Tainan
Save31 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Historic Dutch-era Fort Provintia site with Chinese-style towers.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Open daily
- Gardens are free
- Evening lighting
📷 Photos
- 2
17th-century Dutch fort with a museum and tower.
3 tips
- Combine with Anping Old Street
- Climb the lookout
- Allow 1 hour
📷 Photos
- 3
Historic lane of snacks and shops, one of Taiwan's oldest.
- Tip: Weekdays
2 tips
- Try shrimp rolls
- Dried fruit and candied snacks
📷 Photos
- 4
Former warehouse overgrown by giant banyan roots.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Walk the boardwalk
- Cool shaded spot
📷 Photos
- 5
Taiwan's first Confucian temple, founded in 1665.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Free entry
- Quiet gardens
📷 Photos
- 6
Atmospheric old street of lantern-lit cafes and craft shops.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Evenings are lively
- Many cafes
- Great for photos at night
📷 Photos
- 7
Restored 1932 Japanese-era department store with rooftop shrine.
3 tips
- Rooftop shrine
- Vintage cafe
- Free to enter
📷 Photos
- 8
Modern art museum in a former police station building.
3 tips
- Look at the architecture
- Check exhibits
- Cafe nearby
📷 Photos
- 9
Mangrove canal tunnel explored by small boat.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Book a boat ride
- Bring a hat
📷 Photos
- 10
Grand European-style museum of art, instruments and natural history.
3 tips
- Allow half a day
- Free garden
- Use the shuttle bus
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Tainan tips
Transportation
- Use an EasyCard: The EasyCard works on Tainan city buses and Taiwan Railway trains, and in convenience stores.
- Take the HSR shuttle: A local train links Tainan HSR station with Tainan Railway Station in the city centre.
- Rent a scooter or bike: Sights are spread out; scooters or YouBike bikes make getting around easier, but you need a valid licence for scooters.
Security
- Watch the traffic: Scooters are everywhere; look carefully before crossing streets.
- Stay hydrated: Tainan is hot; drink plenty of water and take breaks in the shade.
- Prepare for typhoons: In summer and early autumn, check typhoon warnings.
Saving
- Eat at night markets: Tainan's night markets offer cheap and delicious street food.
- Explore temples for free: Many historic temples are free to visit.
- Use public transport: Buses and bikes are cheaper than taxis.
Weather/Clothing
- Hot summers: Pack light, breathable clothes, a hat and sunscreen.
- Mild winters: Winters are mild; bring a light jacket for cooler evenings.
- Rainy season: From May to September, bring an umbrella for sudden showers.
Cultural
- Respect temple etiquette: Do not step on the threshold when entering temples.
- Try local snacks: Sample danzai noodles, milkfish soup and coffin bread.
- Learn the history: Tainan was Taiwan's first capital; visit Fort Provintia and Anping Fort.
Local Hacks
- Explore Shennong Street: This historic street comes alive at night with lanterns and shops.
- Visit the Anping Tree House: This old warehouse is covered in banyan tree roots.
- Eat breakfast early: Many famous breakfast spots sell out early; arrive early.
1-day itineraries in Tainan
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Confucius Temple and around
🕘 9:30–16:45📍 5 stops
- 1Confucius Temple
- 2Tainan Art Museum Building 1
- 3Hayashi Department Store
- 4Chihkan Tower
- 5Shennong Street
Day 2 of 2
Sicao Green Tunnel and around
🕘 9:30–16:30📍 5 stops
- 1Sicao Green Tunnel
- 2Fort Zeelandia
- 3Anping Old Street
- 4Anping Tree House
- 5Eternal Golden Castle