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About Tainan

Including tips for the best time to visit Tainan

Tainan, one of Taiwan's oldest cities, is said to be the birthplace of the nation. Although Taipei is the usual choice when travelling to the country, a visit to Tainan will offer you a glimpse into the heart of Taiwan. With tinges of Chinese, Dutch and Japanese influences, the cultural landscape of Tainan is as colourful and vibrant as the city.

With over 2,000 temples and shrines, Tainan not only preserves, but also celebrates the rich spiritual, traditional and historical culture of the country. Chihkan Tower, the oldest site in the city, is a red-tiled tower that acts as a storehouse of the city's earliest treasures, ranging from ancient dictionaries to business documents. After several refurbishments, this complex is now among the most-visited landmarks of Tainan. Taiwan's highest official institute of learning, the Confucius Temple is a revered structure exuding elegance, culture and tranquility. To this date, students come to pray for their upcoming exams at this spot.

The multifaceted culture of Tainan has given rise to a fusion of unique dishes like the oyster omelette and minced-pork noodles. The real culinary treasures are packed in the night markets of this city, where the aroma of freshly-cooked turkey rice or scallion-stuffed shrimp rolls wafts through the busy streets. Often called the ‘City of Snacks’ for its array of affordable treats, Tainan will never let you leave with an empty stomach.

Tonight

From $25 per night

This weekend

From $68 per night

Next weekend

From $68 per night

Most popular time to visit October-December
Cheapest time to visit January-March
Local currency TWD 100 = $3.16
Language Cantonese
Average weekend price $90 per night
Average weekday price $82 per night
Average stay 1 night

Points of interest in Tainan

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Tainan

Tainan reviews

What other travelers say about Tainan

10

Best city in Taiwan - if you prefer slower pace, authentic...

May 10, 2023

Best city in Taiwan - if you prefer slower pace, authentic delicacies, fresh seafood, reserved people yet warm reception! The new Tainan city library, in Yung Kang district, is a hidden jewel! Bus 901/901 takes you there.

Kathy
Kathy New Zealand
10

Great town, heaps to see, lovely people, great food, lots of...

April 29, 2023

Great town, heaps to see, lovely people, great food, lots of history, spend at least two full days if possible. Only drawback, relying on buses isn't the best as they aren't as efficient as the MRT in other places, but they are workable. I'd jump on the 88 bus next time to get an overview of the main city area.

Pugs13
Pugs13 Australia
10

A city full of history with most of the sites in two main...

April 15, 2023

A city full of history with most of the sites in two main areas. Within these two areas most sites can be visited on foot. Great variety of temples, amazing banyan trees especially the tree house at Amping, Dutch forts and Japanese buildings. Good bus system with 2 routes geared for tourists. Host of eating places from local food stalls to restaurants

Roy
Roy United Kingdom
10

Tainan is a city of traditional food.

January 22, 2023

Tainan is a city of traditional food. Basically, you just need to find a person or people who live in Tainan, or ever live in the city, they will recommend their views and place-to-go in the city. If not, you are absolutely safe and free to walk around the city, to see what the city has in store for you. One thing about traveling through the city, and if you are not keen to walk, then prepare scooter driving license and rent one around Tainan train station. Walking is possible but the heat in most times would kill the vibe of trip. Biking is also possible but the city is not ready for bikers to just chill and not worry about their own safety. In all, get ready for the madness of food, history of Tainan, and traffic.

Yenzebra
Yenzebra Slovakia
10

We really enjoyed Tainan - less for the historic sites than...

January 13, 2023

We really enjoyed Tainan - less for the historic sites than for the vitality of the city at the same time as being far more laid back than Taipei. It felt just like images of a Chinese city out of a Jackie Chan movie. We didn’t find the night market open of Tuesday night as good as the Ningxhia night market in Taipei.

Richard
Richard Australia
6.0

Though Tainan is known to be the old capital of Taiwan, the...

January 3, 2023

Though Tainan is known to be the old capital of Taiwan, the feeling of the place is like a province. Street food are almost the same from one kiosk to the next. Not too much choices. The food street are subdivided according to time. Meaning, one section is open from 8am to 5pm and the opposite section is 5pm-9pm. Each section may have a bit of a difference in food choices. If you have 3 days: Day 1: Food Guohua Street (Yongkang) inexpensive food. Day 2: Taxi to watch Ten Drum Art Percussion Group and 10 minute walk to Chimei Museum (very well designed building and the collection is interesting to see) Taxi from Tainan city to this area about NT600 Day 3: Do the Chikan Tower, Anping treehouse and Anping street together. It's in the same area. You can actually do these tour yourself, just ask your hotel for the taxi number, (since they do not speak English) have a local assist you to tell the taxi company where you are and wait for the taxi. (the wait is about 3 minutes. It is not so easy to hail for a taxi)

Annette
Annette Philippines

Popular places to stay in Tainan

Stay in some of the best accommodations Tainan has to offer