A Tourist’s Guide to Taiwan: 5 Must Visit Destinations in Taipei and Kaohsiung – By Melody Tan

Special Edition: Taiwan is a vibrant island where modern cities meet stunning landscapes, rich traditions, and endless delicious foods. Whether you’re looking for buzzy yet busy shopping streets , breathtaking views, or cultural destinations, Taiwan offers it all. For those who don’t know, Taiwan is known for its bustling Night Life especially in its night markets. For first-time visitors, here are five destinations in Taipei and Kaohsiung that perfectly balance fun, shopping, and exploration.

1. Taipei 101 & Xinyi Shopping District (Taipei) No Taiwan visit is complete without visiting the infamous Taipei 101, once the tallest building in the world! Ride the high-speed elevator to the observatory for panoramic views of the city, you may even spot the most expensive apartment complex in Taiwan (Tao Zhu Yin Yuan). Afterward, head to the Xinyi Shopping District, home to luxury boutiques, trendy local brands, and bustling department stores. For a bit of fun, try out I-Ride, the Flying Theater in Taiwan, an immersive ride that simulates flying over stunning landscapes. Motion seats, wind, and effects make you feel like you’re truly soaring through the skies. This is the ultimate stop for both sightseeing ,shopping, and FUN. Tip: Visit in the evening to enjoy Taipei 101 lit up against the skyline, and grab dinner at one of everyone’s favorite restaurants “Ding Tai Fung”, or if you’re looking for a fancier meal the “Sea to Sky” bistro/ bar offers a panoramic view of the Taipei Skyline.

2. Ximending District (Taipei) Ximengding is literally the “Harajuku of Taipei.” It’s the city’s trendiest neighborhood, full of fashion boutiques, street art, pop-up cafés, and street performers also known as buskers. You can shop for affordable K-pop-style outfits, get a cute manicure, go thrifting or try quirky snacks like fried milk or XXL fried chicken .Stroll through its rainbow-colored streets, where vibrant murals and pride flags reflect Taipei’s creative and inclusive youth culture (Taiwan was also the first country in East Asia to legalize same-sex marriage) making every corner feel alive and photo-worthy. Tip: Visit at night when neon lights and music make the whole area feel like a street party.

3. Shilin Night Market (Taipei) For food lovers and bargainers, Shilin Night Market is quite the place for you. It is also one of the most popular destinations for every trip to Taiwan. From its original bubble tea and stinky tofu to oyster omelets and fried chicken, the night market offers endless food adventures. Beyond food, the market is packed with souvenir stalls, carnival games, and affordable fashion finds Tip: Go hungry and bring cash, many vendors don’t accept cards.

4. Ruifeng Night Market / Hanshin Mall (Kaohsiung) For a mix of traditional vibes and modern fun, head to Ruifeng Night Market in Kaohsiung (no trip to Taiwan is complete without visiting the night market at least twice). Famous for its buzzing atmosphere and delicious street food, you can try everything from grilled squid and oyster omelets to bubble tea, shaved ice desserts, tanghulu, scallion pancakes. Not only that, you can win prizes through mahjong, shooting hoops and guns. Just next door, Hanshin Mall offers a more polished experience with trendy global fashion stores, gaming arcades, Instagram-worthy cafés, and obviously Hai Di Lao hotpot or Ding Tai Fung— perfect for shopping, chilling, and people-watching. Pro tip: Go hungry and save room for both the night market snacks and a sweet treat at Hanshin Mall or go for a cute k-styled photobooth next door— it’s the ultimate foodie-meets-shopping experience.

5. Jiufen Old Street (Taipei)

Just a short ride from Taipei, Jiufen is a must-visit for its nostalgic streets and mountain-side charm. Wander through narrow alleys lined with tea houses, souvenir shops for quirky merch, and street food stalls serving taro balls, herbal rice cakes, and pineapple cakes. The lantern-lit streets give it a magical vibe (similar to Spirited Away) , especially at sunset perfect for insta photos and soaking in old-Taiwan vibes. Don’t forget to stop by a traditional tea house for a warm cup of oolong tea while overlooking the misty mountains and ocean below, or try some local snacks while watching the street performers!