When planning a trip to Taiwan, we always use the YLBB method ourselves: compare different providers and, in addition to individual flights and hotels, always check the prices of package deals and tours . Especially for a distant destination like Taiwan, it can pay off to compare different options side by side.

For individual hotels in Taiwan, we usually start with Booking.com . View all hotels in Taiwan here >> Next, compare prices with other providers as well, because rates and offers can vary considerably between booking sites.

Expedia also has a wide range of hotels in Taiwan. View current hotel offers here >> What also makes Expedia interesting is that you can combine flight and hotel as a package deal >> Always compare this price with what you would spend if you booked flight and hotels separately.

Another provider we would always recommend checking for Taiwan is Trip.com . Especially for destinations in Asia, the selection is extensive and there are often competitive hotel prices. View all hotels in Taiwan on Trip.com here >> You can also combine flight and hotel and compare this price with bookings separately.

Would you prefer to book a fully organized tour of Taiwan? Then also take a look at the offerings from Djoser and Koning Aap . They offer organized tours of Taiwan where you discover different parts of the island in one trip, and much of the transportation and accommodation is already arranged for you.

For those who prefer a bit more space and privacy, an apartment, vacation home, or villa in Taiwan can be a great option. Especially if you are traveling with children, family, or friends, this can also work out to be more cost-effective than multiple hotel rooms. Check out the selection on Booking.com and Vrbo , and always compare prices and conditions there as well.

For a first trip to Taiwan, we would always combine cities like Taipei and Tainan with at least one nature region. The island is compact enough to see different sides in a single trip, but try not to cram too many stops into your itinerary. Especially if you stay somewhere for a few days, you have time for the night markets, local restaurants, coffee shops, and smaller spots that make Taiwan so enjoyable.

Taipei & New Taipei

Best for: first timers, food lovers, and city life

Taipei is the starting point for most travelers on a tour of Taiwan , and as far as we are concerned, you will definitely want to stay here for a few days. Of course, you will visit Taipei 101 , but be sure to also make time for neighborhoods like Da'an and Zhongshan , the creative area around Songshan , and the historic streets of Dadaocheng . During the day, you can alternate coffee shops, shops, and teahouses with temples and museums; in the evening, you can dine at a night market or at one of the many restaurants you saved in advance. Moreover, from Taipei, you can easily take day trips to Beitou, Tamsui, Jiufen , and the North Coast.

I think

Best for: street food, temples, and local food culture

If food plays an important role in your travels, put Tainan high on your list. The former capital of Taiwan is known for its temples, historic streets, and especially its local cuisine. This is a city to explore without too strict a schedule: walk from temple to market, stop at small eateries, and sample beef soup, danzai noodles, and milkfish, among other things, along the way. Tainan feels less metropolitan than Taipei, and that is precisely why it is a pleasant next stop on a tour.

Taichung & Sun Moon Lake

Best for: design, coffee, tea and nature

Taichung is a nice stopover if you want to see the creative side of Taiwan alongside the most famous cities. You'll find good coffee shops, restaurants, museums, creative spots, and the Feng Chia Night Market there . Combine the city with Sun Moon Lake , where the pace is immediately much slower. Rent a bike for a route along the water, visit a temple, and take the time to sample tea from the region.

Alishan & Chiayi

Best for: mountains, tea plantations, and sunrise

Alishan is one of Taiwan's most famous regions for mountain landscapes and tea. You travel here for the forests, hiking trails, mountain tea, and the famous sunrise over the mountains. The historic Alishan Forest Railway is also part of the experience. Many travelers use Chiayi only as a starting point for the mountains, but feel free to stay a little longer if you have the time. The city has an interesting local food scene and is a good place to build up your journey to Alishan at a more relaxed pace.

Hualien, Taroko & Taitung

Best for: nature, road trips, cycling, and the East Coast

Along the eastern side of Taiwan, the mountains lie almost against the Pacific Ocean, and the landscape changes completely. Hualien is the famous gateway to Taroko National Park . Since the 2024 earthquake, parts of the park are accessible again, but several well-known trails and sections of the canyon may still be closed. Therefore, always check what is actually open just before departure.

If you have more time, travel on towards Taitung . Along the way, you will pass viewpoints, small coastal towns, rice fields, and surf beaches. Around Taitung, you can enjoy beautiful cycling and learn more about the various Indigenous communities living in this part of Taiwan. For us, this is precisely a region not to be rushed through in a single day.

Kaohsiung & Kenting

Best for: art, seafood, port city and beach

In the south, Kaohsiung is a nice final city stop. Around the old harbor, you'll find Pier-2 Art Center, restaurants, cafes, and creative spots, while for seafood, you can take the ferry to Cijin Island. Do you want to end your tour by the sea? Then travel on to Kenting in the far south. Here, it's all about beaches, nature, and being outdoors, and Taiwan feels completely different from Taipei or Tainan.

YLBB tip: Visiting Taiwan for the first time? Combine Taipei with Tainan and also choose one or two nature regions, such as Sun Moon Lake and Alishan, or the east coast towards Taitung. This way, you get a good mix of cities, food, culture, and nature without having to repack your suitcase every day.

From night markets and tea plantations to temples, hot springs, and creative neighborhoods: in Taiwan, you can easily alternate cities with nature and culinary stops. During your tour, be sure to set aside enough time not only to see the well-known highlights but also to discover local markets, small eateries, and different neighborhoods.

View Taipei from Taipei 101 and Elephant Mountain

Taipei 101 is one of Taiwan's most famous landmarks, and from the observation deck, you can look out over the entire city. Go in the late afternoon so you can see Taipei both in daylight and at night. For a different view, hike to Elephant Mountain. The climb is a bit challenging, but from the viewpoints, you have one of the most famous views of the skyline featuring Taipei 101.

Eat your way through the evening at a night market

An evening at a night market is a must during a trip through Taiwan. Be sure to come hungry, as the best part is sharing various small dishes and trying something new each time. In Taipei, Ningxia and Raohe are great markets to start with. If you are traveling further through the country, add Feng Chia Night Market in Taichung, Garden Night Market in Tainan, and Ruifeng Night Market in Kaohsiung to your list as well.

Book a food tour

Do you want to learn more about Taiwanese cuisine? Then book a food tour at the beginning of your trip , for example in Taipei or Tainan . Together with a local guide, you will visit markets and small eateries and taste dishes you might not be so quick to order yourself. An added bonus: afterwards, you will recognize much more on menus and at night markets during the rest of your trip.

Plan a tea experience

Taiwan is known for its tea, and you especially want to taste oolong here. From Taipei, you can travel to Maokong , where teahouses are nestled among the green hills and which you reach by gondola. Tea plantations and teahouses are also located around Alishan, where you can learn more about local tea. Short on time? In Dadaocheng in Taipei, you will find various historic tea shops and modern teahouses.

Relax in a hot spring

Hot springs are an integral part of Taiwan and offer a nice change of pace during a busy tour. Beitou is located a short distance from the center of Taipei, making it the easiest to visit. There you will find public baths, spas, and hotels with their own hot spring facilities. If you really want to make a night of it, also look at hot spring resorts in the mountains, for example around Guguan.

Discover the creative neighborhoods and art parks

Scattered throughout Taiwan, old warehouses and industrial sites have been transformed into places for art, design, shops, and hospitality. In Taipei, Huashan 1914 Creative Park and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park are great stops. In Kaohsiung, Pier-2 Art Center is a must-see, and in Taichung, you can visit Shen Ji New Village, among others. Be sure to combine them with the surrounding neighborhoods for coffee shops, shops, and restaurants.

Go into nature

Even if you are traveling to Taiwan primarily for the cities and the food, I would reserve at least a few days for nature. Hike through the forests of Alishan, cycle along Sun Moon Lake, or travel along the east coast towards Hualien and Taitung. If you want to visit Taroko National Park, check which parts are accessible just before departure. Due to restoration work following the 2024 earthquake, routes and trails may still be closed.

Visit temples during your trip

You will come across temples everywhere in Taiwan, and as far as we are concerned, you don't have to tick off only the most famous ones. Special temples where locals drop in throughout the day are located right in the city centers. Longshan Temple in Taipei is a well-known first introduction, while in Tainan, you will almost automatically pass various temples during a walk through the historic center.

YLBB tip: Don't plan every day to be completely full. One of the best things about Taiwan is precisely that you keep stumbling upon night markets, coffee shops, tea houses, or small restaurants along the way where you want to stop for a moment. Especially in Taipei and Tainan, I would therefore leave enough time free to head out without a fixed plan.

We would travel to Taiwan just for the food. From breakfast spots and small restaurants to night markets where you hop from stall to stall, food is part of your trip here all day long. Moreover, many dishes vary by region, so be sure to try local specialties during your tour. In our opinion, these are the dishes and drinks you definitely want to taste in Taiwan.

Beef noodle soup

One of Taiwan's most famous dishes is beef noodle soup: a bowl of noodles with slow-cooked beef and a rich broth that tastes different at every location. Especially in Taipei, you will find many restaurants that specialize entirely in this dish. Perfect for lunch, but just as delicious after a long day exploring the city.

Lu rou fan

Lu rou fan is exactly the kind of dish we love to sit down for at a small local restaurant. A bowl of rice is topped with slow-stewed pork and a savory sauce, often served with pickled vegetables or an egg. Simple, affordable, and a dish you'll find everywhere in Taiwan.

wow bao

Gua bao consists of a soft steamed bun filled with braised pork, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and peanut powder. You can find them at small eateries and night markets, and they are ideal if you want to try different snacks during an evening.

Oyster omelet

A classic you'll find at many night markets. The Taiwanese oyster omelet is made with small oysters, egg, vegetables, and starch, giving it a texture different from a regular omelet. It is usually topped with a sweet and savory sauce. Definitely worth trying if you love seafood.

Stinky tofu

You will probably smell that stinky tofu is being sold before you see the stall. The fermented tofu is one of Taiwan's most famous street food snacks and is often served deep-fried with pickled cabbage. The smell is quite strong, but this is definitely one of those dishes you want to try at least once.

Pepper buns & Taiwanese fried chicken

During a visit to a night market, be sure to save room for a pepper bun: a crispy bun from a hot oven, filled with seasoned pork, spring onions, and plenty of black pepper. You will also want to try Taiwanese fried chicken. You will find both large crispy chicken cutlets and smaller pieces of popcorn chicken served with pepper, salt, and spices.

Danzai noodles & milkfish in Tainan

If you are in Tainan, there are a few local dishes you will want to order right here. Danzai noodles are served in a small bowl with noodles, broth, and a topping of, among other things, braised meat. You will also find milkfish everywhere in the city, for example in soup or congee. Head out early, because in Tainan some local specialties are already eaten at breakfast.

Xiao long bao

Xiao long bao are not originally from Taiwan, but thanks to places like Din Tai Fung, they have become a dish that many travelers associate with Taipei. The thin dumplings are filled with meat and hot broth and are traditionally eaten with ginger and vinegar. If you go to Din Tai Fung, you can nicely share various dumplings and small dishes.

bubble tea

Bubble tea comes from Taiwan, so if there is one place to drink it, it is here. Besides the classic milk tea with tapioca pearls, you can now find endless variations with tea, fruit, milk, and various toppings. Taichung is considered the city where bubble tea originated, making it a great place to try this classic.

Shaved ice & Taiwanese desserts

Especially on warm days, shaved ice is a nice stop. A mound of finely shaved ice is combined with, for example, mango, condensed milk, taro, or other toppings. Also try douhua, soft tofu served as a dessert with syrup and various toppings.

Taiwanese tea

It's not all about street food. Taiwan has a strong tea culture and is especially known for various types of oolong. Plan at least one extensive tea tasting during your trip, for example in Maokong or around Alishan, and take the time to try different varieties side by side.

Vegetarian or vegan food in Taiwan

Taiwan is a great destination if you are a vegetarian. Thanks to the Buddhist culinary culture, there are many restaurants that cook entirely vegetarian food, and especially in Taipei, you will also find more and more modern vegan options. However, be careful with street food: a dish that looks vegetarian may contain broth, fish sauce, or lard, for example.

YLBB tip: Try not to book a restaurant for every meal in advance. Especially at night markets and local markets, it is fun to see where it is busy and to share various small dishes. Do you want to learn more about Taiwanese cuisine right at the start of your trip? Then book a food tour in Taipei or Tainan. After that, you will know much better what to order during the rest of your tour.

From design hotels in the heart of Taipei to hot spring retreats in the mountains and hotels on Sun Moon Lake: in Taiwan, you will find an increasing number of unique places to stay. For this selection, we look primarily at hotels with beautiful interiors, a good location, and restaurants, wellness facilities, or other extras that make the stay special. These are the hotels we would put on our own shortlist.

Best hotels in Taipei

Capella Taipei

One of the most important new hotel openings in Taipei is Capella Taipei. The hotel opened in Songshan in 2025 and was designed by André Fu Studio. The quiet, warm interiors feel more like a luxury residence than a large city hotel. Culinarily, too, there is plenty of reason to linger, with various restaurants and bars within the hotel. A must-visit address if you are looking for luxury and design during your stay in Taipei.
No. 139, Dunhua North Road, Songshan District, Taipei – View the rates here >>

Kimpton Da An Taipei

For a boutique hotel in one of our favorite parts of Taipei, we would Kimpton Da An Put it on your shortlist. The interior is modern and understated, and you will find plenty of restaurants, coffee bars, and shops around the hotel. The good metro connections also make Da'an a great base if you want to explore different parts of Taipei.
No. 25, Lane 27, Section 4, Ren'ai Road, Da'an District, Taipei – View the rates here >>

elite hotel Taipei

Located next to Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is Eslite hotel, a great place for travelers who love books, art, and design. The rooms are spacious and warmly decorated, and from the hotel, you can easily walk to creative spots in Songshan and towards Xinyi. An added bonus is, of course, the connection with Taiwanese Eslite, known for its bookstores that are much more than just a place to buy books.
No. 98, Yanchang Road, Xinyi District, Taipei – View the rates here >>

Mandarin Oriental Taipei

If you want to opt for classic luxury during your stay in Taipei, then stay Mandarin Oriental One of the city's most famous addresses. The hotel features spacious rooms, a large outdoor pool, and an extensive spa. It is also an interesting address for food lovers thanks to the various restaurants and bars. The location in Songshan is convenient if you want to stay centrally without being in the middle of the busiest tourist streets.
No. 158, Dunhua North Road, Songshan District, Taipei – View the rates here >>

Best hotels in Taichung, Tainan & Kaohsiung

The Place Taichung

The Place Taichung This is a modern design hotel in a great location near Calligraphy Greenway. From here, you can easily discover the city's museums, shops, restaurants, and coffee bars. The colorful interior and art and design details give the hotel more character than a standard city hotel, making it a perfect fit for a short stop in Taichung.
No. 601, Yingcai Road, West District, Taichung – View the rates here >>

Silks Place Tainan

In Tainan, we would recommend staying in a central location so that you can easily head out to visit the temples, markets, and small eateries the city is known for. Silks Place Tainan combines that location with spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and the comfort of a luxury hotel. A great place to stay if you mainly want to explore the city during the day and then like to return to a hotel with some extra comfort.
No. 1, Heyi Road, West Central District, Tainan – View the rates here >>

Hotel Indigo KaoHSIUNG Central Park

Hotel Indigo KaoHSIUNG Central Park It is a good location if you want to explore the port city for a few days. The interior refers to Kaohsiung's industrial past in various ways, and you will find a rooftop bar on the top floor of the hotel. Central Park MRT is nearby, making it easy to travel towards Pier-2 Art Center, the harbor, and other neighborhoods.
No. 4, Zhongshan 1st Road, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung – View the rates here >>

Best hotels for nature, wellness & hot springs

The Lalu Sun Moon Lake

Right on Sun moon lake ligt The Lalu, one of the most famous luxury hotels in this region. The minimalist design and waterfront location ensure that the view takes center stage here. During your stay, plan time to cycle around the lake, sample tea, and, above all, simply spend an afternoon at the hotel.
No. 142, Zhongxing Road, Yuchi Township, Nantou County – View the rates here >>

Silks Place Taroko

Silks Place Taroko is located in the middle Taroko National Park and, due to its location between the mountains, is one of the most unique hotels on the east side of Taiwan.
No. 18, Tianxiang Road, Xiulin Township, Hualien County – View the rates here >>

YLBB tip: Make your hotels part of your round trip. For example, combine a design hotel in Taipei with a few nights in Tainan, and then plan a stay at Sun Moon Lake or a hot spring hotel in the mountains. This way, you alternate cities and night markets with nature and wellness.

TIP: Planning a trip to Taiwan? Always compare rates and offers from different travel providers. View the complete range for:

• Hotels: Booking.com | Expedia | Trip.com
• Holiday homes & villas: Booking.com | vrbo
• Package holidays (flight + hotel): Expedia | Trip.com
• Fully organized tours: Djoser | King Monkey

This way, you can quickly see whether it is more cost-effective to put together your trip to Taiwan yourself or to book it as a package or organized tour.

In our opinion, the best periods for a tour of Taiwan are spring and autumn. March through May , and October and November, in particular , are good months to combine cities like Taipei and Tainan with the mountains and nature. Do keep in mind, however, that the weather can vary considerably by region. For example, there is more rain in Taipei and the north, while the south is often warmer and sunnier.

Spring in Taiwan

March, April, and May are great months if you want to combine cities, nature, and food. Temperatures rise slowly and everything is beautifully green. The weather can be changeable, so bring something for the rain as well. If you travel into the mountains, temperatures there can be significantly lower than in the cities.

Summer in Taiwan

From June through September, it is warm and humid, and temperatures can rise well above 30 degrees. This is also the period when typhoons are most likely to affect Taiwan. This does not mean you cannot travel in the summer, but keep your itinerary flexible and regularly check weather forecasts and any warnings. This is especially important for the east coast, mountainous areas, and boat connections.

Autumn in Taiwan

October and November are among our favorite months for Taiwan. It is often less humid than the middle of summer, and the weather is pleasant for a combination of cities, night markets, cycling, and nature. This is also a beautiful time to travel to tea regions like Alishan.

Winter in Taiwan

December through February can also be a good period, especially if you mainly want to visit Taipei, Tainan, and the south. In Taipei and the north, it can be chilly, grey, and rainy, while the south usually feels much milder. Therefore, we would not choose these months first for a beach holiday.

Holidays to take into account

A special time to visit Taiwan is around Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival . However, around Lunar New Year, be prepared for many domestic travelers, crowded trains, higher prices, and restaurants or shops that may be temporarily closed. Therefore, book transportation and hotels well in advance during this period.

YLBB tip: If we had to choose one time for a first tour of Taiwan, we would go for October or November. You have good conditions then to combine Taipei and the food cities on the west coast with tea regions, cycling, and a few days in nature.

For a first tour of Taiwan, we would recommend allocating at least 10 days . If you have two weeks, you can combine the cities on the west coast with mountains, tea plantations, and nature without being on the road every day. With three weeks, you have enough time to add the east coast and Taitung to your itinerary as well.

First time in Taiwan – 10 days

Taipei (4 nights) → Tainan (3 nights) → Kaohsiung (2 nights)

A great itinerary if you are traveling to Taiwan for the first time and primarily want to discover cities, food, and culture. From Taipei, you can take a day trip to, for example, Jiufen, Beitou, or Maokong. Afterwards, travel by high-speed rail to Tainan for temples, markets, and local food, and finish in Kaohsiung.

Food & Nature – 14 days

Taipei (4 nights) → Sun Moon Lake (2 nights) → Alishan (2 nights) → Tainan (3 nights) → Kaohsiung (2 nights)

For us, this would be the ideal first tour if you have two weeks. You combine the restaurants and night markets of Taipei and Tainan with cycling at Sun Moon Lake and the tea plantations and mountains around Alishan. In Kaohsiung, you conclude the trip with art, seafood, and a day trip to Cijin Island.

Food lovers – 10 days

Taipei (4 nights) → Taichung (2 nights) → Tainan (3 nights)

If you are traveling primarily for the food, you don't need to tour the entire island. Start in Taipei with night markets, restaurants, and a food tour; then travel to Taichung for coffee bars, restaurants, and the city where bubble tea originated; and end in Tainan. Allow plenty of time here to discover local markets and small eateries.

Taiwan Extended – 3 weeks

Taipei → Sun Moon Lake → Alishan → Tainan → Kaohsiung → Taitung → East Coast → Taipei

With three weeks, you can see a large part of Taiwan without being constantly on the move. After the cities and mountains on the west side, you travel from Kaohsiung towards Taitung and then back to Taipei along the east coast. Be sure to consciously plan some extra time into your itinerary here so that you can stop at coastal towns, rice fields, and nature reserves along the way.

YLBB tip: Don't try to travel all the way around Taiwan in one week. The high-speed rail makes traveling along the west coast fast, but it takes longer to get to Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, and the east coast. We would rather explore three or four regions thoroughly than sleep somewhere different every night.

From the Netherlands, you fly to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) , Taiwan's main international airport. The airport is located outside Taipei and is the starting point for a tour for most travelers. Depending on the airline, you fly from Amsterdam to Taipei with a stopover or via a connecting flight.

From Amsterdam

From Amsterdam Schiphol, you can fly to Taipei with airlines such as China Airlines and EVA Air. Pay close attention to the exact route when booking: some connections are offered as through flights but may make a stopover en route. Additionally, there are various options with one transfer via other major airports in Asia or the Middle East.

From Taoyuan Airport to Taipei

The Airport MRT is usually the easiest way to travel from the airport to Taipei. Take the express service towards Taipei Main Station; from there, you can continue to your hotel by metro or taxi. Are you traveling with a lot of luggage, arriving late, or staying away from a metro station? Then a taxi or pre-booked transfer is more comfortable.

Start or end in the south

If you are taking a longer tour, you do not necessarily have to return all the way to Taipei. Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) has various international connections within Asia. Therefore, it can be interesting to start in Taipei, for example, and fly on from Kaohsiung to your next destination during a longer trip through Asia.

YLBB tip: After a long flight, plan to spend a few nights in Taipei before continuing your journey. This gives you plenty of time to adjust to the time difference, explore the first night markets and neighborhoods, and perhaps take a food tour. Afterward, you can easily hop on the high-speed rail towards Taichung, Tainan, and the south.

Taiwan is one of the easiest destinations in Asia to travel around independently. You can travel quickly between the major cities on the west coast by high-speed rail, while the metro is very useful in Taipei and Kaohsiung. For smaller towns, nature reserves, and the east coast, you usually combine the train with a bus, taxi, or a private transfer.

High-speed rail

The Taiwan High Speed ​​Rail (HSR) is the fastest way to travel between the major cities on the west side of Taiwan. From Taipei, you can easily travel towards Taichung, Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. The trains are comfortable and run regularly, meaning you essentially do not need a rental car for this route.

Please note that the HSR stations are not located in the city center everywhere. In Tainan, among other places, you will need to transfer to a local train, bus, or taxi upon arrival to travel to the center. For Kaohsiung, get off at Zuoying, where you can transfer directly to the metro.

Train

For destinations not located on the high-speed rail, use the regular trains of Taiwan Railway. You will need these, for example, if you are traveling along the east coast towards Hualien and Taitung. Here, the train is not only practical but, on various routes, also a beautiful way to see more of the landscape.

Metro, bus & EasyCard

In Taipei, the metro is our favorite way to explore the city. The network is well-organized, clean, and takes you quickly to almost all neighborhoods. Kaohsiung also has a good metro and light rail network.

Buy an EasyCard at the start of your journey . You can use it for the metro, buses, and various local train connections, and also pay at convenience stores, among other places. You can easily top up the card along the way, so you don't have to keep buying individual tickets.

Taxi & Uber

Taxis in Taiwan are convenient and relatively affordable compared to the Netherlands. You will likely use them frequently, especially in cities like Tainan, where there is no metro. Uber is available in several major cities. For local taxis, have your destination address saved in Chinese characters on your phone just to be safe.

Rental car or private driver

We would not recommend renting a car for Taipei and the cities along the west coast. Public transport is simply easier there. However, if you want to visit remote nature reserves or make multiple stops outside the major cities, a rental car can be useful. Keep in mind that driving in and around cities can be busy and that mountain roads require extra travel time.

Don't feel like driving yourself? For a day trip or a route through the mountains, a car with a private driver is a comfortable option. This can be particularly interesting if you are traveling with several people.

Cycling in Taiwan

You will likely encounter bicycles during a trip through Taiwan as well. Taipei has an extensive YouBike bike-sharing system, and beautiful cycling routes have been laid out in various locations. Cycling is a particularly fun way to explore the area around Sun Moon Lake. You can also pick up a bike in Taipei for shorter distances, although we would advise paying close attention to where you are riding in the busy traffic.

YLBB tip: For a first round trip, we would travel as much as possible using a combination of high-speed rail, regular train, metro, and taxi. That works surprisingly easily, and you hardly have to worry about parking or heavy traffic. Do book popular long-distance trains in advance if you are traveling around weekends or holidays.

Taiwan is an easy destination to travel through independently. Public transport is well organized, English is usually sufficient in the major cities, and with a few handy apps on your phone, you can easily plan your next train ride, restaurant, or night market while on the go.

Paying

In Taiwan, you pay with the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) . Credit cards are accepted in hotels, department stores, and many larger restaurants, but cash is still important. You will frequently pay in cash, especially at night markets, small restaurants, local shops, and markets. Therefore, make sure you always have some Taiwanese dollars with you.

EasyCard

An EasyCard is one of the first things we would arrange upon arrival. You use the card for the metro, buses, and various local train connections. Additionally, you can use it to pay at many convenience stores and other shops. You can easily top up the card along the way.

Internet & eSIM

Good mobile internet is very handy during a tour for navigation, train times, translations, and taxis. You can buy a local SIM card upon arrival or install an Airalo eSIM before departure . Be sure to choose a data bundle that is large enough if you use Google Maps and translation apps frequently.

Language

Mandarin is the main language in Taiwan. English is spoken in Taipei, international hotels, and many tourist spots, but this is by no means always the case at local restaurants and in smaller towns. Google Translate is therefore useful for menus and short conversations. Also, save your hotel address and other important destinations in Chinese characters.

Plugs

In Taiwan, type A and B plugs are primarily used, and the mains voltage is 110 volts. Therefore, you will need a universal adapter from the Netherlands . Also, check if appliances such as hair dryers or styling tools are suitable for 110 volts.

Tap water

Tap water is generally not drunk directly in Taiwan. Many hotels have drinking water, water dispensers, or a place to refill your bottle. Bringing a reusable water bottle is therefore convenient.

Time difference

In Taiwan, it is 6 hours later than in the Netherlands during Dutch summer time. During our winter time, the difference is 7 hours . Taiwan does not observe daylight saving time itself.

Useful apps for Taiwan

Google Maps – for navigation, restaurants and your saved YLBB addresses.
Taiwan High Speed ​​Rail – for the high-speed rail along the west coast.
Taiwan Railway – for regular train connections through Taiwan.
Uber – handy for taxi rides in various major cities.
Google Translate – for menus, addresses, and communication.
LINE – a widely used messaging app in Taiwan that is also used by hotels, guides, and local businesses.
Xé Currency – to quickly convert amounts to euros while on the go.

Safety & weather

Taiwan is generally a safe and pleasant destination for independent travel. The main things to keep in mind are the weather and natural phenomena. Taiwan is located in an area prone to earthquakes, and typhoons can affect your trip during the summer and early autumn. Always check local warnings in case of bad weather, especially before traveling towards the mountains or the east coast.

Compare deals at the bottom of the travel tips

TIP: Planning a trip to Taiwan? Always compare rates and offers from different travel providers. View the complete range for:

• Hotels: Booking.com | Expedia | Trip.com
• Holiday homes & villas: Booking.com | vrbo
• Package holidays (flight + hotel): Expedia | Trip.com
• Fully organized tours: Djoser | King Monkey
• Tours & sights: GetYourGuide | Viator
• Bike rental & bike tours: GetYourGuide
• Trains, buses & transfers: 12Go

This way, you can quickly see whether it is more cost-effective to put together your trip to Taiwan yourself or book as a package, and you can also arrange the practical aspects of your tour directly.

Yes, Taiwan is a great destination to travel with children. Public transport is well organized, the cities are easy to navigate, and during a tour, you can easily alternate culture and delicious food with nature and outdoor activities. Night markets are also fun to visit with children, as you can constantly try small dishes and there is plenty to see along the way.

For a first trip with children, we would primarily combine Taipei , Sun Moon Lake , Tainan , and Kaohsiung . However, plan the itinerary to be a bit more relaxed than when traveling without children, and preferably stay several nights in the same place.

Take the Maokong Gondola in Taipei

Combine Taipei Zoo with a ride on the Maokong Gondola . The cable car takes you from the city into the green hills, and along the way, you have views of Taipei. Once at the top, you can go for a walk, grab a bite to eat, and visit one of the teahouses. This makes it an outing that is fun for both children and parents.

Discover Taipei by bike

Taipei has various bike paths along the rivers where you see a completely different side of the city. Rent bikes and take a short route along the water, with plenty of places to stop along the way. With older children, this is a fun, active change of pace after visiting temples, museums, and busy neighborhoods.

Go eat together at a night market

Night markets are also a fun way to discover Taiwanese food culture with children. Choose various small snacks to share and let everyone pick something to try. Go a bit earlier in the evening with young children, before the most popular markets get really crowded.

Cycle past Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake is a nice stop to add some relaxation to a road trip. There are various cycling routes around the lake, and you can combine cycling with a boat trip and short stops at temples and viewpoints. With young children, choose a shorter section of the route instead of trying to cycle all the way around the lake.

Discover Tainan with children

Tainan is great to explore on foot at a leisurely pace. Stroll past temples and historic streets, and stop along the way at local eateries for snacks, shaved ice, or anything else you’d like to sample. Precisely because sightseeing here is so easy to combine with food, you don’t need to create a packed itinerary when traveling with children. Check out the best activities in Tainan here >>

Take the ferry to Cijin Island

If you are in Kaohsiung, take the short ferry to Cijin Island . On the other side, you can cycle, walk along the coast, eat seafood, and go to the beach. The ferry ride itself makes it fun for children, and for parents, it is a nice way to spend an afternoon outside the city.

Plan enough time for nature

With children, we would not include only cities in the itinerary. Sun Moon Lake and the Alishan area are good places to alternate busy city days with being outdoors. Keep hikes shorter and always check the weather and current conditions in mountainous areas before departure.

YLBB tip: Taiwan with children is most fun if you don't try to tick off multiple highlights every day. Plan one major activity and leave room for a park, bike ride, pool, or long lunch. And book child-friendly hotels or a hotel with a pool ; that is especially nice during the hot and humid summer months.