for us.

• June 10, 2023

Such great information. So grateful to stumble upon this while i’m planning for my trip in Oct! Thank you

Thanks Dave! Have fun in Tainan

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

3-Day Tainan Travel Itinerary: Must-Visit Attractions And Hidden Gems

• Yilan Travel Itinerary
• Water Activities In Taiwan
• Transport In Taiwan
• Taiwan Events and Festivals
• Taiwan Culture
• Taipei Travel Itinerary
• Tainan Travel Itinerary
• Taichung Travel Itinerary
• Religion in Taiwan
• Penghu Travel Itinerary
• Night Life In Taiwan
• Kaohsiung Travel Itinerary
• Jiufen Travel Itinerary
• Island Travel In Taiwan
• Hualien Travel Itinerary
• Hotel Review
• Couple Travel In Taiwan
• Budget Travel Tips Taiwan

Recent Post

Sunrise taipei hotel review, fortune tower taipei review, taipei cityscape palace review, taipei cityscape sands inn review, sunrise tower sands review, paradise tower hotel review.

Jason F. Way

Table of contents.

Tainan, located in the southern region of Taiwan, is a city that is rich in history, culture, and delicious food. It is known as the oldest city in Taiwan and served as the island’s capital during the Qing Dynasty. Tainan’s streets are lined with traditional architecture and temples, making it a popular destination for those who are interested in Taiwan’s past.

A 3-day trip to Tainan offers visitors a chance to explore the city’s must-visit attractions and hidden gems. This itinerary aims to provide a comprehensive guide to help travelers make the most of their trip. With a mix of historical sites, culinary delights, and hidden gems, this itinerary is designed to give visitors a taste of Tainan’s unique charm and character.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Tainan will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on you.

Key Takeaways

• Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and is known for its history, culture, and food.
• The 3-day itinerary includes exploring historical sites, indulging in culinary delights, and discovering hidden gems.
• Accommodation options range from budget hostels to hotels with more amenities.
• Visitors must try Tainan’s popular food items such as pineapple cakes, oyster omelets, and milkfish soup, and visit the Flower Night Market.

Day 1: Explore Tainan’s Historical Sites

The first day of touring Tainan is dedicated to exploring the city’s rich historical sites, providing a comprehensive and educational experience for visitors interested in the area’s cultural heritage.

Tainan is known as the ‘ancient capital’of Taiwan, and this title is well-deserved with the city’s wealth of historical and cultural landmarks.

Visitors can start their day by visiting the Chihkan Tower, which was originally built by the Dutch in the 17th century and later served as the residence of the Qing Dynasty’s governor-general in Taiwan. The tower is now a popular tourist attraction and has been designated as a national historic site.

Another must-see historical landmark is the Anping Tree House, located in the Anping district. This unique site is the result of a banyan tree growing over and around an old warehouse, creating a stunning and eerie atmosphere that is perfect for photo opportunities.

Visitors can also explore the nearby Anping Old Fort, which was built by the Dutch in 1624 and played an important role in Taiwan’s history.

These are just a few of the many historical sites that Tainan has to offer, and visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Day 2: Indulge in Tainan’s Culinary Delights

On the second day of exploring Tainan, indulge in the city’s culinary delights.

Head to the Tainan Flower Night Market and try local specialties such as oyster omelets and milkfish soup.

Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth with Tainan’s famous pineapple cakes, a must-try for any food lover visiting the city.

Try Local Specialties at the Tainan Flower Night Market

Indulging in the local delicacies is a must-do activity when visiting Tainan, and the Flower Night Market is the perfect place to sample a variety of traditional dishes.

Located in the center of the city, the market is a popular attraction that draws both locals and tourists.

Visitors can find a wide range of food options, including seafood, noodles, dumplings, and snacks.

Some of the must-try dishes include the oyster omelet, coffin bread, and milkfish soup.

In addition to the food, the market also offers a lively atmosphere with vendors selling souvenirs, games, and other items.

The Flower Night Market is open every day from 6 pm to midnight, but it is especially bustling on weekends.

The market is located near the Tainan Confucius Temple and other historic sites, making it a convenient stop for tourists.

It is also easily accessible by public transportation, with a bus stop and a train station nearby.

Overall, the Flower Night Market is a great place to experience Tainan’s food culture and immerse oneself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Sample Oyster Omelets and Milkfish Soup

To fully appreciate Tainan’s culinary offerings, one should not miss the chance to savor the flavorful oyster omelets and milkfish soup. These two dishes have become synonymous with the city’s food culture and are a must-try for any foodie visiting Tainan.

Oyster omelets, or "oh-a-chian"in Taiwanese, consist of a mixture of eggs, starchy potatoes, and succulent oysters, fried to perfection. This popular street food is often served with a sweet and sour sauce and a sprinkle of cilantro. On the other hand, milkfish soup, or "nem-a-chi"in Taiwanese, is a comforting bowl of clear broth made with fresh milkfish, ginger, and green onions. The soup is light and savory, perfect for a hot day or as a starter for a full meal. To truly experience the best of Tainan’s oyster omelets and milkfish soup, a visit to the city’s local eateries and night markets is highly recommended.

This table provides a quick comparison between the two dishes, highlighting their key ingredients, texture, and flavor. While both dishes may seem simple, their unique combinations of ingredients and cooking techniques create a complex and delicious taste that has made them staples in Tainan’s food scene. Whether enjoyed as a snack or as part of a full meal, oyster omelets and milkfish soup are a must-try for anyone looking to explore the flavors of Tainan.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Pineapple Cakes

Pineapple cakes are a popular Taiwanese pastry that visitors should consider trying to satisfy their sweet tooth while exploring Tainan’s culinary scene.

These small, rectangular-shaped cakes are made with a buttery and crumbly pastry filled with a sweet and tangy pineapple jam.

The pineapple jam is made by simmering fresh pineapples with sugar until it reaches a thick and jam-like consistency.

The history of pineapple cakes in Taiwan can be traced back to the 1920s when pineapples were one of the major agricultural products in the country.

Initially, the cakes were only available during the Chinese New Year as they were considered a luxury item.

However, the popularity of the cakes grew, and they are now a staple souvenir that tourists bring back home from Taiwan.

Many bakeries in Tainan offer pineapple cakes, but some of the most famous brands include Chia Te Bakery, Shiang Shiang Fong Yuan, and Sunny Hills.

Day 3: Discover Tainan’s Hidden Gems

Exploring Tainan’s lesser-known attractions on Day 3 provides a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the city’s rich cultural heritage and hidden gems.

One of the hidden gems that should be on every traveler’s itinerary is the Hayashi Department Store. This historic building dates back to the Japanese colonial era and is one of the few remaining examples of Western-style architecture in Tainan. The Hayashi Department Store offers a glimpse into the glamorous lifestyle of the wealthy elite during the early 20th century.

Another must-visit attraction is the Tainan Art Museum. The museum showcases both contemporary and traditional art, providing a unique opportunity to appreciate the city’s artistic heritage. The building itself is also a work of art, with its minimalist design and use of natural light creating a serene atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.

The Tainan Art Museum is located in the cultural district of Anping, making it a perfect stop for those looking to explore the area’s history and culture.

Overall, Day 3 is the perfect opportunity to discover Tainan’s hidden gems and gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Where to Stay in Tainan

When looking for accommodation in Tainan, visitors have a variety of options to choose from. From budget hostels to luxury hotels, Tainan has it all. Visitors can choose to stay in the city center, near popular attractions such as Chihkan Tower and Anping Old Street, or in more secluded areas for a quieter stay.

For those on a budget, there are plenty of affordable hostels and guesthouses available. These options are great for travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the city and only need a place to sleep. For those looking for a more luxurious experience, there are several high-end hotels available, many of which offer stunning views of the city. Ultimately, the choice of accommodation depends on visitors’ personal preferences and budget.

Getting Around Tainan

To navigate Tainan, visitors can utilize the city’s efficient public transportation system, which includes buses, trains, and taxis. The most common mode of transportation in Tainan is the bus system, which is operated by Tainan City Bus Co., Ltd. Buses are available throughout the city and provide a convenient and affordable way to get around. The bus system is divided into different routes, each with its own designated number and color. Visitors can easily identify the route they need by referring to the bus stop map or by asking the bus driver for assistance.

For those who prefer a faster mode of transportation, trains are available through the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA). The TRA offers local and express trains that connect Tainan with other major cities in Taiwan. The train stations in Tainan are conveniently located in the city center, making it easy for visitors to reach their destination.

Taxis are also available in Tainan and are a convenient option for those who prefer a more personalized mode of transportation. Taxis can be hailed on the street or reserved in advance through a taxi service company. Overall, Tainan’s public transportation system is well-developed and offers visitors a variety of options to explore the city.

Best Time to Visit Tainan

The climate in Tainan varies throughout the year, making it important for visitors to carefully consider the best time to plan their trip. Tainan has a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The city experiences heavy rainfall from June to September, which can make outdoor sightseeing difficult. Therefore, the best time to visit Tainan is during the cooler months of October to February when the weather is more pleasant and rainfall is less frequent.

To provide a clearer picture of Tainan’s climate throughout the year, a table is presented below. The table shows the average temperature, humidity, and rainfall for each month. Visitors can use this information to plan their trip accordingly and make the most of their time in Tainan.

It is important to note that the information presented in the table is based on average values and that weather patterns can vary from year to year. Visitors are advised to check the weather forecast before their trip and pack accordingly. Overall, the best time to visit Tainan is during the cooler months when the weather is more pleasant, and visitors can enjoy the city’s many attractions without the hindrance of heavy rainfall.

Tainan Travel Tips

This section will discuss some useful travel tips for visitors to Tainan.

First, it is recommended to learn some basic Mandarin to help with communication, as English is not widely spoken in the city.

Additionally, visitors should bring cash as many places do not accept credit cards.

Lastly, when visiting temples, it is important to dress appropriately and show respect for the local culture.

Learn Some Basic Mandarin

Acquiring a basic understanding of Mandarin can enhance one’s travel experience in Tainan by facilitating communication with locals and allowing for a greater appreciation of the local culture. While English is commonly spoken in Tainan, especially in tourist areas, Mandarin is still the predominant language used by locals. Having a basic grasp of Mandarin can help travelers navigate through the city more easily, as well as enable them to ask for directions, order food, and interact with locals in a more meaningful way.

To help travelers get started with learning Mandarin, here are some basic phrases that they can use during their visit to Tainan. The table below shows some common Mandarin phrases that can come in handy while exploring the city. By familiarizing themselves with these phrases, travelers can feel more confident and comfortable while communicating with locals, and in turn, have a more enjoyable and enriching travel experience.

One important consideration for travelers visiting Tainan is to ensure they bring sufficient cash, as many local establishments may not accept credit cards or other forms of electronic payment. Although larger chains and tourist hotspots may accept credit cards, smaller shops and food stalls often operate on a cash-only basis. It is therefore essential to carry enough cash to cover daily expenses such as meals, transportation, and admission fees.

To avoid running out of cash during your trip, it is advisable to withdraw money from ATMs located in convenient locations such as shopping malls, train stations, and airports. It is also wise to carry smaller denominations of Taiwanese currency, as some establishments may not have change for larger bills.

Additionally, it may be worth exchanging some foreign currency into Taiwanese dollars before arriving in Tainan, as this can often result in better exchange rates and lower transaction fees. By following these tips, travelers can ensure they have enough cash to fully enjoy all that Tainan has to offer.

Dress Appropriately for Temples

Appropriate attire is crucial when visiting temples in Tainan, as these places of worship hold significant cultural and religious importance to the local community. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and respectfully, covering their shoulders and knees. It is also recommended to avoid wearing revealing clothing and shoes that are difficult to remove, as visitors are required to take off their shoes before entering the temple.

To help visitors prepare for their temple visits, here is a table summarizing the appropriate attire guidelines for the most popular temples in Tainan:

By following these guidelines, visitors can show their respect for the local culture and religion, and also avoid any discomfort or embarrassment during their temple visits. Remember, when in doubt, it is always better to err on the side of caution and dress more conservatively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some other popular attractions in tainan besides the ones mentioned in the itinerary.

Tainan is a city in Taiwan that is rich in history and culture, and there are many popular attractions that visitors can explore. Apart from the ones mentioned in the itinerary, some of the other popular attractions in Tainan include:

The Chimei Museum: a private museum that features an extensive collection of Western art, musical instruments, and natural history exhibits.

The National Museum of Taiwan Literature: a museum that showcases the rich literary heritage of Taiwan, from its early history to the present day.

The Tainan Confucius Temple: a temple dedicated to the Chinese philosopher Confucius and is one of the oldest and most well-preserved Confucian temples in Taiwan.

These attractions offer visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of Tainan and are definitely worth a visit.

Are there any must-try local delicacies that are not mentioned in the culinary section of the article?

There are various must-try local delicacies in Tainan that are not mentioned in the culinary section of the article. These include, but are not limited to, coffin bread, a type of deep-fried bread filled with savory ingredients such as seafood or chicken; danzai noodles, a bowl of noodles served with shrimp, minced pork, and vinegar sauce; and oyster omelette, a dish made with eggs, oysters, and vegetables.

Additionally, Tainan is renowned for its street food culture, which offers a wide range of appetizing options, such as grilled squid, mochi, and stinky tofu. The city’s food scene is a reflection of its rich history and cultural diversity, and exploring the local cuisine is an essential part of experiencing Tainan’s unique charm.

What is the best way to get to Tainan from other parts of Taiwan?

The best way to get to Tainan from other parts of Taiwan depends on the individual’s preferences and location.

For those traveling from Taipei, the most convenient option would be to take the high-speed rail, which operates multiple times daily and takes approximately 90 minutes. Alternatively, one can take a bus from Taipei, which takes approximately 4-5 hours.

For those traveling from Kaohsiung, the most convenient option would be to take the local train, which takes approximately 30-40 minutes.

Additionally, Tainan is accessible by bus from various cities in Taiwan, and there are also domestic flights available to Tainan’s airport.

Ultimately, the best way to get to Tainan will depend on factors such as time constraints, budget, and personal preferences.

Are there any events or festivals that take place in Tainan throughout the year?

Tainan, being one of the oldest cities in Taiwan, is steeped in rich cultural heritage and traditions. There are several events and festivals that take place throughout the year, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the local way of life.

One of the most popular events is the Tainan Lantern Festival, which takes place during the Lunar New Year. This festival features hundreds of beautifully crafted lanterns, lighting up the night sky in a vibrant display of color and creativity.

Other notable events include the Tainan International Choral Festival, which attracts choirs from around the world, and the Tainan Flower Festival, which showcases the city’s stunning natural beauty.

Additionally, there are several religious festivals that take place throughout the year, such as the Mazu Pilgrimage, which celebrates the goddess of the sea, and the Ghost Festival, which honors ancestors and spirits.

Overall, Tainan’s events and festivals offer a wonderful opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture and traditions.

How much time should I allocate for each attraction in the itinerary?

When planning a travel itinerary, it is important to allocate an appropriate amount of time for each attraction. The amount of time needed can depend on various factors, such as the size of the attraction, the number of activities or exhibits available, and personal preferences.

It is recommended to research each attraction beforehand and determine an estimated time needed to fully experience it. Additionally, it is important to factor in transportation time between attractions and any potential wait times.

Allocating a flexible amount of time for each attraction can allow for spontaneity and the ability to fully enjoy each experience.

In conclusion, Tainan is a city rich in history, culture, and culinary delights. A 3-day itinerary can cover the must-visit attractions and hidden gems that the city has to offer.

Day 1 can be spent exploring Tainan’s historical sites such as the Anping Fort and Chihkan Tower.

Day 2 can be dedicated to indulging in Tainan’s famous culinary delights such as the beef soup and shrimp rolls.

Day 3 can be spent discovering Tainan’s hidden gems such as the Blueprint Cultural and Creative Park.

When planning a trip to Tainan, it is important to consider the best time to visit, which is during the cooler months of October to March. It is also recommended to stay in the city center to easily access the attractions and restaurants. Additionally, getting around Tainan can be easily done through public transportation or by renting a scooter.

With these travel tips in mind, a trip to Tainan can be a fulfilling and enriching experience.

More Post Related To Tainan Travel Itinerary

The Ultimate Guide To Tainan: Top 10 Landmarks And Cultural Sites

Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan, is a historical and cultural hub that offers an array of landmarks and cultural sites. From ancient forts to traditional temples, Tainan’s rich history is evident in its architecture, museums, and markets. This article serves as a guide

The Best Shopping Districts In Tainan: Where To Find Unique Souvenirs

Tainan, located in southern Taiwan, is a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and history. With its abundance of temples, museums, and historical sites, Tainan attracts many tourists each year. However, Tainan is not only a city of cultural significance but is also

Tainan’s Urban Parks: Relaxation, Recreation, And Nature Escapes

Tainan, a city located in the southern part of Taiwan, is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural scenery. One of the city’s greatest assets is its collection of urban parks, which offer residents and visitors alike a chance to relax, exercise,

Tainan’s Rooftop Bars And Cafes: Enjoying Stunning Views Of The City

Tainan, the ancient capital of Taiwan, is a city that boasts a rich cultural heritage and vibrant urban life. Its skyline is dotted with towering buildings and colorful temples, offering a stunning view of the city. One of the best ways to enjoy this

Tainan’s Nightlife Guide: Bars, Pubs, And Nighttime Entertainment

Tainan, a city located in southern Taiwan, is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks. However, its nightlife scene is also worth exploring. With a variety of bars, pubs, and nighttime entertainment options, Tainan offers a unique experience for those seeking to

Tainan’s Natural Beauty: Parks, Gardens, And Scenic Spots

Tainan, located in southern Taiwan, is a city renowned for its cultural heritage and historical significance. However, beyond its rich cultural heritage, Tainan is also blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. The city boasts numerous parks, gardens, and scenic spots that are worth

Tainan’s Historical Heritage: Museums, Cultural Centers, And Landmarks

Tainan, located in the southern region of Taiwan, is a city that is steeped in history and culture. As the oldest city in Taiwan, Tainan has played a significant role in the development of Taiwan’s history and economy. Over the years, the city has

Tainan’s Coastal Charm: Beaches, Water Activities, And Seafood Delights

Tainan, located in southern Taiwan, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and traditional cuisine. However, Tainan’s coastal charm is often overlooked, despite the plethora of beaches, water activities, and seafood delights that await visitors. The city’s coastline stretches for over 200

Tainan With Kids: Family-Friendly Activities And Attractions

Tainan, located in the southern part of Taiwan, is a city rich in history and culture. It served as the capital of Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty and is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and temples. While the city is popular with tourists,

Tainan On A Rainy Day: Indoor Activities And Museums To Visit

Tainan, located in southern Taiwan, is a city steeped in history and culture. As the former capital of Taiwan, Tainan boasts a wealth of historic sites, temples, and museums that offer an insight into Taiwan’s rich past. However, when the weather turns rainy, visitors

Exploring Tainan’s Night Market Scene: Food, Shopping, And Entertainment

Tainan, located in southern Taiwan, is renowned for its vibrant night market scene. These bustling markets offer an array of delicious street food, unique shopping experiences, and a vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and get a taste of Taiwan’s

Exploring Tainan’s Art Scene: Galleries, Exhibitions, And Street Art

Tainan, located in southern Taiwan, has emerged as a hub for art enthusiasts, featuring a diverse range of galleries, exhibitions, street art, and artisan workshops. The city’s cultural and historical heritage has inspired a vibrant art scene that showcases a blend of contemporary and

Day Trips From Tainan: Exploring Nearby Towns And Attractions

Tainan, located in southern Taiwan, is a city known for its rich history, unique culture, and delicious cuisine. However, beyond the bustling city center, lies a plethora of nearby towns and attractions waiting to be explored. Day trips from Tainan can take you to

Biking Adventures In Tainan: Exploring The City On Two Wheels

Biking is a popular means of transportation for locals and tourists alike in Tainan, a city located in southern Taiwan. Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful scenery, Tainan offers a unique biking experience that allows riders to explore the city’s many

7 Off-The-Beaten-Path Destinations In Tainan Worth Exploring

Tainan, located in southern Taiwan, is a historical city that has served as the country’s capital for more than 200 years. Known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional cuisine, Tainan attracts millions of tourists from around the world each year. However, beyond the

Continue Reading

Imagine yourself standing at the heart of Taipei, gazing up at the majestic Fortune Tower. Its sleek, modern design beckons you to enter and discover a world of luxury and sophistication. In this article, we will guide you through an immersive review of Fortune

Looking for the perfect getaway? Look no further than Paradise Tower Hotel. With its stunning views and top-notch amenities, this hotel is sure to exceed your expectations. Did you know that Paradise Tower Hotel has a customer satisfaction rate of 95%? From the moment

Taipei Gateway Tower Review

Step into the future with a visit to the breathtaking Taipei Gateway Tower. This architectural marvel will transport you to a world where innovation meets elegance. With its sleek design and prime location, this tower is an absolute must-see. From its state-of-the-art amenities to

Regal Tower Sands Inn Review

Are you in search of a truly regal experience during your next getaway? Look no further than the ‘Regal Tower Sands Inn.’ This enchanting establishment promises to transport you to a world of luxury and elegance. With its opulent room amenities, delectable dining options,

Golden Tower Inn Review

Welcome to the luxurious haven of the Golden Tower Inn! Get ready to be pampered like royalty as you indulge in the finest amenities and impeccable service. From the moment you step foot in this majestic establishment, prepare to be blown away by the

Rainbow Sands View Review

Prepare to be swept away by the breathtaking beauty and endless possibilities of Rainbow Sands. This hidden gem will leave you in awe with its vibrant hues and stunning vistas. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the warm embrace of the

Taipei Golden Palace Hotel Review

Welcome to the exquisite Taipei Golden Palace Hotel, where luxury and comfort seamlessly blend to create an unforgettable experience. Step into a world of opulence as you indulge in the finest amenities and impeccable service. From the moment you enter, you’ll be greeted with

Harmony Sands Palace Review

If you’re looking for a luxurious and unforgettable vacation experience, look no further than Harmony Sands Palace. This enchanting resort promises to transport you to a world of pure bliss and relaxation. From the moment you step foot onto the premises, you’ll be greeted

Fortune Tower Sands View Review

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stay at Fortune Tower Sands? Well, get ready to have your questions answered! In this article, we will take you on a journey through the lavish rooms, delectable dining options, and fantastic recreational facilities

Oriental Sands Inn Review

Are you in search of a cozy and convenient place to stay? Look no further than the Oriental Sands Inn! Nestled in a prime location, this charming inn offers a multitude of amenities and comforts to ensure a delightful stay. From the moment you

Deja Vu Hotel Review

Step into a world of enchantment at Deja Vu Hotel, where every moment feels like a dream come true. Immerse yourself in the elegance and luxury of this hidden gem, nestled in the heart of the city. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be

Diary of Ximen Hotel – Liufu Branch Review

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to stay at the Diary of Ximen Hotel – Liufu Branch? Well, get ready to embark on a virtual journey as we take you through a detailed review of this popular hotel. From its room features and

Dasin Review

Imagine a world where your search for the perfect product ends. Enter Dasin Review, your guide to uncovering the best features and specifications in one place. This comprehensive review will delve into the performance and durability of the product, highlighting its pros and cons.

Dahu Park Hotel Review

You’re in for a treat, dear reader. The Dahu Park Hotel is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Taipei. Immerse yourself in the vibrant city life and indulge in the luxurious comforts this hotel has to offer. From the moment you step

Dandy Hotel-Daan Park Branch Review

If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay during your visit to Taipei, look no further than the Dandy Hotel-Daan Park Branch. With its convenient location and top-notch amenities, this hotel is sure to exceed your expectations. From the moment you step inside,

E-House Xining Branch Review

Are you searching for a reliable and efficient real estate agency in Xining? Look no further than E-House Xining Branch. With their exceptional services and customer testimonials, E-House stands out among other agencies in the area. Imagine finding your dream home with ease, guided

Eastern Beauty Hotel Review

Are you searching for a hotel that combines Eastern charm with modern comforts? Look no further than Eastern Beauty Hotel. From its convenient location to its top-notch amenities, this hotel has it all. Get ready to indulge in a culinary experience that will tantalize

Dolamanco Hotel Review

Imagine stepping into a world of luxury and comfort, where every detail is meticulously designed to cater to your every need. Welcome to the Dolamanco Hotel, where indulgence meets sophistication. From the moment you walk through the grand entrance, you’ll be captivated by the

East Dragon Hotel Review

Looking for a hotel that will blow your mind? Look no further than the East Dragon Hotel! Get ready to be pampered like never before. From luxurious room accommodations and exquisite dining options to top-notch amenities and exceptional customer service, this hotel has it

Dong Men Hotel Review

Looking for a hotel that offers both convenience and comfort? Look no further than Dong Men Hotel. With its prime location and easy accessibility, this hotel is perfect for travelers who want to explore the vibrant city. From the moment you step into your

Pearl Dynasty Hotel Review

Looking for a luxurious hotel experience in the heart of the city? Look no further than Pearl Dynasty Hotel. With its prime location and top-notch amenities, it’s no wonder that 90% of guests rate their stay as excellent. From the moment you step into

Eslite Hotel Review

Imagine stepping into a world of luxury and sophistication, where every detail has been meticulously crafted to ensure your utmost comfort and satisfaction. Welcome to Eslite Hotel, where impeccable service meets exquisite design. In this article, we will take you on a journey through

Energy Inn Review

Are you in search of an energizing getaway? Look no further than the Energy Inn. With its state-of-the-art amenities, delectable dining options, and an array of recreational activities, this review will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Elegance Hotel Review

Looking for a luxurious hotel experience that caters to your every need? Look no further than Elegance Hotel. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be pampered in a world-class setting? Elegance Hotel offers a wide range of room options and

First Hotel Review

Welcome to your first hotel review! Get ready to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery as we delve into the world of luxury accommodations. In this article, we will take you by the hand and guide you through the mesmerizing experience of

Evergreen Laurel Hotel Taipei Review

Are you looking for a top-notch hotel experience in Taipei? Look no further than Evergreen Laurel Hotel. With its prime location and easy accessibility, this hotel offers a range of accommodation options to suit your needs. Indulge in a delightful culinary experience at the

Formosa 101 Taipei Main Branch Review

Step right up and embark on a culinary journey at the Formosa 101 Taipei Main Branch! This hidden gem promises to dazzle your taste buds with its delectable offerings and enchanting atmosphere. From the moment you step foot into this gastronomic haven, you’ll be

Forward Suites II Review

Are you searching for the perfect place to stay during your next trip? Look no further than Forward Suites II! This review will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision. With luxurious amenities, a convenient location, and exceptional customer

Fortune Hiya Hotel Review

Looking for a hotel that offers both luxury and convenience? Look no further than Fortune Hiya Hotel! With its prime location and easy accessibility, this hotel is perfect for both business travelers and tourists. From its well-appointed rooms and top-notch amenities to its delectable

Forward Suites Ⅰ Review

Looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay? Look no further than Forward Suites Ⅰ. With its modern amenities and prime location, this hotel is sure to meet all your needs. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive review of

Forever Inn Review

Step into a world of luxurious comfort and unparalleled hospitality at Forever Inn. Nestled in the heart of the city, this enchanting oasis offers a haven of tranquility amidst the bustling streets. Discover a myriad of amenities and services designed to cater to your

Pacific View Hotel Review

Looking for a hotel that offers breathtaking views, top-notch amenities, and a prime location? Look no further than the Pacific View Hotel! This gem of a hotel will leave you in awe with its stunning ocean vistas, luxurious accommodations, and a wide range of

Fullon Hotel Taipei, Central Review

Looking for a luxurious stay in Taipei? Look no further than Fullon Hotel Taipei, Central. With its prime location and convenient accessibility, this hotel is perfect for both business travelers and tourists. From the moment you step into the stylish lobby, you’ll be captivated

Golden Age Hotel Review

You might be thinking, ‘Why should I read another hotel review?’ Well, let me tell you why the Golden Age Hotel is worth your attention. This luxurious establishment offers an array of room options and top-notch amenities that will make your stay truly unforgettable.

Galaxy Mini Inn Review

Step into the cozy embrace of Galaxy Mini Inn, where comfort and hospitality intertwine like a warm embrace. Nestled in the heart of [LOCATION], this charming inn offers a delightful retreat for weary travelers. From the moment you step foot into your inviting room,

Giant Rich Hotel Review

You may be skeptical about the hype surrounding the Giant Rich Hotel, but let me assure you, it lives up to its reputation. From the moment you step into the lobby, you’ll be greeted with elegance and sophistication. The location is unbeatable, with easy

Gorgeous Hot Spring Resort Review

Imagine yourself soaking in the rejuvenating waters of a luxurious hot spring resort, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. With its top-notch accommodations, abundant amenities, and pristine hot spring facilities, Gorgeous Hot Spring Resort offers an unforgettable experience for all. Indulge in delectable dining options

Goodscompany Review

Looking for a reliable online retailer? Are you tired of sifting through countless options? Look no further than Goodscompany. They offer a wide selection of products with top-notch quality. With fast shipping and efficient delivery, you’ll have your order in no time. Their customer

Grace Hotel Dunbei Review

Are you searching for the perfect getaway? Look no further than Grace Hotel Dunbei! This hidden gem promises an experience like no other. Step into a world of luxury and indulge in top-notch accommodation, exquisite dining options, and unrivaled service. From the moment you

Good Life Hotel – Shang Hwa Review

You might be thinking, ‘Why should I stay at the Good Life Hotel – Shang Hwa?’ Well, let me tell you, this review will give you all the reasons why. From its prime location and easy accessibility to its top-notch accommodation and amenities, this

Great Family Hotel Review

Looking for a family-friendly hotel that hits all the right notes? Look no further! This great family hotel review has got you covered. From top-notch accommodation options to a wide array of amenities, this place has it all. And the best part? You won’t

Grand Mayfull Taipei Review

Imagine yourself stepping into a luxurious oasis, where every detail is meticulously crafted to provide the ultimate experience. Welcome to the Grand Mayfull Taipei, a haven of opulence and elegance. From the moment you enter, you will be captivated by the exquisite rooms, delectable

Green World Hotel – Zhonghua Review

Step into the green oasis of Green World Hotel – Zhonghua and experience an eco-friendly retreat like no other. This enchanting hotel offers a multitude of amenities, stylish accommodations, and delectable dining options. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by the hotel’s

Green World Linsen Review

Looking for a way to improve your health and boost your energy levels? Look no further than Green World Linsen! With its high-quality ingredients and numerous benefits, this product is a game-changer. Users are raving about the positive effects they’ve experienced, from increased focus

Grand Victoria Hotel Review

Have you ever dreamt of staying in a luxurious hotel that exceeds all your expectations? Well, look no further than the Grand Victoria Hotel. From the moment you step foot into this exquisite establishment, you will be greeted with unparalleled service and a warm,

Green World SongShan Review

Imagine stepping into a lush oasis where sustainability meets serenity. Green World Songshan, with its breathtaking natural beauty, invites you to immerse yourself in an eco-friendly haven. With over 50% of its energy coming from renewable sources, this eco-resort is leading the way in

Green World NanGang Review

Imagine stepping into a lush oasis, where every corner is brimming with nature’s vibrant hues. Welcome to Green World NanGang, a haven that invites you to immerse yourself in sustainable luxury. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the eco-friendly

Green World Triple Beds Review

Are you tired of tossing and turning on your old, uncomfortable mattress? Look no further than the Green World Triple Beds! With their innovative design and plush materials, these beds will have you sleeping like a baby in no time. In this comprehensive review,

Greeninn Hotel Review

Step inside the eco-friendly oasis of Greeninn Hotel, where sustainability meets luxury. Immerse yourself in a world of environmentally conscious practices, without compromising on comfort. From the moment you enter, you’ll be greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, designed to make you feel

Guide Hotel Taipei Bade Review

Are you ready for the ultimate hotel experience in Taipei? Look no further than Guide Hotel Taipei Bade! With its unbeatable location and top-notch amenities, this hotel is sure to blow you away. From the moment you step foot in the lobby, you’ll be

Happiness Hotel Review

Looking for a cozy and delightful retreat? Look no further than the Happiness Hotel! Nestled in a picturesque location, this charming hotel offers a range of amenities to make your stay unforgettable. From the moment you step inside, the friendly staff will ensure your

Happiness Meworld Review

Imagine being able to effortlessly boost your happiness levels with just a few taps on your phone. With Happiness Meworld, you can achieve just that. This innovative app has been designed to provide you with a user-friendly experience and a range of features that

Han She Hotel Review

Are you ready to embark on a journey where comfort and luxury await? Welcome to the Han She Hotel, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of downtown. With its prime location and easy accessibility to the city’s attractions, this hotel is a dream

Guide Hotel Taipei Xinyi Review

Are you skeptical about finding the perfect hotel in Taipei’s bustling Xinyi district? Look no further! In this guide, we’ll review Guide Hotel Taipei Xinyi and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. From its convenient location to

Guide Hotel Taipei NTU Review

Imagine yourself walking into the inviting lobby of Guide Hotel Taipei NTU. The warm and friendly staff greets you with a smile, ready to ensure your stay is nothing short of exceptional. As you explore the hotel, you’ll discover a range of comfortable rooms

Courtyard by Marriott Taipei Review

Imagine yourself stepping into a vibrant oasis in the heart of Taipei. Welcome to Courtyard by Marriott Taipei, where modern luxury meets warm hospitality. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by the sleek design and impeccable service. With its central location and

CY Hotel Review

Step into a world of luxury and comfort as you embark on a journey through the exclusive CY Hotel. This hidden gem invites you to indulge in a truly exceptional experience. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by its exquisite design and

Courtyard by Marriott Taipei Downtown Review

Are you looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay in Taipei? Look no further than Courtyard by Marriott Taipei Downtown. This hotel offers a range of amenities and services that will make your stay enjoyable and hassle-free. From spacious rooms with modern

Colors Infinity Inn Review

Imagine yourself stepping into a world of vibrant colors and unparalleled hospitality. Welcome to Colors Infinity Inn, where every moment is filled with excitement and comfort. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a staff ready to cater to your every need.

Corner Hostel & Cafe Review

Looking for a cozy and convenient place to stay while exploring the city? Look no further than Corner Hostel & Cafe! With its prime location and vibrant atmosphere, this hidden gem is the perfect choice for travelers like you. Offering a variety of accommodation

HATAGO+ THE ALLEY Review

So you think you’ve tried every trendy bubble tea spot in town? Well, prepare to have your taste buds blown away at HATAGO+ THE ALLEY. This hidden gem is the ultimate haven for bubble tea enthusiasts like yourself. With its cozy atmosphere, extensive menu

Comma Boutique Hotel Review

Welcome to the world of luxury and sophistication at the Comma Boutique Hotel. Nestled in the heart of the city, this hidden gem invites you to indulge in a truly unforgettable experience. From the moment you step foot into the stylish lobby, the impeccable

Daan Park Hotel Review

Looking for a hotel that offers both comfort and convenience? Have you considered Daan Park Hotel? With its prime location and easy accessibility, you’ll find yourself just steps away from the vibrant city center and the tranquil Daan Park. From the well-appointed rooms to

CU Hotel Taipei Review

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stay at a hotel that offers both comfort and convenience? Look no further than CU Hotel Taipei. With its prime location and easy accessibility, this hotel ensures that you are never too far away

Dahshin Hotel Review

Are you seeking a luxurious getaway that will exceed your expectations? Look no further than the Dahshin Hotel. Nestled in a prime location, this exquisite hotel offers unrivaled accessibility to the city’s attractions. From the moment you step foot into the lobby, you’ll be

Rainbow Sands Inn Review

Looking for the perfect beach getaway? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore? Well, look no further because Rainbow Sands Inn is here to make your dreams come true. With

Royal Skyline Hotel Review

Are you ready to experience the ultimate luxury and breathtaking views at the Royal Skyline Hotel? Get ready to be swept away by the elegance and convenience this hotel offers. From the moment you step foot into the lobby, you’ll be captivated by the

Traditional Puppetry Festivals In Taiwan: A Glimpse Into Cultural Heritage

Have you ever witnessed the art of puppetry? In Taiwan, traditional puppetry has been a significant part of their culture for centuries, and its history can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. Puppetry has been used to entertain people and tell stories, and

The Yanshui Beehive Rockets Festival: A Thrilling Pyrotechnic Tradition In Taiwan

Are you ready for an adrenaline-packed experience that will leave you in awe? If so, the Yanshui Beehive Rockets Festival in Taiwan is the event for you. This thrilling pyrotechnic tradition dates back over 200 years and is known for its explosive nature and

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival: Lighting Up The Night Sky In Taiwan

Are you looking for a spectacular event that will light up your night sky in Taiwan? Look no further than the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, a magical celebration that takes place annually. This festival is a unique experience that will leave you in awe

The Dragon Boat Festival: Origins, Customs, And Exciting Races In Taiwan

Are you looking for an exciting cultural experience in Taiwan? Look no further than the Dragon Boat Festival! This annual holiday, also known as Duanwu Festival, is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. The festival has a rich history and

The Best Flower Festivals In Taiwan: A Burst Of Colors And Fragrances

Are you a flower enthusiast looking for a burst of colors and fragrances? Then Taiwan should definitely be on your list! Taiwan is home to several flower festivals, each with its unique charm and beauty. From cherry blossoms to orchids, sunflowers to flora, Taiwan’s

Taiwan’s Night Markets And Festivals: Where Food And Culture Collide

Are you a food lover and culture enthusiast? Then, Taiwan’s night markets and festivals are the perfect place for you to explore! These bustling markets and colorful festivals are where food and culture collide, offering an exciting experience for visitors. Here, you can indulge

Taiwan’s Hot Air Balloon Festivals: Soaring High Above The Landscapes

Are you ready to soar high above Taiwan’s breathtaking landscapes? Look no further than the country’s hot air balloon festivals, where you can witness a colorful display of balloons taking flight against stunning backdrops. These festivals have a rich history and cultural significance, making

Taiwan’s Film Festivals: Showcasing The Best Of Taiwanese And International Cinema

Are you a film enthusiast looking for a unique cinematic experience? Look no further than Taiwan’s film festivals. From the prestigious Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival to the up-and-coming Kaohsiung Film Festival, Taiwan offers a diverse range of festivals that showcase the best of

Taiwan’s Artisan And Craft Festivals: Celebrating Traditional Handicrafts

Are you a lover of traditional handicrafts? Do you appreciate the skill and artistry that goes into creating handmade goods? If so, Taiwan’s artisan and craft festivals are the perfect destination for you. These festivals celebrate the country’s rich history of handicrafts, showcasing the

Taiwan Pride Parade: Celebrating Lgbtq+ Rights And Diversity

Are you ready to celebrate the vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ community in Taiwan? Look no further than the Taiwan Pride Parade, a colorful and empowering event that has become a symbol of progress and acceptance. This annual parade, held in the capital city of

Local Food Festivals In Taiwan: Savoring The Flavors Of The Region

Are you a foodie looking for your next culinary adventure? Look no further than Taiwan’s local food festivals, where you can taste the unique flavors of the country’s diverse regions. From seafood to street food, Taiwan’s cuisine is a melting pot of influences from

Exploring Taiwan’s Religious Festivals: Spirituality And Tradition

Are you ready to explore the vibrant and spiritual world of Taiwan’s religious festivals? From the dazzling lights of the Lantern Festival to the fiery rockets of the Yanshui Beehive Rockets Festival, Taiwan’s festivals are a feast for the senses. These festivals are deeply

Exploring Taiwan’s Lantern Festivals: A Guide To Magical Celebrations

Are you ready to experience the magic of Taiwan’s Lantern Festivals? These annual celebrations, which take place across the country, are a beautiful spectacle of colorful lanterns, cultural performances, and delicious food. As one of the most important festivals in Taiwan, the Lantern Festivals

Celebrating The New Year: Taiwan’s Festive Traditions And Events

Are you looking for an unforgettable way to ring in the new year? Look no further than Taiwan’s festive traditions and events! From the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival to the Taipei 101 Fireworks Display, Taiwan has a plethora of unique ways to celebrate the

7 Must-Visit Music Festivals In Taiwan For Music Lovers

As a music lover, Taiwan offers an array of must-visit music festivals throughout the year. From rock to jazz, Taiwan’s music scene is diverse and lively, attracting both local and international artists. So, get ready to pack your bags and head to these seven

9 Taoist Deities And Their Influence In Taiwan

If you’re in Taiwan, it’s impossible not to notice the presence of Taoism. This ancient Chinese religion has a long history in Taiwan and has had a significant influence on Taiwanese culture. One of the most visible aspects of Taoism in Taiwan is the

7 Spiritual Retreats For Mindfulness And Inner Growth In Taiwan

Are you yearning for a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with your inner self? Look no further than Taiwan, where you’ll find a plethora of spiritual retreats that offer mindfulness and inner growth. From monasteries to

Latest Posts

All traveling sites.

• Discovering Taiwan
• Discovering Hong Kong
• Discovering Japan
• Terms & Conditions
• Discovering & Travelling To Taiwan

All Rights Reserved discoveringtw.com

Hotels.com Rewards is now One Key™

14 Best Things to Do in Tainan

What is tainan most famous for.

The best things to do in Tainan show why this relatively small city has become such a popular historic tourist destination. The oldest city on the island, it’s best known for its traditional lifestyle, forts, and more than 500 Taoist and Buddhist temples. There are also plenty of parks, beaches and activity spots to keep you and your family engaged.

Tainan has earned the nickname “the City of the Phoenix” from the fact that it constantly bounces back from disaster. This means that some of the ‘ancient’ sites – especially the beautiful temples – have been flattened and rebuilt. In the case of the really old places, like the Kaiji Matsu Temple, this has happened several times, but every rebirth brings back the same historical look and charm.

What are the best things to do in Tainan?

Anping fort.

Anping Fort is Taiwan’s oldest fort, built by the Dutch between 1624 and 1634, when it was called Fort Zeelandia. The fort played an important part in policing and protecting international trade in the region. Nowadays, the fort is a very popular museum. At the weekends, the streets surrounding it turn into lively markets and you can sense a carnival atmosphere in the air.

The fort has seen its fair share of historic events. Its defenses were put to the test in 1661 and held for nearly a year, even though the defenders were outnumbered more than 10 to 1 and had no hope of reinforcement or relief. Soon after the fort surrendered to the Chinese besiegers, 38 years of Dutch rule in Taiwan came to an end.

Location: No. 82, Guosheng Rd, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708

Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm

Phone: +886 (0)6 226 7348

Beiji Temple

Popularly referred to as the Arctic Palace or the North Pole Palace, Beiji Temple is home to the Emperor of the Mysterious Heaven. The temple is known for its decorative woodwork, festive bells, and paintings by local folk artists. These are all considered important historical treasures of the city.

Location: No. 89, Section 2, Minquan Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm

Phone: +886 (0)6 226 8875

photo by 阿文 ( CC BY-SA 4.0 ) modified

Tainan Information

5 Best Nightlife in Tainan

10 Best Tainan Foods Everyone Should Try

Chihkan tower.

Also known as Fort Provintia, the Chihkan Tower was built by the Dutch in 1653. Its convenient location and the presence of some fine restaurants have made Chihkan Tower among the most visited tourist spots in town. Go to the top of the Fujianese-style pavilions to get a panoramic view of the city.

Location: No. 212, Section 2, Minzu Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

Phone: +886 (0)6 220 5647

Confucius Temple

Tainan’s Confucius Temple is among the oldest shrines in Taiwan, having first been built in 1665. The Dacheng Hall (main hall) is at the center of the temple and is encircled by numerous small halls connecting the temple grounds with the Dacheng Gate.

The Hall of Edification is close to the Dacheng Hall. Here you will find Confucian texts in attractive calligraphy, which is part of what earns this place the title of “the Scholarly Temple”. The main courtyard in front of the Dacheng Gate is an open space full of large banyan trees and is a good spot to sit and rest. There are also fairly frequent Confucian ceremonies held here.

Location: No. 2, Nanmen Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

Phone: +886 (0)6 221 4647

photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

The first thing that strikes you about Dehua Hall is its simplicity and its low-lying architecture. On entering the hall of this temple, you will feel an unusual calmness. The artistic door gods and the green ceramic roof tiles make this place stand out from the other Tainan temples and you should also carefully inspect the intricate patterns and the murals inside the temple hall.

Dehua Hall is not very far from the Koxinga Shrine and the Confucius Temple.

Location: No. 178, Section 1, Fuqian Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

Phone: +886 (0)6 228 4532

Great East Gate

The Great East Gate was first constructed in 1725 and has become one of Tainan’s most iconic landmarks. It’s illuminated in the evenings, making it look like the city’s own version of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

The gate has had a colorful history, with the gatehouse added in 1736. It was further expanded in 1788, when the wooden walls were fortified with cement and bricks. Sadly, most of the gates and walls were destroyed during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan. The gatehouse and the gate were again restored in 1975.

Location: No. 243, Section 1, Dongmen Road, East District, Tainan City, Taiwan 701

Phone: +886 (0)6 221 3597

photo by Pbdragonwang ( CC BY-SA 4.0 ) modified

Great South Gate

The Great South Gate is part of the remains of the city’s old defenses. The construction of this gate was started in 1736, with major updates in 1835. It’s one of the more photogenic spots in town – just minutes away from the ancient Confucius Temple. Surrounded by parkland, the gatehouse looks a little like an old fort. The park itself contains a number of stone tablets or steles which once dotted the city, acting as public notices.

One of the more interesting features of the South Gate is the 2-layered defense it provides. Inspired by the Great Wall of China, an outer gate leads to a courtyard in front of the main gate. Attackers trying to breach the gate would be forced to make themselves easy targets for the defenders by entering this courtyard.

Location: Lane 34, Nanmen Rd., West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

photo by Koika ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

Koxinga Ancestral Shrine

The Koxinga Ancestral Shrine is dedicated to a general of the Ming Dynasty – Koxinga. The brave general was responsible for kicking the Dutch out of Taiwan in 1661 and then ruling the island and a small empire until 1683. The shrine itself was built in 1663.

A statue of Koxinga stands in the center of the shrine’s main hall, along with spirit tablets for each generation of his ancestors. There’s a smaller statue outside, depicting the general as a child, standing with his mother.

Location: No. 36, Section 2, Zhongyi Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 9 pm

Phone: +886 (0)6 225 0128

photo by Pbdragonwang ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

Guan Gong Temple

Guan Gong Temple is more popularly known as the God of War Temple because of the deity it’s dedicated to. This Tainan temple is one of the most well-preserved and ancient temples in Taiwan. Some of the old traditions still endure to this day, with artists and poets still gathering around the plum tree planted in the 17th century.

Built during the Ming Dynasty, possibly around 1665, the temple has diversified over the years. Today, devotees can visit for blessings in their pursuit of love and good exam grades, as well as victory in conflicts. You should also visit the small factory of artistic religious sculptures to the left of the temple.

Location: No. 229, Section 2, Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

Open: Daily from 6 am to 9 pm

Phone: +886 (0)6 220 2390

photo by Winertai ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

Lady Linshui Temple

The Lady Linshui Temple is dedicated to the goddess of fertility and birth. Just next to the Koxinga Museum, the temple is one of the oldest and most significant in Tainan. It was built in 1736 in the form of a straw hut and was restructured and renovated as a more concrete structure in 1886. No other temple in the city has as many depictions of women. Exquisite paintings of female door gods are its main attraction.

Location: No. 16, Jianye Street, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 70049

Open: Daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm

Phone: +886 (0)6 213 0515

photo by [email protected] ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

Golden Beach

Golden Beach is the biggest in Tainan City. Sometimes called Gold Coast, it's about 50 meters wide and 4 km long. This beach is known as the ‘kingdom of sand’ and is ideal for activities like beach soccer and beach volleyball. The Taiwan kitesurfing center is located here, too.

photo by Chi-Hung Lin ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

Taijiang National Park

The Taijiang National Park is a beautiful area of greenery around the Qigu River, just to the northwest of Tainan City. Boat rides around the wetlands of Sicao Wildlife Preserve and the so-called Green Tunnel formed by the mangrove swamps are memorable experiences. The area also features several walking paths, a museum and the Dazhong Temple.

Tainan City Sports Park

If you’re looking for active things to do, Tainan City Sports Park has no shortage of choice. Spanning about 52 hectares near Tainan Airport, it contains numerous indoor and outdoor tennis courts open to the general public, as well as a skateboard park, a shooting range, a badminton club, and a basketball court. There are also a couple of preserved old vehicles around the park, including a World War II-era steam train. The park is excellent for biking, walking or just rolling about on your skateboard.

Location: No. 10, Tiyu Road, South District, Tainan City, Taiwan 702

Phone: +886 (0)6 215 7691

Tainan Park

Located near the railway station, Tainan Park is a much-loved place for its beautiful Chinese gardens. It has a music hall, a library, and an amphitheater, too. Older folks come to play chess, practice ballroom dancing or do tai chi while younger visitors come for badminton and the iconic marble bridge over the main pond. Even younger visitors can jump around in the park’s playgrounds or check out the Children’s Science Museum.

Location: No. 89, Gongyuan South Road, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

Start planning your trip

Related stories.

10 Best Restaurants in Tainan

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Tainan

10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Tainan

6 Best Shopping in Tainan

10 Best Family Things to Do in Tainan

Keep exploring.

• Hualien City
• New Taipei City
• Hong Kong SAR
• Philippines
• South Korea

Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific

Mexico and central america, middle east, north america, south america.

Tainan City travel guide

Tainan city tourism | tainan city guide, you're going to love tainan city.

Think New York is the only city that doesn't sleep? Tainan will make you seriously reconsider. With its thriving night markets, incredible street food, one-off finds in boutique stores, and historical monuments, a Tainan adventure has a little bit of everything to experience.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Tainan City

1. celebrate every day at the night market.

From the Flower Night Market to the Da Dong Night Market, this is one of the locals' (and travelers') favorite ways to pass the evening. Sample from fresh food stalls, bargain with street vendors, and enjoy the game booths.

2. Get Back to Nature at Taijiang National Park

The Sicao Green Tunnel in Taijiang National Park allows campers and park-goers to take boat rides to observe aquatic and bird life in the mangrove.

3. Bask in the Sacred Temples

Shrines and temples provide a true sanctuary for those looking to step away from the city. The gardens are serene and well planned, and the gates retain their historic majesty.

4. Visit the Anping Fort

Known also as "Taiwan Castle", this historical fort is also, coincidentally, the best place to take in ocean views and sunsets.

5. Check out Chihkan Tower

Built in 1653 by the Dutch and then developed further by the Japanese, this beautiful tower is best visited during twilight hours, when it's well lit and its interesting architecture is highlighted.

What to do in Tainan City

1. history in view.

Anping Fort (formerly known as Fort Zeelandia) was built by the Dutch during their occupation of Taiwan in the 1600's. Get a glimpse of Taiwan's history by touring the fort and the museum on the upper level. Much of the original fort remains intact, including cannons and original red brick walls. Its historic and scenic ambience also make it a nice place to relax and enjoy the views. When you're done touring the fort, there are lots of nearby food options featuring local fare and seafood.

2. Not Your Ordinary Treehouse

Just a five minute walk from the Anping Fort and the popular Anping Old Street, this treehouse is literally a tree and a building that have grown together to become one thing. The building is an old warehouse built shortly after World War II, but abandoned soon afterwards. The tree is a giant banyan tree that since that time has grown to more or less absorb the whole structure. Banyan trees are interesting and cool on their own, but the way this one's roots intertwine with the whole structure makes it a unique sight.

3. Cultural Spectacle

The Tainan City Flower Night Market (Hua Yuan Ye Shi) is probably the most popular of several night markets in Tainan. The night markets are open (on certain nights of the week) from around dusk until after midnight, and have a wide variety of food, merchandise and game stands, roughly equivalent to an Eastern version of what you might find at an American county or state fair (minus the animals and big rides). The markets are also a great place to view Taiwanese culture, since there are always lots of residents of all ages and social classes present. There is plenty of food to try, from the more familiar to the international to the adventurous.

4. Peaceful Vista

One of many old temples in the city, Tainan's Confucian Temple is the oldest of its kind on Taiwan. The temple is a fine example of the artistry of ancient Chinese architecture, with its colorful walls, traditional Chinese roof style and ornate statuary. It's also located in front of a large park full of banyan trees, making it a peaceful place to relax or fly a kite.

5. Shop, Eat, And Take In Taiwan

Starting at the Anping Fort, the winding Anping Old Street is generally crowded with people browsing the stands, shops and stores. This is a great place to be if you want to try traditional Taiwanese food, because you can probably find it all here, including Tainan's famous "coffin bread." Ornate Taiwanese crafts and products are also widely available here, making it a good place to look for a souvenir. Among the shops and food stands you can find a few traditional temples as well, making Anping Old Street a great center of Taiwanese culture.

Where to Eat in Tainan City

What can you expect in the "City of Snacks"? Check out eats like Dan Zai Mian and or coffin bread at Chihkan Peddler's Noodles, a family-owned, home-cooked restaurant. Dishes cost between NT$151-800.

When to visit Tainan City

When visiting Tainan, note that November and December, as well as the months of March and April, are the best times to visit. Temperatures at this time are a pleasant 73. Winter is mild and dry.

How to Get to Tainan City

For international flights, travelers will land at the Kaohsiung City Airport or the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan. Use the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) to get into Tainan for NT$1350.

Tainan HSR Station is a major stop on the Taipei - Kaohsiung City line. Fares cost NT$1500. You can also use the regular railway train from the Shulin station. First-class fares from Taipei cost NT$758.

Driving from Kaohsiung to Tainan, use Freeway 1 (also called Sun Yat-sen Freeway). It's a straight drive along this route north and the journey takes around an hour.

From other cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, use premium bus services from Aloha, Ho-hsin, and Ubus. Buses arrive at the Beimen Station.

Airports near Tainan City

Airlines serving tainan city, where to stay in tainan city.

Book a few nights at Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel and you'll stay in luxury. The popular Sendale Yong Fu Hotel is a great mid-range accommodation, and budget travelers will be able to rest easy at FuQi Hostel.

Popular Neighborhoods in Tainan

West Central District - is home to the Chihkan Tower. It's also close to the Hayashi Department Store.

Anping District - within this district is the beautiful Lin Mo-Niang Memorial Park and Anping Old Street, which is a prime street market.

North District - the Tainan Flower Night Market is this neighborhood's main attraction. Don't miss the bright lights and wafting smells of street food.

Where to stay in popular areas of Tainan City

Most booked hotels in tainan city, how to get around tainan city, public transportation.

Bus routes start at the main Tainan train station. There are also sightseeing buses on the weekends that are marked 88 and 89. A one-way ticket costs NT$18 and a monthly pass is NT$700.

Taxis in Tainan start at a flat rate of NT$85 and it's NT$12.4 per mile thereafter.

Book car rentals from major companies like Avis, starting from NT$2687.69 for an economy, four-seater. You can also grab a scooter rental for a self-drive option for around NT$600 per day.

The Cost of Living in Tainan City

Shopping streets.

For those who love malls and department stores, make sure to check out the variety at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi. South of the main Tainan Railway Station are several smaller boutique stores.

Groceries and Other

A quart of milk costs NT$85 and a dozen eggs will run you around NT$60.

21 Cool Tainan Tourist Spots And Things to do in Tainan & Itinerary

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on September 25, 2023

Categories Taiwan

21 Cool Tainan Tourist Spots And Things to do in Tainan & Itinerary – Tainan was Taiwan’s capital from 1683 to 1885 and is Taiwan’s fourth-largest city. There are many historic temples and you will try the best food in Taiwan. Taiwanese language is more popular than Mandarin.

After this small introduction of Tainan we will write our favorite 21 Tainan Tainan tourist spots and things to do in Tainan. Keep reading below our Tainan travel guide.

Read here Taiwan itinerary and things to know before visiting Taiwan !

Table of Contents

WHERE TO STAY IN TAINAN

For accommodation, you can find accommodation prices starting from  $30-50 USD  depending on how much you want to stretch your budget. Until luxury hotels in Tainan that can cost  $100-300 USD  for a room if you wish more comfort when visiting Tainan. Click here to get the best deals via  Booking  and  Agoda .

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

You can read  Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance . You can get for  $135 USD  your  Heymondo   Travel Insurance  with Heymondo discount code  valid for 90 days. Read our full  Heymondo Travel Insurance Review

You can get  Safetywing Travel Insurance  for Digital Nomads valid for 28 days  Safetywing for $50 USD per month with kids until 10 years old included

Tainan Travel Guide –  Tainan Tourist Spots And Things to do in Tainan

1. tainan confucius temple.

Confucious Temple is located in the Tainan city center. It’s one of the most popular Tainan tourist spots. There is no entrance fee and it’s beautiful to relax and walking around the garden. There is no entrance fee.

2. Chihkan Tower

3. anping district old town and anping fort.

Image from Eng Taiwan- Things to do in Tainan

Anping Fort (called Fort Zelandia) was built by the Dutch from 1624 to 1634. Anping Fort entrance fee of 50 TWD . The buses 2, 88 and 99 are going to Anping Fort from Tainan Train Station.

4. Visit Night Markets (Garden Night Market)

5. chimei museum.

The Chimei Museum is a private museum opened in 1992 by Shi Wen-long of Chi Mei in Tainan. There are five categories: Fine arts, Musical instruments, Natural history, Arms and armor, Antiquities and artifacts. The entrance fee is 200 TWD . It’s closed on Wednesdays and opening from 9 30 am to 5 30 pm.

Click here to get a discount booking your entrance ticket with Klook !

6. Try Local Markets Shaved Fruits

You can’t skip trying local delicacies in Tainan. Our favorite one was Shaved fruits that it’s served everywhere during the day especially with hot weather. They are so delicious and prices are $2-3 USD .

7. Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park

8. ten drum rende creative park.

Image from Flickr

Ten Drum Rende Creative Park is great if you are traveling with kids to visit the drum performance. There are VR games, laser tag. To get there you have to get a train from Kaohsiung Main Station to Baoen Train Station. It will take 50 minutes to get there. The entrance fee is 400 TWD for the whole day and if you go only for the evening is 200 TWD .

9. Great South Gate of Tainan

Image from Wikipedia

Tainan Great South Gate is a historical gate in West Central District. It’s located just two blocks away from Confucius Temple. There is no entrance fee.

10. Koxinga’s Ancestral Shrine

Image from Taiwan Tourism Bureau- Things to do in Tainan

Koxinga Ancestral Shrine is located in West Central District. It was built in memory of the work and achievement of Cheng Cheng Kung, the pioneer of Taiwan.

Click here to get a discount booking activities with Klook in Tainan !

More Tainan Tourist Spots And Things to do in Tainan

11. visit back alleys markets, 12. national museum of taiwanese literature.

National Museum of Taiwanese Literature is a new Museum opened in 2003. Most of the exhibitions are in Chinese. But it’s located walking distance from city center if you want to take a look. There is no entrance fee.

13. Shennong Street

14. visit temples in tainan.

There are many temples to visit in Tainan. It’s the perfect place to learn about the culture and religion. You will see locals praying and giving donations. They are so colorful.

These are the most popular ones in Tainan: God of War Temple, Matsu Temple, Beiji Temple, Guan Gong Temple, Lady Linshui Temple, City God Temple, Fahua Temple

15. Try KTV in Tainan

If you want to have fun and enjoying local vibe. KTV is one of the best plans to do in Tainan. You can rent a room to sing with your friends. Prices are around $12-30 USD per hour good enough for 7-8 people.

16. Dashu Old Railway Sky Bridge

Image from Alexis Jetsets

Dashu Old Railway Sky Bridge was built in 1913 by the Japanese. It’s 1526 meters long and it survived World War II.

17. Soulangh Cultural Park

Image from Travel Tainan

Soulangh Cultural Park is also known as Jiali Sugar Refinery. It was established in 2003 reusing the empty space. Nowadays days is a leisure park for locals.

18. Yuguang Island

19. qigu lagoon.

The Qigu Lagoon is an ecological conservation area located on the estuary of the Zengwen River. It’s a rural and quiet area to visit in Tainan. This list of Tainan tourist spots would be perfect for relaxing.

20. Jingzaijiao Tile-Paved salt fields

Image from Flickr- Things to do in Tainan

The Jingzaijiao Tiled Salt Fields were formerly known as Laidong Salt Fields originally a barren desert. To get there you have to take the train to Tainan Railway Station and get Xingnan Bus to Xishan Stop.

21. Sicao Green Tunnel

Sicao Green Tunnel is one of the most idyllic Tainan tourist spots. The mangrove forest is extending and forming a tunnel. You have to go to Annan District to watch this. There is an entrance fee of 200 TWD and it will take 30-40 minutes for the boat ride.

SILKS PLACE

We stayed at  Silks Place in Tainan. We enjoyed a local atmosphere learning about the tea. Trying delicious local food. We enjoyed Robbin’s Steak Teppanyaki where we enjoyed dinner with our private chef. The food was delicious great meat, salad and delicious desserts.

For breakfasts you can enjoy Western or Chinese breakfast. We liked it more the Chinese breakfast. The location was great just a few steps from city center. And only two kilometers far from Bus and Train Station. Click here to check prices and availability !

Feel free to use our links for discounts. Using our links will help us to continue with the maintenance of the website and it will not cost you anything. Thanks for the love guys. Happy Travels!

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

Tainan Hotels: 15 Best Hotels in Tainan (Where to Stay in Tainan) - Gamintraveler

Sunday 7th of August 2022

[…] capital from 1683 to 1885 and is Taiwan’s fourth largest city. We will wrote our favorite things to do in Tainan. We will tell you about Tainan hotels staring from $20-30 USD and you will find mid budget hotels […]

How to get from Taipei to Tainan by Train And Bus - Gamintraveler

Tuesday 22nd of September 2020

[…] is a great place to visit to feel Taiwanese culture especially about food. There are many Tainan tourist spots and the ones we loved it mostly were markets. We enjoyed meeting people and happy to visit […]

How to get to Tainan by Bus and Train - Gamintraveler

Tuesday 24th of December 2019

[…] Tainan is a great place to visit to feel Taiwanese culture especially about food. There are many Tainan tourist spots and the ones we loved it mostly were markets. We enjoyed meeting people and happy to visit Tainan. […]

Top Things to Do in Tainan - Tainan Must-See Attractions

Things to do in tainan, explore popular experiences, tours in and around tainan.

5-Day Best of Taiwan: Sun Moon Lake, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Lukang

5-day Taiwan Classic Southern Island Fun Private Tour

Tainan Ancient Capital & Wushantou Reservoir One Day Tour

8 Days Private Taiwan Culture and Heritage Tour

Private 6 Day Tour in South Taiwan

Private 3-Day Southern Taiwan Tour (Tainan, Kaohsiung, Kenting)

Private Custom Kaohsiung Day Tour

Kaohsiung Like a Local: Customized Private Tour

Private Classic Kaohsiung Day Tour

Half-day tour Kaohsiung

Nature and wildlife tours.

Top Attractions in Tainan

Other Top Attractions around Tainan

Private Sightseeing Tours

Multi-day Tours

Ports of call tours, cultural & theme tours.

Tours & Sightseeing

What travelers are saying

Where to go in 2024: The best places to visit

Editor’s note: Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel’s weekly newsletter . Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay.

So many places to see in the world. So many people eager to see them.

International tourism reached about 90% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, and the United States issued a record number of  passports . And if you visited any popular destination over the summer, you’d probably argue it was more crowded than ever.

So maybe it’s time to look at places that are still largely undiscovered, or alluring in the offseason, or frequently overlooked for their larger first cities or neighbors. Maybe it’s time to head to places that are making it easier for tourists to visit and those that pay close attention to encouraging tourism that’s sustainable.

With those things in mind, CNN Travel chose 24 places to consider as you make your 2024 plans:

Sumba, Indonesia

For those looking for a beach destination that prioritizes community consciousness and sustainability, the Indonesian island of Sumba delivers.

With its remote villages, untouched forests, ancient rituals and world-class surf breaks, Sumba is the perfect antidote to the crowds of Bali, which is just an hour’s flight away. It might not be internationally famous yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s small. Sumba is more than 4,000 square miles in size (more than 10,000 square kilometers) – twice the size of Bali.

It was the  Nihi Sumba  resort that brought this island into luxury seekers’ sights when it first opened in 2012. More than a decade on, Sumba has welcomed several new luxury eco-resorts. These include  The Sanubari,  a series of beachfront villas that opened in 2022, and  Cap Karoso , located on the island’s southwest.  —Karla Cripps

Turkey’s Black Sea coast

Far less known than the Mediterranean yacht-magnet resorts of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, the  Black Sea region, also known as Karadeniz,  offers a very different side of the country. Less touristed and with a cooler, damper climate that produces verdant scenery and  delicious black tea , the region has historic towns and villages as well as beaches and adrenaline-producing activities.

In summer, it’s a refreshing escape from Turkey’s more sweltering regions. Visitors can explore ancient streets that still echo to the clang of blacksmith hammers in Safranbolu, soak up beach life in Amasra and climb to where one of the world’s oldest monasteries clings to a cliff at Sumela.

For thrill-seekers, there’s white water rafting, and when winter brings heavy snowfalls, the region’s eastern Kaçkar Mountains transform into a  heli-skiing paradise .  —Barry Neild

Tartu, Estonia

Pucker up. Tartu, in southern Estonia, has been named a European Capital of Culture for 2024 — with  special attention paid to kissing . One of this university city’s most celebrated sights is its statue of two students locked in a passionate embrace, but here in the “City of Good Thoughts,” the love-in is more high-minded than carnal.

Tartu is renowned as Estonia’s intellectual center, home to its oldest university as well as the must-visit Estonian National Museum and the impressive Science Centre AHHAA, the largest science museum in the Baltics.

The Old Town is the perfect place to base yourself, but just north of the city center on the banks of the Emajõgi River, Supilinn (“Soup Town”) is also worth a visit. This historic neighborhood filled with pretty, wooden houses was formerly a slum but is now becoming one of the city’s most desirable addresses.  —Maureen O’Hare

Tainan, Taiwan

Celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2024, Tainan has become a Taiwan hotspot on the international stage. This southern city has surpassed the capital, Taipei, to boast the highest overall hotel occupancy rate in Taiwan in the past two years.

What makes it so special? Tainan is considered the street food capital of Taiwan and is loved for its beef soups and oyster omelets, otherworldly natural landscapes (check out Tsao Shan Moon World), scenic sunsets over salt farms, colorful old temples and cool new museums.

It was also listed among Booking.com’s top 10 sustainable tourism destinations in 2023.  —Maggie Hiufu Wong

Northwest Michigan

Refreshing, unsalty Lake Michigan lures boatloads of tourists in summer, but the shoreline, quaint towns and rolling countryside of Northwest Michigan have plenty to offer year-round.

On Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City makes a great home base for exploring wineries on the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas or picking cherries or apples in season. Then fall’s foliage is ripe for peeping, followed by winter’s inviting blankets of snow.

From Traverse City, the scenic M-22 highway winds up the Leelanau Peninsula and hooks back down through Leland, home to a  historic fishing village  and a collection of interesting  shops and galleries .

Glen Arbor is another town worth perusing on the way to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore , where off M-109 an all-sand, 3.5-mile hike over massive dunes to the Great Lake and back preps hardy hikers for a delicious dinner.

Farm Club , a farm-restaurant hybrid seven miles from downtown Traverse City, serves beautifully prepared dishes showcasing the region’s ingredients — many grown on site — in a minimalist, barnlike space that spills outdoors.  —Marnie Hunter

Trans Dinarica Cycle Route, Balkans

Launching in 2024, the Trans Dinarica Cycle Route will be the first and only bike route to link all eight countries of the Western Balkans. The 100-stage trail is designed for cyclists of all abilities and its 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) is made up of quiet asphalt roads, forest trails and bike paths.

Riders can enjoy Albania and Croatia’s spectacular coastlines, Kosovo’s national parks, Montenegro’s rugged mountains and lush woodland and sparkling rivers throughout Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Serbia.

Riders can get more information and sign up for news of route updates, maps, accommodation and services at  transdinarica.com .   —MO

Culebra, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is large and makes for a great island escape. But what if you want an escape from your great island escape? That’s where little Culebra comes in. It’s about 20 miles (32 kilometers) off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico and world away from  San Juan’s noisy, rum-soaked nightlife .

The emphasis here is on outdoor activities and unwinding. Be sure to check out  Flamenco Beach , curving for about a mile around a sheltered bay. It has little in the way of waves, making it a superb spot for snorkeling and swimming. And a graffitied tank — a US military relic — offers a striking photo op.

Much of the island is  a natural refuge , and you can also go hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and fishing. Take  a day trip  or  stay over  and make it your main destination.  —Forrest Brown

This southern African nation is trying hard to make a break on the tourism scene, having recently introduced a  quick-approval tourism e-visa . While major tourism infrastructure might not be up to speed yet, it’s a chance to explore a country still off the travel radar.

The capital of Luanda has a reputation as a pricey party city, but out in the wide-open spaces beyond, Angola has some jaw-droppingly spectacular scenery and cultural treats. Second city  Lubango  offers Portuguese colonial architecture, an impressive Rio-style Christ the King hilltop statue and access to the Tundavala Gap, a giddying plunge from cool tablelands into shimmering dusty plains.

Also worth a look: the dramatic 1,300-foot-wide (396 meters) Calendula Falls and Atlantic coastline surfing paradises such as Barra do Kwanza and Cabo Ledo.  —BN

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

Not to be confused with St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland, Saint John is located in New Brunswick — also on Canada’s east coast. This charming little city is an excellent base from which to enjoy the nearby  Bay of Fundy , famed for having the world’s highest tides.

The city itself is filled with historic architecture, including the  Saint John City Market , a National Historic Site of Canada. Built from 1874 to 1876, it’s filled with shops and food venues. A five-minute walk away is the  Saint John Arts Centre . Set in the city’s historic Carnegie Building, it’s the only former Carnegie Library in eastern Canada.

In terms of accommodation, there are seaside cottages, hotels, motels, campgrounds, historic inns and B&Bs. Food here is as excellent as you’d expect from a maritime city in Canada, with a broad range from cheap eats to fine dining.  —KC

South Korea

With word that “Squid Game” — still the most-watched show on Netflix — is set to return with a new season in 2024, it’s time once again to embrace the K-wave.

Thankfully, travel to the country is easier than ever before. The government is waiving its K-ETA requirement — the electronic travel visa for South Korea — for travelers from  22 countries  till the end of 2024 as part of its Visit Korea Year campaign.

This is a country that truly has it all. After exploring futuristic cities such as Seoul and Busan, the cultural and historic side of old Korea awaits at Andong, dubbed the “Spirit of South Korea,” or the seven cemeteries of the ancient  Gaya Tumuli , newly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2023.  —MHW

Sandwiched on the Adriatic coast between Greece and Montenegro, it’s astonishing that Albania wasn’t more popular as a beach destination before. But its wallet-friendly prices have seen tourism boom here over the past few years — so much so that in 2023, record numbers of Italians flocked across the Adriatic for their bargain summer breaks.

2024 sees the opening of a new airport at Vlorë, on the coast, which will make those beach trips easier. But there’s far more to Albania than its coast. The country has a rich culture, including Christian and Muslim history, with historical centers in towns such as Berat and Gjirokastër, as well as jaw-dropping mountain landscapes (Theth is the most popular).

In 2023, Albania got Europe’s first wild river national park, around the 168-mile (270-kilometer)  Vjosa River  — or to go really off the beaten track book a self-drive tour with  Drive Albania .  —Julia Buckley

Stretching about 2,700 miles from top to toe, long and slim Chile offers a little something for everyone.  In the north, spectacular landscapes simulate  Mars on Earth  in the Atacama Desert, where the 51-room  Our Habitas Atacama  emphasizes sustainability.  The new hotel is a good fit for the “world’s leading green destination,” a title Chile just picked up at the World Travel Awards for the second year in a row.

The natural world puts its best foot forward all over the country: Thousands of miles of Pacific coastline to the west, the towering Andes in the east and lakes, volcanoes and wild Patagonia in the south.

World-class skiing in July and August — a welcome break from the sweltering Northern Hemisphere — is two hours or less from the capital, Santiago. And the new high-altitude Parque Nacional Glaciares near the city protects land in the country’s most populous and  historically little-protected  area.  —MH

Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia

Every year there’s another installment in the soap opera surrounding the Great Barrier Reef — will it be de-listed by UNESCO? Has the coral regrowth gone well this season?

For tourists who’d rather not wade into the situation, there’s another way to experience some of Australia’s gorgeous underwater bounty. About 37 miles (60 kilometers) off the coast of Western Australia, the lesser-known  Abrolhos Islands  are home to some of the most beautiful scenery of the country’s Coral Coast, above and below the water.

Humpback whales pass through in the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, and lucky travelers may catch a glimpse of Australian Sea Lions. There are no hotels on the islands, so intrepid visitors can either overnight in the town of Geraldton or splash out for a liveaboard boat, which provides opportunities to watch brilliant sunsets over the Indian Ocean and scuba dive in the early hours when the fish are at their most active.  —Lilit Marcus

Macedonia, Greece

Athens and the islands get more crowded every year, but in northern Greece, the region of Macedonia is relatively free from overtourism. Yet it has everything visitors flock elsewhere in Greece to see: archaeological sites, history-rich towns and beaches galore.

This was the land of Alexander the Great. His father, Philip II of Macedon, is buried at Vergina, where his tomb has been turned into a world-class  subterranean museum  displaying the finds. Nearby, there are Byzantine remains in the hilltop city Veria, and superb wineries such as  Kir-Yianni  in the rolling hills around Naousa.

Thessaloniki — the region’s capital and Greece’s second city — is a gastro hub as well as a mishmash of architectural and archaeological eras. Near the city are the sandy beaches of Halkidiki; toward the border with Thrace are archaeological spots like ancient Philippi, and the city of Kavala, whose Ottoman past shows in every building . —JB

It may be most famous for the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal, but this Central American country is so much more than a transit destination.

Not only does Panama have a vibrant capital city with a historic old quarter that’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the country also holds over a dozen national parks, including Parque Nacional Volcán Barú, the highest point in Panama.

Panama City is also the only world capital with a tropical rainforest within its city limits. Visitors keen to delve further into Panama’s cultural landscape in a sustainable way can book community-based tourist adventures through a digital portal called  SOSTUR Network , which connects travelers with rural communities and tourism businesses.  —Tamara Hardingham-Gill

Galicia, Spain

Empty beaches bordered by the wild Atlantic Ocean and framed by the rugged landscape of the  Islas Atlánticas National Park . Mouth-watering seafood. And a historic city forever entwined with the famed  Camino de Santiago.  Welcome to Galicia, an autonomous region in the northwest tip of Spain.

Galicia’s regional capital city,  Santiago de Compostela , has long been on the tourist map thanks to its striking 12 th -century cathedral, which is the endpoint for the hundreds of thousands of walkers who  embark on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage  each year. But even if you weren’t planning on packing your walking boots, bustling Santiago should be on your radar.

And for spectacular views, head to  Cabo Fisterra , a rocky peninsula home to the picturesque Finisterre lighthouse. The former lighthouse residence is the  Hotel O Semáforo de Fisterra . Lighthouses are a bit of a theme in Galicia — there are 19 in total, including the UNESCO-protected 1st-century  Tower of Hercules , believed to be the world’s oldest surviving Roman lighthouse.  —Francesca Street

Singapore’s offshore islands

The city-state of Singapore shows urbanism at its finest: biophilic skyscrapers, neon-lit supertrees and six-star hotels all outdoing each other to redefine “luxury.” But venturing off the peninsula is quickly becoming a more interesting option.

Singapore is developing some of its smaller, uninhabited islands by, well, not developing them. Just a ferry ride away from the mainland, Lazarus Island is now home to a few rentable tiny houses made with reconstituted wood and powered by solar energy. Nearby, Sisters’ Island will open the country’s first marine park — including a sea turtle hatchery and coral protection area — in 2024.

Already open for exploring is St. John’s Island, where a 1.7-mile trail highlights native plants and flowers while shining a light on the island’s colorful history, which included a period as a quarantine center during a cholera outbreak. It’s a fitting place to think about life after a pandemic.  —LM

Mérida, Mexico

The Yucatán Peninsula is best known for its tropical beaches, but venture inland, and you’re in for an unexpected urban treat.

“Mérida’s uniqueness comes from a blend of Mayan and colonial heritage,” said David Casanova, who has a  real estate YouTube channel  on Yucatán state’s capital city with his wife, Megan Sequeira Casanova. “The city’s excitement starts with its diverse cuisine and friendly locals and expands to its year-long favorable weather.”

In town, Paseo de Montejo is lined with historic mansions, museums, art galleries and local vendors. The Casanovas tout the city’s boutique hotels, including  Kuka y Naranjo . For nearby getaways, there’s Progreso Beach (less than an hour away), fascinating Mayan ruins and underground water caves called cenotes.

If you’re concerned about personal safety in Mexico, the  US State Department  rates Yucatán and Campache states as the two safest as of December.  —FB

A longtime travel favorite thanks to its diverse landscape and spectacular architecture, Morocco has bounced back determinedly after a devastating earthquake this past September.

While visitors tend to congregate in popular cities such as Marrakech, Rabat and Fes, the country certainly isn’t short of less crowded spots that are arguably just as alluring. Standouts include Tétouan, the city near the first  Regis Hotels and Resorts Morocco property , and the historic Meknes, which is among the country’s nine UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Morocco is proving to be a world leader when it comes to sustainable tourism, with the launch of various initiatives to boost its renewable energy generation. The country is also home to a number of significant eco-friendly hotels, including the Berber-run  Kasbah du Toubkal , located at the base of the spectacular High Atlas Mountains.  —THG

Florida’s freshwater springs

How would you like to immerse in water clear as gin any day of the year? You can do that in some of the 1,000 or more recognized  fresh-water springs  scattered around northern and central Florida.

These  pristine natural pools  provide stable temps and visibility for swimming, tubing, snorkeling, diving, wildlife viewing and more. Here are a few of the best:

Wakulla Springs  has a swimming area in 70 F (21 C) degree water, and the state park offers a boat ride tour. The  depth at the vent  is about 185 feet (56 meters).  Rainbow Springs  is considered one of the most beautiful in the state.  Ginnie Springs , a privately owned site, is renowned for its diving and cavern.  —FB

Texas Hill Country

In the heart of Texas, Hill Country boasts its own natural springs. One prime spot,  Krause Springs  in Spicewood, lures visitors with more than its spring-fed pool and natural swimming hole — there’s also a butterfly garden full of magical wind chimes. And the  Blue Bonnet Cafe  — home to some of the world’s most divine cream pies — is just a short drive away in Marble Falls .

Meanderers will also find rolling hills and hiking trails, winding rivers,  wineries , barbecue, music and dance halls, plus an explosion of wildflowers in March and April. And in 2024, April also brings a celestial spectacle to Hill Country — the total solar eclipse on April 8.

Gruene Hall  in New Braunfels is legendary among Texas’  historic dance halls , and Luckenbach, a tiny hamlet outside the larger German-influenced town of Fredericksburg, has a dance hall and regular pickers’ circles under the oak trees.  —MH

One of the smaller and lesser-known emirates of the United Arab Emirates, Fujairah is as mellow as it is beautiful. Filled with spectacular mountain ranges and pristine beaches, it’s significantly less developed than the likes of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offering an authentic and tranquil vibe that’s hard to beat.

Fujairah has a cooler climate compared with the other emirates because of its mountainous setting, but the winter months are definitely the most pleasant time to visit.

Snoopy Island, a snorkeling spot that looks like the famous cartoon dog lying on his back, is a top draw thanks to its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, while the cascading waterfalls of the Wadi Wurayah National Park are another must-see.  —THG

The jaw-dropping landscapes of Greenland — an autonomous territory of Denmark situated northeast of Canada — are set to get a little more accessible for international travelers this year.

New international airports are opening in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, and the coastal city of Ilulissat. These aviation hubs promise longer runways that will be able to handle larger commercial aircraft. The climate crisis is a visible, real threat in Greenland, and investment in the tourism sphere is increasing as changing climates  pose roadblocks to traditional industries.

Learn more about how Greeenland is adapting, and the stories of the Inuit people who’ve lived in the region for thousands of years at the  Icefjord Centre  in Ilulissat on the West Coast. Colorful Ilulissat is also home to the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, which offers the staggering sight of a bay filled with floating icebergs. In general, nature is the main event in Greenland, with other highlights including whale watching, dog sledding and Aurora Borealis sightings.   —FS

Before the pandemic, Uzbekistan was poised to be the  next big thing  in travel thanks to a series of ambitious reforms to transform the country into a world-class destination.

Now, its time has finally come.

Offering visa-free access to citizens of 86 countries, Uzbekistan’s untouched landscapes and well-preserved architecture are ready and waiting to awe visitors.

For greater insights into Uzbekistan’s position at the heart of the fabled Silk Road, a historic trade route that ran from China and India to the Mediterranean, the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva await. Meanwhile, the mountainous Uzbek village of Sentob — about 3.5 hours from Samarkand — was added to UNESCO’s list of “ Best Tourism Villages ” in 2023. It’s been cited for its commitment to sustainable development, with a focus on nature, organic food and eco and mountain tourism.

Getting around the country is easy thanks to the high-speed Afrosiyob Express train, connecting capital Tashkent with Samarkand and Bukhara.  —KC

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com