- Taipei is the base, with high-speed rail making the west coast easy
- Night markets are the heart of Taiwanese food culture
- British visitors can stay visa-free for up to 90 days
- Parts of Taroko Gorge remain closed after the 2024 earthquake
- Airports
- Taiwan Taoyuan International (TPE); Kaohsiung International (KHH)
- Flight time
- about 14h from London to Taipei direct
- Best time to go
- October-December and March-May; typhoon season July-September
- Currency
- New Taiwan dollar (NT$, TWD)
Taiwan is one of Asia's most underrated destinations. In a single trip you can graze your way through Taipei's night markets, hike marble gorges and cloud forests, cycle around a mountain lake and wander the temple lanes of Tainan, the old capital. It is safe, friendly and easy to get around, with excellent food at every price and far fewer tourists than neighbouring Japan.
Taiwan is 8 hours ahead of the UK in winter and 7 hours ahead during British Summer Time. Plugs are the flat-pin American types A and B on 110V, so bring an adaptor and check your chargers. Traffic drives on the right, and costs are a little lower than in the UK. This Asia guide covers where to go, when, and how to travel around the island.
Where to go in Taiwan
Taipei
The capital mixes the Taipei 101 tower, the grand Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the National Palace Museum's world-class collection of Chinese art and atmospheric temples such as Longshan. Evenings are for night markets like Raohe and Shilin. Hike Elephant Mountain for the skyline view, or soak in the hot springs at Beitou, reachable by metro.
Jiufen and the northeast coast
The hillside old mining town of Jiufen is famous for its lantern-lit teahouses. Nearby, Shifen is where visitors release sky lanterns beside the railway, and the Yehliu Geopark has strange wind-carved rock formations.
Taroko Gorge and Hualien
On the east coast, Taroko is a dramatic marble gorge with trails and shrines. A major earthquake in April 2024 caused serious damage, and some trails and roads remain closed, so check the national park's latest updates before planning a visit. Hualien is the base, and the east coast railway is very scenic.
Sun Moon Lake and Alishan
In the central mountains, Sun Moon Lake is ideal for cycling, boat trips and cable car views. Alishan is known for sunrise above a sea of clouds, ancient cypress forests and high-mountain tea plantations.
Tainan and Kaohsiung
Tainan is Taiwan's oldest city and its food capital, packed with temples and Dutch-era forts. Kaohsiung, further south, has a lively harbour, the Pier-2 art district and the Lotus Pond pagodas. Kenting National Park on the southern tip has beaches.
Best time to visit Taiwan
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) | Warm, blossom and fireflies; plum rains in May |
| Summer (June-August) | Hot and humid with afternoon storms; typhoons possible |
| Autumn (September-November) | Typhoon risk early, then dry and pleasant; ideal for hiking |
| Winter (December-February) | Cool and damp in Taipei, mild in the south; Lunar New Year can be very busy |
Getting to Taiwan from the UK
EVA Air and China Airlines fly direct from Heathrow to Taipei Taoyuan in about 14 hours. One-stop routes via Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai or Istanbul are also common. The airport MRT reaches Taipei Main Station in about 35-50 minutes.
Entry requirements
British passport holders can usually visit Taiwan visa-free for up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for your entire stay, and you may be asked for proof of onward travel. An online arrival card can be completed before you fly to speed things up. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Getting around
Taiwan High Speed Rail runs down the west coast from Taipei to Kaohsiung in about 90 minutes to two hours, while conventional TRA trains serve the east coast and smaller towns. Taipei and Kaohsiung have excellent metros. An EasyCard covers metro, buses, many trains and even convenience-store purchases. Car or scooter hire is useful in the mountains and on the east coast, but you need an International Driving Permit.
Book east coast trains to Hualien a few days ahead, especially at weekends. They often sell out.
Money and costs
Taiwan is good value. A comfortable trip with a mid-range hotel, meals and transport costs about NT$3,000-5,000 (roughly £70-120) per person per day, and night-market dinners are very cheap. Cards work in hotels and department stores, but many small restaurants and market stalls are cash only. ATMs in 7-Eleven stores accept foreign cards. Tipping isn't customary.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Taiwan?
A week covers Taipei, Jiufen and Sun Moon Lake. Ten days to two weeks lets you do a full loop including Tainan, Kaohsiung and the east coast.
Is Taiwan safe for tourists?
Yes. Taiwan has very low crime and is easy for solo travellers. Earthquakes and typhoons are the main natural hazards, so follow local guidance.
Is English widely spoken in Taiwan?
Signs on transport are in English, and many younger people speak some, but menus and small businesses may not. A translation app helps.
Is Taroko Gorge open?
Parts of the gorge have reopened since the 2024 earthquake, but some trails and sections remain closed. Check the latest situation before you go.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
More from ThomasWe research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.
