9 Best Cities in Taiwan & Best Time of Year to Visit 2024

Taiwan is a vibrant island nation that offers a unique blend of traditional Chinese culture, modern innovation, and breathtaking natural landscapes. From bustling metropolises to serene coastal towns, Taiwan has a city for every type of traveler. Whether you're looking to explore ancient temples, indulge in delicious street food, or hike through lush mountains, these nine cities are sure to provide an unforgettable experience. Each city boasts its own charm and attractions, making Taiwan a diverse and exciting destination to explore. Taipei Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, is a bustling metropolis known for its lively street-food scene and the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper. Visitors can explore the National Palace Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts in the world. For a taste of local life, the Shilin Night Market offers a plethora of food options and shopping opportunities. Nature enthusiasts shouldn't miss the chance to hike Elephant Mountain for a panoramic view of the city.

When to Visit: The best time to visit Taipei is during the fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded. The Taipei Lantern Festival, usually held in February, is a spectacular event to witness.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the changing of the guard ceremony at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a display of precision and discipline that takes place every hour.

Where to Stay & Eat: The W Taipei and Mandarin Oriental offer luxury accommodations, while Din Tai Fung is a must-visit for their world-famous xiao long bao (soup dumplings).

Kaohsiung Kaohsiung is Taiwan's largest port city and is known for its modern skyline, beautiful parks, and waterfront areas. The Love River is perfect for an evening stroll or a boat ride, while the Lotus Pond area is famous for its temples and pagodas, such as the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. The Pier-2 Art Center, a collection of warehouses turned into galleries and boutiques, is a hub for art lovers. For a unique experience, visit the Dome of Light at Formosa Boulevard MRT Station, the largest glass work in the world.

When to Visit: Visit between October and January for cooler temperatures and to avoid the rainy season. The Kaohsiung Lantern Festival is another cultural highlight, taking place around the Chinese New Year.

Travel Tip: Check out the Cijin Island for its seafood street, lighthouse, and black sand beach, easily accessible by a short ferry ride from Kaohsiung.

Where to Stay & Eat: The Silks Club offers luxurious stays, and for dining, try the seafood at Cijin Island or classic Taiwanese dishes at Gang Yuan Beef Noodles.

Tainan Tainan, the oldest city in Taiwan, is a treasure trove of history and culture with its well-preserved temples and fortresses. The Chihkan Tower and Anping Fort are must-visit historical sites. Foodies will love the Tainan Flower Night Market, known for its wide array of street food. The city is also home to the National Museum of Taiwan Literature, which celebrates the island's literary heritage.

When to Visit: The best time to visit Tainan is from November to April when the weather is dry and cool. The Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival, usually in February, is a thrilling event where fireworks are set off in close proximity to the crowd.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to try Tainan's famous coffin bread, a thick slice of bread hollowed out and filled with a creamy soup or stew.

Where to Stay & Eat: Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel provides a comfortable stay, and Du Hsiao Yueh is a popular spot for traditional Tainan noodles.

Taichung Taichung is known for its cultural institutions and green spaces, such as the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and the expansive Taichung Park. The city's Fengjia Night Market is one of the largest in Taiwan, offering a vast selection of street food and shopping. For a unique architectural experience, visit the Rainbow Village, a collection of houses painted in vibrant colors by a former soldier.

When to Visit: The best time to visit Taichung is from October to April, avoiding the hot summer months. The Taichung Jazz Festival in October is a great time for music lovers to visit.

Travel Tip: Explore the Gaomei Wetlands for a chance to see diverse wildlife and a stunning sunset over the Taiwan Strait.

Where to Stay & Eat: The Millennium Hotel Taichung offers luxury, while Miyahara Ice Cream is a must-visit for dessert enthusiasts, housed in a former eye clinic with a Hogwarts-like interior.

Hualien Hualien is the gateway to the stunning Taroko Gorge, a must-visit for nature lovers and hikers. The city itself offers a laid-back atmosphere with its charming streets and local markets. The Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park is a great place to shop for unique souvenirs and experience the local art scene. Don't miss the opportunity to try Hualien's mochi, a popular local treat.

When to Visit: The best time to visit Hualien is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and drier. The Taroko Gorge Marathon in November is a unique event for runners.

Travel Tip: Take a scenic train ride along the east coast from Hualien to Taitung, considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in Taiwan.

Where to Stay & Eat: Silks Place Taroko offers luxury accommodation near Taroko Gorge, and Dai Ji Wonton is known for its delicious wonton soup.

Chiayi Chiayi is a small city with a rich history and access to the Alishan mountain range, famous for its tea plantations and the Alishan Forest Railway. The city's Hinoki Village is a collection of restored Japanese-era wooden houses that now serve as shops and restaurants. The Chiayi Park and Botanical Garden provide a peaceful escape with its serene pond and lush greenery.

When to Visit: Visit Chiayi in the spring (March to May) to see the cherry blossoms in Alishan. The Alishan Sunrise is a breathtaking sight not to be missed.

Travel Tip: Experience the Alishan Forest Railway, a narrow-gauge train that takes you through scenic mountain landscapes and indigenous villages.

Where to Stay & Eat: Stay at the Nice Prince Hotel for comfort, and try the local turkey rice at Chiayi Turkey Rice, a dish the city is famous for.

Yilan Yilan is known for its natural hot springs, lush countryside, and the beautiful coastline. The National Center for Traditional Arts showcases the island's cultural heritage through performances and workshops. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Suao Cold Spring is a unique experience, and the Lanyang Museum offers insights into the region's geology and ecology.

When to Visit: The best time to visit Yilan is from September to November when the weather is pleasant. The Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival in the summer is a fun event for families.

Travel Tip: Visit the Luodong Night Market for a taste of local snacks like scallion pancakes and mutton soup.

Where to Stay & Eat: The Silks Place Yilan offers a luxurious stay, and for dining, Kavalan Kitchen is known for its modern take on traditional Taiwanese dishes.

New Taipei City Surrounding the capital, New Taipei City is home to many attractions such as the historic Jiufen village, known for its narrow alleyways and teahouses, and the coastal town of Tamsui, where visitors can enjoy beautiful sunsets by the waterfront. The Yehliu Geopark is famous for its otherworldly rock formations. For a cultural experience, visit the Yingge Ceramics Museum, which celebrates the area's pottery and ceramics heritage.

When to Visit: The best time to visit New Taipei City is from October to April, when the weather is cooler. The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, typically held in February, is a magical event where thousands of lanterns are released into the sky.

Travel Tip: Take a hike up to the Yin Yang Sea viewpoint for a stunning contrast of blue and yellow waters, caused by mineral deposits from an old mine.

Where to Stay & Eat: The Fullon Hotel Tamsui Fishermen's Wharf offers scenic views, and the A-Cai's Tofu Pudding in Jiufen is a must-try local dessert.

Pingtung Pingtung is located at the southern tip of Taiwan and is known for its tropical climate and beautiful beaches, such as Kenting National Park. The park is a popular destination for water sports and relaxation. The Pingtung Night Market is a great place to sample southern Taiwanese cuisine. For a cultural experience, visit the Indigenous Peoples Cultural Park to learn about Taiwan's indigenous communities.

When to Visit: The best time to visit Pingtung is from December to March, when the weather is dry and sunny. The Kenting Spring Scream music festival in April is a lively event attracting visitors from all over.

Travel Tip: Explore the underwater world at the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, where you can see a wide variety of marine life.

Where to Stay & Eat: The Caesar Park Hotel Kenting offers beachfront luxury, and for dining, try the seafood at one of the many restaurants along Kenting Street.

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