Best taiwan: Top places, food, and travel tips 2025

Quick answer: For Swiss travellers hunting the Best taiwan experiences, prioritise Taipei for city life and food, Taroko Gorge for nature, Tainan for history and night markets, and pick spring or autumn for best weather and festival timing. Now, here’s where it gets interesting — recent route renewals and travel deals (and a fresh wave of foodie posts) mean 2025 might be the easiest year yet to plan that Taiwan trip from CH.

Why “Best taiwan” is on Swiss travellers’ radar right now

There’s a handful of reasons searches spiked: airlines have been restoring or promoting routes linking Zurich and Taipei, Taiwan’s tourism board launched refreshed campaigns, and social feeds are buzzing about night market food and off-season waterfalls. If you’re wondering whether to book the trip — you might want to act before popular dates sell out.

How I picked the “best” spots (and how you can too)

I mixed personal travel experience, recent route and tourism updates, and local recommendations. I cross-checked background facts with reliable sources like Taiwan on Wikipedia and the Taiwan Tourism Bureau. The result: regions and experiences that consistently delight first-timers and return visitors alike.

Best taiwan: Top regions and why they matter

Taipei — city life, museums, and unbeatable street food

Taipei is where many travellers land and it rewards curiosity. From the 101 skyline to the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, there’s culture at every turn. Night markets like Shilin and Raohe are famous for small-plate exploration — think xiao long bao, stinky tofu (yes, try it once), and the original bubble tea.

Tainan — history, temples, and relaxed nights

Tainan is Taiwan’s oldest city and the heart of its heritage. You’ll find centuries-old temples, local snacks you won’t see elsewhere, and a quieter pace that makes it perfect for 48–72 hour stops.

Taroko Gorge & Hualien — dramatic nature

For mountain-and-sea contrast, Taroko’s marble cliffs and Hualien’s coastline are hard to beat. Hiking here is world-class but variable in difficulty — pick trails that match your fitness and check weather alerts before you go.

Sun Moon Lake & Alishan — the scenic classics

Sun Moon Lake is postcard-perfect for cycling and boat trips; Alishan’s forest railway and sunrise viewpoints are especially popular in spring when cherry blossoms might still linger.

Best taiwan: Food and drink you must try

• Bubble tea — found everywhere; try a local shop in Taipei where they freshly brew and adjust sugar levels.
• Xiao long bao — soup dumplings; order by the basket, share, and slurp carefully.
• Night market snacks — oyster omelette, braised pork rice, grilled squid, and mango shaved ice.
• Local coffee and tea — Taiwan’s high-mountain oolongs are a treat for tea lovers.

When to go — Best seasons and timing (Swiss perspective)

For the most comfortable weather, aim for spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November). These windows avoid the heaviest rains and the peak summer humidity, and they align with many festivals and food seasons. If you want fewer crowds, consider late November or early March.

Quick seasonal comparison

Practical tips for CH travellers

• Flights: watch for direct or single-stop fares from Zurich or Geneva; promotions often appear early in the year.
• Visa & entry: check the latest on the Taiwan Tourism Bureau site for visa rules and entry requirements.
• Connectivity: buy a local eSIM or pocket Wi‑Fi at the airport for maps and translations.
• Cash vs card: cards are increasingly accepted, but night markets and small vendors prefer cash.
• Language: Mandarin is primary, but many service staff speak basic English. Learning a few Mandarin phrases goes a long way.

Transport and logistics

Get an EasyCard for Taipei’s MRT and buses — it’s handy and refundable. For intercity travel, the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) is fast and reliable on the west coast; book ahead during holidays. For mountain and coastal routes, local trains or rental cars (with an international driving permit) are common choices.

Safety, health, and local customs

Taiwan is widely regarded as safe for tourists. Basic travel insurance is recommended. Be mindful of local customs (remove shoes when entering some homes or temples) and observe quiet hours in residential areas. For authoritative background on the island’s status and history, consult Taiwan on Wikipedia.

Sample 10-day CH-friendly itinerary (balanced)

1. Days 1–3: Taipei — culture, markets, and day trip to Jiufen
2. Days 4–5: Hualien & Taroko Gorge — nature hikes
3. Days 6–7: Tainan — history and local cuisine
4. Days 8–9: Sun Moon Lake / Alishan — scenic relaxation
5. Day 10: Return to Taipei for last-minute shopping and flight home

Money-saving tips and avoiding tourist traps

• Buy train tickets early and use discount windows or apps where available.
• Eat like a local — night markets are both cheap and authentic.
• Avoid overpriced souvenir stalls near major landmarks; explore side streets.

Real examples and what I’ve noticed

What I’ve noticed is that smaller cities reward slower travel: lingering over a tea tasting in a Tainan alley or chatting with vendors in a Hualien market gives returns you can’t get from a checklist. Also, flights that looked expensive a month ago sometimes dip during weekday sales — patience pays.

Resources and next steps

For up-to-date travel advisories and news coverage about route changes or tourism updates, check reputable outlets like Reuters’ Taiwan coverage. For planning and seasonal events, the official Taiwan Tourism Bureau remains the best hub for calendars and local guides.

Practical takeaways

• Book spring or autumn if you want great weather and festivals.
• Prioritise Taipei, Taroko, and Tainan for a balanced trip.
• Use local transport cards and prebook long-distance trains.

FAQs and quick answers

See the FAQ section below for common questions travellers ask (visa, best food, top sights).

Final thought

Taiwan’s mix of approachable cities, enthusiastic street food culture, and dramatic landscapes makes it a surprisingly easy and deeply rewarding destination for travellers from Switzerland. If you value good food, efficient transport, and genuine hospitality — it’s worth planning your visit sooner rather than later.