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Taiwan🇹🇼 | best citiesWhere to Find the 10 Best cities in Taiwan

Cities in Taiwan are compact, dense and connected, because a mountainous island of about 36,000 square kilometers pushes nearly all of its 23 million people onto the western coastal plain. That shapes everything a backpacker feels. The north is wetter, busier and pricier, the center is calmer and cheaper, and the south is warmer and slower, with temple culture more visible. The east has smaller towns, fewer trains and far fewer crowds. Independent travel works well since the high-speed rail and metro systems link most western cities in under two hours, so the real choice is between urban energy and breathing room.

By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 18, 2026
Explore the best towns in Taiwan

Why go?Understanding Their Importance

Taiwan suits city travel because of its geography. The central mountains, with peaks above 3,900 meters, leave a narrow western corridor where cities grew close together, so transit is frequent and distances are short. A layered history of Indigenous Austronesian settlement, Dutch and Spanish outposts, Qing rule, 50 years of Japanese administration and postwar Chinese migration shows up in architecture, food and language, which is why a single island holds so many different urban textures.

The second reason is infrastructure. Convenience stores on nearly every block, contactless transit cards, reliable trains and a strong night market culture mean daily life is easy and cheap, even without Mandarin. Public Wi-Fi, clean public toilets and widespread English signage on transit help further. … read more 👉
Taiwan suits city travel because of its geography. The central mountains, with peaks above 3,900 meters, leave a narrow western corridor where cities grew close together, so transit is frequent and distances are short. A layered history of Indigenous Austronesian settlement, Dutch and Spanish outposts, Qing rule, 50 years of Japanese administration and postwar Chinese migration shows up in architecture, food and language, which is why a single island holds so many different urban textures.

The second reason is infrastructure. Convenience stores on nearly every block, contactless transit cards, reliable trains and a strong night market culture mean daily life is easy and cheap, even without Mandarin. Public Wi-Fi, clean public toilets and widespread English signage on transit help further.

Before choosing Taiwan for its cities, know the limits. The climate is subtropical and humid, with typhoons and heavy rain in summer and early autumn. Earthquakes are common, though buildings are engineered for them. Many cities are concrete and dense rather than pretty at first glance, and their appeal sits in lanes, markets, temples and food stalls. The east coast has fewer rail services and needs more planning. Expect to pay with cash at markets, as many small vendors still do not take cards.
Our Approach to Ranking
The list of best cities in Taiwan is created based on culture, vibe, attractions, transport ease, and local charm. If you feel a city is missing in this list, please let us know.

When to go?Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Best months for city travel: The best months are October to December and March to April, when temperatures sit around 17 to 28°C and the heavy humidity and typhoon risk of summer are mostly gone. Autumn is the most reliable window because skies clear after typhoon season ends around October.
Weather that shapes your days: Summer, from June to September, runs 30 to 35°C with high humidity and afternoon downpours. Typhoons most often hit between July and October and can cancel trains, flights and ferries for a day or two. The plum rain season in May and June brings long, gray, wet spells across the island. In winter, the north and northeast stay damp and cool, often 10 to 18°C, with drizzle for weeks, while the south stays dry and sunny at 18 to 25°C. That makes the south the better winter base. … read more 👉
Best months for city travel: The best months are October to December and March to April, when temperatures sit around 17 to 28°C and the heavy humidity and typhoon risk of summer are mostly gone. Autumn is the most reliable window because skies clear after typhoon season ends around October.
Weather that shapes your days: Summer, from June to September, runs 30 to 35°C with high humidity and afternoon downpours. Typhoons most often hit between July and October and can cancel trains, flights and ferries for a day or two. The plum rain season in May and June brings long, gray, wet spells across the island. In winter, the north and northeast stay damp and cool, often 10 to 18°C, with drizzle for weeks, while the south stays dry and sunny at 18 to 25°C. That makes the south the better winter base.
Crowds and prices: Peaks that change decisions are Lunar New Year (late January to February), when many small shops and restaurants close for several days and trains sell out weeks ahead, and the long weekends around Tomb Sweeping Day, Dragon Boat Festival and National Day on October 10. Hotel rates can rise 30 to 60 percent on holiday weekends. Summer school holidays raise domestic demand, while January and February outside the new year week are quieter and cheaper.

city hoppingPlanning Your Route Efficiently

How long to allow: A trip linking several cities in Taiwan needs 7 to 14 days, and 10 days is enough for the main western corridor without constant packing.
Grouping and direction: The west coast clusters naturally because the high-speed rail runs from Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung in the south in roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Most travelers do best going north to south, starting in Taipei where flights arrive and finishing in the south, then flying out of Kaohsiung. Open-jaw tickets avoid doubling back and save about half a day. The east coast is a separate loop, because the Taipei to Hualien express takes about 2 to 2.5 hours but onward services thin out. Add it only if you have at least 3 extra days.
Time per stop: Allow 2 to 4 nights in the largest cities and 1 to 2 nights in mid-sized ones. … read more 👉
How long to allow: A trip linking several cities in Taiwan needs 7 to 14 days, and 10 days is enough for the main western corridor without constant packing.
Grouping and direction: The west coast clusters naturally because the high-speed rail runs from Taipei in the north to Kaohsiung in the south in roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Most travelers do best going north to south, starting in Taipei where flights arrive and finishing in the south, then flying out of Kaohsiung. Open-jaw tickets avoid doubling back and save about half a day. The east coast is a separate loop, because the Taipei to Hualien express takes about 2 to 2.5 hours but onward services thin out. Add it only if you have at least 3 extra days.
Time per stop: Allow 2 to 4 nights in the largest cities and 1 to 2 nights in mid-sized ones. Moving every day eats the gains of fast trains, since station transfers, check-in and luggage add 2 to 3 hours to each hop.
Common planning mistakes: Travelers often cram in too many stops, so pick three or four bases and use local metros or regional trains for nearby excursions. Another is booking trains late, since Taiwan Railway express services sell out on weekends and holidays, so reserve a few days ahead. Many also ignore typhoon season, so leave a spare day before any departing flight from July to October.

The ListTop cities of Taiwan

1 Taipei

Skyscraper skyline, metro sprawl, night market maze

Navigate a dense urban landscape where efficient transport, diverse neighborhoods, and endless food stalls make exploring effortless and rewarding.

Taiwan - Taipei

2 Tainan

Temple alleys, street food courts, centuries-old lanes

Trace the layers of Taiwan’s oldest city by weaving through narrow streets, sampling local specialties, and discovering ornate shrines at every turn.

3 Kaohsiung

Harborfront, art warehouses, night markets

Wander through repurposed docks and colorful districts, sampling seafood and street snacks as the city’s creative energy unfolds around you.

4 Taichung

Modern museums, leafy parks, bubble tea origins

Experience a city where contemporary art spaces, sprawling green areas, and inventive drinks create a relaxed but stimulating atmosphere.

5 Hualien

Coastal cliffs, Taroko Gorge, indigenous markets

Start your journey between dramatic mountains and the Pacific, where local food stalls and natural wonders shape every day’s rhythm.

6 Taitung

East Rift Valley, aboriginal villages, Pacific beaches

Travel through open landscapes dotted with small communities, where ocean breezes and mountain views offer a quieter side of Taiwan.

7 Yilan

Hot springs, rice paddies, local distilleries

Soak in mineral baths, cycle past green fields, and taste regional spirits in a region shaped by agriculture and geothermal activity.

taiwan-city-yilan
© Google |

8 Keelung

Rainy port, seafood stalls, temple festivals

Arrive to a working harbor city where weather shapes routines, and lively food streets and religious celebrations fill the calendar.

9 Tamsui

River sunsets, colonial forts, boardwalk snacks

Catch ferries and stroll along the waterfront, watching the light change over historic sites and sampling local treats by the riverside.

taiwan-city-tamsui
© Google |

10 Beitou

Thermal springs, Japanese-era baths, hillside gardens

Relax in historic bathhouses and wander steamy parks, discovering how geothermal energy shapes daily life and local traditions.

11 Chiayi

Alishan gateway, railway hub, local breakfast shops

Use this practical base for mountain excursions, with early trains, hearty morning meals, and a slower pace than Taiwan’s big cities.

12 Magong

Penghu archipelago, basalt cliffs, fishing harbors

Island-hop between wind-swept coasts, explore volcanic formations, and watch daily life unfold in small fishing communities.

13 Jincheng

Kinmen fortresses, granite streets, military relics

Tour old defense structures, wander granite-paved lanes, and see reminders of past conflicts on an island near the mainland.

Think you know Taiwan?

Prove you’re a true local — uncover 3 lesser-known cities in Taiwan that locals tend to keep to themselves.
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Expert viewExpert Commentary on cities

How many cities to visit: I advise three to four cities on a first trip of 8 to 12 days. Taiwan’s trains are fast, but each move costs half a day, and cities here reveal themselves through night markets, temples and neighborhood food streets that need evenings, not drive-by visits. More than four turns the trip into a transit exercise. Experienced travelers pick fewer bases and use day trips instead.
Choosing between kinds of cities: Match the city type to your travel style. If you want nightlife, museums, food variety and easy hostels, favor the big northern metropolis. If you want temples, older streets and slower pace, choose the central and southern cities, which are cheaper and less rushed. If hiking, hot springs or coast matter more, pair one city with an eastern base rather than adding … read more 👉
How many cities to visit: I advise three to four cities on a first trip of 8 to 12 days. Taiwan’s trains are fast, but each move costs half a day, and cities here reveal themselves through night markets, temples and neighborhood food streets that need evenings, not drive-by visits. More than four turns the trip into a transit exercise. Experienced travelers pick fewer bases and use day trips instead.
Choosing between kinds of cities: Match the city type to your travel style. If you want nightlife, museums, food variety and easy hostels, favor the big northern metropolis. If you want temples, older streets and slower pace, choose the central and southern cities, which are cheaper and less rushed. If hiking, hot springs or coast matter more, pair one city with an eastern base rather than adding a third urban stop. The reason is simple: the north offers the broadest choice but the highest prices, while the south gives more space per dollar.
What it costs: Budget US$35 to 55 a day (about NT$1,100 to 1,800) for a backpacker staying in dorms, eating at night markets and using the metro. Dorm beds run NT$450 to 900 (US$14 to 28), private rooms in budget hotels NT$1,400 to 2,500 (US$44 to 78). Street meals cost NT$60 to 150 (US$2 to 5), and a sit-down meal NT$200 to 400. Metro rides cost NT$20 to 65, and an EasyCard saves hassle and gives small discounts. High-speed rail from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs about NT$1,490 (US$47) each way for a standard seat, so combine it with a pass only if you do several long legs. Most temples are free, while major museums and observation decks charge NT$30 to 600 (US$1 to 19). Allow roughly US$5 to 15 per visit for typical entry fees.
Safety and etiquette: Taiwan is among the safest places in Asia for solo travelers, with low violent crime and well-lit streets late at night. Main risks are traffic, since scooters run red lights and cross pavements, and summer heat. Look both ways at crossings even on green. Eating and drinking are banned on the metro and fines are real, so finish your bubble tea first. Take off shoes when entering homes and some hostels, and keep voices low in temples. Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice, as it resembles incense offerings for the dead. Carry some cash, because small stalls and many rural shops still prefer it. Download the local emergency numbers (110 police, 119 fire and ambulance) and keep your passport copy handy.

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutTaiwan Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
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The digital guide (425 pages) contains:
✅ 121 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
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📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
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🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
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🛏️ Where to stay?Where to Base Yourself

Taiwan has a dense, clean and very safe hostel scene, with dorm beds typically NT$500 to 900 (US$16 to 28) and simple private rooms from about NT$1,200 (US$38). In Taipei, Ximending has the most beds and the liveliest late-night streets but gets loud and crowded on weekends, while the Taipei Main Station area is the most convenient for airport and high-speed rail transfers, and Zhongshan is quieter with good cafés and easy MRT access. Outside the capital, the old center of Tainan puts you within walking distance of temples and snack streets, Kaohsiung hostels around Yancheng and the Formosa Boulevard MRT give you harbor-side nightlife and cheaper rates, and Hualien rooms near the train station … read more 👉
Taiwan has a dense, clean and very safe hostel scene, with dorm beds typically NT$500 to 900 (US$16 to 28) and simple private rooms from about NT$1,200 (US$38). In Taipei, Ximending has the most beds and the liveliest late-night streets but gets loud and crowded on weekends, while the Taipei Main Station area is the most convenient for airport and high-speed rail transfers, and Zhongshan is quieter with good cafés and easy MRT access. Outside the capital, the old center of Tainan puts you within walking distance of temples and snack streets, Kaohsiung hostels around Yancheng and the Formosa Boulevard MRT give you harbor-side nightlife and cheaper rates, and Hualien rooms near the train station work best as a quiet, early-to-bed base for Taroko Gorge.

If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option.

TaiwanExpand Your Journey

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.