72-hour Taiwan tour, exploring the best attractions and hotels in Taipei, Kaohsiung, Tainan
Summer vacation season has arrived! Besides flying to the popular destination of Japan, many surrounding cities such as Macau, Shenzhen, and Taiwan are also worth visiting. Join us on a 72-hour excursion in Taiwan this summer, where we will take you to some of the best attractions, accommodations, and food in Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Tainan over four days and three nights. It's time to start packing, friends.Day 1: New Taipei City / Taoyuan
Yingge Old Street
Known as the "Jingdezhen of Taiwan" (Jingdezhen is often referred to as the Porcelain Capital of China), Yingge Old Street in New Taipei City has a rich ceramic history dating back more than 200 years. The street's entrance is a Minnan-style red-brick building modeled after a century-old house. From there, ceramic enthusiasts can stroll along the street to explore more than a hundred specialty shops and pottery studios, as well as ancient kilns and square chimneys.
Don’t forget to check out the local Starbucks, either. The store has a unique design that retains the original features of the building, blending red bricks with ceramic elements, such as the “Old Ceramics Street” sign, which is a great place to take photos.
Address: Yingge Old Street, Yingge District, New Taipei City
The Westin Tashee Resort, Taoyuan
Located next to the famous Daxi Golf and Country Club and surrounded by greenery, The Westin Taxi Resort, Taoyuan is a peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The resort has 205 rooms, all with private balconies and scenic views, signature Westin Heavenly Beds and free in-room mini-bars.
Although a bit out of the way, The Westin Taxi has everything you need, including a variety of dining options, from exquisite Cantonese cuisine at Li Xuan to an international buffet with seasonal delicacies. Guests can also enjoy late-night drinks, snacks and live DJ performances at the pool bar.
Don’t forget to snap a few photos of the beautiful outdoor pool, which features a South Asian design and sweeping mountain views. The resort also offers a variety of family-friendly facilities such as go-karts, mini golf, carousel, art space, and more. You can easily spend a whole day at the resort and be sure to have an extraordinary experience.
Address: No. 166, Rixin Road, Daxi District, Taoyuan City
Day 2: Taipei
Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
Once home to Taiwan’s first modern cigarette factory, Songshan Cultural and Creative Park has come a long way since the days of tobacco. Built in 1937, the former manufacturing hub ceased operations in 1998 but was revitalized as a vibrant arts and cultural hub that now emits a different kind of creative smoke.
Songshan Creative Park is composed of outdoor spaces and multiple buildings, housing a variety of creative brands, design studios and a variety of specialty shops. With regular pop-up stores, markets and exhibitions, this cultural oasis invites visitors to explore a treasure trove of creative and artistic products.
While you’re there, check out the 24-hour Eslite Bookstore and Shopping Center, which is a great place to pick up some souvenirs.
Address: No. 133, Guangfu South Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City
The Four Seasons by Olivier E.
Seasons by Olivier E., a modern French restaurant helmed by renowned Michelin-starred chef Olivier Elzer, will open at W Taipei in 2023. Elzer teamed up with Hong Kong chef Ye Chengle to create a more approachable and leisurely French dining experience. The restaurant uses seasonal local Taiwanese ingredients and combines them with French cooking elements to offer innovative fusion dishes, ranging from mini baguettes with Taiwanese mullet roe butter to classic French apple tarts.
Address: 10th Floor, W Taipei, No. 10, Section 5, Zhongxiao East Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City
Raohe Night Market
No trip to Taiwan is complete without soaking up the excitement of a night market - and Raohe Street Night Market is one of Taipei's largest and busiest. Stretching over 600 metres, the street comes alive at 5pm every day, with its iconic entrance archway complementing the adjacent Songshan Ciyou Temple, creating a beautiful night scene.
Wandering among the bustling stalls, you'll find a wide variety of options, from pepper buns and stews to hand-pulled noodles and bubble tea. In addition to the countless food stalls, there are also game stalls and shops to explore. Afterwards, you can head to the nearby Rainbow Bridge, where you can enjoy a stunning night view of the Keelung River - a truly romantic spot if we do say so ourselves.
Address: Raohe Street, Songshan District, Taipei City
Opening hours: 5pm to 12am
W Hotel Taipei
W Taipei is conveniently located above Taipei City Hall MRT Station, offering stunning views of the iconic Taipei 101 skyscraper. The hotel's exterior was designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, while the interior design was carefully crafted by British design firm GA Design International, blending natural elements with modern technology. The hotel has 405 rooms and suites that exude a stylish and sophisticated vibe, with spacious bathtubs and signature W beds for the ultimate urban retreat. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel's many facilities and dining options, from modern French cuisine at Seasons by Olivier E. to relaxing at Woobar and sipping cocktails under the stars at the rooftop Yen Bar.
Address: No. 10, Section 5, Zhongxiao East Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City
Day 3: Tainan
Anping Old Street
Anping District in Tainan City is the oldest port in Taiwan and has witnessed the rule of the Dutch, Zheng He, Qing Dynasty and Japan for hundreds of years. Anping Old Street has a history of more than 300 years and is recognized as the "No. 1 Street in Taiwan". It was originally built by the Dutch in the Anping area. Strolling through the winding alleys, you will feel the weight of hundreds of years under your feet.
One of the highlights is the century-old "Taicheng Restaurant", where sugar, honey, licorice powder and other spices are made into candied fruits and preserves using ancient techniques. This old street is also dotted with shops selling Tainan specialties such as shrimp rolls, making it a great place to buy souvenirs.
Address: Yanping Street, Anping District, Tainan City
Acai Beef Soup
When it comes to Tainan’s famous delicacies, one dish deserves to be mentioned: beef noodle soup. And the most popular restaurant for this delicious dish is Acai Beef Noodle Soup.
Acai's flagship store is located on Gubao Street. It uses the freshest local beef and serves steaming beef soup, as well as beef noodle soup and other beef tripe dishes. At their second store, the sizzling beef hot pot is legendary, with delicious meat and a great appetite.
Address: No. 5 Gubao Street, Anping District, Tainan City
Good Savage Shaved Ice Shop
Tainan is truly a fruit capital, so tasting the city’s famous shaved ice desserts is a must! Step into Good Savage Shaved Ice, a shop on Anping Road that makes icy desserts featuring fresh local fruits.
For mango lovers, don’t miss their signature mango ice cream, which uses a blend of Yuwen and Irwin mangoes – a perfect combination of sweetness and flavor that will cool you down instantly.
Address: No. 768, Anping Road, Anping District, Tainan City
Anping Tree House/Deji Trading Co.
The historic Anping Old Street District is dotted with cultural landmarks and attractions, including Anping Fort, Taiwan’s first castle, and Anping Kaitai Tianhou Temple. Among this rich cultural heritage, two places have become must-see destinations for many: Anping Tree House and Tak Kee Foreign Trade Company.
Tak Kee Foreign Trade Company dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries and was once one of the famous “Five Merchants of Anping”, a group that dominated the opium, camphor, and sugar trades. Today, the stately white building has been designated a historical site and is home to the Taiwan Development Wax Museum.
Behind the Tak Kee Trading Company is the Anping Tree House, which was formerly an old warehouse. After years of disrepair after the war, an old banyan tree took root and grew through the tree house, forming a unique landscape that is worth taking out your camera to capture. Visitors can purchase tickets to visit the tree house and even enjoy coffee or homemade desserts at the on-site cafe.
Address: Next to No. 108, Gubao Street, Anping District, Tainan City
Tickets: NT$30-70
Historic Harbor Park and Lin Mo Niang Park
Anping Harbor and the canal area are a great place for the whole family to enjoy, perfect for a leisurely stroll and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.
At Lin Mo Niang Park you’ll find not one but two statues of the beloved Mazu. The stunning 16-meter-tall granite statue captures the youthful face of Lin Mo Niang as she watches the comings and goings of the port.
Another attraction at the park is the impressive 23-meter-long stainless steel whale, affectionately known as the "Big Fish's Blessing." Covered in 448 colorful glass tiles, the whale lights up at nightfall, creating a stunning spectacle and an ideal photo opportunity. You can even enter the whale's belly to enjoy unobstructed views of the entire Anping Port area.
Address: Anyi Road, Anping District, Tainan City
Sky Bar
The Sky Bar on the 16th floor is currently the highest rooftop lounge in Tainan, offering a stunning 270-degree view of Anping Harbor. From this vantage point, you can look out over iconic landmarks such as Yujiang Island, the Navy Destroyer Deyang Ship Park, and the Sunset Platform. Go during prime time to enjoy specialty coffee and snacks while soaking up the sunset.
Address: 16F, Sheraton Tainan Hotel, No. 108, Guangzhou Road, Anping District, Tainan City
Tainan Garden Night Market
Tainan Garden Night Market is one of the largest night markets in southern Taiwan, with a dizzying array of food stalls, roadside eateries and game booths.
The night market is open on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, attracting locals and tourists alike. The food choices here are dizzying (of course, the best choices) - crispy sweet potatoes, stinky tofu, fresh milk mochi, sugar rice cakes, etc.
Address: No. 533, Section 3, Hai'an Road, North District, Tainan City
Opening hours: Thursday, Saturday, Sunday (17:00-24:00)
Aloft Tainan Anping Hotel
Located opposite the historic Yizai Golden City, Aloft Tainan Anping is the first Marriott International hotel in Tainan. Surrounded by popular attractions such as Yujiang Island, Anping Old Street, Anping Fort and Anping Tree House, the hotel is an ideal place to stay during your Tainan vacation.
The hotel has 115 spacious rooms and offers a variety of facilities, including a kids club and a fitness center. When you work up an appetite, head to the hotel's all-day restaurant for delicious cuisine that blends Western and Chinese flavors, or head to the rooftop bar for a carefully crafted cocktail.
Address: No. 108, Guangzhou Road, Anping District, Tainan City
Day 4: Kaohsiung
Cijin
On your last day, you can visit Kaohsiung's charming Cijin Island. This small coastal island is easily accessible by ferry or car and has many attractions, from the famous seafood street to the Cijin Fort, Mazu Temple, lighthouse, and more. Whether you have half a day or a full day to spare, a trip to Cijin is worth a visit.
For social media enthusiasts, there are also many photo spots here, including the lighthouse cafe Shoreline Coffee & Roaster, Cijin Rainbow Church, Cijin Pear Garden, and the mesmerizing Cijin Star Tunnel, a former military defense tunnel that is now a photogenic attraction with lights and projections showing the 12 Chinese zodiac animals.
Walking out of the star-studded tunnel, you'll be greeted by the vast view of Cijin Bay, with waves crashing against the rocky coastline, creating a picturesque scene.
Address: Lane 1, Miaoqian Road, Cijin District, Kaohsiung City
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