Things To Do
Food & Night Markets
Taiwan is especially famous for its night market culture — lively open-air markets filled with street food, local snacks, drinks, games, and small vendors. Every city has its own style and specialties, and wandering through one at night is almost a required Taiwan experience. Some popular and beginner-friendly night markets include: * Shilin Night Market — one of the largest and most famous night markets in Taiwan * Raohe Street Night Market — compact, energetic, and great for classic Taiwanese snacks * Ningxia Night Market — smaller but especially loved for traditional food * Temple Street Night Market — a more local atmosphere near our wedding area Some things to keep an eye out for: * beef noodle soup * oyster omelets * grilled squid * soup dumplings * fried chicken cutlets * scallion pancakes * bubble tea * shaved ice desserts * fresh fruit stalls and local teas
Outdoors & Nature
For anyone who enjoys the outdoors, Taiwan is incredibly accessible. Many scenic areas can be reached directly by train or public transportation, making it surprisingly easy to explore even without a car. Some of our favorite destinations include: * Taroko National Park — dramatic marble gorges, turquoise rivers, and beautiful hiking trails * Alishan National Scenic Area — famous mountain forests, sunrise views, and historic railways * Yangmingshan National Park — volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and hiking just outside Taipei * Sun Moon Lake — scenic biking paths and peaceful lake views * Qingshui Cliffs — stunning coastal cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean Taiwan’s public transit system is very foreigner-friendly, especially the High Speed Rail (HSR), local trains, and Taipei MRT system.
Tourist Destinations
If it’s your first time visiting Taiwan, there are also a few iconic spots that are absolutely worth experiencing: * Jiufen — mountain tea houses and lantern-lit alleyways often associated with the atmosphere of Gibli's movie Spirited Away * Taipei 101 — Taiwan’s iconic skyscraper and observatory * Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall — historic architecture and cultural landmark * Beitou Hot Springs — relaxing hot spring district accessible by MRT * Tamsui Old Street — waterfront sunsets, snacks, and riverside walking paths
