Solo travel guide to Taiwan: Itinerary, tips and first impressions

If you’re going to Taiwan, you might as well tie the other one….

I didn’t know a lot about Taiwan before I went. I only decided to visit because I was nearby and had some time in my travel schedule and I am so glad I did. Taiwan completely exceeded my expectations: a mix of buzzing cities, serene lakes, lush mountains and possibly the most efficient public transport I’ve ever used. Whether you’re a first‑time solo traveller or a seasoned explorer, Taiwan is an ideal destination.

About Taiwan

Taiwan is a fascinating island with so much to explore. Beyond its incredible nature: mountains, gorges and beaches, it also has a thriving modern culture. Taiwan is compact, meaning you can travel quickly between destinations, but it’s diverse enough that each city feels distinct. Taipei is bright and modern, Taichung has a slightly slower pace and Kaohsiung is an artsy port city with a chilled‑out vibe. It’s an easy country to visit and to get around, but if you’re looking for expert advice, then head over to TaiwanObsessed. Everyone I met in Taiwan knew about Nick and was taking his advice. This was a funny coincidence I found throughout my time there.

There is so much to experience in Taiwan. From its history and culture to its modern pop culture. I really enjoyed experiencing what Taiwan had to offer. I also just want to add, the shopping was incredible, offering both local and international brands. If you’re heading to Taiwan, I would advise you to keep some space in your backpack or suitcase.

The shopping is great, and not just for local brands. There are so many international stores, plus I stumbled across a Taiwanese chain called NET. I’d never heard of it before, but the clothes were gorgeous, a mix of minimalist, casual and affordable fashion.

Getting there

Taiwan sits off the southeastern coast of China and is often at the centre of political debates about its status. Regardless of the politics, for travellers, it is currently very straightforward to visit.

For British citizens (and many others, including Australians, Americans and most European passport holders), there’s visa‑free entry for up to 90 days. When I arrived, I wasn’t asked to show an outbound ticket, though I would do my own research beforehand, as things can change very quickly. Immigration was quick, and I was on the metro into Taipei within an hour of landing.

How to travel around Taiwan

Taiwan is one of the easiest countries I have ever travelled around solo. The public transport is punctual, clean and extremely affordable. You can access all the information you need on Apple and Google maps and also book easily online. The high‑speed rail connects major cities like Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung in under two hours and the local trains are reliable too.

Metro systems in Taipei and Kaohsiung are simple to use and have English signs everywhere. I bought an EasyCard (mine was a Hello Kitty keyring version – too cute), which you can top up and use across buses, metro and even some convenience stores. You can use your EasyCard across the whole country. I was even able to tap onto the bus in more remote areas on local buses.

I focused my travels on the west side of the island because it worked best for my flights. I flew into Taipei from Vietnam and out of Kaohsiung to Hong Kong, which gave me a nice linear route. Next time, I’d love to explore the East Coast, especially during summer when the national parks and beaches are at their best.

My Taiwan route

I kept things simple because I was working remotely during my trip and wanted to take time in each place.

Taipei

Taipei is such a fun city with so much going on. I explored temples, night markets and shopping districts. Highlights included:

• Chiang Kai‑shek Memorial Hall: This is a beautiful open square with impressive architecture.
• Ximending: Taipei’s youth culture district, full of street performers and fashion boutiques.
• Shilin Night Market: I ate my weight in fried chicken steak and bubble tea.

Jiufen Old Street

I took a train and bus from Taipei to Jiufen, door to door, it took less than two hours and was very easy. Jiufen is a top tourist spot for good reason. The winding alleyways are full of teahouses, snack stalls, and stunning mountain views. I only went for a Sunday afternoon, but I wish I’d stayed overnight. Locals say it’s much calmer once the day‑trippers leave.

Taichung

I reached Taichung by bus (again, super easy). This city surprised me with its food scene, I had some of the best meals of my trip here. I also made a pilgrimage to the Chun Shui Tang teahouse, which is said to be the birthplace of bubble tea, and tried a Michelin‑rated street food stall.

Sun Moon Lake

If you go to Taiwan, you must visit Sun Moon Lake. It was one of my favourite stops anywhere in Asia. The bus from Taichung winds through beautiful mountain scenery, and the lake itself is breathtaking. I spent my time ferry‑hopping between piers, cycling along the waterfront, and just soaking up the calm atmosphere. Yes, it’s touristy, but for good reason.

Kaohsiung

From Taichung, I took the high‑speed train to Kaohsiung. It was so fast and comfortable! Kaohsiung has such a laid‑back feel. The city is full of art installations, including the Pier‑2 Art District and even its main MRT station (Formosa Boulevard) is a tourist attraction thanks to its stained‑glass ceiling. There are so many accommodation options, but I stayed in a hostel that had a sauna, steam room and pool. It was called Single Inn. All for less than £10 a night in a female dorm, including breakfast. The only downside was that it wasn’t the most social place.

Other areas I didn’t visit (yet!)

Taiwan has so much more I want to explore:

• Tainan: The country’s oldest city with temples and traditional food.
• Alishan National Scenic Area: Famous for sunrise views over a sea of clouds. This looks like an incredible place.
• East Coast: Wild beaches, rice paddies and big hikes.

Etiquette in Taiwan

Taiwanese people are warm and polite, and a little courtesy goes a long way. Here are a few tips:

• Queue properly for trains and buses; lines are clearly marked.
• Carry cash as many smaller places don’t accept cards.
• Learn a few words of Mandarin (like xie xie – thank you).
• Don’t be surprised if people stare politely. Western tourists are still relatively rare outside Taipei.

Top foods to try in Taiwan

Taiwan is a food lover’s paradise, and eating solo here is easy. Night markets and casual eateries make it simple to sample everything.

• Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings): Steamed buns filled with rich broth. Din Tai Fung is the classic spot.
• Beef Noodle Soup: Taiwan’s national dish – hearty and comforting.
• Scallion Pancakes: Crispy, flaky and often stuffed with egg or cheese.
• Gua Bao: Taiwanese “hamburger” – braised pork belly in a soft bun.
• Oyster Omelette: Sweet, savoury, slightly sticky and a true night‑market staple.
• Stinky Tofu: Smelly but delicious once you get past the aroma.
• Bubble Tea: Invented in Taichung, Chun Shui Tang’s flagship store is a must‑visit.

Best time of year to visit

Taiwan has a subtropical climate. The best months are October to April, when temperatures are comfortable and skies are clear. Summers can be very hot and humid, and typhoon season runs from July to September – though this is also when the east coast is at its most lush.

Taiwan turned out to be one of my favourite solo travel destinations. It’s incredibly easy to navigate, welcoming to visitors, and packed with things to do – whether you want to hike mountains, sample street food, or just sit by a lake with a bubble tea. I left already planning my return trip, this time to see the East Coast and some of the smaller islands.

If you’re thinking about a solo trip to Asia but are nervous about safety or logistics, Taiwan is a perfect starting point.