Taiwan Travel Guide: The Best Highlights at a Glance
Taiwan is underrated. Travelers scanning Asia often skip it in favor of Japan or Thailand. That’s a mistake. Taiwan has everything Asia travelers look for, without the overcrowded tourist trails: one of the best food cultures on the continent, dramatic nature, genuinely warm locals, and a capital city that doesn’t really start until after dark. And for most European and Latin American visitors, no visa is required.
This guide walks you through the key stops, best travel window, and what you actually need to know before you book.
What Are the Must-See Highlights in Taipei?
Taipei is more compact than Seoul or Tokyo, but just as dense. Start at Shilin Night Market, the largest in the city. Grilled octopus, bubble tea, stinky tofu (mandatory, even if the first whiff stops you). For daytime: Jiufen Old Street sits an hour outside the city. This hillside village above the sea inspired the visual aesthetic of Spirited Away, or so the legend goes. It’s stunning regardless.
Taipei 101 is the city’s signature skyline moment. The observatory deck on the 89th floor gives you full perspective. The Beitou Hot Springs district sits in the northern suburbs. After a long day hiking, it’s exactly what you need, without traveling to another island.
The National Palace Museum is one of the most significant in Asia. It houses over 600,000 Chinese imperial artifacts, many taken from the Forbidden City during the civil war. Half a day covers the highlights.
How Do You Get Around Taiwan Best?
The HSR (High Speed Rail) connects Taipei with Kaohsiung in the south in 90 minutes. The west coast corridor is the backbone route for travelers. Buy tickets through the official Taiwan High Speed Rail website. A day pass covers the full Taipei-Kaohsiung line and costs significantly less than individual tickets.
For the east coast and Taroko Gorge, take the standard TRA train from Taipei to Hualien (two hours). Buses connect Hualien with the gorge trailheads. Rental cars are an option, but scooters are not always advisable on the winding mountain roads without prior experience.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Taiwan?
March to May and September to November. Mild weather, low rainfall, temperatures between 18 and 28 Celsius. Perfect for outdoor exploring. Summer (June to August) is hot, humid, and typhoon season. Individual typhoons can close parts of the east coast and national parks for several days.
Winter (December to February) is cool and rainy in the north, but mild and pleasant in the south (Tainan, Kaohsiung). If your itinerary focuses on the south, winter works fine.
The Taiwan Tourism Bureau provides updated typhoon alerts and event information.
What Does a Taiwan Trip Cost?
More expensive than Southeast Asia, cheaper than Japan. A middle ground.
Accommodations: guesthouses from 20 euros, comfortable hotel rooms in Taipei from 60 to 100 euros. Food is remarkably cheap. A lunch dish at a night market costs two to four euros. A restaurant dinner with beer lands at eight to fifteen. Local bubble tea: one to two euros.
Transport: The HSR day pass for the full Taipei-Kaohsiung route costs around 50 euros. Taipei metro fares are under one euro per ride.
Total budget for 10 days including inland routes, excluding international flights: 700 to 1,200 euros at mid-range comfort.
Taiwan’s real advantage: night markets keep food costs extremely low. If you eat at the markets every evening, you spend little and eat very well.
Let Zercy put your Taiwan trip together. Flights, hotels, inland routes: everything in one view. Save your shortlist in the Zercy Logbook so you have all options ready when you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa do Germans and EU citizens need for Taiwan?
German, Austrian, and Swiss citizens enter Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days. Most Latin American nationalities also enjoy visa-free access (Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Chile). Check exact status by nationality through the Bureau of Consular Affairs Taiwan.
What is Taroko Gorge and why should you visit it?
Taroko Gorge is one of the most spectacular national parks in Asia. Vertical marble walls, turquoise rivers, suspension bridges, and Buddhist temples carved into cliff faces. The park sits on the east coast near Hualien. The Changchun Shrine walkway and Swallow Grotto Trail are the most accessible and visually stunning sections.
How long should you plan for Taiwan?
One week covers the main stops. Ten to fourteen days lets you explore Taiwan in depth, including Sun Moon Lake in the center and the historic city of Tainan in the south. Hiking Yushan (Jade Mountain), the highest peak in northeast Asia, requires additional time and advance permits.
Where should you stay in Taipei?
Zhongzheng and Da’an are the most practical districts for first-time visitors: central location, good metro access, plenty of restaurants. Ximending is the liveliest neighborhood with night market energy, ideal for younger travelers. Xinyi, around Taipei 101, is quieter and well-connected for those who prefer modern surroundings.
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