Outside the capital’s bright lights and bustling night markets, the island once known as Formosa holds many more pleasant surprises.
Fans of boba, xiao long bao, and pepper buns rejoice: Taiwan has once again extended visa-free entry for Philippine passport holders! In a Facebook post on Friday, July 17, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines announced that the extension will take effect on August 1 and will be applicable for stays of up to 14 days until July 31, 2027.
With this welcome announcement, those looking for a quick break could start planning their next—or first—trip to the land of beef noodle soup and pearl milk tea. And when you do, it’s worth thinking beyond the obvious first stop, Taipei.
For many travelers, a vacation in Taiwan begins and ends in the capital. Yet beyond the energetic city’s bright lights and bustling night markets, the island once known as Formosa (from the Portuguese ilha formosa, meaning “beautiful island”) holds many more pleasant surprises.
Nature lovers will be delighted to discover that, despite its small size, Taiwan is home to an impressive nine national parks (more than England or Ireland!), offering everything from breathtaking lakes and coastlines to foggy mountain trails. Food enthusiasts, meanwhile, can eat their way through regional specialties—Taiwan, after all, is one of Asia’s most vibrant culinary destinations.
Whether you’re chasing your next outdoor adventure or hunting down new flavors and cultural experiences, Taiwan has plenty of unforgettable places that aren’t anywhere near Taipei. Here are five destinations that deserve a spot on your itinerary.
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Kaohsiung
Taiwan’s main port city pairs big-city energy with an easygoing vibe. Expansive streets, seaside promenades, and generous open spaces make it an easy place to explore on foot. The Love River and harbor areas are great for sunset strolls, coffee breaks, and short cruises. A quick metro ride away, Lotus Pond’s ornate temples and pavilions look especially lovely just before nightfall.
Kaohsiung has also grown into a major creative hub. There’s Pier-2 Art Center, for instance, with its installations, murals, and repurposed warehouse buildings, which turned a former dockside into an open-air gallery. The city’s culinary scene rivals Taipei’s, thanks to its own lively night markets, the most popular of which is Liuhe Night Market, with 138 stalls selling everything from snacks to souvenirs. Make sure to try the city’s papaya milk and steamed salty shrimps!
Sun Moon Lake
Taiwan’s most popular highland lake is a serene retreat surrounded by cycle paths, boardwalks, and low hills. Its name comes from the shape of its shores: the rounder east side is said to resemble the sun, while the narrower west side looks like a crescent moon. You can take in the sweeping views of the pristine lake by bike, stopping at small temples and viewpoints, or take one of the boat rides that shuttle visitors between piers.
A visit here also offers a window into local indigenous heritage, with cultural centers and nearby villages showcasing traditional music, crafts, and stories. In Sun Moon Lake, time seems to slow down, and you should, too!
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Hualien
This laid-back coastal city is nestled between lush mountains and the mighty Pacific Ocean, so you’re never far from a postcard-perfect backdrop. It’s the main jumping-off point for Taroko National Park, with its cinematic marble gorges, turquoise rivers, and cliffside trails.
Hualien’s seaside parks and pebble beaches are just as appealing. Nanbin Park and Qixingtan, for example, are ideal for early-morning or late-afternoon walks, bike rides, or simply watching the sun climb over—or sink into—the Pacific.
The city itself moves at an easy pace, with broad streets, casual cafés, and a lived-in charm that contrasts nicely with busier urban centers like Taipei.
Pro tip: After a full day of trekking and sightseeing at Taroko National Park, make sure to reward yourself with some fresh seafood at one of Hualien’s night markets.
Alishan
This mountainous area in Chiayi County is famous for its dramatic sunrise views, misty forests, and rolling oolong tea plantations. A ride on the 114-year-old Alishan Forest Railway and its vintage carriages is a must. The 71.4-kilometer scenic route winds past thick forests of towering cypress and cedar trees and through quiet tea farms and villages.
Between treks, you can visit a village, sample freshly brewed oolong, and learn more about the people whose livelihoods are intertwined with the cup of tea in your hand. The combination of cool air, gentle trails, and atmospheric vibe makes Alishan feel like a beautiful dream.
Pro tip: At over 2,000 meters (6,561 feet), Alishan’s high elevation makes it one of Taiwan’s best sunrise spots. At Zhushan, a popular viewpoint, early risers watch the sun rise over a sea of clouds, drenching the Central Mountain Range in golden light.
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Tainan
Taiwan’s ancient capital and oldest city is an ideal stop for culture vultures with its wealth of temples and historic sites, from sprawling Confucian complexes to more understated neighborhood shrines.
Tainan is also quite the foodie paradise, and stakes a claim to being the island’s food capital. When in the city, make sure to sample local specialties like dan zai noodles, coffin bread, and its dizzying array of street snacks. Compared to Taipei’s crowded night markets, Tainan’s are just as lively but not overwhelming, allowing you to better savor the city’s unique flavors.
The city also has a lively creative scene. It is dotted with small galleries, design shops, street art, and indie boutiques. Make sure to grab a cuppa in one of the city’s artsy cafés that are tucked into restored buildings.
