If you’re looking for what to do in Tainan, you’ve come to the right place! Tainan, the former capital of Taiwan, is a real dive into the country’s history and culture. But don’t be fooled by its imperial past—this city buzzes with vibrant streets, incredible culture, stunning temples, and creative neighborhoods that surprise you at every turn.
We arrived in Tainan after visiting Xiaoliuqiu, in the middle of our three-week itinerary through Taiwan, during our second round-the-world trip. It was a city that surprised us not only for its authenticity and more relaxed pace—far from the hustle of Taipei or Kaohsiung—but also for the Japanese cultural influence around every corner.
Table of Contents
Best time to visit Tainan
We visited Tainan in April and had perfect weather: sunny days, temperatures around 25ºC, and a pleasant vibe for exploring the city on foot. Spring is definitely one of the best seasons to visit Taiwan—you’ll avoid the intense summer heat and the rainy season that starts in June.
If you’re planning a trip, April and November are ideal months to explore Tainan without breaking a sweat.
How to get to Tainan
We came from Xiaoliuqiu and headed straight to Tainan, but most travelers go back to Kaohsiung first (by ferry to Donggang and then by bus, Uber, or taxi) to catch a regular or high-speed train to Tainan.
We, however, decided to try an alternative route: a regional train that passes through Nanzhou and goes directly to Tainan. The frequency is lower, but we caught a train around noon and it was totally worth it for the experience.
Our route was like this:
- Ferry from Xiaoliuqiu to Donggang
- We walked five minutes to Donutes Bakery, a local pastry shop where we had breakfast.
- We ordered an Uber to Nanzhou Station.
- We took the regional train to Tainan.
It was an interesting alternative to avoid Kaohsiung and make the trip more direct!
Where to stay in Tainan
Tainan has options for all tastes, from boutique hotels in historic buildings to modern and budget accommodations. If you want to know more about the best areas and hotels, check out our complete guide on where to stay in Tainan.
What to do in Tainan
Tainan is the oldest city in Taiwan and one of the best destinations for history and culture lovers. If you’re planning a visit, here are the main places we explored in Tainan that you can add to your itinerary.
West Central District
The heart of Tainan, where you’ll find the city’s most iconic temples, colonial buildings, vintage shops, and some of the best cafés and restaurants. It’s worth getting lost in the narrow streets and discovering hidden gems.
Taiwan Fu City God Temple
This is one of the most important temples in Tainan, dedicated to the City God, protector of the population and keeper of spiritual order. The atmosphere is mystical, with incense burning and devotees praying for protection and justice.
Fucheng Baxie Jing Dongyue Temple (府城八協境東嶽殿)
One of the most intriguing temples in Tainan, dedicated to Dongyue Dadi, the Taoist god who rules the underworld. According to popular belief, souls are judged here after death, and the decorations reflect this, with statues of spiritual judges, dark deities, and depictions of the various levels of the underworld. The vibe is intense, filled with incense and offerings, making this temple a unique experience for those wanting to explore the mystical side of Tainan.
Koxinga’s Shrine
Koxinga is a legendary figure in Taiwan, the general who expelled the Dutch from the island in the 17th century. This shrine honors his memory and is a great place to understand more about the city’s history. It’s a beautiful, peaceful place surrounded by gardens.
Kaiji Ling Shui Fu Ren Temple (開基臨水夫人媽廟)
A small but meaningful temple dedicated to Ling Shui Fu Ren, a goddess associated with the protection of women and children. It’s one of the oldest temples in Taiwan and has a very special atmosphere.
Tainan Wu Garden
This historic garden was originally part of a wealthy merchant’s residence. Today, it’s a small green retreat in the middle of the city—perfect for a break between sightseeing, and it features a beautiful tea house.
Tiantan Tiangong Temple
Dedicated to the Jade Emperor, the supreme deity in Taoism, this is one of the oldest temples in Tainan. The architecture is impressive, and the energy of the place makes you feel part of the city’s spiritual tradition.
National Museum of Taiwan Literature
If you like literature and history, this museum is unmissable. It’s located in a gorgeous colonial building and tells the story of Taiwanese literature through the centuries.
Tainan Art Gallery (Building 1 & 2)
Two buildings that blend contemporary art and stunning architecture. The first features temporary exhibitions and is housed in a former Japanese police station, while the second is a work of art in itself. You can buy tickets here.
Confucius Temple Business District
The commercial area around the Confucius Temple is full of local shops, cafés, and small restaurants. A great place to explore, buy souvenirs, and taste some of Tainan’s traditional snacks.
Tainan Confucius Temple
The oldest Confucian temple in Taiwan and one of the city’s most symbolic places. It’s worth visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Snail Alley
We visited at night because it just made sense — we already had plans to go to Lonely Bar. The area has a unique vibe, where tradition blends with modernity: restaurants, bars, cafés, and small shops create a vibrant space without losing that old Tainan charm. Strolling here at night is something special, with warm lights on historic façades and the sound of people dining or having drinks. During the day, it feels more like a shopping and café area.
Yamuliao Market
We started one morning at Yamuliao Market, a place as local as it gets. Simple stalls, neighborhood folks, and that nice hum of daily life — not made for tourists. If you want to feel the real pulse of the city, this is where to begin.
Chikan East Street
Right after that, we found Chikan East Street, a charming little lane. You’ll see street art murals, independent shops, and restaurants that make you want to walk in just from the smell coming from the kitchen. It’s the kind of street you discover little by little.
Chikan Tower
Very close by is the famous Chikan Tower. Unfortunately, it was under renovation when we went, so we didn’t go inside. But the exterior is already worth the visit, and you can feel the historical weight it holds in the city.
Tainan Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple
The name might be long, but the experience is simple and powerful. The Tainan Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple is a peaceful space, full of beautiful details. It’s one of those temples that makes you slow down and really look around.
Tainan Grand Mazu Temple
Another striking temple is the Tainan Grand Mazu Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the sea. Even if you’re not religious, the atmosphere, the incense, the sounds, and the colors make it feel like a meaningful old movie scene.
YongLe Market
If you love street food, you really have to stop by YongLe Market. It’s big and vibrant, and food reigns supreme here. Look for the longest lines — that’s always a good sign.
Where to eat in Tainan
Tainan is known as Taiwan’s food capital, and it’s not by chance. Food here is a real source of pride, and there’s a huge variety of flavors to try, going far beyond traditional Taiwanese cuisine. These were some of our favorite spots.
KOEMON
A super cozy café, perfect for relaxing and taking a break. The egg salad toast is delicious, and the space has a really pleasant vibe.
Born 2 Her Café (店休日請看)
We came here for the famous Swiss cheese-shaped cheesecake, but ended up finding a very cute café with modern decor, some clothes and souvenirs for sale, and a super relaxed atmosphere.
Kura Sushi
The classic conveyor belt sushi, located inside Focus shopping mall. There’s a lot more to explore in the mall—like Daiso, karaoke booths, and even a café where the staff dresses in anime-style outfits. You order everything on a tablet, and earn points that can be exchanged for prizes.
Tian Zaixin Cafe
If you’re a coffee lover, this is a must-visit. They have several single origins prepared in different ways, including siphon. The staff is super friendly and gives great recommendations.
IBT Coffee
In the heart of the West Central District, this café blends modern architecture with a calm atmosphere. We stopped here for a snack and heard the tiramisu is a must!
Midori-cho Matcha Dessert Shop
If you’re a matcha fan, this place is paradise. From the classic matcha tiramisu to a matcha Basque cheesecake, everything here is delicious and made with high-quality green tea.
Bar Lonely
A Japanese-style bar with a unique and high-quality cocktail menu that won us over. The vibe is super chill—the kind of place where you can sit and chat for hours. A detail we loved? You can tap your phone on the NFC tags in the menu to hear the music associated with each cocktail, helping you choose based on your mood. If you prefer outdoor seating, there’s also a nice patio area.
Magma – Cheesecake Specialty Shop
If you like desserts with character, you have to stop by Magma (美格瑪乳酪專賣店), a small shop specializing in cheesecakes. The cakes are fresh, made to order, and incredibly tasty. The highlight? A cheesecake that’s flame-torched on the spot—crispy outside, creamy inside—the kind that melts in your mouth.
10 Ping (Shí Píng – 十平)
This tiny restaurant—10 Ping (Shí Píng 十平)—is a well-kept secret in Tainan. The space is small, with only a few seats around an omakase-style counter. The inspiration comes from Japan, from the delicate flavors to the minimalist decor.
The service is full of that signature Taiwanese warmth, whether from the chef or the team—they instantly make you feel at home. It’s the kind of place where you sit, order anything from the menu (it’s all good!), and lose track of time. A truly unique spot in the city and one of the best food experiences we had in Taiwan.
Tips for traveling in Tainan
- Transport – Tainan doesn’t have a metro, but buses are efficient. Many travelers prefer to rent a scooter or bicycle to explore the city at their own pace. Uber is also a practical option.
- Safety – Tainan is extremely safe, just like the rest of Taiwan. We always felt comfortable walking around, day or night.
- Travel Insurance – Traveling without insurance can be risky. With Heymondo, you get medical coverage, 24/7 assistance, and protection for luggage and cancellations, all easily managed through the app.
- Mobile Internet – Staying connected makes a big difference for navigation, bookings, and translations. With the Holafly eSIM, you get unlimited data without needing to swap physical SIM cards—just activate before landing.
