Taiwan holidays

Ancient traditions meet 21st-century sizzle in Taiwan’s mesmerising capital, home to sacred memorials, ornate temples and some of the tastiest street food in Asia.

Taiwan’s former capital is a hub for food, culture and history. Admire mystical temples, explore art-filled neighbourhoods and sample sizzling street food at night markets.

Ornate pagodas meet bubble tea cafes and public art installations in this Taiwanese port city. Don’t let the laid-back vibes fool you — Kaohsiung has some of the country’s top attractions.

Eating your way through the island’s bustling night markets is one of the best things to do in Taiwan. Tuck into delicacies like oyster omelettes, cups of fragrant noodle soup, buns stuffed with pork belly and doughy balls of mochi. You can find them all over Taiwan, but some of the best are in Taipei. The famous Shilin and Nanjichang markets are good starting points.

People come to Taiwan just to soak in its many thermal hot springs. The Beitou District of Taipei is filled with soaking options, from public pools to high-end resorts. In the southwest, Guanziling is known for its muddy springs. And the Zhaori Hot Springs, located on Green Island off Taiwan’s eastern coast, are fed by the Pacific Ocean.

You don’t have to go far to see some of Taiwan’s most beautiful temples. A waterfall decorates the courtyard of the ornate Longshan Temple in Taipei. And the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas at Lotus Pond are both a stunning sight. The Fairy Cave Temple in Keelung dwells within a network of caverns. Always be respectful when visiting — these are active sites of worship.

Whether you’re a surfer, kayaker or just want to grab some rays, the beaches in Taiwan answer the call. If you’re based in Taipei, take the 80-minute drive to Fulong Beach for lazy paddles in calm water. Dip your toes in soft, black volcanic sand at Wai’ao Beach on the northeast coast. And catch surf waves on the tropical shores of Kenting, on Taiwan’s southern tip.

Taiwan boasts a wide variety of natural wonders, from soaring peaks to pristine pools, many connected by trails that make hikers drool. Explore Taiwan’s highest peak at Yushan National Park, or head to the misty Guanwu National Forest Recreation Area to see a raging waterfall. Some of the better parks here require permits, so do your research ahead of time or consider joining an organised tour.

Taiwan’s cuisine is a beautiful hotchpotch of Chinese, Japanese and Indigenous influences. Seek out tasty dishes like hot pot, scallion pancakes and beef noodle soup for a taste of the traditional. If you’re looking for something special, there are dozens of Michelin-starred restaurants in Taiwan to choose from. Tea is huge here. Take a plantation tour to taste it at its source.

Don’t miss the incredible museums in Taiwan. Explore nearly 700,000 pieces of Chinese art at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. At the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung, you can see a preserved giant squid. For a more immersive experience, visit Jiufen Village outside of Taipei, which has been preserved to look like it did when it was a gold-mining hub.

This island is a year-round destination, so picking the best time to visit Taiwan may depend on your interest in seasonal events. Taiwan pops with pink between January and April as the cherry blossoms bloom. In autumn, everything comes alive with golden foliage. Chinese New Year is an exciting time in Taiwan, but prepare yourself for large crowds.

Cheap holidays to Taiwan are very doable. An inexpensive meal costs about 150 New Taiwan dollars (NT$), and you can get a domestic beer for about NT$60. It’s possible to dine like a king on a budget, as even some street stalls in Taiwan are recognised by Michelin.