What to do in Tainan: 25 Best Tips for Taiwan's Culinary Capital

There is no shortage of fun things to do in Tainan. I consider it, without a doubt, one of the nicest cities in Taiwan . Ask a local where to go for the best food, and chances are they will recommend Tainan; the city is known as the food capital of Taiwan. It is not without reason that it is one of the most popular destinations for a weekend trip from Taipei . It feels smaller here, in the best sense of the word. Enjoy wandering through the various neighborhoods, alternating temples with trendy specialty coffee bars. Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan, and the streetscape is very photogenic thanks to the historic buildings. With this Tainan Travel Guide , you will discover the various charming neighborhoods and know exactly what to see and taste. Are you still looking for a good hotel? In this YLBB shortlist, I have already listed the best hotels in Tainan for you. This way, you can head out directly from your hotel to discover all these tips for yourself.

| TIP: read my exact travel itinerary through Taiwan here, including tips on travel and transportation >>

Zhengxing St, West Central District © Your Little Black Book

The best things to do in Tainan: 25 tips 

Explore Anping, the oldest district of Taiwan

If you visit only one neighborhood during your stay, make it Anping. Feel free to set aside half a day for it, because there is plenty to see and taste in Taiwan's oldest district. Historic forts, narrow streets, street food stalls, and quiet spots by the water alternate with one another.

Fort Zeelandia, also known as Anping Fort

For those interested in history with a raw edge, Fort Zeelandia in Tainan is a must-visit. This 17th-century fort was built by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) as a strategic trading post. Today, walking between the old ramparts, you pass through a complex piece of world history. It is an impressive place that forces you to pause and reflect on the deep, impactful, and sometimes abrasive traces left behind by the Dutch colonial past. I would also definitely recommend climbing the observation tower for a beautiful view of the lively Anping district.

No. 82, Guosheng Rd, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708

Anping Old Street

I mentioned it before, but Anping is a neighborhood where you can easily spend an afternoon. Along Anping Old Street, you'll find various small shops (though a bit touristy), street food vendors, and family businesses that have been established here for generations. On the way, order an oyster omelette or the famous coffin bread, which is specific to Tainan. Be sure to go here during the day, as most businesses close by early evening.

Yanping St, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708

Anping Tree House

At Anping Tree House, enormous banyan roots have slowly taken over a former warehouse. The roots grow straight through windows, walls, and roofs, making it feel as if nature is reclaiming the building piece by piece. You will also find a small historical museum on the grounds.

No. 104, Gubao St, Wangcheng Village, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708

Visit Yuguang Island

Ready for some variety? Then grab a YouBike and head to Yuguang Island. It is especially beautiful here around sunset to take a walk along the beach and get a breath of fresh air by the sea.

Yuguang Rd, Yuguang Village, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708

Walk along the Anping Canal

Another beautiful spot for late afternoon or early morning is the Anping Canal. There is a long park with a promenade, many benches, and lanterns everywhere. Grab a coffee to go and enjoy the peace for a moment. It is a favorite spot for neighborhood locals to walk when the sun is cooler.

Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708

View of Anping from Fort Zeelandia © Your Little Black Book

Visit the Chihkan Tower

If you want to understand the soul of Tainan, visit the Chihkan Tower in the West Central District. Here, you will see influences from various periods of Taiwanese history. The foundation of this monumental complex takes you back to the seventeenth century, when Taiwan was known as Formosa. At that time, the Dutch East India Company (VOC) built Fort Provintia here. After the departure of the Europeans, successive Ming and Japanese rulers transformed the buildings to suit their own tastes. The result? A unique architectural blend in which different eras flow seamlessly into one another. Stroll through the gardens, view the historic buildings, and take the time to admire the architectural details.

No. 212, Section 2, Minzu Rd, Chihkan Village, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

Admire the Confucius Temple

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, the Confucius Temple in Tainan is a beautiful, peaceful stopover. It is the oldest Confucius temple in Taiwan, and as soon as you walk through the gate, you notice that the architecture is very different from the other temples. More austere and fully in line with the philosophy of Confucius, but certainly no less beautiful for it. 

No. 2號, Nanmen Rd, Yonghua Village, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

Confucius Temple, Tainan © Your Little Black Book

Discover why Tainan is the temple capital of Taiwan.

Tainan is known not only for its street food but also as the temple capital of Taiwan. There are over 1.600 temples to be found in the city, ranging from large to small. Do you want to experience more of the local culture? Then regularly step inside a temple (and always with respect) while wandering around. You will come across richly decorated examples in almost every neighborhood, such as the Grand Mazu Temple, Koxinga Shrine, and the Lady Linshui Temple.

temple capital Tainan © Your Little Black Book

Discover the creative side of Tainan

Besides traditional eateries, historic temples, and monumental buildings, Tainan also has an incredibly creative side. You will notice it yourself as you walk around: the vibe is young, trendy, and the city is full of hotspots. Old buildings are being repurposed as coffee shops, design stores, or studios, without the city's character being lost. That is why, if I ever go back to Taiwan , I would definitely stay in Tainan for about three days again.

West Central District © Your Little Black Book

Snail Alley

Snail Alley is a maze of narrow alleys where there is something different to see around almost every corner. In any case, the West Central District is a part of Tainan home to many great spots. You will discover small cafes, art projects, murals, and hidden courtyards there.

Lane 97, Section 2, Yongfu Rd, Nanmei Village, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

Shennong Street

Shennong Street is another street you won't want to miss. Behind the historic facades, you will now find shops, cafes, and food shops run by local entrepreneurs. Go here at the end of the day, when hundreds of lanterns light up at the first sign of twilight. The atmosphere is completely different from the daytime, and it is truly a magical sight.

700, Taiwan, Tainan City, West Central District, Shennong Street

Zhengxing Street

For specialty coffee, concept stores, and local entrepreneurs, Zhengxing Street is the place to be. It is one of the nicest streets to explore and simply walk into anywhere. Start on Guohua Street and then walk via Zhengxing Street towards Hai'an Road. This way, you combine street food, shops, and street art in one route.

Zhengxing Street, West Central District

© Your Little Black Book

Hai'an Art Street

Do you like street art? Then take a stroll through Hai'an Art Street. Along the street and in the alleys, you will find art installations and murals that change regularly. The Ximen Market is also nearby, where you will find many food stalls.

No. 5, Section 2, Hai'an Rd, Qiancao Village, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

© Your Little Black Book

Shop at Hayashi Department Store and visit the rooftop.

Hayashi Department Store opened during the Japanese period in Tainan and still feels like stepping back in time. In this beautiful department store, you can buy Taiwanese delicacies, truly well-made souvenirs, and designer products from local makers. Not necessarily cheap, but of beautiful quality. First, take the historic elevator upstairs and visit the rooftop terrace. There you will find a small Shinto shrine and a view of the center of Tainan. You will also find a coffee shop here where you can grab something to eat and drink. Afterward, it is nice to take your time exploring the different floors. If you see something beautiful, take it with you immediately. I haven't seen the items they sell at Hayashi anywhere else in Taiwan. I went wild in the food department on the ground floor. I bought the most beautiful preserves, tea tins, and noodles there. Believe me: this is one of the best ways to enjoy your trip for a long time to come.

No. 63, Section 2, Zhongyi Rd, Nanmei Village, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

Taste the local specialties of Tainan

When you say Tainan, you say food! The city has been dubbed the country's food capital by locals, and if you spend a few days here, you'll understand why. You'll find dishes here that you can sometimes order from the same families for generations. If you love street food like I do, there are a few dishes you definitely want to try. Be sure to try Danzai Noodles, Beef Soup, Milkfish, Oyster Omelette, and Coffin Bread. Do you still have room afterwards? Then finish with a bowl of mango shaved ice. If you are staying at one of the boutique hotels on the YLBB shortlist , chances are you can try the Beef Soup at breakfast. For delicious Danzai Noodles, Du Hsiao Yueh Restaurant is a great place to go.

Du Hsiao Yueh Restaurant, No. 101號, Jhongjheng Rd, Nanmei Village, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

Danzai Noodles at Du Hsiao Yueh Restaurant © Your Little Black Book

Eat your way through the street food streets of Tainan

Sometimes you don't even need to go to a night market to hop from food stall to food stall for lunch or dinner. This definitely remains one of my favorite ways to eat while traveling. You find local eateries and stalls everywhere that have been serving the same local specialties for generations. They often make just one dish and make it exceptionally well. If you head to the food streets below, you won't have to look far for tasty food. Just look where most of the locals are queuing and join the back of the line ;-).

Guohua Street © Your Little Black Book

Bao'an Road

Bao'an Road is known for traditional restaurants where family recipes are passed down from generation to generation. Be sure to try a bowl of Taiwanese beef soup at A Cun Beef Soup (Bao'an Road) and the Bao'an Road Rice Cake.

A Cun Beef Soup (Bao'an Road), 700, Taiwan, Tainan City, West Central District, Nanchang Village, Bao'an Rd No. 41
Bao'an Road Rice Cake, 700, Taiwan, Tainan City, West Central District, Fuqian Village, Bao'an Rd No. 16

Hai'an Road

On Hai'an Road, you combine food with street art and creative projects. After dinner, stroll through the street and the surrounding alleys, where you will constantly come across new artworks and small bars. This is a nice part of the city where many establishments only open in the evening.

No. 5, Section 2, Hai'an Rd, Qiancao Village, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

Guohua Street

Do you want to try as many different dishes as possible? Then start around lunchtime on Guohua Street. Here you will find well-known establishments and small stalls where a line often forms early in the morning. The street is kilometers long, but the part you need to be at is at the intersection with Zhengxing Street.

Intersection of Guohua St. Sec. 3 and Zhengxing St., West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

Discover the architecture of Tainan Long Story

Do you love architecture? Then you definitely want to visit Tainan Long Story. The former hotel has reopened and was designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto. The concept? The building consists of vertical alleys, stairs, and open platforms that invite you to take a different route each time. After a walk through the stairwell, you arrive at the museum café, where they sell delicious ice cream (go for the lychee with rose!) and also have a small shop with items from local designers. Among other things, I bought a nice print there for my son's room.

No. 99, Section 2, Zhongyi Rd, Nanmei Village, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700

Visit Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park

I previously wrote an extensive article about all the creative parks in Taipei. Tainan's local answer is Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park. Are you in the mood for something different after visiting all the historical sights? Then this is the next place you'll want to head to during your walk. On the grounds, you'll find design shops, art installations, local brands, and small creative businesses. There is often plenty to do, especially on weekends.

No. 12, Lane 689, Section 1, Ximen Rd, South District, Tainan City 702, Taiwan

Modern art at the National Museum of Modern Art Tainan

Even if you don't normally stay long in a museum, the National Museum of Modern Art Tainan is well worth a visit. I personally always enjoy popping in for a quick look to get an impression of the local modern art. Upon arrival, be sure to look up at the striking roof structure by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. There is a permanent and a rotating collection, and it is the perfect place to escape the sun or a rain shower for a while during the day.

West Central District, Tainan, Taiwan 700

National Museum of Modern Art Tainan © Your Little Black Book

Visit one of the famous night markets

When you say Tainan, you say night markets. Keep in mind that not every night market is open daily. Therefore, check in advance which market you can visit on which evening, and also check the locations on Google Maps, where the opening hours are reliably displayed.

Garden Night Market is the most famous and attracts visitors from all over Taiwan. As soon as you walk past the food stalls here, you understand why this market is so popular. You can get all kinds of things there, and it is also very affordable. In addition, this market has a large non-food section and games for kids. You can easily spend a whole evening here. What did I eat there? Oyster omelet, grilled beef, dumplings, octopus, and so much more!

Are you looking for a night market that is a little less focused on entertainment? Then head to Dadong (Dong) Night Market. You can't go wrong here if you stick to the golden night market rule: the stalls that are busy are busy for a reason! Bring plenty of cash, tissues for your hands, and share as many snacks as possible so you can sample as much as you can. Also, read the comprehensive guide I wrote about the best night markets throughout Taiwan here >>

Garden Night Market: No. 533, Section 3, Hai'an Road, North District
Dadong (Dong) Night Market: No. 46, Section 1, Linsen Road, East District

Garden Night Market © Your Little Black Book

Discover the coffee culture of Tainan

Good news for fellow coffee lovers! You’ll find tons of great coffee shops in Tainan. Just don’t expect them all to open early. For the first coffee of the day, almost everyone heads to the convenience store. After that, it’s time for the specialty coffee bars, hidden away in old warehouses, historic buildings, and hawker stalls. It is precisely the combination of a traditional interior and a modern coffee bar that makes a self-mapped route past various spots so enjoyable. A few addresses to remember are Super Ray Coffee and 汨所 in Anping.

Super Ray Coffee, No. 1, Section 3, Minzu Rd, Wutiaogang Village, West Central District, Tainan City 700, Taiwan

汨所, No. 6, Lane 131, Anbei Rd, Wangcheng Village, Anping District, Tainan City 708, Taiwan

Cycle through the historic city center

Because Tainan's historic center is relatively compact, you can easily explore it by bike. Some hotels even offer bikes for you to use. If you register your public transport card online, you can also use the YouBikes found throughout the city. You can cycle from temples to markets, from old streets to coffee bars, and stop wherever you like. Many sights are located close to each other, especially between the West Central District and the South District. But because Taiwan is truly a cycling country, you can also easily cycle to Anping. Read here how to link your public transport card to rent the bikes >>

Go drink cocktails at an Asia's 50 Best Bar

Tainan is arguably the cocktail capital of Taiwan. The city has a surprisingly strong bar scene, and several cocktail bars rank among the best in Asia. The Asia's 50 Best Bars list features various bars from Tainan, and naturally, I visited a few to wrap up the evening.

Some bars you'll want to put on your radar are Bar Home (photos below), a warm and quirky cocktail bar in a former villa; Moonrock for classic cocktails with a twist; Swallow, where coffee and cocktail culture come together; and The Han-Jia, where cocktails are paired with unique food pairings.

Fun with kids: trip to Sicao Green Tunnel

Traveling with children? Then the Sicao Green Tunnel is a fun addition to your itinerary. During a boat trip, you sail through a mangrove area where branches above the water form a natural tunnel. There is also a small museum about the marine wildlife in the waters near Tainan. You can combine it with Anping, for example. 

No. 360號, Dazhong Rd, Sicao Village, Annan District, Tainan City, Taiwan 709

Sicao Green Tunnel © Your Little Black Book

How many days do you need for Tainan?

For a first visit to Tainan, I would set aside at least two to three full days. On the first day, you can explore the historic center, the temples, the street food streets, and the creative neighborhoods, and catch a night market. On the second day, set aside half a day for Anping and perhaps combine it with Yuguang Island. On day three, you can return to the neighborhood you wish to explore further. You will then have plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely coffee, relax by the pool (it is vacation, after all!), and shop at Hayashi Department Store.

Just a quick update on the YLBB shortlist for Tainan

Finest hotels: View all tips here >>
Nicest historic district: Anping
Best streets for street food: Guohua Street, Bao'an Road & Hai'an Road
Favorite night market: Garden Night Market
Most beautiful temple: Confucius Temple
Coolest creative hotspot: Blueprint Cultural & Creative Park
Best place for architecture: Tainan Long Story
Nicest streets: Shennong Street, Hai'an Art Street, Zhengxing Street and Snail Alley
Best department store: Hayashi Department Store

More travel tips for Taiwan on Your Little Black Book

• These are the best night markets in Taipei.
• The finest hotels in Taipei.
• The best creative parks.
• View our Taiwan itinerary here.
• Discover the best hotels in Taiwan.
• Best night markets in Taiwan.

Tainan Long Story © Your Little Black Book

Sword Lion © Your Little Black Book