Taiwan is a land of contrast, where ancient temples meet futuristic skylines and lush mountains kiss the ocean. The Best Travel Spots in Taiwan offer something for every kind of traveller cultural gems, natural wonders, and culinary delights. Whether you’re strolling down a lantern-lit street or soaking in a steaming hot spring, Taiwan gives you something real, refreshing, and memorable.
As a destination, Taiwan blends old and new with ease. One moment, you’re exploring a thousand-year-old temple; the next, you’re sipping bubble tea in a trendy café overlooking a skyline. The Best Travel Spots in Taiwan showcase this variety through vibrant night markets, dramatic coastlines, peaceful villages, and buzzing urban centres.
In 2025, Taiwan stands ready with open arms, offering unforgettable experiences wrapped in warm hospitality. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the Best Travel Spots in Taiwan are sure to inspire and excite. Let’s explore the top places to visit this year.
Taipei – Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Taipei stands out as one of the Best Travel Spots in Taiwan, offering an exciting blend of tradition and innovation. As the capital city, it’s rich in cultural heritage with landmarks like Longshan Temple, the National Palace Museum, and the iconic Taipei 101, which offers panoramic city views.
The city's streets buzz with life, from vibrant food stalls and night markets like Shilin to chic boutiques and modern art spaces. Taipei is a paradise for food lovers, culture seekers, and urban explorers alike. Whether you're sipping bubble tea in Ximending or enjoying a quiet moment at a historic temple, Taipei offers something for every traveller.
With efficient public transport, lush green parks, and a friendly local vibe, the city makes exploring effortless and enjoyable. It’s where ancient traditions meet futuristic architecture, making every visit a journey through time and culture in one of Asia’s most dynamic capitals.
Taroko Gorge – Nature’s Marble Masterpiece
Taroko Gorge, located in Hualien County, is one of the Best Travel Spots in Taiwan and a haven for nature lovers. This breathtaking national park is famed for its towering marble cliffs, emerald rivers, and lush forest landscapes.
Visitors can explore scenic trails like the Shakadang Trail, known for its clear waters and cliffside paths, or the Eternal Spring Shrine Trail, which blends cultural beauty with nature. Whether you’re hiking along the riverbanks or driving through its winding roads, Taroko Gorge offers a peaceful retreat filled with dramatic views, waterfalls, and serene surroundings that make it an unforgettable destination.
Jiufen – Mountain Village with Old World Charm
Jiufen is a charming hillside village in northern Taiwan, known as one of the Best Travel Spots in Taiwan for its nostalgic ambience and scenic beauty. Once a bustling gold mining town, Jiufen has transformed into a beloved getaway with its narrow cobbled lanes, red lanterns, and panoramic views of the mountains and sea.
Visitors are drawn to its iconic teahouses like A-Mei Teahouse, where you can savour traditional Taiwanese tea while soaking in the misty landscape. The old streets are packed with unique shops, local snacks, and handcrafted souvenirs, creating a sensory-rich experience.
As you stroll through the alleys, especially when clouds sweep over the hills, Jiufen takes on an almost magical, cinematic quality. It’s easy to see why this enchanting village inspired the setting of many films. Whether you're sipping tea, sampling taro balls, or simply taking in the view, Jiufen captures the romantic, nostalgic side of Taiwan that leaves a lasting impression.
Sun Moon Lake – Taiwan’s Scenic Heart
Sun Moon Lake is a serene masterpiece tucked into Taiwan’s central mountains, and it rightfully ranks among the Best Travel Spots in Taiwan. The lake’s unique name comes from its shape part sun, part moon each side offering scenic charm and soft reflections. Encircled by lush green hills, it’s a haven for cyclists, nature lovers, and those in search of quiet moments.
You can take a leisurely boat ride, visit the grand Wenwu Temple perched above the water, or watch the sunrise paint the lake in gentle gold. Luxury resorts and boutique stays line the shores, adding comfort to the calm. As one of the Best Travel Spots in Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake delivers timeless beauty and a peaceful rhythm that invites you to slow down and breathe.
Kaohsiung – Southern Soul of the Island
Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city, is among the Best Travel Spots in Taiwan for its blend of art, culture, and coastal charm. Explore the vibrant Pier-2 Art Centre, admire the temples and dragon statues at Lotus Pond, and visit the grand Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum.
Hop on a ferry to Cijin Island for fresh seafood and beach views. Don’t miss the bustling Liuhe and Ruifeng Night Markets. A stroll along the Love River adds a romantic touch. Kaohsiung is lively, artistic, and endlessly inviting.
Tainan – Cradle of Taiwanese Culture
Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city, is a cultural gem and one of the Best Travel Spots in Taiwan for history lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Steeped in heritage, it boasts centuries-old temples like the Confucius Temple and Chihkan Tower, where ancient traditions come to life.
The city’s streets tell stories of the past, especially in areas like Anping Old Street, where colonial buildings and vibrant markets meet. Tainan is also a paradise for local cuisine, offering iconic dishes such as Danzai noodles, savoury milkfish soup, and sweet winter melon tea. As you explore its alleyways, you’ll find a beautiful contrast of ancient rituals and modern energy.
The city’s relaxed pace and warm hospitality make it ideal for those wanting to connect with Taiwan’s deep-rooted culture. Whether you're admiring historic architecture or tasting time-honoured flavours, Tainan promises an authentic and memorable journey through the soul of Taiwan.
Kenting National Park – Tropical Beauty
Kenting National Park sits proudly at Taiwan’s southernmost point, offering sunshine, sea, and sweeping coastal views. As one of the Best Travel Spots in Taiwan, it’s a favourite for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park boasts white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and a laid-back island vibe. Activities range from snorkelling and scuba diving to coastal hiking and cycling.
Don’t miss a visit to the Eluanbi Lighthouse or a scenic walk along Longpan Park’s windswept cliffs. With year-round tropical weather and a relaxed atmosphere, Kenting is where locals and travellers go to unwind. Among the Best Travel Spots in Taiwan, Kenting delivers the perfect mix of adventure, sunshine, and seaside charm.
Alishan – Forests, Sunrises & Tea Fields
Alishan is a breathtaking highland retreat and one of the Best Travel Spots in Taiwan for nature lovers and serenity seekers. Nestled in the central mountains, it’s renowned for its cool climate, mist-covered forests, and iconic sunrises that reveal a sea of clouds.
The historic Alishan Forest Railway offers a scenic ride through dense woodlands, while towering ancient cypress trees provide a peaceful atmosphere perfect for slow walks and reflection. Visitors can enjoy fragrant high-mountain tea at local teahouses and admire cherry blossoms in spring or maple leaves in autumn. Alishan’s tranquil beauty is enhanced by its spiritual charm, with temples and quiet corners tucked into the landscape.
Whether you’re capturing the morning light from the famed Zhushan Sunrise Viewing Platform or exploring the trails around Sisters Pond, Alishan promises a refreshing and magical journey into Taiwan’s mountain wonderland, far from the rush of city life.
Taitung – Where Culture Meets the Coast
Taitung, nestled on Taiwan’s southeastern shore, offers a calm and soulful escape from city life. As one of the Best Travel Spots in Taiwan, it’s known for its untouched coastal beauty, rich indigenous heritage, and slower rhythm. The East Rift Valley reveals rolling fields framed by mountains, while coastal cycling routes offer ocean views with every turn.
Taitung’s vibrant festivals celebrate local tribes and traditions, creating moments of cultural depth and authenticity. It’s also the main access point to Green Island and Orchid Island two pristine offshore getaways ideal for snorkelling, diving, and nature walks. Among the Best Travel Spots in Taiwan, Taitung stands out for its harmony with nature, cultural richness, and peaceful charm.
Yehliu Geopark – Surreal Rock Formations
Yehliu Geopark is one of the Best Travel Spots in Taiwan for those fascinated by nature’s creativity. Stretching along the island’s rugged north coast, this unique geological park features wind- and sea-carved rock formations that resemble everything from mushrooms to candles. The most famous is the Queen’s Head, a slender stone column crowned by a rounded top, attracting photographers from all over the world.
Other intriguing shapes include the Fairy Shoe, Dragon’s Head, and Sea Candles. Boardwalks guide you across the dramatic landscape, where crashing waves and curious shapes create an almost otherworldly feel. As one of the Best Travel Spots in Taiwan, Yehliu offers a striking blend of science, scenery, and visual wonder.
Best Travel Spots in Taiwan 2025
| Destination | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Taipei | Temples, Taipei 101, Night Markets | Urban Culture + Food |
| Taroko Gorge | Cliffs, Trails, Marble Valleys | Hikers + Nature Lovers |
| Jiufen | Tea Houses, Mountain Views | Romance + Nostalgia |
| Sun Moon Lake | Temples, Cycling, Lake Views | Couples + Scenic Retreats |
| Kaohsiung | Art Centres, Buddha Museums | Creatives + Explorers |
| Tainan | Temples, Heritage, Street Food | History Buffs + Foodies |
| Kenting | Beaches, Reefs, Sunsets | Swimmers + Sunseekers |
| Alishan | Trains, Tea, Sunrise Spots | Forest Walks + Tranquillity |
| Taitung | Festivals, Coastline, Island Hopping | Cultural Travel + Photography |
| Yehliu Geopark | Rock Formations, Coastal Views | Families + Day Trips |
Final Words
Taiwan may be small in size, but it’s overflowing with diversity, making it a top choice for travellers in 2025. The Best Travel Spots in Taiwan combine vibrant culture, welcoming people, and unforgettable scenery from bustling cities like Taipei to tranquil escapes like Alishan and Sun Moon Lake.
Each corner of the island offers something special: rich history in Tainan, cinematic charm in Jiufen, natural wonder in Taroko Gorge, and the culinary magic of night markets. Whether you're chasing mountain sunrises, exploring temples, or tasting local delicacies, Taiwan delivers a seamless blend of tradition and modern flair.
This island is more than just a destination; it's an experience filled with heart, discovery, and warmth. Let the Best Travel Spots in Taiwan turn your holiday into a collection of beautiful memories that linger long after your journey ends.
