Kaohsiung, Taiwan: everything you need to know!

Last Updated on May 4, 2025

Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is a hidden gem that’s full of surprises! Once an industrial city, it’s now a lively metropolis with so much to offer. From colorful outdoor art to night markets and super-cool metro stations, Kaohsiung is a great city to explore—whether you’re solo or with friends. Wondering about the best things to do in Kaohsiung City? This guide has got you covered! Discover why Kaohsiung in Taiwan is worth visiting, how to get around, where to eat, where to sleep, and all the must-see spots. Let the adventure begin!

How to get to Kaohsiung?

Getting to Kaohsiung in Taiwan is easy and convenient, whether you’re traveling from within Taiwan or abroad. Here are the best ways to reach the city:

1. By Air: Kaohsiung has an international airport, Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH), which is well-connected to major cities in Asia. If you’re flying internationally, check for direct flights to KHH. Cathay Pacific, offering both domestic and international flights. Have a look at Skyscanner to find affordable flights 🙂 Once at the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or MRT to get to the city center.
2. By Train: You can take a high-speed train (HSR) from Taipei or other major cities to Kaohsiung. The Taiwan High-Speed Rail offers a fast and comfortable ride, with the trip from Taipei to Kaohsiung taking about 1.5 hours. For a more scenic and budget-friendly option, take the regular TRA train, which takes about 4-5 hours.
3. By Bus: Buses are another affordable way to reach Kaohsiung, with services available from various cities, including Taipei. The bus journey usually takes around 5-6 hours, depending on traffic.
4. By Car: If you prefer to drive, Kaohsiung is accessible via Taiwan’s expressways, and the journey from Taipei takes about 4-5 hours.

How do you get around Kaohsiung?

Exploring Kaohsiung is simple with its range of convenient transportation options:

1. By Metro: The Metro (KRTC), is the best way to get around, with clean, safe stations and fares based on your destination. Use the interactive Kaohsiung MRT route map or grab an Unlimited MRT Pass for Kaohsiung, which offers unlimited rides for a set period, saving you money as you explore.
2. By Taxi: Taxis are another convenient option, easily found at the airport and city center, with fares depending on your distance. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and LINE Taxi work in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, making it convenient to get around the city. Grab is not available in Taiwan.
3. By bicycle: If you prefer a more active experience, the city’s bicycle-sharing system lets you safely explore with well-maintained bike lanes and low traffic.

Where to eat in Kaohsiung?

The best thing about Kaohsiung is its food scene. There are different types of Taiwanese food that you should try during your vacation to Kaohsiung. Most restaurants can be found in the lively Tsoying area (location). Some of my favorite places:

• Din Tai Fung (dumplings)
• Gang Yuan Beef Noodle Restaurant (noodles)
• Xing Long Ju (serve all kinds of traditional Taiwanese breakfast items, open 4-11am)

If you love desserts, make sure to order Dou hua, a typical traditional Taiwanese dessert.

– Local Street Food in Koahsiung

Of course you can also find plenty of food stands at the night markets.

One of the most famous night markets in Kaohsiung is the Liuhe Night Market (location). This market offers many delicious dishes like seafood, dumplings, and bubble tea. It’s a lively spot for an authentic Taiwanese experience. From stinky tofu to papaya milk and fresh seafood, there’s something for everyone.

Another popular night market in Kaohsiung is the Ruifeng Night Market (location). This market is known for its nice atmosphere and delicious snacks. It’s larger and more local than Liuhe, with a great selection of Taiwanese dishes, including bubble tea, fried chicken, and oyster omelets.

Which night market dish would you recommend? Let me know below! 🙂

The video below gives you an insight in the street food of Taiwan. Hmmmm looks yummy!

The 15 best things to do in Kaohsiung City

Kaohsiung has many attractions and fun things to do. Here is a summary of the most popular things to do alone in Kaohsiung:

1. Visit the Fo Guang Shan Monastery

This monastery (location) is an excellent place to visit alone while in Kaohsiung. To get here, you need to take an express bus from Kaohsiung Zuoying Station (location) to Buddha Memorial Hall Station (location). It is a two-hour drive.

When you get there, you will find many Buddhist pagodas flanking on the sides of the corridor pathway all the way to the giant Buddha statue. Fo Guang Shan’s main shrine has an area of 3570 square meters, is 30 meters in height, and can house up to one thousand people. There are three statues of Buddhas, each 7.8 meters high. The Great Buddha is located on the eastern side of Fo Guang Shan next to the Great Wisdom Shrine.

There also is a museum that stores the Sakyamuni Buddha tooth relics. Make sure you spend your time here.

2. Hike in the Kenting National Park 

Kenting National Park (location) is a paradise known for its beaches, forests, and rock formations. It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like snorkeling or hiking. A popular scenic spot is the Eluanbi Lighthouse and Longpan Park. To reach the national park you can board an express bus at Kaohsiung Zuoying Station (location). The trip to Kenting National Park takes two hours with an express bus. The best time to come here is in the afternoon hours.

To make the most of your visit, wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen and plenty of water, and plan your trip during weekdays to avoid crowds. Renting a scooter or bicycle is a great way to explore the park at your own pace, and don’t forget to try local seafood in nearby towns! 🙂

3. Explore the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts

This museum sits on a 4-story building house (location). It is home to 2700 pieces of Taiwanese fine arts and more than 18 galleries. When you visit this place you will be attracted by the building itself. It’s quite impressive and beautiful. Once you get into the museum, you will see many greeneries and public sculptures that will make your time here memorable.

Tip: save time and buy your ticket for the museum in advance!

6. Cycling in Kaohsiung

You can also easily rent a bicycle and go cycling in the city. Customized cycling trails along the coast lead to places of interest, such as lighthouses, while cycling is also a great way to explore the suburbs.

Have you tried biking in Kaohsiung? Share your experience in the comments!

11. Visit a theme park like E-DA Theme Park or a real racing circuit

If you’re looking for a day full of excitement in Kaohsiung, head to E-DA Theme Park, where you can enjoy a wide range of attractions, from thrilling rides to live entertainment, all set in a beautiful Greek-inspired environment. Grab your E-DA Theme Park tickets here for a smooth and discounted entry.

For more adrenaline-pumping fun, visit the nearby Suzuka Circuit Park, where motorsport lovers can get behind the wheel and race in a go-kart experience or simply enjoy the atmosphere of a real racing circuit. If you’re up for a high-speed adventure, check out the Suzuka Circuit Park tickets here.

12. Explore the Pier-2 Art Center

Once a warehouse district, Pier-2 (location) is now a creative space filled with galleries and street art. You can explore Taiwanese art, shop for unique souvenirs, and enjoy the area’s cafés. The district also hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the year. t’s a must-visit for art lovers.

15. Check out the 85 Sky Tower

This 85-story skyscraper is one of the tallest buildings in Taiwan (location). The observation deck on the 74th floor offers 360-degree views of Kaohsiung, the harbor, and even nearby islands on clear days. Inside, you’ll find shopping, dining, and luxury accommodations.

Guided Tour

To make the most of your time in Kaohsiung, you can also book a guided tour. A classic day tour will take you to some of the best spots, including the Lotus Pond, Cijin Island, and the Pier-2 Art Center, all while learning about the city’s rich history and culture from a local guide. I think it’s the perfect way to experience Kaohsiung in a short time! 🙂

Tips for accommodation in Kaohsiung

• Budget accommodation: Flyinn Hostel, N Joy Takao or R8 Eco Hotel
• Mid-range accommodation: Kindness Hotel-Jue Ming, Hub Hotel Kaohsiung Yisin Branch or Legend Hotel Kaohsiung Pier2
• Luxury accommodation: Silks Club, H2O Hotel or JÒHŌ Hotel

Other useful tips

Here are other useful tips for visiting Kaohsiung in Taiwan:

1. Staying Connected: To stay connected, you can either get a local SIM card or use an eSIM if your phone supports it. The top mobile providers in Taiwan are Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, and Far EasTone.
2. Language: The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but in Kaohsiung, you’ll find that many locals understand basic English, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few simple phrases in Mandarin, like “你好 (Nǐ hǎo)” for “Hello” or “谢谢 (Xièxiè)” for “Thank you,” can be appreciated by the locals. Many signs, especially in tourist spots, also feature English translations.
3. Money: Taiwan’s official currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places, though cash is still preferred in smaller shops and markets. It’s a good idea to have cash on hand for places like night markets or local eateries. Many stores also accept mobile payments like Line Pay and Apple Pay.

4. Clothes: The weather in Kaohsiung is typically warm and humid, so pack light and breathable clothes. During the summer (May to September), expect hot temperatures and possible rain, so don’t forget a light jacket. If you’re visiting in winter (December to February), temperatures are mild, but you may need a light sweater or jacket, especially in the evenings.
5. Holidays & Events: Taiwan celebrates several public holidays like Chinese New Year (usually in January or February), the Mid-Autumn Festival (September), and Double Ten Day (October 10). Also keep an eye out for major events like the Kaohsiung Lantern Festival or Kaohsiung International Marine & Fishery Expo.
6. Safety: Kaohsiung is a very safe city for tourists with a low crime rate. However, like any city, it’s always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places like night markets.

Conclusion

Kaohsiung has many amazing attractions and things to do. Whether you’re strolling through art-filled districts, trying street food at night markets, or exploring natural spots like the Lotus Pond, this city has something for anyone. With its convenient transportation, friendly locals, and nice atmosphere, I think that Kaohsiung is a must-visit destination in Taiwan.

So why wait? Pack your bags and start planning your adventure in Kaohsiung. Let Kaohsiung surprise and inspire you! If you have any questions about the above mentioned information, please let me know in the comment section below. I’m happy to help you. Safe travels!

This article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Kaohsiung on GPSmyCity.

Author: Daphne

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