Travelling to Taiwan? Here’s your sign to add the rustically charming and former capital, Tainan, to your itinerary.
Ask me what my favourite destination in Asia is, and Taiwan will always come up top. A charming place that retains tradition and natural beauty with a touch of modernity, it keeps me coming back – thrice, if you’re wondering. While I love the bustling capital of Taipei as a food and shopping haven, I sought a new experience this time and landed on Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city and former capital in the south.
Having spent a week there, this city intrigued me with its laid-back charm. I love how I slowed down my footing and enjoyed the quieter moments. Tried and tested by yours truly, here are the top attractions, must-eats, and things to do in Tainan.
Top attractions to bookmark
1. Tainan Art Museum Building 1
Visiting art galleries and museums is one of my favourite ways to discover a new city. These spaces hold rich historical meaning and usually come with a facade that’s oh-so-Instagrammable. Originally built in 1931 as the former Tainan Police Station, the building has been converted into a modern art exhibition space today.
Expect to see Art Deco-style elements and remnants dating back to the Japanese colonial period. Inside, you’ll find curated exhibitions and special displays that delve into local culture and history. I recommend coming on a weekday when the crowds are quieter and the building feels more peaceful. Oh, and your ticket includes entry to both Buildings 1 and 2 – talk about bang for your buck!
Price: $8.60 per adult
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday and Sunday, 10am to 6pm; Saturday, 10am to 9pm
Address: Tainan Art Museum Building 1, No. 37, Nanmen Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
2. Tainan Art Museum Building 2
Just a short four-minute walk from Building 1 is Tainan Art Museum Building 2. The striking museum exterior is unmissable. Designed by the team of Shigeru Ban (winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize), the pentagon-shaped building boasts a clean, white exterior that appears more modern than Building 1.
With a total of 26 exhibition rooms, a children’s art centre and a souvenir shop, I easily spent a few hours immersing myself in the curation of local and international contemporary art. Feet aching after all that exploration? Head to the rooftop cafe, The Pool, a sun-drenched space with lofty glass ceilings.
Price: $8.60 per adult
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday and Sunday, 10am to 6pm; Saturday, 10am to 9pm
Address: Tainan Art Museum Building 2, No. 1, Section 2, Zhongyi Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 70041
3. Snail Alley
Can’t resist a photo opportunity? Pose and snap to your heart’s content at Snail Alley. Made up of quiet, winding alleyways, this whimsical enclave is peppered with colourful murals, art installations and adorable snail motifs. It also holds historical meaning and pays tribute to a famed literary work by Taiwanese novelist Yeh Shih-tao. I spotted iconic lines from his book, The Past Is Like A Cloud, engraved on the pavement tiles!
Price: Free entry
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Snail Alley, Lane 97, Section 2, Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
4. Quan Mei Movie Theatre
Singapore has The Projector, and Tainan has Quan Mei Movie Theatre. Built in 1950, this historic theatre retains its old-world charm and retro interiors with hand-painted movie posters plastered on the building facade. Spot the stunning recreations of Inside Out, Transformers and The Joker. Psst: take home a postcard version of the posters as a keepsake!
The theatre has since stopped showing films, but visitors are welcome to tour it for a small fee. Stepping into the cinema instantly transported me back in time. Plus, you get to snap shots of yourself on the retro cinema seats. How cool is that?
Price: $2 per pax for entry into the theatre
Opening hours: Enquire for more information
Address: Quan Mei Movie Theatre, No. 187, Section 2, Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
5. Shennong Street
Another Instagrammable, historically preserved street in Tainan? Yes, please! Shennong Street dates back to the Qing Dynasty. While some of the building’s exteriors have been remodelled, you can still spot remnants of history. This place is best known for its lantern displays, and I recommend visiting at night to see the gorgeous illumination.
You’ll also find a handful of boutiques selling handicrafts, souvenirs and other knick-knacks along both sides of the alleyway. I reckon an hour is more than enough time to stroll through all the stores.
Price: Free entry
Opening hours: Open 24 hours; timings may vary by store
Address: Shennong Street, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan, 700
6. Hayashi Department Store
Opened during the Japanese colonial era, Hayashi Department Store is a sprawling five-storey building that houses everything from snacks and household items to designer clothing and souvenirs. You can find cafes, restaurants and tea shops on the rooftop – perfect for a breather.
Even if you’re not one for shopping, I’d still recommend a trip here. I love how the building retains its nostalgic charm with retro tiling, stairways, ceilings and beams. Don’t forget to check out the vintage elevator, too. It’s a unique feature that’ll transport you back in time.
Price: Free entry
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 9pm
Address: Hayashi Department Store, No. 63, Section 2, Zhongyi Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
7. Ten Drum Cultural Village
Visiting Tainan with the little ones? This attraction is a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Made up of 22 old warehouses from the Japanese colonial era, it’s a massive space spanning 7.5 hectares. Most visitors come for the show-stopping daily performance (11am and 3pm) by the celebrated Ten Drum Art Percussion Group. Blending traditional drumming and theatrical elements, the performers’ captivating stage presence and skilled drumming left me awestruck.
Post-show, there are plenty of thrilling and family-friendly activities to keep you entertained. Zoom down the five-storey-high chimney slide, embrace the adrenaline rush on the giant swing, or try your hand at the free drum classes. Potterheads, don’t miss the Magic Factory. Touted as a Harry Potter-themed spot, this industrial-style space is decked out with ceiling-high bookshelves, flying magic books and other whimsical elements.
Price: Tickets from $20.95 per pax
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 5.30pm; Saturday and Sunday, 9.30am to 5.30pm; Thursday to Sunday, 5.30pm to 8.20pm
Address: Ten Drum Cultural Village, No. 326, Section 2, Wenhua Road, Rende District, Tainan City, Taiwan 71755
8. Tainan Confucius Temple
Tainan Confucius Temple is a must-see for history buffs in Tainan. Built in 1666, it marks Taiwan’s first Confucius temple and first official school for higher learning. Stroll through a courtyard shaded by towering trees and traditional archways, as well as ancestral tablets. What caught my eye were the interactive exhibitions that showcased ceremonial processes and musical instruments from the early Manchu Dynasty. It’s worth allocating an hour to thoroughly explore this historical attraction.
Price: From $1.70 per pax
Opening hours: Daily, 8.30am to 5.30pm
Address: Tainan Confucius Temple, No. 2, Nanmen Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
9. Navy Destroyer Museum
Ever wanted to explore a warship? Docked at Anping Harbour, the DDG-925 Deyang ship was decommissioned in 2009 after almost 30 years of service. It’s the only warship museum in Taiwan. Beyond the majestic facade, it retains the warship’s original interiors and facilities. Venture into the captain’s room, combat information centre, engine room, and galley for a semblance of life onboard.
Price: From $4.30 per pax
Opening hours: Daily, 9am to 7pm
Address: Navy Destroyer Museum, No. 115, Anyi Road, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708
10. Anping Old Streets
One of the best places to experience Tainan’s rustic charm is this street built by the Dutch over 300 years ago. The bustling maze of alleys is lined with old stalls and pushcarts selling local delicacies, snacks and souvenirs. Fill up on Taiwanese treats like deep-fried shrimp rolls, oyster omelette, beancurd pudding and more.
For more sightseeing, Anping Old Fort and Anping Treehouse are within walking distance. Peep at the heritage building that once served as the Dutch administrative centre and a trading hub. Or, explore the treehouse compound that was originally a warehouse for a major British trading firm during the Qing Dynasty. This striking structure has been gradually enveloped by the sprawling roots and branches of a massive banyan tree over the years.
Price: Free entry; various attractions are ticketed
Opening hours: Open 24 hours; timings may vary by store
Address: Anping Old Streets, Yanping Street, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708
11. Yuguang Island
Say hello to tranquillity at this offshore island in Anping District. A former fishermen’s settlement, it’s a well-loved spot for locals and tourists to chase sunrises and sunsets. Feeling adventurous? Try various watersports like paddleboarding, sailing and windsurfing, or consider joining a boat tour to venture beyond the mainland.
Price: Free entry
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Yuguang Island, Yuguang Road, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708
Where to indulge in local food
12. Tainan Garden Night Market
Brace yourself for one of the largest (and most exciting, IMO) night markets in Taiwan! With nearly 400 stores in clearly demarcated areas for food, fashion, retail, and game booths, Tainan Garden Night Market is heaven on earth for foodies.
It’s tempting to try everything, but here are the dishes I’d recommend stopping for: stinky tofu; charcoal-grilled chicken thigh; sweet potato balls; melt-in-the-mouth mochi in flavours like milk, chocolate and matcha; and casket bread, an open-faced toasted bread overflowing with cream corn soup.
Must-try dishes: Stinky tofu; charcoal-grilled chicken thigh; flavoured mochi
Opening hours: Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 5pm to 12am
Address: Tainan Garden Night Market, No. 533, Section 3, Hai’an Road, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704
13. Ah Tang Xian Zhou
Warm and full of umami goodness, a bowl of milkfish congee ranks high as a comforting breakfast meal, especially during the colder seasons. You can’t leave without trying this local specialty. This store serves it congee-style with milkfish slices and plump oysters. I’d also recommend trying the milkfish belly that’s pan-fried to golden perfection. Tip: share these between two pax ‘cos these folks are generous with their portions.
Must-try dishes: Milkfish congee; pan-fried milkfish belly
Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday, 6am to 1pm
Address: Ah Tang Xian Zhou, No. 728, Section 1, Ximen Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
14. Chun Yan Fang Gu Zao Wei Guo Shao Ee Mian
Tick nabeyaki egg noodles off your Tainan food bucket list at this local spot. Humble and unpretentious, the compact eatery was already filled with throngs of people at 9am when we visited.
The nabeyaki egg noodle dish is the star. Each bowl comes with egg noodles, veggies, fried fish slices and an egg. The soup leans on the sweeter side, while the al dente egg noodles have a firm, crunchy texture. You can swap your carbs for udon, cellophane or rice noodles, but I’d suggest sticking with the classic choice.
Must-try dishes: Nabeyaki egg noodles
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 6am to 8pm; Saturday and Sunday, 6am to 3pm
Address: Chun Yan Fang Gu Zao Wei Guo Shao Ee Mian, No. 53, Bao An Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
15. Ke Xiang Chao
This well-loved breakfast store puts a spin on the usual egg pancake, and I’m so here for it. Each egg pancake comes stuffed with your favourite ingredients (bacon, roasted meat, cheese and the like), and is beautifully pan-fried for that crisp exterior. Crunchy on the outside and a burst of flavours on the inside, it’s worth every calorie.
You can also get your fix of sandwiches, burgers and thick toasts, but the egg pancake is unmissable. Heads-up: the store is run by a two-man team, so I don’t recommend coming if you’re in a rush.
Must-try dishes: Egg pancake with mashed potatoes, roasted meat and cheese; signature toast
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 7am to 2pm; Saturday and Sunday, 8.30am to 2pm
Address: Ke Xiang Chao, No. 7, Section 1, Yongfu Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
16. Guo Hua Street
What’s a trip to Taiwan without stuffing yourself silly? Come hungry and ready to feast at Guo Hua Street, one of Tainan’s best-known food streets. Eat your way through an array of food stalls selling traditional snacks and local delicacies – at wallet-friendly prices, no less.
To maximise your stomach space, here are some must-visit spots: Yi Wei Pin for wa gui (steamed rice pudding topped with minced pork, dried shrimp and savoury sauces); Yong Le Shrimp and Meat Dumplings for juicy, stuffed dumplings; and Xiu’an Douhua for silky tofu pudding served with toppings like pudding and taro balls.
Must-try dishes: Wa gui; shrimp and meat dumplings; tofu pudding
Opening hours: Open 24 hours; timings may vary by store
Address: Guo Hua Street, Yongkang District, Tainan City, Taiwan 710
Must-visit cafes, restaurants and bars
17. Wu Liu Shou Chuan Shao Izakaya
Taiwan is no stranger to Japanese culture, and izakayas are a dime a dozen with a Taiwanese spin. My local friend brought me to this popular spot in the West Central District with a whopping 4.9-star rating, and it didn’t disappoint.
Dimly-lit and decked out with retro posters, calligraphy and traditional Japanese accents, the restaurant instantly immersed me in a relaxing and cosy atmosphere. You’ll be spoilt for choice with a variety of grilled meats and seafood, skewers, fried food, cold appetisers and main dishes. It’s best to come in a group so you can try a bit of everything.
Must-try dishes: Mentaiko chicken skewers; sesame spinach rolls; dango
Opening hours: Daily, 6pm to 1am
Address: Wu Liu Shou Chuan Shao Izakaya, No. 49, Shennong Street, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
18. Avversita
When one door closes, another opens. That’s how I stumbled upon this gem when my original destination was crowded. As with most Taiwanese cafes I’ve visited, the atmosphere is warm, welcoming and invites you to stay for a little while. The interiors boast European-style furnishing with wooden accents and lush greenery.
Brunch classics, pastas and hearty mains are what these folks are known for. I zeroed in on the seafood stew served with a salad, fruit and veggie skewers, and two buttery buns. The freshly baked buns were fluff perfection and paired superbly with the umami-rich stew. Trust me when I say I had to resist bagging some home. The hojicha au lait was also a pleasant surprise with balanced sweetness and creaminess.
Must-try dishes: Seafood stew; porcini risotto; crispy confit duck leg
Opening hours: Varies by day
Address: Avversita, No. 283, Section 2, Fuqian Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
19. Wanan
If you’re a serial cafe hopper who can’t resist cute aesthetics and desserts, Wanan is up your alley. This charming cafe is enveloped in warm, earthy tones and cute signage, and feels like it’s right out of an animated film. The tempting waffle selection is on full display, featuring flavours like sesame, sweet potato, Earl Grey and matcha. Wash it down with a cup of coffee, au lait, or tea. It’s best to arrive early ‘cos these waffles sell out fast!
Must-try dishes: Sesame mochi waffle; matcha red bean mochi waffle
Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday, 1pm to 6pm
Address: Wanan, No. 20, Lane 342, Section 1, Fuqian Road, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
20. Goca Coffee Tainan
Tucked away in a narrow alleyway, this cafe is a gem of a find. The space is small yet inviting, and it feels like you’ve stepped into a friend’s home. Sit at the counter and sip coffee while chatting with the friendly owners, or venture into a cosy seating area at the back. Perfect for intimate conversations, it’s set up like a campsite with foldable camping chairs and fairy lights. And don’t just look at the beverages. The tiramisu – available in coffee and tie guan yin flavours – is decadent without being cloying.
Must-try dishes: Tiramisu; specialty coffee; honey au lait
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 6pm to 11.30pm
Address: Goca Coffee Tainan, No. 33-4, Lane 125, Section 2, Shulin Street, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700016
21. Lianren Shabu
When in Taiwan, hotpot is a must-eat – sorry, we don’t make the rules. Overwhelmed by all the options? Here’s a classy restaurant I’d recommend. Served individually, each hotpot set includes a soup base, a meat or seafood platter, a veggie platter, a drink, a choice of carbs, and sauces. The meat was fresh and beautifully marbled, with a portion comfortable for one. Coupled with attentive and warm service, it’s a value-for-money spot to get your hotpot fix.
Must-try dishes: Pork belly set with handmade noodles
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 9.30pm
Address: Lianren Shabu, No. 127, Guoping North Road, Anping District, Tainan City, Taiwan 708013
22. Swallow Tainan
A cafe by day and cocktail bar by night, Swallow Tainan stole my heart. Opened by a mixologist couple, the space is refurbished from a century-old shophouse. The owners chose to keep the exposed bricks and wall imperfections, which lend a rustic charm to the space.
For drinks, we went with the staff’s recommendations based on our preferences and were pleasantly surprised by both. The Guava is a refreshing tequila-based concoction elevated with guava juice and sea salt, while the Financier tasted like an indulgent dessert in a cup – a blend of caramelised butter rum, roasted barley and marzipan.
Must-try drinks: Guava; Financier
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 1am; Friday and Saturday, 11am to 2am|
Address: Swallow Tainan, No. 27, Chongan Street, North District, Tainan City, Taiwan 704
How to get to Tainan from Singapore
Book a direct flight from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). Airlines like Singapore Airlines, Eva Air, China Airlines and Scoot offer direct flights, with a flight time between 4.5 to 5 hours.
Once you’ve arrived at TPE, take the Airport MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) to Taoyuan HSR Station for about 25 minutes. Finally, take the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) southwards to Tainan HSR station, a journey that takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Alternatively, you can book a flight from SIN to Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) and take the THSR from Zuoying HSR Station to Tainan HSR Station. Do note that most flights from Singapore to Kaohsiung have a layover, with only China Airlines offering direct flights.
How to get around Tainan
By car: Taxis and private-hire cars are easily available and affordably priced. Private-hire cars can be booked via the Uber and Line Taxi mobile apps.
By scooter or motorbike: Scooters and motorbikes are popular ways for locals to get around, but you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) with the correct motorcycle endorsement, along with your home country’s valid driver’s license. Travellers can rent scooters and motorbikes through platforms like Klook or KKday.
By public transport: Public buses are the main form of public transportation within Tainan, though frequencies can be lower on weekends and evenings. You’ll need an EasyCard or iPass, which can be bought and topped up at convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart.
The south of Taiwan is calling; save this first-timer guide for your next trip to Tainan!
