19 Best Things to Do in Tainan for Solo Travellers

Tainan is the oldest city and the ancient capital of Taiwan. Located on the southwestern coast, Tainan has a warm climate year-round, making it a great place to visit. Moreover, there are many things to do in Tainan including numerous cultural and historical sites.

And if you are a foodie, you will want to visit Tainan. The ancient capital is known as the “city of snacks”. The city is full of delicious traditional Taiwanese food and food that is unique to the region. You can find many famous Tainan food in the city and not anywhere else in the country.

So if you are planning a solo trip to Taiwan and wondering if you should include Tainan, then keep reading. I’ll show you all the best things to do and eat in Tainan and exciting day trips to take outside of the city.

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Tainan Travel Guide: what you need to know

Before you travel to Tainan, take a look at my post on learning all my best tips for travelling to Taiwan. I included a lot of information, including getting a Taiwan prepaid SIM card, transportation around the country, and more.
 

Here are additional travel tips that you may find helpful for travelling solo to Tainan City:

• Tainan is a safe city for solo female travellers
• You can see all the attractions in Tainan in 2 days but stay longer and try more food
• Plan your visit to Tainan with the following festivals and events:
  • Tainan Confucius Temple Cultural Festival (September 28) – there are performances, temple tours, and other art events during the festivities.
  • Tainan Food Festival (October) – an annual event showcasing the best food in Tainan
  • Chihkan Hallow Festival (late October) – festivities hosted by the Grand Mazu Temple, where stalls and performances are held at the outdoor plaza at the Tainan Art Museum.

How to get to Tainan City, Taiwan

Plane

Tainan has an airport 6km south of the city. However, only flights from Penghu and Kinmen Islands fly through Tainan Airport (TNN).

International travellers will either arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei, Taichung International Airport, or Kaohsiung International Airport. The easiest way to get to Tainan from any of these airports is by taking the regular or high-speed train.

Train

It is possible to take the Taiwan High-Speed Railway (HSR) to Tainan. But Tainan HSR Station is 12km southeast of the city centre. Once you arrive at Tainan HSR Station, walk 1 minute to Shalun Station and take the TRA regular train to Tainan Station.

Alternatively, take the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) regular train from anywhere in Taiwan to Tainan. This is a more economical option but slower.

How to get around Tainan City on your own

Walking is the best way to see individual neighbourhoods in Tainan.

However, you should consider taking the public bus to places like Anping District and night markets because they are outside of the city centre. The basic adult fare is NT$18. Purchase an EasyCard or iPass so you can easily hop on and hop off the bus. But take note of the bus schedules; they are not frequent and also the schedule on Google Maps doesn’t match the realtime bus timetable

Also, consider setting up a Youbike account while you are in Taiwan. YouBike is a point-to-point electronic bike-sharing program popular in many Taiwanese cities, including Tainan. It is a fun way to get around the city. You can rent a regular bike or an electric bike at one location and drop it off at another for NT$10-20 per half-hour.

Best Things to Do in Tainan City for Solo Travellers

If you have never been to Tainan, plan to stay at least two nights in the ancient city and see all the tourist sites and try all the unique food you can only find in Tainan. If you stay longer, you can visit other places outside of the city and try more food.

So, in no particular order, here is my list of the best things to do for independent solo travellers going to Tainan.

Historical things to see in the West Central District

1. Tainan Confucius Temple

Tainan Confucius Temple is one of the city’s oldest and most famous temple. Originally built in 1665, the temple underwent several name changes due to political history changes and numerous reconstructions.

Today, you can visit fifteen structures in the Confucius Temple Cultural Park, which includes the main temple in the symmetric courtyard, which is dedicated to the Chinese philosopher and his students. Notice the beams and pillars, displays of musical instruments from early Manchu Dynasty and other items related to the temple.

Also wander around and see other buildings, pagodas and structures surrounded by giant banyan trees.

And if you are in Tainan on September 28, visit the temple and see all the celebrations for the Tainan Confucius Temple Cultural Festival.

Address: No. 2, Nanmen Rd, West Central District, Tainan City | Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm | Admission: NT$40

2. Hayashi Department Store

Hayashi Department Store is set inside a historical building that was designed and built during the Japanese Colonial Era. The five-storey building was quite modern for its time as it was one of the two buildings in Tainan to have an elevator.

The building was bombed during WWII during one of the biggest air raids in Tainan. Part of the roof and exterior walls were destroyed. But many marks and bullet holes were already repaired during the restoration. You could still see some evidence of the attack on the roof level. Or you might be distracted by the cute Taiwanese Peng Bing (puffed up cookie) art installation and the Shinto Shrine.

Enjoy the architecture inside and outside of the department store. This is also a great place to buy unique Taiwanese souvenirs.

Address: No. 63, Section 2, Zhongyi Rd, West Central District, Tainan City | Hours: 11am-9pm | Admission: free

3. Other highlights in the West Central District in Tainan

There are many temples and places of interested located in the middle of Tainan City. But if you only want to visit the highlights, make sure to visit one or all of the places:

• Chihkan Tower (8:30am-9pm; NT$70) – one of the oldest buildings in the district. It was originally built as Fort Provincia in 1652 by the Dutch. Today, you can wander around the cultural park and see the tower, temples, pavilions, a lush green courtyard and nine imperial plinths carried by turtle stone. This famous landmark has gone through several refurbishments and is currently going through another one.
• Tainan Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple (6:30am-9pm; free) – also known as the Official God of War Temple, wander around various rooms and buildings inside one of the best preserved temples in Tainan.
• Koxinga Shrine (8:30am-5:30pm; free) – walk around the Fujianese-style shrine and courtyard; the design is quite similar to the Tainan Confucius Temple.

Places to visit in Anping District

4. Anping Old Street

In the centre of Anping District is Yanping Street, also known as Anping Old Street. It is Taiwan’s oldest street and was built by the Dutch more than 300 years ago.

It was once the centre where merchants gathered. Today, the old street is lined with street vendors, food shops, and restaurants. It is the best place to try many traditional food like oyster omelette, shrimp rolls and coffin toast and buy souvenirs like shrimp crackers. Weekends can be quite busy as it is a popular spot for locals and tourists.

When you visit the Old Street in Anping, make sure to try one and buy these local Taiwanese treats:

• Mini coffin toast at Anping Coffin Bread 王城迷你官財板
• Winter melon tea at Uncle Yang Sour Plum Drink 安平老街楊叔叔酸梅湯
• Taiwanese Peng Bing (puffed up cookie) and other snacks
• Food souvenirs from dry fruit stores like 林永泰興蜜餞行 or 益生興蜜餞

Address: Yanping St, Anping District, Tainan City | Hours: 24 hours | Admission: free

5. Anping Old Fort

Built in 1634, the Fort Zeelandia was the Dutch’s original administrative centre and the first fort built in Anping. When the Dutch were driven out of Taiwan in 1661, and Koxinga took the fort back and the fort became Anping Old Fort.

You can visit the inner fort as it was reconstructed and the observation tower. And you can see the remaining crumbled red brick wall at the front. This is the last remnant of Taiwan City Wall from the Dutch period.

Besides the fort, make sure to visit the Zeelandia City Museum and learn about Anping’s local history through four different exhibitions. It is better to see the museum first then walk around the fort.

Address: No. 82, Guosheng Rd, Anping District, Tainan City | Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm | Admission: NT$40

6. Anping Tree House

Anping Tree House was built in the 19th century at the beginning of the Japanese Colonial Era. It was once a warehouse for the Japan Salt Corporation. After a hundred years, the abandoned warehouse walls are covered with banyan tree roots and the roofline is hidden by the lush tree. It kind of resemble the trees and buildings in Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

The Tait&Co Merchant House is a heritage building is right in front of the tree house. Previously it was a museum displaying various things but it is now temporarily closed. But you can visit other areas of the premise including the built walkway to see an aerial view of the area and visit the cafe and gift shop.

Address: No. 104, Gubao St, Anping District, Tainan City | Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm | Admission: NT$70

7. Other attractions around the Anping District

There are other things to see in Anping besides the famous fort, tree house and old street. Wander around the old neighbourhood and find these attractions:

• Anping Kaitai Tianhou Temple (5am-10pm; free) – see the statue of Mazu and traditional temple architecture at this well-known temple. There are food stalls around the temple.
• Lu Mansion (10am-6pm; closed Tuesdays; free) – a former residence of a wealthy family from Qing Dynasty.
• Anping Oyster Shell Cement Kiln Museum (8:30am-5pm; closed Mondays; free) – spend about 20 minutes at the museum and learn about how oyster shell ash is used to make other useful things.
• Eternal Golden Castle (8:30am-5:30pm; NT$70) – rent a Youbike and visit a Western-style fort built to defend against Japanese invasions. Originally designed by French engineers, it was the first fort to hold British cannons in Taiwan.

Creative and cultural things to see in Tainan

8. Old school movie posters at Chin Men Theatre

Chin Men Theatre is a second-run theatre that was first opened in 1950 and is one of the longest lasting theatre in Taiwan. What is unique is the nostalgic hand-painted oil paintings hung above the entrance, which are hand painted by Mr. Yan Zhen-Fa, a fifth generation painter, who has been painting for more than 50 years.

I find it fascinating that there are still hand-painted billboards. I found out that this is the only theatre in Taiwan that still has these posters. And fun fact: Ang Lee, a famous Taiwanese filmmaker, used to watch movies here when he was a high schooler.

I also read that you can actually watch a movie inside the art deco theatre. Instead of soda and popcorn, they offer beer and Taiwanese snacks.

Check out some of the hand-painted posters across the street, too. I think they were movie posters that were hung previously and there are other posters of movie stars as well.

Address: No. 187, Section 2, Yongfu Rd, West Central District, Tainan City | Hours: 24 hours | Admission: free

9. Cultural and Creative Areas around Tainan

Besides all the historical sites around Tainan, there are many cultural and creative neighbourhoods within the city. Visit the creative parks on weekends (as it is quiet during the week) or wander around these little streets and neighbourhoods any time:

• Snail Alley – find many snail-theme signages and sculptures in the quirky neighbourhood with narrow cobblestone alleys and traditional houses.
• Shennong Street – a quaint little street lined with small boutique shops, cafes and bars. The photogenic street also has many colourful lanterns.
• Tainan Spring – an urban lagoon built in the area that once housed a shopping mall. It also hosts various performances and events throughout the year.
• Blueprint Culture & Creative Park – an area with art installations, art murals and unique stores selling handicrafts.

10. Visit one of many unique museums in Tainan

I didn’t realize there are so many interesting museums in Tainan until I started my research. I included some of them in this list below; some are even free.

• Tainan Art Museum (10am-6pm closed Mondays; NT$200) – the museum has exhibits in two different buildings. The first one is in an old police station while the second one is in a large modern pentagonal-shaped building.
• Tainan City Fire Museum (10am-4pm closed Mondays; free) – there are three floors of info on the history and current practices of fire department. You can even try the uniform.
• Tainan Judicial Museum (9am-5pm closed Mondays; free) – roam around the former district court and admire the architecture. The museum is run by volunteers.
• National Museum of Taiwan Literature (9am-6pm closed Mondays; free) – see the exhibition of the literary history and literature of Taiwan (in English) and/or enjoy the architecture.
• Teyang Navy Destroyer Museum (9am-6pm; NT$100) – see the decommissioned DDG-925 Teyang ship at Anping Harbour. It is the only warship museum in Taiwan.

Where to go shopping in Tainan

11. Tainan shopping districts and shopping malls

I’m not a big shopper but I noticed there are several shopping districts in Tainan that are worth checking out. And on a rainy day, you could visit one of several large shopping malls in the city.

There are more places to shop but I am only listing the ones that are worth going:

• Zhengxing Shopping District – many little local shops that sells souvenirs and knick knacks
• Ximen Asakusa Public Retail Market – a traditional market housed inside a brand new shell where most stores sell fabric
• Guohua Youai Shopping District – a mix of shops open day and night
• Kongmiao Shopping District – a pedestrian zone on Fuzhong Street with shops and cafes. Visit the street on Saturdays when most shops open
• Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Tainan Ximen Store – upscale shopping mall with many shops and a Japanese department store called Mitsukoshi
• Taiwan Spinning (TS) Mall – the biggest shopping mall in Tainan located in the East District 

Things to do at night for solo travellers

12. Places to walk around alone at night in Tainan

As a solo traveller, I don’t tend to go out a lot at night. But in Tainan, there are areas in the city where you can roam around at night and feel completely safe. Some of these areas are already mentioned but are worth noting again because they are quite lively after the sun goes down.

I definitely think it’s worth checking out some of the places in the evening:

• Zhengxing Shopping District – some dessert shops stay open even after the sun goes down. There’s a cool bar called Sparrow Brewing.
• Ximen Asakusa Public Retail Market – the fabric market stays open quite late
• Guohua Youai Shopping District – some local shops stay open while food vendors only open at night.
• Shennong Street – the colourful lanterns light up the entire pedestrian street.

13. Visit Taiwanese Night Markets in Tainan

Night market is a cultural tradition in any Taiwanese cities. And in Tainan, there are a few you can check out. Each night market in Tainan opens on different days so pay attention to the hours of operation. Here are a few you might want to check out:

• Garden Night Market aka Flower Night Market (5pm-12am; 5pm-12am; open Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays)
• Dadong Night Market (6pm-1am; 6pm-1am; open Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays)
• Wusheng Night Market (6:30pm-1:30am; 5pm-12am; open Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays)
• Xiaobei Night Market (5pm-12am; 5pm-12am; open Tuesdays & Fridays)
• Xin Yonghua Night Market (5-11:30pm; 5-11:30pm; open Thursdays & Saturdays)
• Da Yi Night Market (5pm-12am; open Thursday to Sunday)

Tainan Food Guide for foodies

14. Sample unique food you can only find in Tainan

Tainan is a foodie destination. You can find unique local dishes you cannot find anywhere else in Taiwan. Typical meals are small in portion, which is excellent if you want to try many different foods. Unlike the north, Tainan offers many seafood options, and the food tends to be sweeter (Tainan was a hub for sugar production).

Besides typical Taiwanese food, look for these delicious local treats while you are in Tainan:

• Beef Soup – fresh hand-sliced beef in bone broth for breakfast or any time
• Danzai Noodles – minced meat and shrimp with wheat noodle
• Milkfish – a silvery marine fish used for soup, porridge and side dishes
• Eel Noodles – dry-fried eel noodles or eel noodle in thick sauce
• Oyster – cooked in many ways including oyster omelette, fried oyster and oyster roll

15. Places to eat around Tainan

If you have limited time in Tainan, go directly to one of these areas or streets so you can try all the best food in the city. Most of the eateries (including affordable Michelin level places) I mentioned in my Tainan food guide are located on one of these streets or in one of these markets:

• Yongle Market – you can try many Tainan food at one of the eateries on Guohua Street including Bowl Rice Cake at Yi Wei Pin, Bowl Rice Cake at Fu Sheng Hao, and tofu dessert at Xiu’an Douhua.
• Shuixian Gong Market – it is a wet market but also sell cooked food.
• Kangle Market – local market selling food and clothing. Chikan Coffin Bread is inside the market as well.
• Ximen Market – there are local food vendors around the perimeter of the market
• Bao An Road – there are a few excellent restaurants (some Michelin) on this short road including Bao An Road Rice Cake, A Cun Beef Soup, Chun Yan Fang Pot Burn Noodles and A Wen Rice Cake.

16. Buy traditional snacks from a retro candy shop

Tainan has many retro candy shops and the one that stood out to me was Jinxing Candy Store 進興糖果行. The store is quite big compared to others and the selection of snacks and candies is mind-blowing.

You can tell that the store has been around for decades. Just look at the original interiors including the beautiful terrazzo floor. But people come here to buy nostalgic treats like candied fruit, biscuits and retro children’s toys.

Even though I didn’t grow up in Taiwan (I grew up in Hong Kong), this store reminds me of my childhood. I saw many candies that I grew up eating. So if you grew up around Asia or want to see an old retro candy shop, definitely stop by and browse around.

Address: No. 103, Section 3, Minquan Rd, West Central District, Tainan City | Hours: 9am-8pm; closed Sundays

Places to visit outside of Tainan City

17. Sicao Mangrove Green Tunnel in Taijiang National Park

Just north of Anping is Taijiang National Park, a national park with over 50 sq km of land and 340 sq km of sea which includes lagoons, mangroves, and wetlands where different species of birds live.

But the highlight of park has to be the Sicao Mangrove Green Tunnel. There is a tour where you can see the mangroves over the waterway. And you can also visit Sicao Dazhong Temple which is right next to the waterway.

I thought the green tunnel was okay. But the best part of my solo excursion was riding a Youbike from Anping to the waterway and back. It takes 18 minutes from Anping to the green tunnel and there is a dedicated bikeway around the wetlands. After crossing the Sicao Bridge, follow the path from offices at Taijiang National Park and it will take you all the way to Sicao Mangrove.

Alternatively, take bus 2, 10 and 99 (on weekends) to Sicao Mangrove Tunnel.

18. Chimei Museum

Chimei Museum is a private museum near Tainan Airport. It has permanent collections of 13th to 20th-century Western art, musical instruments, defence and armoury, and natural history. It also has the world’s largest collection of violins. There’s even a gallery full of sculptures created by Auguste Rodin.

But what is most impressive is the building, surrounding garden, and the oversized fountain. The entire scene is a replica of the Palace of Versailles in France.

The easiest way to get to Chimei Museum is by taking Bus H31, which drops off passengers at the west entrance. The entrance fee for the permanent exhibit is NT$200.

19. Xinhua Old Street

Xinhua was once a major political and commercial centre. Many foreign-style houses were built during the Japanese Colonial Era and it formed a central commercial street and it has been an important business hub since the 1920s.

Today, Xinhua Old Street has many well-preserved Baroque-style buildings lining both sides of the street. Each building houses different businesses, such as restaurants and food shops. And in the morning, you can buy many local treats from local vendors.

While you are there, check out Xinhua Wude Hall, a heritage building near the central street. Also check out Tavokan Story House which is a museum and Ancient Mansion of the Su Family, a residential home that is over a hundred years old and was once lived by a wealthy family.

Xinhua is 12km northeast of Tainan City and you only need about an hour or two to see the entire town. Bus GR17 goes directly from the city centre to Xinhua and the bus ride takes less than an hour.

Where to stay in Tainan as a solo traveller

The West Central District District is the best area to stay in Tainan. Whether you want a homey space like an Airbnb apartment, a hostel bed, or a hotel room, there is something for every budget. Here are my three favourite places to stay in Tainan:

• U.I.J. Hotel & Hostel – the retro yet modern hostel offers the best dorm beds with privacy curtains and the cleanest bathrooms. It is also a hotel where you can book private rooms. Check prices & reviews: Agoda and Booking
• The Retro Tai-Pan – their rooms are spacious and comfortable. Also walkable to many places in Tainan and they even include complimentary Leng Tih Tong traditional cookies. Check prices & reviews: Agoda and Booking
• Kindness Day Hotel – a modern hotel with cozy rooms. Still in the West Central District but not directly in the centre. But the highlight is the complimentary beers, snacks, and free bike rental. Check prices & reviews: Agoda and Booking

Is Tainan worth visiting as a solo traveller

I definitely think so. Tainan is a compact city where all the attractions are centrally located. And besides all the tourist sites, there is so much to eat around the city that you can’t find anywhere else in Taiwan.

I went to Tainan many years ago and only spent a couple of days wandering around the city. Then I returned again and spent a few days eating around the city – definitely one of my favourite cities in Taiwan (especially for trying unique Taiwanese food).

But if you only have limited time in Taiwan, you can spend two days in Tainan and see the best of the city. Let me know in the comments below what you decide to see in Tainan and how you like this ancient city.

Ready to plan your trip to Tainan? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner 
* Book accommodation: find the best Tainan accommodations on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance, collect it upon arrival, and set up your mobile phone before arriving at your destination. Or find out how and where to get a SIM Card in Taiwan.
* Join tours: check Klook or Get Your Guide for the best tours around Tainan.

Thank you for reading my Tainan solo travel guide

I have many posts on Taiwan, and you might also like these other posts on solo travel in Taiwan:

Introduction to Taiwan

• Things to know before visiting Taiwan 
• How and where to buy a Taiwan prepaid SIM card
• How to spend 3 weeks in Taiwan 
• 22 must-eat food in Taiwan 
• Top 10 must-try Taiwan 7-11 Food

Southern Taiwan posts

• Best things to do in Chiayi Taiwan
• How to travel from Chiayi to Alishan
• Alishan 2-day solo itinerary 
• Where to stay in Tainan: Best Areas & Hotel Reviews
• Tainan Food Guide: What & Where to Eat
• 6 Best night markets in Tainan
• Things to do alone in Kaohsiung 
• Where to stay in Kaohsiung: Best Areas & Hotel Reviews
• Kaohsiung Food Guide: What and Where to Eat
• 5 Best night markets in Kaohsiung
• Qishan Old Street in Kaohsiung City
• Kenting Travel Guide: things to do

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!