What is the best time to visit Tainan?

The best time to visit Tainan is autumn, from October to December, when the weather is pleasant and rainfall is low.

How do I get to Tainan from Taipei?

You can take the High Speed Rail (HSR) for speed (approx. 1.5-2 hours) or the Regular Train (TRA) for a budget-friendly option that arrives directly in the city center.

What are the famous foods to eat in Tainan?

Tainan is famous for Danzai Noodles, Shrimp Rolls, Beef Soup, Coffin Bread, and Winter Melon Tea.

Where is the best area to stay in Tainan?

Staying near Tainan Train Station is recommended for convenience and transport, while the Anping District offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.

Is 3 days enough for Tainan?

Yes, a 2-night 3-day itinerary is sufficient to explore major historical sites in the Old City Center and the Anping District, as well as enjoy the local food.

The Ultimate Tainan Travel Guide: 3-Day Itinerary, Food & Transport

Known as Taiwan's ancient capital and the city of gastronomy, Tainan is a special destination where you can enjoy exploring historical sites and diverse food tours in a relaxed atmosphere. In this post, we will summarize essential information for a successful Tainan trip, from top things to do in Tainan to local food spots, city transportation, and a recommended 3-day Tainan itinerary.

Tainan Garaku Square

Why Visit Tainan? The Charm of the City

Before looking at the itinerary, let's explore what makes Tainan so attractive. Knowing these three points will make your trip much more enjoyable.

A City with 400 Years of Living History

Tainan was the first city established in Taiwan and served as the capital about 400 years ago. As a long-time center of politics and culture, traces of the old days remain throughout the city. Major historical sites like Chihkan Tower (Fort Provintia) and Anping Old Fort vividly display Tainan's deep history.

Alleys Where Past and Present Coexist

The view of Tainan felt incredibly exotic with the atmosphere created by old buildings and narrow alleys. The scenery where modern cafes sit next to centuries-old temples is impressive. It is a great destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities like Taipei and enjoy a leisurely walk through the city.

The Culinary Capital of Taiwan, Endless Food

Another joy of traveling to Tainan is the food. It is famous as a 'Gourmet City' where many of Taiwan's representative dishes originated. I was able to taste a variety of foods, from cheap and delicious street food to old restaurants loved by locals.

Key Transportation Tips for Tainan Travel

Planning a trip to Tainan becomes much easier if you know the transportation options well. Let's look at how to get to Tainan from other cities and how to get around the city.

People moving busily at Tainan Station Square

Tainan Train Station

Getting to Tainan (HSR vs. TRA)

When traveling to Tainan, you can choose between the High Speed Rail (HSR) and the cost-effective Regular Train (TRA) depending on your travel style.

Category	High Speed Rail (HSR)	Regular Train (TRA)
Pros	Overwhelmingly fast speed (Taipei ↔ Tainan approx. 1.5~2 hours)	Affordable fare Arrives in city center (Tainan Station)
Cons	Expensive fare Station located in outskirts (Requires transfer)	Slow speed (Taipei ↔ Tainan approx. 4 hours+)
Key Tip	Transfer to Shalun Line train is essential at HSR station	Best choice when moving from Kaohsiung (Approx. 30 mins)

HSR offers early bird discounts when booked 28 days in advance, while TRA is convenient as it arrives directly in downtown Tainan.

Getting Around Tainan City

City Bus: The basic mode of travel. Remember routes 88 and 99 as they pass through major tourist sites. Using an EasyCard or iPASS is recommended.
Taxi/Uber: Efficient for groups of 3 or more, or for moving short distances quickly. Uber is recommended for easy destination input.
Public Bike (T-Bike/YouBike): The best way to explore the alleys of the old district and Anping area. You can easily rent one using the app and a transportation card.

Taiwan Travel Essentials Checklist (SIM, EasyCard, Exchange, Weather) - GybeLife

Taiwan Travel Essentials Checklist (SIM Card, EasyCard, Exchange, Weather) - GybeLife

Perfectly organized Taiwan travel essentials! Tips on SIM cards, EasyCards, currency exchange, and outfits by weather for beginners. Check out this checklist for a fail-proof trip.

gybelife.com

Top Things to Do in Tainan: Major Attractions

Tainan's major attractions can be divided into two areas: the Old City Center and the Anping District. Most spots within each area are within walking distance, making it easy to plan your route.

Old City Center (Near Train Station)

Centered around Tainan Station (TRA), this area is packed with spots where you can feel the history of Tainan.

Chihkan Tower (Fort Provintia)

Originally built as Fort Provintia during the Dutch colonial era, it is now a symbolic landmark of Tainan with beautiful Chinese-style pavilions. It is open until 9:30 PM, making it great for a light visit after dinner.

Hours: 08:30 ~ 21:30
Admission: Adult TWD 75 (Based on 2025, subject to change)
Tip: Visiting at night offers a scenic atmosphere different from the day, thanks to the lighting.

Chihkan Tower

Hayashi Department Store

Built during the Japanese colonial era, this was Tainan's first department store. It is now a cultural complex selling unique souvenirs and design goods. The oldest elevator in Taiwan and the shrine on the rooftop are special sights to see.

Hours: 11:00 ~ 21:00
Admission: Free
Tip: The view of downtown Tainan from the rooftop is excellent.

Hayashi Department Store

Shennong Street

It is a street impressive for its old wooden buildings and red lanterns lining both sides of the narrow alley. It is quiet during the day, but when the sun goes down, the red lanterns light up, creating a romantic atmosphere. There are many unique workshops, cafes, and bars, making it a great place to spend the evening.

Shennong Street

Anping District (Bus/Taxi)

Located about 30 minutes by bus (routes 88, 99) from the old city center, this is a place where you can meet another part of Tainan's history.

Anping Tree House

You can see a unique and mysterious landscape where huge banyan trees seem to have swallowed an old salt warehouse. The sight of trees and buildings becoming one is one of the best photo spots found only in Tainan.

Hours: 08:30 ~ 17:30
Admission: Adult TWD 75 (Combined ticket with Anping Fort TWD 100)
Tip: The internal tour route is well designed, making it good for viewing while walking along the skywalk.

Anping Tree House

Anping Old Street

A lively street lined with various street food stalls and souvenir shops. The main branch of Chou's Shrimp Rolls (周氏蝦捲), a Tainan specialty, is located here, and you can enjoy various foods like oyster omelets and winter melon tea.

Anping Old Street

Sicao Green Tunnel

Called 'Taiwan's Little Amazon,' this is a place where you can have a unique experience passing through a natural tunnel made by mangrove forests on a small boat. The scenery of sunlight shining through the green tunnel is beautiful, making it a popular spot for travelers to take photos.

Hours: 08:00 ~ 16:00 (Check boat schedule)
Fare: Green Tunnel Boat Adult TWD 200
Tip: It is about a 10-minute taxi ride from Anping District, so it is good to plan them together.

Sicao Green Tunnel

Recommended Tainan 2 Nights 3 Days Itinerary

Here are 2 recommended courses you can choose based on your travel style.

History & Gourmet Course

A solid course recommended for travelers who want to experience both Tainan's key historical sites and food.

Day 1: Chihkan Tower → Hayashi Department Store → Shennong Street Night View
Day 2: Anping Tree House → Anping Old Street → Dinner in Downtown
Day 3: Tainan Confucius Temple walk → Shopping near Tainan Station then departure

Nature & Healing Course

A good course for travelers who prefer a relaxed atmosphere and special scenery over famous tourist spots.

Day 1: National Museum of Taiwan Literature → Shennong Street Night View
Day 2: Sicao Green Tunnel → Anping Tree House → Anping Old Street
Day 3: Hayashi Department Store → Chihkan Tower → Departure

Recommended Tainan Food List

Danzai Noodles - Du Hsiao Yueh (Main Branch)

This is the original shop for Danzai Noodles, boasting over 100 years of history. Small noodles topped with minced pork and shrimp, characterized by a rich savory taste. It's a symbol of Tainan food, so I highly recommend stopping by.

Shrimp Rolls - Chou's Shrimp Rolls

A representative restaurant for shrimp rolls, made by mincing fresh shrimp and frying them until crispy. It is always crowded with many locals and tourists, making it a good dining spot when traveling in the Anping District.

Beef Soup - Win Chang Beef Soup

This beef soup spot is popular for its clean facilities and fresh taste, making it great for tourists. It is Tainan's representative breakfast where hot broth is poured over fresh beef.

Coffin Bread - Chihkan Coffin Bread

Known as the original shop that first developed Coffin Bread (Guancai Ban), a thick slice of bread hollowed out and filled with cream stew. You can taste various forms of Coffin Bread at night markets, but if you want to experience the original taste, I recommend this place.

Winter Melon Tea - Yi Feng Winter Melon Tea

A winter melon tea specialty store with over 100 years of history. The rich and sweet tea made in the traditional way is perfect for cooling off in Tainan's heat. It is located right near Chihkan Tower, so it is good to visit together.

Tips for Tainan Independent Travel

Best Time to Visit Tainan

Tainan is generally mild all year round, but the best time to travel is Autumn (October to December). This period has less rain and pleasant weather, making it the best time to explore the city. Summer (June to September) is hot and humid, and typhoons can occur, so it is recommended to avoid it.

Where to Stay? (Tainan Station vs. Anping)

Accommodation location greatly affects your travel route. It is good to compare the pros and cons of both areas before choosing.

Near Tainan Train Station (TRA)

Pros: Excellent transportation including buses and trains, perfect for travelers without cars. Restaurants and major old town attractions are concentrated here.
Cons: It can be relatively busy and bustling.

Anping District

Pros: Good for relaxing in a quiet and serene atmosphere. You can explore Anping's attractions leisurely.
Cons: It is some distance from the city center, so transportation is slightly inconvenient.

For a short 2-night 3-day schedule, staying near Tainan Train Station for convenient transportation is recommended.

Estimated Travel Cost for 3 Days in Tainan (Per Person)

This is the minimum travel budget per person excluding airfare. It may vary depending on individual consumption styles.

Category	Taiwan Dollar (TWD)	US Dollar (USD)	Note
Accommodation (2 Nights)	$2,400 ~ $3,600	Approx. $75 ~ $110	Guest house, budget hotel
Food (3 Days)	$2,000 ~ $3,000	Approx. $60 ~ $95	Street food, local restaurants
Transport/Admission	$500 ~ $800	Approx. $15 ~ $25	City bus, 2-3 attraction tickets
Total	$4,900 ~ $7,400	Approx. $150 ~ $230	Excluding personal shopping

So far, we have summarized key information for a 2-night 3-day trip to Tainan, from transportation to recommended courses and food lists.

We hope this information on things to do in Tainan, filled with long history, and Tainan food spots loved by locals helps with your travel planning. If you add your own route referring to this guide, it will be an even more enjoyable Tainan trip.

Are you looking for a 3-day itinerary for Tainan, Taiwan? We have summarized everything you need for independent travel, including must-visit places, Google Map recommended restaurants, transportation, budget, and 2 recommended courses.