Taiwan

Taiwan

Asia · Vibrant night markets, misty mountain peaks, and legendary island warmth.

Plan my Taiwan trip Hotels
Best timeOctober–April
Mid-range budget$120 / day
City guides1
RegionAsia

Why visit Taiwan

Taiwan blends ultramodern cities with dramatic mountain landscapes and a world-renowned culinary culture. It is an exceptionally welcoming destination packed with bustling night markets, ancient temples, and lush national parks. Foodies, solo travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts will all fall head over heels for this vibrant island.

CurrencyNew Taiwan Dollar (NTD or TWD); cash remains widely essential for night markets and street food.
LanguageMandarin Chinese is official; English signage is widespread in public transit and major tourist areas.
VisaCitizens of many countries, including the US, EU, and UK, receive 90 days visa-free entry.
PlugsTypes A and B, 110V at 60Hz; identical to standard plugs used in North America.
TippingTipping is not customary; upscale restaurants often add a standard 10% service charge automatically.
SafetyTaiwan consistently ranks among the safest destinations globally with very low rates of violent crime.

When to go

October to April is the best time to visit Taiwan, offering comfortable temperatures, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall. Autumn and spring are especially pleasant for hiking and city exploration.

Spring (Mar-May)20-27°C, warm with occasional showers

Cherry blossoms bloom in the mountains, bringing moderate crowds and festive outdoor events.

Summer (Jun-Aug)28-35°C, hot, humid, and rainy

Typhoon season with intense afternoon storms, but great for ocean activities and lush scenery.

Autumn (Sep-Nov)22-29°C, warm, dry, and sunny

Peak travel season with ideal hiking weather, cultural festivals, and comfortable evenings.

Winter (Dec-Feb)14-20°C, cool in the north, mild in the south

Festive atmosphere around Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival, plus prime hot spring season.

City guides for Taiwan

Taipei TaipeiTaiwan

Best places to visit in Taiwan

1

Taipei 101 and Elephant Mountain

Take in breathtaking skyline views from the iconic skyscraper observatory, or hike up nearby Elephant Mountain for the classic sunset panorama.

2

Taroko Gorge

A breathtaking marble canyon featuring towering cliffs, winding turquoise rivers, and dramatic suspension bridges on Taiwan's east coast.

3

Sun Moon Lake

Taiwan's largest alpine lake, famous for picturesque cycling paths, misty morning waters, and peaceful lakeside temples.

4

Jiufen Old Street

A hillside village of narrow lantern-lit alleyways, historic teahouses, and street food stalls overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

5

Alishan National Scenic Area

Famed for its vintage forest railway, thousand-year-old giant cypress trees, and mesmerizing sunrises over rolling seas of clouds.

6

Tainan Historic District

The island's oldest city and culinary capital, filled with historic fortresses, ornate century-old temples, and legendary snack stalls.

Classic Taiwan routes

Classic West Coast Highlights

7 days
  1. Taipei
  2. Taichung
  3. Tainan
  4. Kaohsiung

Zip effortlessly down Taiwan's western corridor aboard the High Speed Rail, hopping between modern arts centers, ancient temples, and coastal night markets.

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Island Loop Adventure

10 days
  1. Taipei
  2. Hualien
  3. Taitung
  4. Kaohsiung
  5. Tainan

Circle the entire island using local scenic railways, combining the rugged cliffs of the east coast with the rich food scenes of the south and west.

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Mountains and Tea Valleys

5 days
  1. Taipei
  2. Sun Moon Lake
  3. Alishan
  4. Chiayi

Travel by train and local tourist shuttles into Taiwan's central mountain range to savor high-mountain oolong tea, cool pine forests, and misty lakeside views.

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How much does Taiwan cost?

Budget$45per person / day
Mid-range$120per person / day
Luxury$300per person / day

Keep plenty of cash handy because most night market vendors and small local eateries do not take credit cards.

What to eat in Taiwan

Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan)

Tender, slow-simmered pork belly over steamed rice, infused with soy sauce, five-spice, and fried shallots.

Beef Noodle Soup (Niu Rou Mian)

Rich, aromatic broth served with chewy wheat noodles, tender stewed beef shank, and pickled mustard greens.

Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao)

Delicate steamed wrappers filled with seasoned pork and piping hot, savory broth.

Boba Milk Tea

Sweetened black milk tea served over chewy, slow-cooked brown sugar tapioca pearls.

Oyster Omelet

A night market staple made with fresh oysters, leafy greens, and a chewy starch batter topped with sweet-savory red sauce.

Getting around

Taiwan has one of the world's finest public transportation networks. The Taiwan High Speed Rail links major western cities in under two hours, while the regular Taiwan Railways Administration trains loop all the way around the rugged eastern coastline. Local subways, clean intercity buses, and affordable taxis make getting around cities seamless.

Travel tips

  • Buy an EasyCard or iPASS immediately at the airport to tap into subways, city buses, ferries, and convenience stores.
  • Always bring an umbrella or lightweight rain shell, as sudden tropical downpours are common year-round.
  • Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart can print tickets, reload transit cards, and ship luggage across town.
  • Carry small packs of pocket tissues and wet wipes, as public restrooms occasionally run low on paper.
  • Download Google Maps and a translation app with camera mode to easily decipher traditional Chinese menus.
  • Never eat, drink, or chew gum on the MRT subway system to avoid strict local fines.

Taiwan travel FAQ

Do I need to carry cash in Taiwan?

Yes, carrying cash is strongly recommended. While hotels, department stores, and supermarkets accept cards, night markets, food stalls, and small temples strictly deal in cash.

Is English widely spoken?

English is widely used on public transit maps, train announcements, and street signs in major cities. While younger locals and hospitality staff often speak conversational English, a translation app is helpful for rural areas.

Is Taiwan safe for solo travelers?

Taiwan is considered one of the safest places in the world for solo travelers, including solo female travelers. Violent crime is extremely rare, streets are well lit at night, and locals are exceptionally eager to help visitors.

What is an EasyCard and do I need one?

An EasyCard is an essential rechargeable contactless smartcard. You can purchase one at any metro station or convenience store to pay for subways, city buses, suburban trains, and even small snacks.

When is typhoon season in Taiwan?

Typhoon season typically runs from July through September. Storms can cause heavy rain and travel cancellations, so monitor local weather alerts and transit updates closely if visiting during summer.

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AI-written guide, last updated 2026-10-08. Check visa rules, prices and opening times before you go. Photos: lccrichard, Hugo_ob on Pixabay.