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Tainan Travel Guide

Tainan Travel Guide

Taiwan's oldest city and its street-food capital.

Photo: Mersh, CC BY-SA 3.0
  • CountryTaiwan
  • Best forFood, temples, history
  • Best timeOctober to April
  • CurrencyNew Taiwan dollar
Tainan, officially Tainan City, is a special municipality in southern Taiwan, facing the Taiwan Strait on its western coast. Tainan is the oldest city on the island and commonly called the "prefectural capital" for its 263-year history as the capital of Taiwan under Dutch rule, the Kingdom of Tungning and later Qing dynasty rule until 1887. Tainan's complex history of comebacks, redefinitions and renewals inspired its popular nickname "the Phoenix City".Source: Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Where to stay in Tainan: hotel tips

Choosing the right neighbourhood matters more than the hotel itself. These are the best areas to base yourself in Tainan:

1

West Central District

Temples and snack streets

2

Anping

Forts and the old harbour

3

Near the station

Easy rail links

Hotel booking tips

  • Book central stays near public transport to save time and taxi fares.
  • Choose free-cancellation rates during October to April, the busiest season.
  • Check recent reviews for noise, air conditioning and Wi-Fi.

Map of Tainan and around

LandmarkCityClick a pin for details

Getting around

Combine walking, public transport and ride-hailing apps for city sightseeing. For day trips and onward travel, compare trains, buses and ferries, or hire a car where roads are quiet.

Nearby landmarks