I’ve spent time traveling around Taiwan, from the street markets in Taipei to the mountains and hot springs farther south. The best months to visit are March through May and October through December, when the weather is comfortable and skies are clear. Taiwan mixes nature, food, and culture better than almost anywhere in Asia.
Taipei and the North
Taipei is where I start every trip. The city is full of night markets, hot springs, and quiet parks. Shilin and Raohe night markets are my favorites for street food—grilled squid, beef noodles, and bubble tea. Beitou and Wulai have natural hot springs that are easy to reach by train or short taxi ride. From the city, I take day trips to Jiufen and the northern coast for sea views and tea houses tucked into the hills.
Central and Southern Taiwan
In the center of the island, I visit Sun Moon Lake for cycling and boat rides. The area is calm, surrounded by forest and small temples. Alishan is another favorite for hiking and mountain sunrises. In the south, Kaohsiung and Kenting National Park have beaches, coral reefs, and a warmer climate year-round.
Nature and Hot Springs
Taiwan has more than a hundred hot springs, many in the mountains. I like the ones around Yilan and Taitung for their quiet settings and open-air pools. Taroko Gorge is the most dramatic natural area in the country, with marble cliffs, waterfalls, and narrow hiking trails. It’s easy to reach by train from Taipei and worth at least a full day.
Travel Tips for Visitors
Taiwan’s train network is efficient and connects most cities and scenic areas. I use the high-speed rail to move between Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung. Cash is still common in markets and smaller towns, so I keep some on hand. Street food is safe, clean, and inexpensive, and it’s one of the best ways to experience local culture.
If you want to explore more guides about other destinations, visit my destinations page.