A Tainan day trip is long overdue. Tainan is Taiwan’s oldest city and is a treasure trove of history and culture. Its warm charm, shaped over centuries, draws visitors back again and again. Whether you find yourself wandering through its narrow streets and alleys, or around the popular tourist areas, you’ll be sure to find hidden stories and the imprints left by generations past.
The culture of the area is preserved so wonderfully through all of the culturally significant spots, such as Chikan Tower, Chimei Museum, and Anping Fort. But some of the best things here are the amazing dishes that have been served the same way year after year, with an unwavering commitment to delicious flavours while preserving traditional techniques.
The old houses lining the streets offer a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, their living spaces, and their cherished memories. As you delve into the past and present of the city, you’ll discover a timeless charm that transcends generations through food, culture, and preservation of heritage.
What to eat in Tainan?
Must-eat food is beef soup, egg noodles with eel, and milkfish belly.
What is the must-visit in Tainan?
Hayashi Department Store, Confucius Temple, and Chikan Tower are must-visits in Tainan. You can also consider the Anping Tree House and Chimei Museum, which are located just outside of the city.
Where to stay in Tainan?
The city centre is a popular area to stay, with historical buildings, temples, and a lively night market. The Anping District also has charming boutique hotels and inns near the historic Anping Fort.
Table of Contents
Please take note that this article contains links to services and products from which I may receive compensation at no additional cost to you.
How to Get to Tainan
Getting to Tainan is just about as easy as anywhere else on the island. You can drive, take a train, take the HSR, or take a bus.
- By Train
- Taking a train is made easy as you can pre-book online, or you can just turn up at Taipei Main Station. It takes anywhere between 3-4.5 hours to get to Tainan based on which train you get and will cost between $700-$800 per person.
- By High-Speed Rail
- This is by far the fastest way to get to the south. HSR will take you 2hrs or less!
- By Driving
- Driving to Tainan can be an event in itself. You could stop off for delicious food at Chiayi before heading to Tainan. It will take just under 4hrs of driving from downtown Taipei to Tainan, via Chiayi for breakfast. Check out this Google Maps link for driving details.
- By Bus
- The bus will take 4-5 hours from Taipei City to Tainan.
You can get your transportation tickets here:
High-Speed Rail Tickets | Pick-up at High-Speed Rail
Where to Stay
The city is blessed with many fantastic hotels that are sure to match your budget. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly, modern, or 5-star hotel, Tainan has it all.
City Center Hotels
This is a hotel to take note of. I highly recommend staying here for ultimate comfort and luxury.
Price range: around NT 4000-6000/night
Special features: Hotel Restaurant Robin’s Teppanyaki, Infinity, and also fantastic breakfast options
Booking: Hotel website | Booking.com | Klook | Agoda
Tainan City – Silks Place Tainan 台南晶英酒店, 1 of the Best Hotels in the South!
Price range: around NT 2000-3000/night
Special feature: Old School Vintage deco rooms
Booking: Hotel website | Booking.com | Klook | Agoda
Price range: around NT 2000/night
Special feature: close to the train station
Booking: Hotel website | Booking.com | Klook | Agoda
A Bit Further Out
If you're looking for a hotel with a view of the ocean, or in a quieter, more relaxed location, there are plenty of those, too.
捷絲旅台南十鼓館 Just Sleep Tainan Hushan
Price range: around NT 2000-3000/night
Special feature: close to Chimei Museum, Ten Drum Cultural Village, great selection of breakfast
Booking: Hotel website | Booking.com | Klook | Agoda
Tainan City – Just Sleep Tainan Hushan 捷絲旅台南虎山館, A Magical Getaway With Excellent Views!
Price range: around NT 2500-3000/night
Special feature: Offers tasty late-night snacks, by the river.
Booking: Hotel website | Booking.com | Klook | Agoda
台南大員皇冠假日酒店 Crowne Plaza Tainan
Price range: around NT 4000-6000/night
Special feature: more secluded, riverside view, sauna, great breakfast selection
Booking: Hotel website | Booking.com | Klook | Agoda
What to Eat in Tainan
There is so much good food. Whether you want to eat the delicious, traditional flavours of Tainan or creative fusion restaurants, there's something for everyone.
西羅殿牛肉湯 Xiluodian Beef Soup
Tainan Beef Soup is a mainstay in the south of the island, and Xiluodian is dedicated to serving it. Every restaurant has different nuances to their broth, which makes the beef soup adventure even more fun! Xiluodian has a delicate soup that brings just a hint of beef with it but is packed with lots of vegetable flavours. It's cooked low and slow, as you can taste natural flavours throughout. The beef is delicate, yet has a great kick of beef flavour.
Opening Hours:
Wed-Mon 5 AM – 1 PM; Tue closed
Tainan City – 西羅殿牛肉湯 Xiluodian Is 1 of the Best Tainan Beef Soups Money Can Buy!
文章牛肉湯 Wen Zhang Beef Soup
Fresh beef, you’re not going to find any of that frozen beef down here! Thinly sliced from a beautiful slab of beef, then dropped into the hot bowl of soup and left to cook whilst travelling to your table. The beef remains perfectly delicate and succulent at Wen Zhang Beef Soup, bursting with flavour each time you chew down.
Opening Hours:
Everyday 1030 AM-2 AM
Tainan City – Wen Zhang Beef Soup 文章牛肉湯
李媽媽民族鍋燒老店 MinZu Nabeyaki egg noodles
Claimed to be the first-ever Nebayaki of its kind in Tainan, this speciality noodle restaurant is packed throughout the week. The udon noodle was the first dish the restaurant became known for. In 1963 when the restaurant first opened in Tainan, udon was the dish that everyone knew and loved.
It has stood the test of time, for sure. Juicy, chewy noodles, give way to a clear broth made with no additives, just katsuobushi – a Japanese dried, fermented and smoked tuna. A fresh poached egg is added, in addition to a thick slice of deep-fried fish and a deep-fried shrimp, accompanied by a slice of Japanese kamaboko (processed white fish paste made into a shape and then sliced and put into soups).
Opening Hours:
Fri-Wed 1030 AM – 8 PM; Thu closed
炒鱔魚專家 Eel Noodles Pro
The eel has a fresh, fishy taste with a satisfying combination of crunchiness and tenderness. When stir-fried quickly over high heat, it develops a delicious smoky flavour known as Wok Hei, which enhances the dish as a whole. Each bite is filled with the aromatic flavours of scallions, garlic, and onion, perfectly complementing the freshness of the eel and the perfectly cooked noodles. This dish is highly recommended for anyone visiting Tainan.
A Jiang eel noodle is another eel place that is worth visiting as well.
Tainan City – A Jiang eel noodles restaurant 阿江鱔魚意麵
Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun 0330 PM – 10 PM; Mon closed
糯夫米糕 Nuofu Sticky Rice
Right behind Silks Place Tainan, is this wonderful sticky rice shop perfect for lunch. You can choose from a mushroom or a sesame oil with pork rice dish. It's served in a bowl with some pickled daikon and I recommend for you to eat it right then and there to savour all of the flavours as fresh as possible.
I recommend you first nip around the corner to get those drinks before ordering your rice. The drinks store is called 甜又鮮飲料 and is a 5-minute walk away. They do really good sparkling juice drinks with honey. I always get at least 1 when in Tainan, and I encourage you to do the same.
Opening Hours:
Fri-Tue 10 AM – 5 PM; Wed-Thu closed
國華街/永樂市場 Guohua Street / YongLe Market
This place is such an awesome area to walk around. Expect crowds of people, but embrace the crowd as there's so much good food and things to see in this area.
There's almost too much good food around Guohua Street and Yongle Market in Tainan that I can possibly mention. In fact, some of the best street food in Tainan can be found in this area, as well as some typical gifts and other attractions such as the Chikan Tower. When I head to this area I always make sure to get:
- The ice cream from 蜷尾家 甘味処
- Pictured above is their Matcha flavour. They regularly change their flavour, with usually only 1-2 flavours available per day.
- Opening Hours:
Fri-Wed 11 AM – 8 PM; Thu11AM – 0530PM
- The tea from 布萊恩紅茶 Brian Black Tea
- It's right next to the ice cream from above, and it's refreshing.
- A short walk away is 冰鄉, which is a popular shaved ice shop.
- Go there if you want traditional Taiwanese shaved ice such as the one pictured above. They also do such seasonal specials as Strawberry in winter and Mango in summer.
- Opening Hours:
Everyday 1 PM-8 PM
神農街 Shennong Street
One of my favourite things to do is to walk around alleyways such as those on Shennong Street. Popular for the colours, the ancient temples, and the beautifully decorated streets, Shennong Street is certainly worth your time to walk around and explore. Sit at a cafe and watch the world go by in this beautiful location in the heart of Tainan. Some of the best Tainan gifts can be found right here at Shennong Street.
Other Things to Eat and Drink
双生綠豆沙牛奶 Shuànsên Mung Bean Smoothie with Milk
If you're here during the week, you have to get some of Tainan's best green bean smoothies! This is street food (drink) at its best. They sell a few things, but they definitely specialise in the green bean smoothie. The green bean is fragrant, chewy, smooth, and incredibly tasty right here.
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 AM-6 PM; Weekend closed
I like doughnuts, so when I found this doughnut store in this back alley of Tainan I couldn't help but go and check it out. These are certainly some gifts from Tainan that you must take back home (if they survive the journey back to Taipei, that is!)
These egg rolls are made on-site right in front of you! I strongly recommend you get them as they are perfect gifts from Tainan to take back to your friends and/or family back home. I'd say that these are a must-eat in Tainan.
Opening Hours:
Everyday 10 AM-9 PM
自己的房間 A Room of One's Own Cafe
If you want to unwind with delicious single-origin coffee, comfy seats, unlimited time, free WiFi and excellent cakes - this is your place! The coffee is delicious and thoughtfully prepared with a method of your choice. The cakes are knockout, too!
Opening Hours:
Everyday 1 PM-9 PM
Tainan Day Trip - What To Do
I highly recommend you buy a Klook Pass for Tainan. This pass allows you to choose 2-4 popular attractions in Tainan and enjoy great discounts. The pass is applicable to historical sites, popular attractions, cultural experiences, local food and transportation, meeting all needs at once. It is valid for up to 30 days, and the itinerary is super flexible, it’s all up to you how you want to use it.
Buy your Klook Pass Tainan right here
林百貨 Hayashi Department Store
This is one of the most popular Tainan attraction spots throughout the entire city. Originally opened in 1932, Hayashi Department Store was a hub during the Japanese Colonial Time. After the war, it fell into disrepair and was eventually forgotten. In 2013, it was restored and reopened to the public. Visitors can now explore its five-story structure, admire its vintage elevator, and buy plenty of gifts from this popular Tainan attraction, making it a must-go-to on a Tainan day trip. The store offers unique Hayashi merchandise and a glimpse into Tainan's history.
Opening Hours:
Everyday 11 AM-9 PM
台南孔廟 Tainan Confucius Temple
This is one of my favourite buildings and when deciding on Tainan attractions to visit, this regularly comes out at the top of my list. The grounds around the temple are lovely to walk around, and the temple itself is so well-preserved that I just can't help but marvel at its beauty.
Admission Ticket Price: NT40
Opening Hours:
Everyday 0830 AM-530 PM
藍晒圖文創園區 Blueprint Culture & Creative Park
The Blueprint Culture & Creative Park in Tainan is one of those attractions that I can't help but be impressed by every time I go. You'll find street food and basically all of the gifts in Tainan that you've probably got on your shopping list all in one place. There are leather shops, bars, art installations, and everything in between here at the Blueprint Culture & Creative Park. An extra nice point is that it is right next to Silks Place Tainan, so if that's where you choose to stay then coming here at night is exactly what you should do!
Opening Hours:
Wed-Mon 12 PM-9 PM; Tue closed
Museums and Exhibitions
Tainan is also home to some wonderful art museums and even the National Museum of Taiwan Literature. They are all within proximity of one another. If exhibitions are something that you like to plan for your trips away, then these attractions are an easy addition for you. Alternatively, they are a great rainy day activity should you not want to waste your time sitting inside a cafe or restaurant during your Tainan day trip.
- 台灣文學館 National Museum of Taiwan Literature Admission Ticket Price: Free
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun, 11 AM-9 PM; Mon closed - 台南市美術館1館, 2館 Tainan Art Gallery Building 1/ Building 2
Admission Ticket Price: NT200
Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 10 AM-6 PM; Sat 10 AM-9 PM; Mondays Closed except on National Holidays *Closed on Lunar New Year's Eve and New Year's Day- Tickets can be bought online at Klook here, or from KKday here:
赤崁樓 Chikan Tower
Chihkan Tower, a Dutch-built fort dating back to 1652, stands as Tainan's oldest structure. This iconic landmark has witnessed centuries of history, serving as the city's administrative centre and undergoing numerous renovations. Today, it houses cultural sites like Haisheng Temple and Wengchang Pavilion. Visitors are drawn to the striking statue of Koxinga, a historical hero who defeated the Dutch, and the nine imperial plinths supported by turtle-shaped Bixi. Chihkan Tower's captivating blend of history, culture, and architecture makes it a popular attraction both day and night.
Admission Ticket Price: NT 70
Opening Hours:
Everyday 0830 AM-9 PM
Buy tickets through Klook | Buy tickets through KKday
知事官邸生活館 Former Tainan Magistrate Residence
At the time of writing this, Tainan County Magistrate Residence is 124 years old, which in itself is massively impressive, but what struck me the most is the cleanliness and upkeep of the building. While they have renovated in the past, they have tried to maintain as many original features as possible.
The amazing thing here at Tainan County Magistrate Residence is that all of the exhibited artefacts are for sale. Some of the ceramics are designed by Taiwanese creators, but most are all made in Japan, allowing you to see contrasts between Japanese and Taiwanese design in elements such as the gloss and the texture of the pottery itself. You really can find some amazing things in here, whether that's an espresso cup, an elaborately decorated bowl plate, or a fine cup and saucer combo.
Opening Hours:
Tue-Sun 11 AM-8 PM; Mon closed
Tainan City – 茶薈知事官邸 T-Bar MRLC’s 120-Year-Old Charm: Cocktails with Delicious Character
奇美博物館 Chimei Museum
Chimei Museum is a beautiful place to visit. Whether you visit on a sunny day during summer, or at Christmas time for their Christmas extravaganza (as shown in the picture above), you're sure to have a great time. The exhibitions change regularly, but they will be sure to entertain and amaze you.
Admission Ticket Price: NT200
Opening Hours:
Thu-Tue 0930 AM – 0530 PM; Wed closed
Buy your tickets from Klook | Buy your tickets from KKday
Other Things of Note to Do
I like the Anping area a lot. It's quiet, there are beautiful sunsets around there overlooking the sea, and the whole pace of life just outside of the city centre seems much more relaxed. You should check out both Anping Tree House and Anping Old Fort there. Both are excellently preserved areas not far away from one another and well worth spending time wandering around.
- 安平樹屋 Anping Tree House
- Admission Ticket Price: NT70
- Opening Hours:
Everyday 0830AM-0530PM
- 安平古堡 Anping Old Fort
- Admission Ticket Price: NT70
- Opening Hours:
Everyday 0830AM-5 PM
Recommended Tours
You might want to tour around the city by yourself, or you might want someone to do the heavy lifting (planning) for you. Thankfully, Klook has a few options for you to consider:
- Tainan: Chimei Museum & Chikan Tower & Anping must-visit attractions one-day tour.
- "There are many excellent tourist attractions in the southern district of Tainan City, including the private museum Chimei Museum, which has rich and diverse collections, covering many fields such as Western art, oriental cultural relics and natural sciences; the ancient Confucius Temple has preserved the most complete and classical style. One of the buildings, the exquisite carvings, cultural meanings and symbolic meanings inside are worth admiring. In addition, Chihkan Tower and Anping Castle are also some of the must-see historical sites in Tainan."
- Buy your ticket from Klook right here.
- Taiwan Literature Museum & Tainan Fine Arts Museum & Tainan Confucius Temple & Judiciary Museum Half-day Tour
- "In addition to historical sites, Tainan offers vibrant cultural and youth attractions perfect for photo opportunities and checking in. Immerse yourself in history at the Taiwan Literature Museum, the city's most prominent landmark. Explore the diverse collections at the Tainan Fine Arts Museums, each with its unique charm. And don't miss the Confucian Temple, Taiwan's oldest and once its highest government-run institution, earning it the title "the first school in Taiwan."
- Buy your ticket from Klook right here.
Gifts to Buy in Tainan
These egg rolls are so good. They are some of the best snack gifts in Tainan that I like to bring back for friends and family. They are cooked fresh on-site every day. You can get a freshly made one done on-site filled with ice cream, and then take a bunch out to distribute when you get back home. They are eggy, crunchy, pancakey flavours of goodness.
Opening Hours:
Everyday 10 AM-9 PM
These cookies are classically Tainan in every sense of the word. They are made fresh every day and come in flavours such as original (egg-flavoured) or miso-flavoured. They are crunchy, they aren't sweet, but they go perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri 8 AM-8 PM; Sat 8 AM-6 PM; Sun closed
I never leave Tainan without first heading to Yaoping for my brownies. These are by far the gooiest brownies I have ever eaten. When I think about gifts in Tainan, I think about Yaoping. With flavours such as chilli, martini, cocoa ginger, walnuts, coffee, and matcha, there's something for every taste. If you're lucky, you can get your hands on some of the Kaoliang-flavoured ones - they're pretty special (and I don't even like Kaoliang!)
Opening Hours:
Wed-Fri 12 PM-7 PM; Weekend 12 PM-6 PM; Mon-Tue closed