Last updated: 4 Jan 2026
Tainan is one of those cities that just keeps pulling me back. Every time I visit, I discover something new, a hidden temple, a century-old snack shop, or just a quiet corner where history feels alive. If there’s one other city you should visit besides Taipei on your first trip to Taiwan, make it Tainan!
As Taiwan’s oldest city (founded in the 1600s), Tainan has a depth you can feel in every street corner. The temples are older, the food tastes different, and there’s this warm, unhurried atmosphere that makes you want to slow down and just wander. Three days here gave us just enough time to scratch the surface, and if I’m being honest, I already want to go back.
Why Tainan? Taiwan’s Oldest City
Tainan was Taiwan’s capital for over 200 years under Dutch and Qing rule. While Taipei became the modern political centre and Kaohsiung the industrial port, Tainan kept its soul. It’s where you go to experience traditional Taiwan, the temples, the street food, the slower pace of life.
The city is famous for three things: history, culture, and food. And trust me, the food alone is worth the trip. Tainan has a reputation as Taiwan’s culinary capital, and after three days of eating our way through the city, I completely understand why.
Watch my Tainan travel vlog
Prefer video? Watch my full 3-day Tainan journey above, or keep reading for the detailed guide!
Day 1: Tainan Street Food & Historic Temples
Morning: Guohua Street (國華街)
We started our first morning at Guohua Street, basically street food heaven. This whole area has been feeding Tainan locals for generations, and honestly, you can just wander in anywhere, and you won’t be disappointed.
Our first stop was Jin De Chun Spring Rolls (金德春捲). These aren’t your typical spring rolls—they’re packed with peanut powder, vegetables, and that perfect sweet-savoury balance Tainan is known for. Light, fresh, and absolutely addictive.
Then we hit up Hao Niu Beef Soup (豪牛牛肉湯). Tainan is famous for fresh beef soup—simple broth, tender beef, served early in the morning when it’s at its best. We’re not usually morning people, but we made an exception for this. The broth is so naturally sweet and clean that you can immediately taste the quality of the beef.
Afternoon: Stepping Into History
Chihkan Tower (赤崁樓)
After filling up on street food, we made our way to Chihkan Tower (赤崁樓), one of Tainan’s most iconic historical sites. This place was originally built by the Dutch back in 1653 as Fort Provintia when they colonised Taiwan. Later, the Qing Dynasty took over and transformed it into a Chinese-style complex.
Walking through Chihkan Tower, you’re literally standing in layers of Taiwan’s colonial history. It’s kind of surreal to think about all the different powers, Dutch, Qing, Japanese, that have shaped Taiwan over the centuries.
Inside, there’s a shrine to Kuixing (魁星爺), the god of exams and academic success. Students come here to pray before big tests. We decided to ask for a Kuixing pen for good luck—figured we could use some extra wisdom!
Temple of Avalokitesvara (臺疆祖廟大觀音亭)
From there, we visited the Temple of Avalokitesvara (臺疆祖廟大觀音亭), one of Tainan’s oldest temples, dating back to the 1600s. There’s something really calming about just sitting here, watching people come to pray. The incense smoke drifts upward, the temple bells ring softly, and time just… slows down. I always feel this sense of peace here that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Wei Wu Tea Room (衛屋茶室)
We took a break at Wei Wu Tea Room (衛屋茶室), a beautiful old Japanese-era house. Taiwan was under Japanese rule from 1895 to 1945, and you still see that architectural influence all over Tainan—these traditional wooden structures with sliding doors and tranquil gardens. It was the perfect spot to rest and let the day’s experiences settle in.
Dinner: San Jin Noodles
For dinner, we went to San Jin Noodles (三津製麵) and wowww, this place was incredible. Seriously, one of the best meals we had in Tainan. The noodles are handmade, the broth is rich and flavourful, and everything just comes together perfectly. If you’re in Tainan, don’t skip this spot.
Day 2: Anping District & Colonial Heritage
Morning: Shennong Street
Day two started on Shennong Street (神農街). Back in the Qing Dynasty (the 1700s), this was a major trading route. Now it’s this narrow, atmospheric lane packed with art shops, cafes, and so much history.
I’d recommend visiting both morning and evening because the vibe is totally different. In the morning, it’s quiet and nostalgic. At night, the lanterns light up, and it transforms into something magical. We got lucky because it was just after Chinese New Year, so all these adorable lanterns were still hanging everywhere.
We stopped at Zhen Lai Fa Bakery (振來發囍餅蛋糕), this old-school Taiwanese bakery that’s been around forever. They sell all these traditional cakes and pastries I grew up with—total childhood nostalgia. If you want a taste of what Taiwanese people actually ate growing up, this is the place.
Afternoon: Anping Adventures
We took a bus to Anping District, the historic area where the Dutch first settled. It’s about a 45-minute ride from the city centre, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Chu Jiu-ying Former Residence (朱玖瑩故居)
First stop: Chu Jiu-ying Former Residence (朱玖瑩故居), the former home of a famous calligrapher. Growing up in Taiwan, we all had to learn calligraphy in school… but honestly, I haven’t practised in forever. Being here reminded me how much I’ve forgotten. Give it a try when you are there!
Anping Tree House (安平樹屋)
Then we got to Anping Tree House (安平樹屋)—this was probably our favourite spot in all of Tainan. It used to be a warehouse during the Japanese era, but it was abandoned, and nature took over. Now banyan trees are growing through the walls, over the roof, wrapping around the structure. It’s like something out of an Indiana Jones movie. There’s this eerie, quiet beauty to it, and we could’ve stayed here for hours just soaking it all in.
Right after, we walked over to Hubin Waterfowl Park (湖濱水鳥公園), a peaceful walk where you can spot all kinds of wild birds. If you need a moment to breathe after exploring, this is the perfect spot. The sunset views here are stunning.
Anping Fort (安平古堡)
We also visited Anping Fort (安平古堡), built by the Dutch in the 1600s when they first arrived in Taiwan. Most of the original structure is gone, but the old brick watchtower still stands. From the top, you can see the harbour stretching out—the same view colonisers, traders, and soldiers saw centuries ago. Walking through the exhibition inside really helped me understand why Taiwan’s location has always been so strategically important—and honestly, still is today. Pretty cool standing here thinking about all the history that went down on this exact spot.
Then we explored Anping Old Street (安平老街), a traditional street famous for prawn crackers and dried fruits. It’s touristy, but in a charming way, lots of local snacks to try and souvenirs to browse.
Evening Eats & Cinema
For dinner, we tried Lane Kou Fried Chicken (巷口炸雞) near the Fuqian area. Crispy, juicy, no frills—just really good Taiwanese fried chicken.
Then we stopped for dessert at O’smooth (甜菓冰舖), a cute shaved ice place. The portions are huge, and the flavours are so refreshing, especially after a long day of walking.
Hayashi Department Store (林百貨)
Next door is Hayashi Department Store (林百貨)—Taiwan’s second-ever department store, opened in 1932 during Japanese rule. It’s been beautifully restored, and you can still ride the original elevator. On the rooftop, there’s even an old Shinto shrine. It’s like stepping into a time capsule.
Chuan Mei Theater (全美戲院)
We passed by Chuan Mei Theatre (全美戲院), an iconic old cinema that still hand-paints its movie posters. It’s a Tainan landmark, and honestly, just seeing it lit up at night is worth the visit.
We ended the night back on Shennong Street, the vibe is so different. The bars were open, lanterns glowing, and the whole street just came alive. Day and night here are two completely different experiences.
Day 3: Confucius Temple & Local Favourites
Morning: Breakfast & Confucius Temple
Ye Jia Squid Soup (葉家小卷米粉)
On our last day, we started with breakfast at Ye Jia Squid Soup (葉家小卷米粉)—one of my favorite spots in Tainan. Fresh squid with rice noodles in this light, naturally sweet broth. I seriously can’t get it out of my head. It’s that good.
Confucius Temple (孔廟)
Then we visited Taiwan’s first Confucius Temple (孔廟), built way back in 1665. So many of the original halls and courtyards are beautifully preserved. It’s gorgeous, peaceful… and surprisingly free to enter, which was a nice bonus.
They also have these ridiculously cute Confucius statues. If Confucius looked like this when I was in school, maybe I actually would’ve paid attention in class!
Afternoon Wind-Down
We stopped by Quan Quan Wu (綣綣屋) for a little ice cream break, get the Matcha one if you can!
Our final stop was Bryan Black Tea (布萊恩紅茶). The manager was so kind, he gave us a free tea just so we could taste it. Simple, refreshing, and honestly the perfect way to wrap up three days in Tainan.
Final Thoughts
Tainan really is one of those places that stays with you. Every corner has a story, every meal feels like tradition, and somehow it never gets old. The temples are breathtaking, the food is unforgettable, and there’s this warmth to the city that’s hard to describe—you just have to experience it.
If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan, don’t skip Tainan. Give yourself at least two or three days here. Wander the old streets, eat everything in sight, and let yourself slow down. That’s what Tainan does best: it reminds you that travel isn’t just about ticking off landmarks. It’s about moments. And Tainan is full of them.
Practical Tips
Getting There:
- From Taipei: Take the High Speed Rail (HSR) to Tainan Station (about 1 hr 45 min). From there, take a local train or taxi to the city centre.
- Regular train (TRA) from Taipei takes 3-4 hours but drops you right in the city centre.
Getting Around:
- Tainan doesn’t have an MRT, so you’ll rely on buses, taxis, or bikes. YouBike and T-Bike rentals are available.
- Anping District is about 45 minutes by bus from the city centre.
Where to Stay:
We stayed in the city centre near Tainan Station, which made it easy to explore on foot and catch buses to Anping.
Best Time to Visit:
Tainan is great year-round, but it can get quite hot and humid in summer. Spring (March-May) and fall (October-November) offer the most comfortable weather.
Have you been to Tainan? What was your favourite spot? Let me know in the comments!
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