Taiwan’s oldest city, dotted with Dutch- and Qing-era forts and temples, and celebrated as the capital of Taiwanese street food — from dawn beef soup to danzai noodles.
The cool season for walking the historic sites and food lanes. source
Around the Lantern Festival after Lunar New Year
Southern Taiwan’s big events, such as the nearby Yanshui beehive fireworks, take place. source
Weather: November–March is cooler and drier for walking; May–September is hot and humid, with typhoons possible in summer. source
Times to avoid: Summer (June–September) middays are very hot and typhoons can disrupt plans; mix in indoor sights and early or late outings. source
Weather varies from year to year; check the forecast before you go.
Don't miss in Tainan
Chihkan Tower Pavilions and shrines on the site of a Dutch-era fort, symbol of old Tainan. source
Anping Old Fort The site of the 17th-century Dutch Fort Zeelandia, with views over Anping from its lookout. source
Anping Tree House An old trading company warehouse engulfed by banyan roots. source
Where to stay in Tainan
West Central District (around Chihkan Tower)
The old core of temples, lanes and long-running food stalls.
Around Tainan Station
The TRA station and buses make HSR and day trips easy.
What to eat in Tainan
Beef Soup — Thin slices of fresh beef cooked by pouring over hot broth, a Tainan breakfast
Danzai Noodles — Small bowls of noodles with minced-pork sauce and shrimp
Coffin Bread — Thick hollowed toast filled with creamy stew
Tainan tips and things to watch out for
Tainan travel tips
Most city-run historic sites, such as Chihkan Tower and Anping Old Fort, open at 8:30 a.m., so go early to beat the heat. source
Getting there: the HSR Tainan station is outside town; change at the linked Shalun station to the TRA Shalun Line for Tainan Station. International flights usually use Kaohsiung Airport. source
Good to know in Taiwan
EasyCard works on many Taiwanese metro and bus services and at participating shops. Check for the acceptance sign. source
Night markets are mostly cash; bring small notes and coins. source
Watch out for in Taiwan
Eating and drinking, even water, is banned in MRT stations and trains, with fines. source
Typhoons in summer and autumn can cancel flights and ferries; watch the forecast. source
General advice for the whole country. Check official government travel advice for entry rules and safety before you go.
Restaurant prices for Tainan are still being collected. The estimate also uses some official meal and transit prices checked in other cities in Taiwan.
Tainan attraction & theme park tickets
Official sellers’ prices for one adult admission. Select attractions in the calculator to add them to your budget.