Things To Do in Tainan, Taiwan: A 3-Day Guide
Discovering Tainan
Located on Taiwan’s southwest coast, Tainan is the country’s oldest city and once served as its capital for more than 200 years. Known for its rich history, lively night markets, and outstanding food, Tainan is often called the culinary heart of Taiwan.
Visitors can explore landmarks like the Confucius Temple and Fort Zeelandia, then enjoy authentic local dishes that reflect centuries of tradition. Tainan blends the past with the present, making it a city that preserves its heritage while embracing modern Taiwanese culture. Dive into the top things to do in Tainan and experience the magic for yourself.
Short on time?
High-Speed Rail (HSR)
The fastest and most comfortable option. Trains stop at Tainan HSR Station, with shuttle or local train into the city.
- NT$ 1,350–1,390 (≈US$ 40–50) one-way
- ˜90 min from Taipei
TRA (Regular Train)
Standard rail service directly to Tainan Main Station in the city center.
- Typically NT$ 450–480 (≈US$ 15)
- 3–5 hrs from Taipei
Bus
Cheapest and flexible option with many departures daily.
- NT$ 400–600 (≈US$ 13–20) one-way
- ˜4–5 hrs from Taipei
Typical Travel Times
Best Option
Budget Choice
Local Travel
Where to Stay in Tainan Taiwan?
When choosing a place to stay in Tainan, we wanted a location close to the city’s historic sites and top attractions. FX Hotel Tainan turned out to be the perfect choice.
Just a 10-minute walk from Chihkan Tower and a 10-minute drive from both Tainan Railway Station and Wusheng Night Market, the hotel kept us close to everything. Even Anping Tree House and Fort Zeelandia were only 10 minutes away by car.
The hotel was clean, with spacious rooms and a great breakfast. We especially appreciated the free bike rentals, which made it easy to explore the city and ride along the river. On-site laundry facilities and a fitness center were added bonuses.
We used the same approach when booking our stay in Kaohsiung, choosing a hotel near all the highlights we shared in our post on the 9 Best Things to See and Do in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Staying close to the main attractions makes traveling much more enjoyable.
Rent A Bike
Renting a bike made exploring Tainan easier and more enjoyable, especially along the scenic Yanshui River trail. The path is peaceful, with parks, picnic tables, and small cafés where you can take a break.
Cycling in Tainan feels safe and relaxing, as drivers are respectful of cyclists and the city is bike-friendly. It’s a great way to see more of the city while enjoying the outdoors.
Travel Vlog From This Trip
Anping Tree House
While biking along the Yanshui River, we discovered a treehouse hidden in the mangroves, complete with a sky bridge and viewing platform overlooking the greenery. The massive fig tree roots wrapped around the old house were incredible to see up close.
Entry is only 50 NTD (about 1.50 USD), and the site also has a couple of small gift shops and a calligraphy museum. It’s a family-friendly stop, perfect for kids and anyone looking for a little adventure.
How to Get to Anping Tree House
From Tainan Train Station, take bus 2, 5, 7, 11, or 14 to the Tainan stop. Then transfer to bus 24, which goes directly to Anping Tree House. It’s a convenient and budget-friendly route, making it easy to reach this enchanting spot.
- Tainan is Taiwan’s oldest city and was once the nation’s capital for over 200 years.
- It’s often called the “City of Temples” with more than 1,000 temples scattered across the city.
- Tainan is considered the birthplace of Taiwan’s street food culture, famous for dishes like danzai noodles and mango shaved ice.
- The Chihkan Tower, built by the Dutch in the 1600s, is one of Tainan’s most iconic landmarks.
- Every year, Tainan hosts the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival, one of the world’s most intense fireworks events.
Anping Old Fort (Fort Zeelandia)
Anping Old Fort, once called Fort Zeelandia, is one of Tainan’s top historical landmarks. Built by the Dutch in 1634, it later fell to Koxinga in 1662, a turning point in Taiwan’s history.
Today, visitors can walk along the preserved fort walls, explore museum exhibits, and enjoy the scenic setting that brings the past to life.
For an entry fee of 50 NTD, or 150 NTD for access to four other nearby historical sites, visitors can explore the fort grounds, where part of the original wall still stands. The Zeelandia Museum, established in 1882 by foreign traders, showcases the site’s archaeology and history.
There’s even live music outdoors, adding to the experience. English-guided tours are available on Sundays from 1-4 pm, making it easier to dive deeper into the rich heritage of Anping Old Fort. We highly recommend this visit to anyone interested in Taiwan’s unique cultural blend.
Explore Tainan: Tours Worth Booking
Street Museum of Art
The Street Museum of Art in Tainan is one of the city’s most fascinating open-air experiences, turning walls, alleys, and public spaces into a sprawling urban gallery. Although we didn’t manage to find every artwork, the ones we did see were clever, playful, and incredibly creative. Clearly, the artists behind them have vivid imaginations, transforming everyday streets into unexpected canvases.
Best of all, the art is accessible day and night. In fact, some spots—especially those around Anping—are even more magical in the evening when the city lights cast a warm glow, adding depth and atmosphere to the murals. The “museum” itself is free and always evolving, with new works appearing while others hide like treasures waiting to be discovered. As a result, searching for them quickly becomes a fun, art-inspired game. If you’ve managed to track them all down, share your finds in the comments and let us know which streets they’re on!
Anping Old Street Market
Anping Street, the oldest street in Taiwan, is a must-visit historical gem located just a five-minute walk from Anping Fort. As you arrive, the bustling market immediately offers a feast for the senses. Food stalls tempt visitors with everything from beef noodles and soy desserts to the unique pairing of quail eggs with shrimp—a surprisingly delicious first-time try for us.
Moreover, the friendly vendors and traditional live music bring the street to life, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. While wandering through the crowd, keep an eye out for the Sword Lion, the iconic symbol of Anping. This legendary figure, often depicted with a sword in its mouth, is believed to watch over the community and adds a cultural touch to the vibrant street scene.
When in Tainan, don’t miss out on trying their art-inspired ice creams! They come in various adorable shapes, from animals like pigs and bunnies to fun objects like balloons, cars, and even flowers. We decided to try the pink strawberry piggy, and it was such a fun experience—both creative and delicious. Who could say no to ice cream, especially when it’s this cute? Each unique, artful treat costs around 90 NT and is worth every bite!
Try Tainan’s Creative Art Piggy Ice Cream!
When you visit Tainan, make sure to try their creative, art-inspired ice creams. These treats come in fun shapes, from animals like pigs and bunnies to playful designs such as balloons, cars, and flowers. We tried the pink strawberry pig, and it was both adorable and delicious. After all, who could say no to ice cream when it looks this cute? Each unique treat costs about 90 NT (≈ US$ 3), and it’s worth every bite.
Taiwanese Shaved Ice with Fresh Mango
You can’t leave Tainan without trying Taiwanese shaved ice with fresh mango. We first had it in Kaohsiung, and both versions were incredibly delicious. If you’ve followed us for a while, you already know about our mango obsession—whether it’s shaved ice, fresh fruit, cakes, or especially smoothies. Pretty much anything with mango is our go-to treat.
Be sure to check out local shops for the most authentic flavors. Mango shaved ice is refreshing, vibrant, and a true taste of Taiwan. One of the best versions we tried was on Cijin Island, served with mango jelly for extra flavor. If you want more about that trip, take a look at our guide: Top Things to See and Do on a Cijin Island Day Trip
