What to do and see in Taiwan, Taiwan: The Best Cultural Tours

March 13, 2022 Madelene Haan

Taiwan (/ˌtaɪˈwɑːn/ ( listen)), officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a state in East Asia. Its neighbors include the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the west, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south. It is the most populous state and largest economy that is not a member of the United Nations.
Restaurants in Taiwan

1. Private Hualien East Coast Full-Day Tour

Taiwan Vista Day Tour
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Enjoy the best of both worlds in this day tour that brings you to explore the most scenic coastal route in Taiwan (Highway 11), and wander valleys bordered by mountain ranges (East Rift Valley). Highway 11 is often referred to as the most beautiful road to drive along in the whole of Taiwan with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the coastal mountain ranges on the other. Flanked by the Central mountain ranges to the west and the Coastal mountain ranges to the east, the East Rift Valley National Scenic Area reminds one of a realm hidden away from the rest of the world.

Inclusions: Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Fuel and tolls, Hualien City pick-up & drop off, Hiking stick and safety helmet, Bottled water

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch, Gratuities

Reviewed By heatherfW5417UM

We booked a private day tour with Jeff and loved it! Jeff is really nice, knowledgeable, and professional and speaks really good English. My 7 year old daughter was along for the tour and had no problem keeping up. The trails were easy but really pretty. We had a great day and would highly recommend this tour.

2. Private Charter from Taipei: Shifen and Jiufen (6 Hours)

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5.0 based on 5 reviews

This is a private charter plan.Uncover Northern Taiwan using a convenient private charter to visit the broadest waterfall in Taiwan, Shifen Waterfall. Light your very own sky lantern over the railway tracks of Shifen Old Street and sip on a Taiwanese tea in one of the many teahouses in Jiufen.  **Please note that our driver will not serve as a tour guide.

Inclusions: Fuel fees, Parking fees, Transfer fees, Driver’s fee (Japanese / English / Chinese), Hotel pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch, Lantern fee (The price varies from NT150 to 200 depends on its color)

Reviewed By Victoria K

I travelled to Taipei with my parents who are older and my brother. We booked Alen to go on the day trip to Jiufen/Shifen and it was such a delightful experience. Alen was prompt, friendly, explained and answered any questions we had. He was also very knowledgeable of the area and voluntarily offered to take group photos at various sightseeing points. He was great at dropping us off and telling us what we can see, eat and do and was very clear about where we would meet for pickup. He was very mindful of time and overall so wonderful to us. My parents were very impressed at the tour and enjoyed it so much for their first visit to Taiwan. Thank you Alen! Hope to see you again!

3. Two-days Puli Town & Sun Moon Lake & Lukang Tour

Golden Foundation Tours-Day Tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Sun Moon Lake is a beautiful scenic area in Taiwan and a popular tourist destination. Besides the lakeside scenery, one can also enjoy boat rides, Taiwanese street food, gift shops, temples, a gondola, aborigine theme park, and more. It is for sure a must-see destination for anyone coming to vacation in Taiwan. • Visit Chung Tai Buddhism Monastery, one of the four biggest Buddhist monasteries in Taiwan. • Enjoy the natural beauty of Sun Moon Lake, a designated National Scenic Area, and visit Wen-Wu Temple, Tehua Village, and Holy Monk Shrine which dotted at the lakeside hill • Lukang Town is well-known for having the most gorgeous temples in Taiwan. The two most famous temples in Lukang are Longshan Temple and Tienhou Temple. Lukang Longshan Temple is the largest temple in Lukang, highly valued as the Hall of Taiwanese Art & Culture and the Treasure of Chinese Architecture.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Professional English-speaking guide, Site visits per itinerary, Overnight accommodation, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Bottled water

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities, All personal expenses such as telephone bill, laundry, mini bar, pay TV and porterage.

Reviewed By clkuo2020

Thoroughly enjoyed this 2 day tour. Very lovely. The view of Grand Taroko Gorge Park is amazing. Well worth it and I definitely recommend it.

4. Private Full Day Taroko Gorge Tour

Amazing Taiwan Tour
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5.0 based on 42 reviews

Enjoy a one-day 【Private Tour】exploring the majestic mountains of Taroko National Park with an experienced local guide. You will explore the magnificent Qingshui Cliff in the morning, trekking in Shakadang trail along the crystal clear river, visiting the Eternal Spring Shrine as if we were walking into a Chinese painting, strolling the most stunning spot Swallow Grotto and learning interesting stories from your knowledgeable private tour guide. After enjoying the local aboriginal cuisine, you’ll continue exploring Taroko. You will stop at Cimu Bridge and appreciate the most amazing view in the park, walking in Nine Turns Tunnel to see Liwu River has cut deep into the marble, carving out sheer cliffs that tower overhead. Finally, tour ends at Qixingtan, a pebble beach that is considered the most iconic spot in Hualien. This is a flexible and private trip suitable for every age.

Inclusions: Entrance fees to sites listed in itinerary, Private English-speaking guide, Transport by air-conditioned vehicle, Bottle water , Fuel surcharge

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By petitelily01

這是我們半年內第二次找陳先生做包車旅遊,每次的經驗都很棒。陳先生專業且誠懇,之後去花蓮需要包車還是會再找他。 Ivan is very professional and sincere. We've had two customized tours with Ivan and will absolutely book another tour with him again in the future when visiting Hualien.

5. 6-Hour Pineapple Cake DIY and Taipei Food Tour

Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111 Justaiwantour Travel Services
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

We provide Muslim-friendly services like bathroom facilities, halal prayer room, meals at halal certified restaurant, seafood or vegetarian restaurant. Pineapple in Taiwanese, “Wong Lai,” means good luck and prosperity. We invite you to make your own pineapple cakes. Follow the steps the master teaches you. Kneading the dough to crispy pastry, stuffing pineapple fillings from Tainan Guanmiao, you will find it interesting to make zesty pineapple cakes of your own. DIY Pineapple Cakes-kneading the dough, stuffing, shaping, wrapping is suitable for families. We will introduce the history and culture of traditional Taiwanese cakes and pastries. After Pineapple DIY, we will take you to Shilin Night Market. You can explore Taiwan's traditional market culture and taste local food here! We will give you the best experience of traditional Taiwanese desserts.

Inclusions: Fee of Pineapple Cakes DIY, Professional guide

Exclusions: Food & Drinks, Gratuities, Transportation, Any personal expenses

Reviewed By ATCao

Our party of 5 traveled to Taipei in November and we went on a 4 day private tour with Justaiwan Tour. I worked with Max to plan the trip and he was extremely patient in answering all my questions and worked with me to modify my itiniaries. Warren was our tour guide and he was very accommodating, going out of his way to make sure that we had a good time. He was even willing to adjust his work hours and worked longer on certain days so that we can keep up with our itineraries. The tour company and Warren were very responsive; they made us feel like we had a family in Taipei who's always watching out for us to make sure that we are safe and have a great time. I reccomended the tour company to all my family and friends and will definitely contact them again when I return to Taiwan.

6. Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Taipei Private Tour

No. 21, Zhongshan South Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100 Withlocals
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4.9 based on 23 reviews

This is not just another city tour; this is the best of Taipei from a unique perspective! Get to know Taipei on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, with city highlights, hidden gems, storytelling, and a local treat - this tour has it all! Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see Taipei at its best but from the eyes of a local. Check out main landmarks like Chiang Kei Shek Statue, Bao’an Temple, Maji Market and uncover hidden gems and city secrets with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. And the cherry on top, a local treat is included. Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems Private City Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups.

Inclusions: Private tour, Small-group tour option available, Private Guide, 1 local drink/tasting, Transportation

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Extra food & drinks

Reviewed By PhilA330

What a great day we spent with Judy. She is knowledgeable, personable, easy going, and very importantly, has a keen sense of humor. We customized our tour to not only include food which was excellent, we also had her show us some Taipei neighborhoods and markets that are not on the usual tourist trail. If you want to have a fun experience that you'll always remember and will exceed your expectations choose the Taiwan local Judy! PS. I am not usually a donut fan but you have to make sure she takes you to the Taiwan donut shop. Awesome!

7. Small Group Night Market Tour including Street Food Tasting

No. 223, Minquan W Rd, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103 Taipei Eats
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4.9 based on 23 reviews

Book this 2-hour small group guided tour (maximum group of 4) that takes you to the Yansan Night Market in Taipei with a friendly, local creditable food expert! Nestled in the historical Daqiaotou District of Taipei, Yansan Night Market is your point of entry for a no frills, old school dining experience. It includes dinner, scrumptious food tastings and snacks. 

Inclusions: Local guide, Dinner, Food tasting, Snacks, Small groups, Bottled water

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By roderickkc

My tour guide was with Tina and we started off from the food market having a brief culture of the foods to the street foods and restaurants. The places we went weren't really well known to the foreigners (like myself) and they were surprisingly good! Each and every places we went were amazing! We were joined with Anna, a colleague of Tina's, during our second stop and it felt more like hanging out with friends instead of a tour. Basically that was my food for the day! Highly recommend this to anyone going to Taipei and do come with an empty stomach!

8. Pingxi and Jiufen Day Trip from Taipei with Sky Lantern Experience

Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station, 110, Taiwan, Taipei City, Xinyi District, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, 20號B1 MyTaiwanTour Travel Services
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4.8 based on 220 reviews

Take a step back in time with a full day tour of Jinguashi, Jiufen, and Pingxi, three charming northern Taiwan towns renowned for their charm, history and culture. Jinguashi is famous for its gold mines, so naturally we'll be bringing you inside one on the tour (the gold is long gone, alas, but you're free to look). Jiufen is the inspiration for the Miyazaki classic Spirited Away, so expect to be similarly enchanted as we wander the narrow cobblestone streets. And Pingxi is where Taiwanese people go to send their wishes into the heavens, literally, with the help of lanterns. (We'll teach you how, so bring a few wishes along). Just a stone’s throw away from bustling Taipei, this tour will allow you to bask in the different old world atmospheres of three beautiful towns, take in astounding scenery and learn about Taiwan's cultural heritage.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Lesson in sky lantern creation (1 lantern per 2 people)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By 619jeffry

Taiwan is a small island with lots to see. Many people would be inclined to hire a car and drive themselves, but this is not always a good idea in Taiwan. Taiwan is mountainous, it's topography is rarely easy to follow. Therefore, arranging a tour is worth considering. You can consult the friendly people at My Taiwan Tour Travel Services directly or arrange your own itinerary on-line

9. Maokong Tea & Shenkeng Stinky Tofu Private Day Tour with English-Speaking Guide

Justaiwantour Travel Services
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

Maokong lies in the south part of Taipei. Even though it’s near city, it has its own rural nature of beauty. All visitors come here to experience Maokong Gondola. But aside from that, there are a lot of recreations here. We will take you to taste tea like a local people. Staying at Maokong and enjoying the mountain view with afternoon tea, you will find it relaxing and interesting to be part of the nature. After finishing your stay in Maokong, follow our step to Shenkeng Old Street. Don’t forget to try sticky tofu at Shenkeng Old Street. The smell of it will definitely blow your mind. We provide Muslim-friendly services like bathroom facilities, halal prayer room, meals at halal certified restaurant, seafood or vegetarian restaurant.

Inclusions: Private car transportation for 8 hours, Maokong Gondola fare, English speaking driver-guide, Fuel/ Parking/ Toll fee, Passenger insurance

Exclusions: Other entrance fees, Food and drinks, Overtime fee for exceeding the car rental limited: 8 hours

Reviewed By ATCao

Our party of 5 traveled to Taipei in November and we went on a 4 day private tour with Justaiwan Tour. I worked with Max to plan the trip and he was extremely patient in answering all my questions and worked with me to modify my itiniaries. Warren was our tour guide and he was very accommodating, going out of his way to make sure that we had a good time. He was even willing to adjust his work hours and worked longer on certain days so that we can keep up with our itineraries. The tour company and Warren were very responsive; they made us feel like we had a family in Taipei who's always watching out for us to make sure that we are safe and have a great time. I reccomended the tour company to all my family and friends and will definitely contact them again when I return to Taiwan.

10. Small-Group Tour: Jiufen, Yehliu Geopark, and Shifen from Taipei

Westgate Hotel, No. 150號, Section 1, Zhonghua Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108 Round Taiwan Round - Taipei Private Tour
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4.4 based on 85 reviews

Take a full-day tour of the highlights of the Northeast Coast including Yehliu Geopark, Golden Waterfall, Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall and Shifen Old Street. A shared tour operated in a small-group of no more than 8 people and includes round-trip transportation from your accommodation in Taipei City.a~

Inclusions: Hotel/Railway station pickup and drop-off, Fuel surcharge, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Air-conditioned vehicle, Driver/guide, Landing and facility fees

Exclusions: Entrance fees (Approximately $3), Food and drinks

Reviewed By Piotr K

We had RTR arrange a river tracing experience for us near Hualien. The idea is that you put on a wet suit, then trace a (small) river upwards through a beautiful gorge by wading, hopping on rocks, and occasionally swimming. Most people go in larger groups but RTR set up a private tour for us, which worked out great since we went with our 6 year old who wouldn't have been able to keep up with a group of adults. The guide RTR booked was great, and even though we had only booked for 4 hours we ended up staying out for 6-7 hours (by mutual agreement). Both us and our kid enjoyed the outing immensely and felt safe and taken care of even though there wasn't a ton of rules and our guide didn't hover over us. Highly recommended if you like hiking, are in reasonable shape, and want to try something a little different.

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