Looking for what to do in Kaohsiung? You’ve come to the right place. Kaohsiung might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of Taiwan, but you should put it at the top of your list. This dynamic destination blends culture, art, nature, and modernity, and was the perfect entry point for our three-week trip around the country in 2025.
If you’re planning to visit Kaohsiung, in this article you’ll find our 3-day itinerary with everything we did, plus a list of what we missed (and that you can enjoy).
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How many days to spend in Kaohsiung?
Kaohsiung is one of Taiwan’s largest cities, and although three days were enough to explore the main sights, there’s still plenty to do in Kaohsiung. If we’d had more time, we would have stayed at least one more day.
Where to stay in Kaohsiung?
We stayed in Sanmin District, near the central station, a convenient area for easy transportation. But Kaohsiung has several interesting areas to stay, depending on your travel style. Check out our article about the best areas to stay in Kaohsiung.
3-day itinerary in Kaohsiung
Day 1 – First steps around the city
We arrived in Kaohsiung and, after resting a bit, started exploring in the late afternoon.
Hou Yi Shopping District
A shopping street full of women’s clothing retail stores. What makes this place special is the ceiling covered with colorful umbrellas, creating an amazing visual effect.
Desert with Our
A cozy café (陪伴甜點 • 咖啡｜可麗露專売) with a super cute atmosphere and great-looking desserts. We only had coffee, but it’s worth checking out the display.
Sunfong Temple
One of the most beautiful temples we visited in Kaohsiung. At nightfall, the lanterns light up and create a magical setting inside.
Liuhe Night Market
This is one of the city’s most popular night markets, focused on street food. There are stalls for all tastes, and the bustle makes the experience even more lively.
Dinner at Hong Kong Style Dim Sum Specialty Shop
The market was very crowded, and after a day of travel, we looked for something quieter. We found this simple dim sum and Hong Kong-style cuisine restaurant (港味高师父港式点心专卖店) that was an excellent choice.
Day 2 – Culture, art, and a surprising island
We started the day by exploring one of Kaohsiung’s most iconic places.
Dome of Light (Formosa Boulevard Station)
This colorful glass ceiling, located at Formosa Boulevard metro station, is a true work of art. Created by Italian artist Narcissus Quagliata, it represents themes like life, the universe, and hope.
Before heading to catch the ferry to Cijin Island from that station, we had coffee and were surprised by a special Taiyaki:
- Ruh Coffee – This coffee chain has several locations in the city. We went to the one at Formosa Boulevard Station and the one at Railway Station, and the coffee was great at both.
- Jing Du Yuan (京都苑日式甜點專賣｜美麗島旗艦店) – We stopped here to try a Taiyaki (that fish-shaped cake), but this one had a special touch: it was inspired by the metro mascot and was shaped like a cat!
Exploring Cijin Island
We took the metro to Hamasan Station and walked along Lixiong Street, where there are several interesting little shops. The ferry to the island departs from Gushan Ferry Pier, costs about 30 TWD, and you can pay with the EasyCard.
- Cijin Old Street – The island’s main street, full of street food stalls. We bought some things and ate at the beach while enjoying the view. There are some simple but very tasty fried dough balls.
- Qijinhai Pearl (旗津海珍珠) – A giant shell-shaped sculpture where you can hear the sound of the sea inside.
- Rainbow Church – A colorful structure over a water mirror with a direct view of the ocean.
- Cijin Tunnel – An illuminated tunnel that leads to a path along the cliff, perfect for walks with sea views.
If we’d had a Taiwanese phone number or a registered EasyCard, we would have rented public bikes to explore more easily, but we did everything on foot.
Back to Kaohsiung: art and night markets
We took the ferry back and headed to the ALIEN Art Centre, an art center located in a former military hostel. The exhibitions focus on painting and photography, and we thought it was worth the visit.
Right across, along Gushan 1st Rd, there are entire buildings covered in street art, each with a different theme. For us, it was one of the city’s highlights.
We ended the day at the Ruifeng Night Market, which we considered the best night market in Kaohsiung. There’s a huge variety of food, game stalls, and even some shops.
Day 3 – Temples, art, and the modern side of Kaohsiung
Lotus Pond and its temples
Located in the Zuoying District, this lake is surrounded by impressive temples.
- Dragon and Tiger Pagodas – Tradition says you should enter through the dragon and exit through the tiger to attract good luck.
- Spring and Autumn Pavilions – A set of colorful pavilions with striking architecture.
- Zuoying Yuandi Temple – Another magnificent temple by the lake.
- Lunch at PAMMA COFFEE – The restaurant didn’t surprise us with its food, but the glass building with lake views was worth the visit.
Pier 2 Art Center
One of Kaohsiung’s most creative areas! Pier 2 is a huge complex of art, design, bookstores, cafés, and restaurants. It used to be an abandoned industrial area but was transformed into one of the city’s most interesting places. It’s impossible to explore everything quickly, so take your time.
We stopped for coffee at Lab, one of Pier 2’s many cozy spaces.
Walk through Central Park back to the hotel
At the end of the day, we decided to walk back to the hotel, passing through Central Park, a green area perfect for relaxing before ending our Kaohsiung adventure.
Other things to do in Kaohsiung
If you have more time in the city, here are other places worth visiting – add them to your list of what to do in Kaohsiung.
- Hamasen Railway Cultural Park – An outdoor park preserving Kaohsiung’s railway history. It used to be a freight train station and is now an interactive space with old railway tracks, restored carriages, and paths for walking or biking.
- Kaohsiung Cultural Center – One of the city’s main cultural centers, where you can attend exhibitions, performances, and artistic events. The modern building and its gardens are also great for strolling.
- National Science and Technology Museum – An interactive museum dedicated to science and technology, ideal for those who like hands-on experiences. It has exhibitions about Taiwan’s industry, renewable energy, and technological advances.
- Lingya District Street Art – A neighborhood full of colorful murals and urban art. Each wall tells a story, reflecting local creativity and culture. Perfect for those who like to explore the city on foot and discover unexpected little details.
- Dream Mall – Taiwan’s largest shopping mall, with hundreds of stores, restaurants, and even an amusement park on top, featuring a Ferris wheel with panoramic views of Kaohsiung.
- Urban Spotlight – A vibrant area in the heart of the city, known for its neon lights, bars, and live music. A great place for a nighttime stroll and to feel Kaohsiung’s energy after sunset.
- Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum – One of Taiwan’s most impressive Buddhist temples, with a giant Buddha statue and several pavilions telling the history of Buddhism. A place of peace and spirituality worth visiting.
Practical tips for traveling in Kaohsiung
Taiwan EasyCard
Unlimited Metro Pass
Taiwan Unlimited Mobile Data
- Transportation: The metro (MRT) is the easiest way to get around. Get an EasyCard to pay for rides and even purchases at convenience stores. The metro now accepts credit cards directly.
- Bikes and scooters: The YouBike bike-sharing system is great, but you need a Taiwanese number to register on the app. If you prefer more freedom, renting a scooter is a good option.
- Mobile internet: A Holafly eSIM gives you unlimited internet without needing to swap SIM cards. If you prefer a physical SIM, you can buy one at the airport or local stores.
- Travel insurance: We never travel without insurance. Heymondo is a good option for Taiwan, covering medical expenses, cancellations, and emergencies.
Kaohsiung surprised us at every corner – from urban art to night markets, from grand temples to beaches right next to downtown. Now all that’s left is for you to start planning your trip!
