Lonely PlanetJul 30, 2026
The best things to do in Taiwan
These fabulous experiences will show you the best of Taiwan, from night markets to temples to Indigenous culture.
24 things in this story
- Taroko GorgeSightSteep marble crags rising above the Liwu River.
- Shakadang TrailTrailCurrently closed due to earthquake damage.
- Elsewhere
- Miaokou Night MarketMarketKeelung, TaiwanOffers quintessential grazing experience, especially seafood.
- Fairy CavePlace of worshipKeelung, TaiwanVisit as part of a day trip to Keelung.
- Heping IslandSightKeelung, TaiwanWalk up to Spanish ruins on the island.
- Mountain and Sea HouseRestaurantTaipei, TaiwanRevitalizes old labor-intensive banquet dishes with a modern twist.
- Lao Shandong Homemade NoodlesRestaurantTaipei, TaiwanAffordable hand-crafted noodles and dumplings.
- Lukang Longshan TempleSightLukang, TaiwanRetains a close-to-original look after restoration.
- Tianhou TemplePlace of worshipPenghu, TaiwanLocated in Penghu.
- City God TemplePlace of worshipTainan, TaiwanFormidable temple in Tainan.
- Bao'an TemplePlace of worshipTaipei, TaiwanUNESCO-recognized temple in Taipei.
- Nanyao TempleSightChanghua, TaiwanIt is designated as a third grade historic building.
- Fu WanPlacePingtung, TaiwanOffers chocolate-making workshops and orchard visits.
- National Museum of Taiwan LiteratureMuseumTainan, TaiwanOccupies a gorgeous Japanese colonial building.
- Altar of HeavenSightTainan, TaiwanLively temple near Tang Te-chang Memorial Park.
- Land BankSightTainan, TaiwanNeoclassical building in Tainan.
- Hayashi Department StoreSightTainan, TaiwanArt deco building in Tainan.
- Confucius TempleSightTainan, TaiwanRed-walled temple in Tainan.
- Great South GateSightTainan, TaiwanAmbitious walkers can continue to this gate.
- Tainan Art MuseumsMuseumTainan, Taiwan
- Koxinga's ShrineSightTainan, Taiwan
- Chihkan TowersSightTainan, Taiwan
- Official God of War TemplePlace of worshipTainan, Taiwan
- Grand Mazu TempleSightTainan, Taiwan