Taiwan is a compact East Asian destination for food and culture, with plenty of signs in English and Chinese, which makes it easy even for a first trip abroad.
From the night markets of central Taipei (Shilin, Raohe, Ningxia) to the red-lantern alleys of Jiufen with their Spirited Away atmosphere, sky lanterns at Shifen, sunsets in Tamsui and the hot springs of Beitou, you can fit it all into a tight two- or three-day trip, which has made Taiwan a favorite weekend getaway.
Beyond Taipei, Kaohsiung (the southern port city), Taichung (central Taiwan and tea fields), Hualien (Taroko Gorge) and Kenting (southern beaches) all have their own appeal. A night-market meal at TWD 100–250 is Taiwan's great strength.
Visa and entry requirements for Taiwan
Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.
Your passport should have at least six months of validity remaining. Arrival cards can be completed online before departure, and paper cards are also handed out on board.
- Visa-exempt entry (eligible nationalities and conditions) (Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan)
Taiwan at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Currency | New Taiwan dollar (TWD) |
| Time zone | CST (UTC+8) |
| Best season | October to April (watch for typhoons and heat June to September) |
| Electricity | 110 V, 60 Hz, Type A and B plugs |
| Transport card | EasyCard, for MRT, buses and convenience stores |
| Prices | Among the lowest in East Asia; a night-market meal is TWD 100–250 |
Taipei: night markets, culture and food
Taipei is the heart of any Taiwan trip. The main sights are Taipei 101 (observatory TWD 600), Ximending (shopping and street food), the National Palace Museum (700,000 Chinese artifacts) and the Beitou hot springs (40 minutes from the center by MRT).
There are plenty of day trips from Taipei.
| Day trip | Getting there | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Jiufen | 1 hour by bus | Red-lantern alleys, seafood restaurants, Spirited Away atmosphere |
| Shifen | 1 hour by train | Sky lanterns, shops along the railway tracks |
| Tamsui | 40 minutes by MRT | Sunset, night market, Fort San Domingo |
| Yehliu | 1 hour by bus | Rocky coastal geopark, the Queen's Head rock |
Kaohsiung, Taichung and Hualien: beyond Taipei
Kaohsiung is the port city of southern Taiwan, and access has improved since the light rail opened. Popular sights include the Pier-2 Art Center, the Cishan mango market and Sun Moon Lake. It is 1 hour 30 minutes from Taipei by high-speed rail (THSR).
Taichung, Taiwan's second city, is known for Rainbow Village, Gaomei Wetlands, the bakery at Tunghai University and the National Museum of Natural Science. It is 45 minutes from Taipei by THSR.
Hualien is the place for trekking in Taroko Gorge and Qixingtan Beach. Sections are often closed after typhoons, so check before you go. It is two hours from Taipei by train.
What to eat in Taiwan
| Dish | Notes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Din Tai Fung xiaolongbao | Original Xinyi branch; 30–90 minute queues, reservations possible | TWD 400–800 per person |
| Beef noodle soup | Everywhere from street stalls to restaurants, rich broth | TWD 100–200 |
| Jipai (fried chicken cutlet) | Giant fried chicken, a night-market favorite | TWD 70–100 |
| Mango shaved ice | Ice Monster and others; mango and shaved ice in perfect harmony | TWD 250–400 |
| Bubble tea | 50 Lan, CoCo and others; a cup in its homeland | TWD 60–100 |
| Night markets (Shilin, Raohe) | Around 100 dishes including braised pork rice, oyster omelets, red bean soup and oden | TWD 200–500 per person |
Taiwan budget guide
We estimate the following costs per person, excluding international flights.
| Itinerary | Item | Cost per person |
|---|---|---|
| 3 days, 2 nights in Taipei | Accommodation (2 nights, mid-range hotel) | KRW 120,000–300,000 |
| Food, transport and sightseeing | KRW 100,000–200,000 | |
| 5 days, 4 nights in Taipei and Kaohsiung | Accommodation (4 nights) | KRW 200,000–500,000 |
| Food and sightseeing | KRW 150,000–300,000 |
FAQ
Where should I exchange money?
Exchange counters in town around Taipei Main Station and Ximending offer better rates than the airport.
Is it hard to get into Din Tai Fung?
At the original Xinyi branch, queuing on site is the norm (30–90 minutes), longest at lunch and dinner. Other branches (such as in the Taipei 101 mall) have shorter waits. Use advance booking on the official website.
Taiwan or Japan for a food trip?
Taiwan wins on value and variety (number of night markets and dishes). Japan’s strengths are authenticity, seasonal ingredients and omakase-level precision. On a limited budget, we would suggest Taiwan first.
How do I prepare for typhoon season (June to September)?
Three to five typhoons pass Taiwan each year. Travel insurance that covers flight cancellations and delays is essential, and Taroko Gorge in Hualien is often closed after typhoons, so check before you go.
Where can I buy an EasyCard?
At the arrivals level of Taoyuan Airport or from MRT station machines, with a TWD 100 deposit. It works on the MRT and buses and at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and more.
Sources
- Visa-exempt entry (eligible nationalities and conditions) · Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Taiwan · accessed 2026-10-30
- Taiwan Tourism Administration · Taiwan Tourism Bureau · accessed 2026-04-25
Information was checked against the official sources listed above. Opening hours, fees and fares can change; please confirm with the venue or operator before you visit.
