Tainan

Night markets, marble gorges and mountain tea

• Passport strength: ≈145 visa-free destinations
• Language: Mandarin Chinese · ~25% speak English
• Free-trade agreements: ≈7

Tainan — Taiwan's historic old capital

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Anping Old Fort (Fort Zeelandia) Historic fort

The ruins of the 17th-century Dutch fort that founded the city.

Best time: Oct–Apr — Cooler, drier months are best for the coastal fort.

Things to do:

• Explore 17th-century Dutch fort remains
• Visit museum with colonial artifacts
• Climb cannon turret for harbor views

Anping Old Street Historic district

A narrow lane of old shophouses, snacks and the tree-swallowed Anping Tree House.

Best time: Oct–Apr — Milder months suit the crowded heritage street.

Things to do:

• Walk historic narrow alley lined with shops
• Eat almond-flavored shaved ice dessert
• Shop for local crafts and souvenirs

Confucius Temple Temple

Taiwan's first Confucian temple, a serene walled complex of 1665.

Best time: Oct–Apr — Cooler weather is best for the temple courtyards.

Things to do:

• Tour classical Chinese temple architecture
• Attend ritual ceremonies and celebrations
• View ancient stone inscriptions and plaques

Chihkan Tower (Fort Provintia) Historic site

A Dutch-era fort base topped by ornate Chinese pavilions.

Best time: Oct–Apr — Drier months are best for the old-town landmark.

Things to do:

• Climb tower for city views
• Explore museum of colonial period exhibits
• Photograph red-brick fortress structure

Hayashi Department Store Monument

Preserved Japanese colonial-era commercial building reflecting historical commerce.

Best time: Oct–Mar — Authentic colonial structure documenting Taiwan's retail and architectural evolution.

Things to do:

• Tour historic Japanese colonial architecture
• Browse vintage goods and antique furniture
• Eat in traditional café restaurant

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Taiwan?

It depends on where you go: every place has its own ideal season on this page. For example, Taipei 101 is best around Oct–Apr. Taiwan has 5 featured cities and areas to plan around.

Is English spoken in Taiwan?

Roughly 25% of people speak English. The main language is Mandarin Chinese.

How strong is the Taiwan passport?

The Taiwan passport gives visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 145 destinations.

Is Taiwan expensive to travel in?

This page lists indicative traveller costs for Taiwan — medical, insurance, connectivity and education ranges — and the interactive travelogue holds the full breakdown.

What is there to do in Taiwan?

Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Shilin Night Market, Longshan Temple, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Taroko Gorge Road — each with the best time to visit, why it is worth it, and specific things to do.