Tainan

31 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

8 places on the map

Free things to do

1
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
Open in Google Maps More about this place
2
Street art alley with murals and installations.
3 tips
- Free to walk
- Photograph the murals
- Pair with Shennong Street
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
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
Open in Google Maps More about this place
4
Historic temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu.
3 tips
- Free
- Incense smoke
- Near Chihkan Tower
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
5
Remaining gate of Tainan's old city wall.
3 tips
- Free
- Short stop
- Near Confucius Temple
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
6
Historic city park with a pond and old trees.
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
7
Restored 1932 Japanese-era department store with rooftop shrine.
3 tips
- Rooftop shrine
- Vintage cafe
- Free to enter
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place
8
Large night market, open Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
3 tips
- Go on open nights
- Bring cash
- Try the snacks
📷 Photos
Open in Google Maps More about this place

Opens Google Maps with these places, ready to save to your own list.

Use an EasyCard: An EasyCard or iPASS works on Tainan city buses, Taiwan Railway trains and YouBike, and also pays at convenience stores, saving fumbling for change.
Take the Shalun Line: From the Tainan high-speed rail station, the short Shalun Line train links to Tainan Railway Station in the city centre, faster than a taxi in traffic.
Ride YouBike: Tainan sights are spread out between the old centre and Anping, so a YouBike or a taxi is handy; scooter rental needs a valid licence for Taiwan.

Watch scooter traffic: Scooters stream through junctions and even on arcades, so look carefully before crossing and do not assume cars will stop at zebra crossings.
Gear up for Yanshui fireworks: The Yanshui beehive fireworks during the Lantern Festival fire rockets into the crowd; wear a full-face helmet, thick clothing and gloves.
Beat the heat: Tainan is hot and sunny for much of the year; carry water, rest in air-conditioned cafes and temples, and watch for typhoon warnings in summer and early autumn.

Eat at the night markets: Garden Night Market (Huayuan) and Dadong Night Market run on set days and offer cheap snacks like oyster omelettes, grilled squid and fried chicken.
Visit temples for free: The Confucius Temple grounds, Grand Matsu Temple and Official God of War Temple are free or low-cost and full of history and craftsmanship.
Eat like a local at breakfast: Beef soup and milkfish congee shops open very early and are cheap and filling; go early, as the best places sell out by mid-morning.

Long hot summers: From April to October Tainan is hot and humid with strong sun; wear light breathable clothes, a hat and sunscreen and carry a small umbrella for shade.
Afternoon storms and typhoons: May to September brings sudden afternoon downpours and the risk of typhoons; pack a compact umbrella and quick-drying shoes.
Dry mild winters: Winter in Tainan is drier and sunnier than in Taipei, with mild days and cooler evenings; a light jacket is usually all you need from December to February.

Mind temple etiquette: Step over the raised threshold rather than on it, enter by the right door and leave by the left, and keep voices low around worshippers burning incense.
Taste Tainan classics: Try danzai noodles, coffin bread, shrimp rolls and Anping bean jelly; Tainan cooking is famously a little sweeter than elsewhere in Taiwan.
Explore the old capital: Tainan was Taiwan's first capital, so visit Chihkan Tower (Fort Provintia), Anping Fort and the Confucius Temple to understand the island's history.

Wander Shennong Street at night: This old lane near the canal glows with lanterns in the evening and is lined with cafes, bars and craft shops in restored old houses.
See the Anping Tree House: This old warehouse in Anping is swallowed by banyan roots; combine it with Anping Old Street and the fort for an easy half day.
Shop at Hayashi Department Store: This restored 1930s department store has local crafts and snacks and a rooftop with a Shinto shrine and views over the central city.

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 2

🕘 9:30–16:45📍 5 stops

Day 2 of 2

🕘 9:30–16:30📍 5 stops