Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Hiring a car
Local costs

Tainan City travel guide

Tainan City Tourism | Tainan City Guide

You're Going to Love Tainan City

Think New York is the only city that doesn't sleep? Tainan will make you seriously reconsider. With its thriving night markets, incredible street food, one-off finds in boutique stores, and historical monuments, a Tainan adventure has a little bit of everything to experience.

Article

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Tainan City

1. Celebrate Every Day at the Night Market

From the Flower Night Market to the Da Dong Night Market, this is one of the locals' (and travelers') favorite ways to pass the evening. Sample from fresh food stalls, bargain with street vendors, and enjoy the game booths.

2. Get Back to Nature at Taijiang National Park

The Sicao Green Tunnel in Taijiang National Park allows campers and park-goers to take boat rides to observe aquatic and bird life in the mangrove.

3. Bask in the Sacred Temples

Shrines and temples provide a true sanctuary for those looking to step away from the city. The gardens are serene and well planned, and the gates retain their historic majesty.

4. Visit the Anping Fort

Known also as "Taiwan Castle", this historical fort is also, coincidentally, the best place to take in ocean views and sunsets.

5. Check out Chihkan Tower

Built in 1653 by the Dutch and then developed further by the Japanese, this beautiful tower is best visited during twilight hours, when it's well lit and its interesting architecture is highlighted.

1. Celebrate Every Day at the Night Market

From the Flower Night Market to the Da Dong Night Market, this is one of the locals' (and travelers') favorite ways to pass the evening. Sample from fresh food stalls, bargain with street vendors, and enjoy the game booths.

2. Get Back to Nature at Taijiang National Park

The Sicao Green Tunnel in Taijiang National Park allows campers and park-goers to take boat rides to observe aquatic and bird life in the mangrove.

3. Bask in the Sacred Temples

Shrines and temples provide a true sanctuary for those looking to step away from the city. The gardens are serene and well planned, and the gates retain their historic majesty.

4. Visit the Anping Fort

Known also as "Taiwan Castle", this historical fort is also, coincidentally, the best place to take in ocean views and sunsets.

5. Check out Chihkan Tower

Built in 1653 by the Dutch and then developed further by the Japanese, this beautiful tower is best visited during twilight hours, when it's well lit and its interesting architecture is highlighted.

What to do in Tainan City

1. History In View

Anping Fort (formerly known as Fort Zeelandia) was built by the Dutch during their occupation of Taiwan in the 1600's. Get a glimpse of Taiwan's history by touring the fort and the museum on the upper level. Much of the original fort remains intact, including cannons and original red brick walls. Its historic and scenic ambience also make it a nice place to relax and enjoy the views. When you're done touring the fort, there are lots of nearby food options featuring local fare and seafood.

2. Not Your Ordinary Treehouse

Just a five minute walk from the Anping Fort and the popular Anping Old Street, this treehouse is literally a tree and a building that have grown together to become one thing. The building is an old warehouse built shortly after World War II, but abandoned soon afterwards. The tree is a giant banyan tree that since that time has grown to more or less absorb the whole structure. Banyan trees are interesting and cool on their own, but the way this one's roots intertwine with the whole structure makes it a unique sight.

3. Cultural Spectacle

The Tainan City Flower Night Market (Hua Yuan Ye Shi) is probably the most popular of several night markets in Tainan. The night markets are open (on certain nights of the week) from around dusk until after midnight, and have a wide variety of food, merchandise and game stands, roughly equivalent to an Eastern version of what you might find at an American county or state fair (minus the animals and big rides). The markets are also a great place to view Taiwanese culture, since there are always lots of residents of all ages and social classes present. There is plenty of food to try, from the more familiar to the international to the adventurous.

4. Peaceful Vista

One of many old temples in the city, Tainan's Confucian Temple is the oldest of its kind on Taiwan. The temple is a fine example of the artistry of ancient Chinese architecture, with its colorful walls, traditional Chinese roof style and ornate statuary. It's also located in front of a large park full of banyan trees, making it a peaceful place to relax or fly a kite.

5. Shop, Eat, And Take In Taiwan

Starting at the Anping Fort, the winding Anping Old Street is generally crowded with people browsing the stands, shops and stores. This is a great place to be if you want to try traditional Taiwanese food, because you can probably find it all here, including Tainan's famous "coffin bread." Ornate Taiwanese crafts and products are also widely available here, making it a good place to look for a souvenir. Among the shops and food stands you can find a few traditional temples as well, making Anping Old Street a great center of Taiwanese culture.

1. History In View

Anping Fort (formerly known as Fort Zeelandia) was built by the Dutch during their occupation of Taiwan in the 1600's. Get a glimpse of Taiwan's history by touring the fort and the museum on the upper level. Much of the original fort remains intact, including cannons and original red brick walls. Its historic and scenic ambience also make it a nice place to relax and enjoy the views. When you're done touring the fort, there are lots of nearby food options featuring local fare and seafood.

2. Not Your Ordinary Treehouse

Just a five minute walk from the Anping Fort and the popular Anping Old Street, this treehouse is literally a tree and a building that have grown together to become one thing. The building is an old warehouse built shortly after World War II, but abandoned soon afterwards. The tree is a giant banyan tree that since that time has grown to more or less absorb the whole structure. Banyan trees are interesting and cool on their own, but the way this one's roots intertwine with the whole structure makes it a unique sight.

3. Cultural Spectacle

The Tainan City Flower Night Market (Hua Yuan Ye Shi) is probably the most popular of several night markets in Tainan. The night markets are open (on certain nights of the week) from around dusk until after midnight, and have a wide variety of food, merchandise and game stands, roughly equivalent to an Eastern version of what you might find at an American county or state fair (minus the animals and big rides). The markets are also a great place to view Taiwanese culture, since there are always lots of residents of all ages and social classes present. There is plenty of food to try, from the more familiar to the international to the adventurous.

4. Peaceful Vista

One of many old temples in the city, Tainan's Confucian Temple is the oldest of its kind on Taiwan. The temple is a fine example of the artistry of ancient Chinese architecture, with its colorful walls, traditional Chinese roof style and ornate statuary. It's also located in front of a large park full of banyan trees, making it a peaceful place to relax or fly a kite.

5. Shop, Eat, And Take In Taiwan

Starting at the Anping Fort, the winding Anping Old Street is generally crowded with people browsing the stands, shops and stores. This is a great place to be if you want to try traditional Taiwanese food, because you can probably find it all here, including Tainan's famous "coffin bread." Ornate Taiwanese crafts and products are also widely available here, making it a good place to look for a souvenir. Among the shops and food stands you can find a few traditional temples as well, making Anping Old Street a great center of Taiwanese culture.

1. History In View

Anping Fort (formerly known as Fort Zeelandia) was built by the Dutch during their occupation of Taiwan in the 1600's. Get a glimpse of Taiwan's history by touring the fort and the museum on the upper level. Much of the original fort remains intact, including cannons and original red brick walls. Its historic and scenic ambience also make it a nice place to relax and enjoy the views. When you're done touring the fort, there are lots of nearby food options featuring local fare and seafood.

2. Not Your Ordinary Treehouse

Just a five minute walk from the Anping Fort and the popular Anping Old Street, this treehouse is literally a tree and a building that have grown together to become one thing. The building is an old warehouse built shortly after World War II, but abandoned soon afterwards. The tree is a giant banyan tree that since that time has grown to more or less absorb the whole structure. Banyan trees are interesting and cool on their own, but the way this one's roots intertwine with the whole structure makes it a unique sight.

3. Cultural Spectacle

The Tainan City Flower Night Market (Hua Yuan Ye Shi) is probably the most popular of several night markets in Tainan. The night markets are open (on certain nights of the week) from around dusk until after midnight, and have a wide variety of food, merchandise and game stands, roughly equivalent to an Eastern version of what you might find at an American county or state fair (minus the animals and big rides). The markets are also a great place to view Taiwanese culture, since there are always lots of residents of all ages and social classes present. There is plenty of food to try, from the more familiar to the international to the adventurous.

4. Peaceful Vista

One of many old temples in the city, Tainan's Confucian Temple is the oldest of its kind on Taiwan. The temple is a fine example of the artistry of ancient Chinese architecture, with its colorful walls, traditional Chinese roof style and ornate statuary. It's also located in front of a large park full of banyan trees, making it a peaceful place to relax or fly a kite.

5. Shop, Eat, And Take In Taiwan

Starting at the Anping Fort, the winding Anping Old Street is generally crowded with people browsing the stands, shops and stores. This is a great place to be if you want to try traditional Taiwanese food, because you can probably find it all here, including Tainan's famous "coffin bread." Ornate Taiwanese crafts and products are also widely available here, making it a good place to look for a souvenir. Among the shops and food stands you can find a few traditional temples as well, making Anping Old Street a great center of Taiwanese culture.

Where to Eat in Tainan City

What can you expect in the "City of Snacks"? Check out eats like Dan Zai Mian and or coffin bread at Chihkan Peddler's Noodles, a family-owned, home-cooked restaurant. Dishes cost between NT$151-800.

When to visit Tainan City

Tainan City in December
Estimated hotel price
$154
1 night at 3-star hotel
Tainan City in December
Estimated hotel price
$154
1 night at 3-star hotel

When visiting Tainan, note that November and December, as well as the months of March and April, are the best times to visit. Temperatures at this time are a pleasant 73. Winter is mild and dry.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Tainan City

Plane

For international flights, travelers will land at the Kaohsiung City Airport or the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan. Use the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) to get into Tainan for NT$1350.

Train

Tainan HSR Station is a major stop on the Taipei - Kaohsiung City line. Fares cost NT$1500. You can also use the regular railway train from the Shulin station. First-class fares from Taipei cost NT$758.

Car

Driving from Kaohsiung to Tainan, use Freeway 1 (also called Sun Yat-sen Freeway). It's a straight drive along this route north and the journey takes around an hour.

Bus

From other cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, use premium bus services from Aloha, Ho-hsin, and Ubus. Buses arrive at the Beimen Station.

Plane

For international flights, travelers will land at the Kaohsiung City Airport or the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan. Use the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) to get into Tainan for NT$1350.

Train

Tainan HSR Station is a major stop on the Taipei - Kaohsiung City line. Fares cost NT$1500. You can also use the regular railway train from the Shulin station. First-class fares from Taipei cost NT$758.

Car

Driving from Kaohsiung to Tainan, use Freeway 1 (also called Sun Yat-sen Freeway). It's a straight drive along this route north and the journey takes around an hour.

Bus

From other cities like Taipei and Kaohsiung, use premium bus services from Aloha, Ho-hsin, and Ubus. Buses arrive at the Beimen Station.

Airports near Tainan City

RMQTaichung City ChingChuanKang
KHHKaohsiung City
MZGMagong City Makung

Airlines serving Tainan City

KLM
Good (1,370 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,895 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,842 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,685 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (929 reviews)
China Eastern
Good (151 reviews)
ANA
Excellent (897 reviews)
Korean Air
Excellent (1,104 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (1,507 reviews)
Thai Airways
Good (336 reviews)
China Southern
Good (101 reviews)
Asiana Airlines
Excellent (454 reviews)
China Airlines
Excellent (744 reviews)
EVA Air
Excellent (1,213 reviews)
Philippine Airlines
Good (888 reviews)
Vietnam Airlines
Good (195 reviews)
XiamenAir
Good (41 reviews)
VietJet Air
Okay (145 reviews)
STARLUX Airlines
Excellent (188 reviews)
Juneyao Airlines
Excellent (3 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Tainan City

Where to stay in Tainan City

West Central District - is home to the Chihkan Tower. It's also close to the Hayashi Department Store.

Popular Neighborhoods in Tainan

Anping District - within this district is the beautiful Lin Mo-Niang Memorial Park and Anping Old Street, which is a prime street market.

North District - the Tainan Flower Night Market is this neighborhood's main attraction. Don't miss the bright lights and wafting smells of street food.

Anping District - within this district is the beautiful Lin Mo-Niang Memorial Park and Anping Old Street, which is a prime street market.
North District - the Tainan Flower Night Market is this neighborhood's main attraction. Don't miss the bright lights and wafting smells of street food.

Where to stay in popular areas of Tainan City

Most booked hotels in Tainan City

See all
U.I.J Hotel & Hostel
4 stars
Excellent (9.3, Excellent reviews)
$50+
View
Provintia Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (9.2, Excellent reviews)
$78+
View
Silks Place Tainan
5 stars
Excellent (9.1, Excellent reviews)
$216+
View
Shangri-La Far Eastern Tainan
5 stars
Excellent (9, Excellent reviews)
$198+
View
Fx Hotel Tainan
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
$53+
View

How to Get Around Tainan City

Public Transportation

Bus routes start at the main Tainan train station. There are also sightseeing buses on the weekends that are marked 88 and 89. A one-way ticket costs NT$18 and a monthly pass is NT$700.

Taxi

Taxis in Tainan start at a flat rate of NT$85 and it's NT$12.4 per mile thereafter.

Car

Book car rentals from major companies like Avis, starting from NT$2687.69 for an economy, four-seater. You can also grab a scooter rental for a self-drive option for around NT$600 per day.

Public Transportation

Bus routes start at the main Tainan train station. There are also sightseeing buses on the weekends that are marked 88 and 89. A one-way ticket costs NT$18 and a monthly pass is NT$700.

Taxi

Taxis in Tainan start at a flat rate of NT$85 and it's NT$12.4 per mile thereafter.

Car

Book car rentals from major companies like Avis, starting from NT$2687.69 for an economy, four-seater. You can also grab a scooter rental for a self-drive option for around NT$600 per day.

The Cost of Living in Tainan City

Shopping Streets

For those who love malls and department stores, make sure to check out the variety at Shin Kong Mitsukoshi. South of the main Tainan Railway Station are several smaller boutique stores.

Groceries and Other

A quart of milk costs NT$85 and a dozen eggs will run you around NT$60.

Cheap meal
$4.42
A pair of jeans
$144.17
Single public transport ticket
$1.01
Cappuccino
$3.81

Everything you need to know for your stay in Tainan City

Tainan City Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Tainan City city guide for the best Tainan City travel tips. To help you organise your Tainan City trip ideas, this Tainan City visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.