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How to Get to Tainan, Taiwan?
You can get to Tainan by airplane, bus, or train. Since we were already in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, we chose to take the train. Tickets cost 120 NTD per person, and the ride was smooth and pleasant, bringing us to Tainan in no time. The bus, on the other hand, costs around 145 NTD per person and takes about an hour to reach Tainan.
Depending on where you’re coming from, you can plan your transportation accordingly. If you’re farther away or coming from another city, the high-speed rail or even a flight might be a faster option for reaching Tainan.
Where to Stay in Tainan Taiwan?
When looking for a place to stay in Tainan, we wanted a location within easy walking distance to the city’s historic sites and top attractions. We always aim to book hotels strategically, so we can explore by foot and immerse ourselves in the local experience. FX Hotel Tainan turned out to be the perfect spot for us.
Located just a 10-minute walk from Chihkan Tower, the hotel also placed us within a 10-minute drive of both Tainan Railway Station and Wusheng Night Market. Other must-visit spots like Anping Tree House and Fort Zeelandia were also a quick 10-minute drive away. Essentially, we were 10 minutes from most of Tainan’s historic sites and attractions, whether by foot or by car!
The hotel itself was clean, with spacious rooms and an excellent breakfast. We loved that they offered free bike rentals, which we used to explore the city and enjoy a scenic ride along the river. The hotel’s laundry facilities were a major plus for us, and having a fitness center on-site was a nice bonus as well.
We looked for the same convenience when we booked our hotel in Kaohsiung, Taiwan ensuring we’d be close to the 9 Best Things to See and Do in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, which we wrote about in another blog post. Being near everything we want to see truly makes a difference in our travels!
Rent A Bike
Renting a bike truly helped us explore Tainan more efficiently and enjoy the beautiful bike trail beside the Yanshui River. The river and trails are scenic and incredibly relaxing, with parks, picnic tables, and even a few charming cafes to stop at along the way. Biking around Tainan is a fantastic experience, made even better by how safe it is—drivers here are mindful of sharing the road with cyclists. To see our experience, you can watch our YouTube vlog!
Anping Tree House
While biking along the Yanshui River, we spotted a charming treehouse nestled within the mangroves, complete with a sky bridge and viewing platform that overlooked the lush greenery. Naturally, we had to check it out! Climbing around this unique spot, we were amazed by the giant fig tree roots wrapping around the old house—a sight to behold. Entry was just 50 NTD, and aside from the treehouse, there are a couple of cute gift shops and even a calligraphy museum to explore. It’s a family-friendly attraction too, making it a perfect stop for families with kids looking for a little adventure!
How to Get to Anping Tree House?
To reach Anping Tree House, start by taking bus number 2, 5, 7, 11, or 14 from Tainan Train Station to the Tainan stop. From there, transfer to bus number 24, which will take you directly to the treehouse. This route is both convenient and affordable, giving you an easy way to experience this enchanting spot!
Fort Zeelandia/Anping Old Fort
Anping Old Fort, originally known as Fort Zeelandia, is one of Tainan’s must-visit historical sites. Built in 1634 by the Dutch, the fort fell to Koxinga in 1662, marking a key moment in Taiwan’s history. The site has a fascinating mix of preserved fort walls and museum exhibits, all set within scenic surroundings.
For an entry fee of 50 NTD, or 150 NTD for access to four other nearby historical sites, visitors can explore the fort grounds, where part of the original wall still stands. The Zeelandia Museum, established in 1882 by foreign traders, showcases the site’s archaeology and history.
There’s even live music outdoors, adding to the experience. English-guided tours are available on Sundays from 1-4 pm, making it easier to dive deeper into the rich heritage of Anping Old Fort. We highly recommend this visit to anyone interested in Taiwan’s unique cultural blend.
Street Museum of Art
The Street Museum of Art in Tainan offers one of the most fascinating open-air art experiences, transforming the city’s walls, alleys, and public spaces into a sprawling urban gallery. We didn’t manage to find every artwork, but the ones we did encounter were incredibly clever and creative. You can tell the artists behind these pieces have truly imaginative minds, re-envisioning alleys and streets as canvases.
Accessible day and night, some areas—especially those around Anping—are even more enchanting in the evening as city lights cast a warm glow, adding an extra layer of ambiance to the street art. This “museum” is free and ever-changing, with new pieces frequently popping up, while others remain hidden like treasures to discover. Searching for them becomes a fun, art-inspired game. If you’ve managed to find them all, drop a comment below and let us know where you found them and which streets they’re on!
Anping Old Street Market
Anping Street, the oldest street in Taiwan, is a must-visit historical gem, just a five-minute walk from Anping Fort. The bustling market offers a feast for the senses, with food stalls serving everything from beef noodles and soy desserts to the unique combo of quail eggs with shrimp—a delicious first-time try for us! Friendly vendors and traditional live music bring the street to life. As you wander, keep an eye out for the Sword Lion, the iconic symbol of Anping, often depicted with a sword in its mouth, watching over this vibrant street.
Try Tainan’s Creative Art Piggy Ice Cream!
When in Tainan, don’t miss out on trying their art-inspired ice creams! They come in various adorable shapes, from animals like pigs and bunnies to fun objects like balloons, cars, and even flowers. We decided to try the pink strawberry piggy, and it was such a fun experience—both creative and delicious. Who could say no to ice cream, especially when it’s this cute? Each unique, artful treat costs around 90 NT and is worth every bite!
Taiwanese Shaved Ice with Fresh Mango
You can’t leave Tainan without trying their Taiwanese shaved ice with fresh mango! We first had it in Kaohsiung, and both were incredibly delicious. If you’ve been following us for a while, you already know our mango obsession—mango shaved ice, fresh fruit, cakes, and especially mango smoothies. Pretty much anything with mango is our go-to! Be sure to explore local spots for the most authentic flavors of Taiwan; it’s an experience that truly captures the island’s vibrant and refreshing tastes. One of the best mango shaved ice treats we tried was on Cijin Island, complete with mango jelly. If you want to learn more, check out our A Quick Guide to Getting Around Cijin Island.
