Things to do in Taiwan

Things to do in Taiwan

Top 10 Things to do in Taiwan

Experiences for every interest

All Things to do in Taiwan

Explore Taiwan with a local of your choice

Learn about their personal stories, and find out how you can explore Taiwan together

What other travelers love about our local experts

Philipp
About local
28 July 2025
Great tour and guide!

Garen is an inspiring whirlwind of energy and fascinating insights that makes the food tour in Taipei an absolute pleasure. The food is of course tremendously delicious, however Garen makes it about so much more by weaving in truly rich context about the origins of many of the items and how it all relates to Taiwan’s history. As a result, we learned much more in these few hours than we did on many of the equivalent tours we have been lucky to enjoy in other Asian countries. Garen was also particularly considerate in ensuring the tour, conversation and pace was adapted to my son’s interests. All in all, highly recommend Garen as a food tour guide in Taipei.

Amy
About local
18 July 2025
LGBT Friendly Tour Guide

Eva was incredibly nice. She was very accommodating with what we ate since it was just me and I couldn’t possibly eat all the food she had to offer! She was extremely knowledgeable of the local history and Taiwan overall. Eva is heavily involved with the Taiwan community and her wealth of knowledge derives from how much she loves her country. I am definitely going to reach out to Eva again as she also offers tours around Taiwan! Thanks so much Eva!

Mack
About local
9 July 2025
Fantastic food tour

I was only in Taipei for an eight hour stop over and the tour with Garen was the perfect way try amazing food and experience the local culture. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Taiwan.

Cher
About local
23 June 2025
Garen is the best tour guide ever!

My husband and I travel extensively and have experienced all levels of tour guides and we both agreed that Garen is one of the best. She was engaging, knowledgeable, and prepared in every possible way…from answering our political questions about Taiwan’s history to giving us alcohol wipes before we ate. We asked her for recommendations on where to buy the most random things and she was literally texting me places days after we finished our tour. We plan to return to Taiwan in the near future and we will definitely book a tour with Garen again.

Things to do in Taiwan

Amazing food, vibrant culture and a towering skyline -these are three things that people would often associate Taiwan with. But beyond these, the country offers some of the most magical sceneries and unthinkable travel adventures you can imagine. From bathing at a hot spring to cruising along the scenic roads, here are some of the most exciting things to do in Taiwan.

  • Snorkel at the clear waters of Bai Sha Wan, Kenting

    Located at the southern coast of Taiwan, Kenting is known for its crystal clear water, making it a go to destination for those who are seeking for a tropical adventure in Taiwan. There are several beaches in Kenting, but the lesser-known and less crowded one is the Bai Sha Wan.

     Your local guide can take you on a trip to this tranquil tropical paradise. Bai Sha Wan is also known for having the clearest water in all of the beaches in Kenting. This it's a great place to snorkel and to discover the kaleidoscope of vibrant fishes and mesmerizing sea creatures.

  • Go on a gastronomic adventure at the night markets

    Taiwan is a foodie’s paradise. In fact, if you ask anyone about the best things to do in Taiwan, they will most likely recommend that you go on a gastronomic adventure, and why not? Taiwan is home to hundreds of night markets selling the most mouthwatering local delicacies!

     In Taipei alone, almost all districts have their own night markets. To save you from the confusion of having to decide where to go, your local host is there to guide you through. From the bustling night markets of Shilin and Raohe, to the trendy food stalls in Ximending, your host will join you in a quest of the most succulent pork sausages, delectable beef noodles and hot custard bites!

  • Take a dip at the scenic mountainside hot springs of Wu Lai

    When it comes to hot springs in Taiwan, it's likely that you have heard about the Beitou hot springs, since these are the most popular and the most visited hot springs in the country. But your gracious host knows a less touristy and definitely less crowded mountainous district that's also known for its hot springs.

     The Wu Lai district, with its scenic mountainside views and abundance of hot springs, is definitely a must visit. Most of the people using the hot springs are locals, which makes the experience even more authentic. So if you need to relax after a whole day of sightseeing, then take a dip at the Wu Lai hot springs!

  • Hike at the hiking trails of Taroko National Park

    One of the most popular things to do in Taiwan is trekking. With the country's vast mountainous landscape and a wealth of flora and fauna, Taiwan is definitely a haven for adventure seeking travelers. One of the best places to go hiking in Taiwan is at the Taroko National Park.

    Located at the Hualien district, the Taroko National Park draws a huge number of visitors because of its beautiful gorges, not to mention a shrine at the top of a hill with a waterfall flowing right in front of it. There are various hiking trails in Taroko and your knowledgeable local guide knows which trail to take for the most spectacular views of the stunning gorges!

  • Discover the ancient artifacts at the National Palace Museum

    Art lovers will surely rejoice at Taiwan's National Palace Museum. The majestic museum is situated at a hilly portion of Taipei and is home to a collection of almost 700,000 pieces of ancient Chinese artifacts and artworks. With this vast collection, you could spend a whole day at the museum and not get bored at all!

     The development of the museum is closely linked to the social changes in modern China. This is a great place to learn more about the culture and history of the country. During your visit, your knowledgeable local guide will share some interesting history behind the vast collection of artifacts and how this has led to the museum being known as the world's treasure trove of Chinese culture.

  • Join a local cooking class and learn about Taiwan’s food culture

    Joining a cooking class with a local is one of the most popular things to do in Taiwan. Although the Taiwanese have adopted most of their cuisines from various regions, such as from Japan and China, they have mainly reinvented these with new flavors and a homegrown flare.

     Attending a local cooking class is a great way to discover the interesting history behind the Taiwanese food culture. Of course, you also get to learn the step-by-step process of preparing and cooking some of the most delectable Taiwanese dishes. But the highlight of this activity is when you get to eat your own creations and share with everyone else in the class!

  • Embark on an epic road trip and soak in the breathtaking views

    Want an exciting way to discover Taiwan? Ask your local guide to take you on an epic road trip adventure in the country! Passing through the country's highest road with an altitude of more than 3,000 meters, to the insanely narrow roads that passes through dense forests, this road trip is definitely something you will never forget!

     Scenic views aside, this epic road trip will take you to the most secluded and enthralling off the beaten paths of Taiwan. What's great about driving in Taiwan is that it is one of the most road trip friendly countries in Asia. Moreover, the traffic system in the country is highly efficient. Hence, embarking on this once in a lifetime adventure is totally safe and worry-free!

  • Scuba dive at the Green Island alongside the hammerhead sharks

    When you think of things to do in Taiwan, scuba diving may not be on the list. But you might just change your mind once you hear about the Green Island. Your local host would be happy to take you to this small volcanic island located off the coast of South Eastern Taiwan. Despite of its measly size, the island offers a wide range of activities, although scuba diving is often the most popular.

     Diving at the Green Island is a great way to experience the most preserved coral reefs of the country, but the real treat is that you get to swim with the hammerhead sharks and manta rays too! So if you are looking for a diving thrill of a lifetime, then this is definitely the one!

  • Experience the best of Taiwanese hospitality at a local home-stay

    In Taiwan, it's common for locals to ask, "Have you eaten?" It's how they normally greet each other. And with an abundance of hearty and delicious food the country has to offer, it's just not possible to turn down an offer of a delicious meal even if you have just eaten. That’s exactly one of the best things about staying at a local home-stay in Taiwan – your host will spoil you with a wealth of local delicious meal!

     Known locally as "minsu", staying at one of these home-stays is a great way to experience the best of Taiwanese hospitality. The homeowners themselves will proudly welcome you into their home and treat you like one of the family. Of course, breakfast is usually the most awaited part of your stay!

  • Shop ‘til you drop at the Wufenpu Wholesale Market

    If you are a true shopaholic, then shopping should be included in your list of things to do in Taiwan. But forget about the fancy shopping districts of Taipei. Your local guide can take you to the less touristy market in Taiwan, the Wufenpu Wholesale Market.

     When it comes to bargain shopping, the real deal lies in combing through the abundant racks of discounted goods and this is exactly what Wufenpu is all about. Considered as Taiwan's largest wholesale market, it is a favorite among locals who want to score the most reasonably priced goods. From the most stylish clothes to the latest trend in footwear, Wufenpu has everything you want! The area may be a confusing maze, but your gracious local host will guide you through the rows of stalls so you can make the most out of your shopping adventure!