Kaohsiung , Taiwan: The 8 most worthwhile attractions!
- Noa
Kaohsiung (Kaohsiung) is the second largest city in Taiwan and is a destination not to be missed! It is a huge city, with beautiful beaches, amazing food and interesting attractions. Kaohsiung is really easy to get to, located a short two-hour train ride from Taipei and a two-hour drive from Hengchun . So what is there to do there?
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Table of Contents
How to get to Kaohsiung?
Getting to the city is easy and straightforward, especially if you are already in Taiwan. You have several main options, each with its own advantages.
High-speed train from Taipei
A GREAT AND FAST OPTION, ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE STARTING THEIR TRIP IN TAIPEI. THE HIGH-SPEED RAIL (HSR) CONNECTS THE TWO CITIES IN LESS THAN TWO HOURS OF COMFORTABLE TRAVEL. EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT IN A HURRY, IT’S WORTH A TRY – IT’S AN EXPERIENCE IN ITSELF.
car rental
If you're looking for flexibility and want to stop at interesting points along the way, renting a car is the way to go. The drive from Taipei to Kaohsiung takes about three to four hours, with stunning views along the way.
Direct flights to Kaohsiung
There is an international airport near the city and you can easily reach it by direct flight from Bangkok , Hong Kong and many other destinations. The journey from the airport to the city center takes only 25 minutes!
Where to sleep in Kaohsiung?
The most recommended area for travelers to stay is Xinxing District. The neighborhood has lots of good places to stay, a night market, restaurants, shopping, and attractions. Here are some great accommodation recommendations from low to high prices:
A great option for budget travelers. Young and cool atmosphere, there are dorms and rooms with shared bathrooms.
⭐ Rating of 7.9 on Booking.com
✅ Rooms with shared bathrooms for couples/families
✅ Excellent location
✅ Includes a good breakfast
Book now:
A clean and pleasant hotel at good prices, there are dormitories and private rooms.
⭐ Rating of 8.9 on Booking.com
✅ Excellent and central location
✅ Private rooms
✅ Suitable for families
Book now:
Excellent location near the train station. Comfortable and luxurious 3-star rooms.
⭐ Rating of 8.9 on Booking.com
✅ Excellent location – really close to the train
✅ Comfortable private rooms
✅ Includes an excellent breakfast
Book now:
A 4-star hotel with very clean and comfortable rooms! There is also a decent breakfast.
⭐ Rating of 8.5 on Booking.com
✅ Very central location
✅ 4-star hotel
✅ Includes a great breakfast
Book now:
8 must-see attractions in Kaohsiung
Temples, parks, and museums – there are quite a few fun attractions in the area, with which you can discover much of the fascinating Taiwanese culture. So what is the best thing to do there?
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum
One of the most amazing and famous museums in Taiwan, it is entirely dedicated to Buddhism. It is a huge complex full of statues, temples and lawns. In fact, it is much more of a spiritual center than a museum. In the main complex you will find a 108-meter-high Buddha statue!
Lotus Pond
A stunning destination with a famous lake and special temples, where you will find the "Dragon and Tiger Temple" - where visitors enter through a giant dragon and exit through a tiger, which is a symbol of good luck and spiritual cleansing. A stunning combination of nature, religion and architecture.
Cheng Ching Lake
A park with an artificial lake with an ancient temple located on the banks of a lake, with a beautiful view of the hills and water.
Love River
A beautiful urban area with a charming promenade, restaurants and cafes. Recommended for a romantic evening stroll with a short cruise on the river.
Takao Railway Museum
The place documents the history of railways in Taiwan, including interactive displays and old trains.
Rueifong Night Market
A colorful and interesting night food market with local Taiwanese dishes – a paradise for food lovers!
85 Sky Tower
Among the tallest towers in Taiwan! You can climb it and see a stunning view of the city or simply admire this enormous structure from below.
Central Park
Yes, there is a Central Park in Taiwan too! A huge park in the middle of the city, with an artificial lake full of grass, perfect for picnics and relaxation.
Want to explore the area at your own pace? With a Viator tour , you can choose which sites to visit, and what interests you most, with a professional guide and convenient transportation for the whole day!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✔️ Private tour customized according to your preferences
✔️ Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle for maximum comfort
✔️ Visit famous sites like Fo Guang Shan, Dragon and Tiger Towers, and Pier-2 Art Center
Reserve your spot now! ￬
Where is the best place to eat in Kaohsiung?
The food in this city is a celebration of traditional Taiwanese flavors and dishes alongside diverse global cuisine. Here are some particularly worthwhile restaurants:
Shang Pin Beef Noodle Restaurant
You must eat beef noodle soup if you want to understand Taiwanese food. This place offers several local dishes and the noodle soup is the most recommended.
Steamed Yuan Pot Stickers - 蒸元鍋貼
An excellent local restaurant, with the most delicious dim sum possible.
Address: No. 352號, Jhongsiao 1st Rd, Sinsing District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 80055
Ye Shu Shu Shi American Restaurant
A vegan restaurant, with a variety of colorful, fresh and very tasty dishes.
Shantou Chuan Cheng Hotpot Zhongshan Main Restaurant
One of the most popular restaurants in Taiwan for hot pot! They serve the most delicious hot pot I've ever had. You choose the broth and the toppings and there is a huge selection. Be careful not to get a broth that is too spicy! Also, it's important to note that there is usually a pretty long line for the restaurant.
Where do we continue after? Kaohsiung ?
After experiencing the magical city, you can easily continue to other fascinating places around Taiwan. If you haven’t yet reached the capital city – a trip to Taipei will expose you to more attractions, markets and museums. If you feel like delving deeper into the lesser-known sides of the island, Hengchun is a stunning destination, full of nature and not far from the city. In addition, Jiufen is a picturesque and beautiful town built on a mountain overlooking the sea, with traditional teahouses and beautiful alleys.
Kaohsiung Questions and Answers
What are the must-see attractions in Kaohsiung Taiwan?
You shouldn't miss the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Lotus Pond, and it's also really worth going to Rueifong Night Market.
How to get to Kaohsiung from Taipei?
The fastest way is the High Speed Rail (HSR) which reaches from Taipei to Kaohsiung in about 90 minutes.
What are the best ways to get around Kaohsiung?
IT IS VERY CONVENIENT TO USE THE CONVENIENT METRO SYSTEM (MRT), BUSES AND LIGHT RAIL, AND YOU CAN ALSO RENT A BICYCLE OR SCOOTER.When is the best time to visit Kaohsiung?
The recommended months are October to March, when the weather is more pleasant and less humid.
