Planning a trip to Taiwan in 2025? From the Taiwan Lantern Festival in Taoyuan and exploring Taipei 101 to relaxing in Beitou Hot Springs, hiking, going to the best underground techno parties and LGBTQ+ bars, and visiting the crowded night markets for simple local street food (try oyster omelets), Taiwan has many things to offer you in 2025. Check out our list of the best things you can do on the island.
Best Places to Go in Taiwan in 2025
- Experience the Taiwan Lantern Festival in Taoyuan – February
- Attend the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival – February
- Shop and eat local food like oyster omelet at Taipei 101 – Year-round
- Visit the National Palace Museum in Taipei – Year-round
- Relax in Beitou Hot Springs – Year-round
- Discover Taroko Gorge in Hualien – Year-round
- Enjoy the Sun Moon Lake Cycling, Music & Fireworks Festival – October to November
- Attend the Taipei International Book Exhibition – February
- Visit the Alishan National Scenic Area – Year-round
- Experience the Dragon Boat Festival – June
- Explore the night markets of Taipei – Year-round
- Attend the Taipei Film Festival – June to July
- Visit the Chimei Museum in Tainan – Year-round
- Experience the Mid-Autumn Festival – September
- Explore the beaches of Kenting National Park – Best in April to November
- Attend the Taipei Pride Parade – October
- Visit the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum in Kaohsiung – Year-round
- Experience the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival – February
Experience the Taiwan Lantern Festival in Taoyuan
In February 2025, Taoyuan City will host the Taiwan Lantern Festival, featuring various exhibitions around town. Although Taoyuan will host the national event, you’ll still be able to see lanterns elsewhere in Taiwan as many cities have their own displays.
Attend the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
Also in February, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival celebrates the ancient custom of releasing thousands of glowing lanterns carrying special wishes into the sky. The festival is held in Shifen, a former mining town in Pingxi District, New Taipei City.
Visit the National Palace Museum in Taipei
Home to a vast collection of Chinese art and artifacts, the National Palace Museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The museum is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025.
Trying Real Oyster Omelet at Yuan Huan Bian
Located near Ningxia Night Market (Datong District, Taipei), this has been serving its famous oyster omelettes since 1965. Recognized by the Michelin Guide, it offers a flavorful blend of fresh oysters and a signature sweet-hot sauce – it is a must when in Taiwan.
Relax in Beitou Hot Springs
Taiwan is uniquely endowed with many types of springs, including cold, hot, turbid, and submarine springs. Taiwan is world-renowned for its spring resorts. The “Hot Spring and Fine-Cuisine Carnival” is popular with both local and foreign tourists. This is an annual event that promotes hot spring tourism in autumn and winter. Another good and luxurious place to enjoy private hot springs is the Hoshinoya retreat in Guguan. Here you can also do hiking.
Discover Taroko Gorge in Hualien or Hike in Guguan
Known for its stunning marble cliffs and scenic hiking trails, Taroko Gorge is a natural wonder. The gorge offers breathtaking views and is a popular destination for nature lovers and eco travelers.
Enjoy the Sun Moon Lake Cycling, Music & Fireworks Festival
The Sun Moon Lake Fireworks Festival features the arts, music, sports, leisure, and local industry and culture. It revolves around two main events: Come!BikeDay and a large-scale outdoor concert accompanied by a fireworks display. The events attract many visitors.
Attend the Taipei International Book Exhibition
Held annually in February, the Taipei International Book Exhibition is one of Asia’s largest book fairs, attracting publishers and readers from around the world.
Visit the Alishan National Scenic Area
Famous for its sunrise views, Alishan offers scenic hiking trails and a historic railway. The area is also known for its high-mountain tea plantations.
Experience the Dragon Boat Festival
Celebrated in June, the Dragon Boat Festival features boat races and the consumption of zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). The festival is a significant cultural event in Taiwan.
Explore the Night Markets of Taipei
Taipei is known for its night and street markets, such as Shilin Night Market, where one can find a variety of foods, clothing, and gift items. The markets offer a variety of foods, clothing, and gift items.
Attend the Taipei Film Festival
Held annually from June to July, the Taipei Film Festival showcases a diverse range of films from Taiwan and around the world. The festival is a platform for emerging filmmakers and a celebration of cinema.
Visit the Chimei Museum in Tainan
The Chimei Museum in Tainan provides a diverse journey through art, music, and natural history. The museum is known for its extensive collection and beautiful architecture.
Purchase Special Edition Yuko Higuchi Cat T-Shirts
For fans of Japanese artist Yuko Higuchi, known for her whimsical cat illustrations, Taiwan offers exclusive merchandise at National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts (NTMoFA). During her exhibitions in Taiwan, limited-edition t-shirts featuring her unique cat designs were available. While these items were primarily sold at the exhibition venues, you might still find them through online marketplaces or specialty stores. For instance, platforms like eBay occasionally list these exclusive items.
Experience the Mid-Autumn Festival
Celebrated in September, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for family gatherings, moon gazing, and eating mooncakes. The festival is one of the most important traditional events in Taiwan.
Explore the Beaches of Kenting National Park
Known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, Kenting National Park is best visited between April and November.
Stay at Our Favorite Mandarin Oriental, Taipei
For a luxurious stay in Taipei, consider the Mandarin Oriental, located at No. 158, Dunhua North Road, Songshan District, 10548 Taipei, Taiwan. This five-star hotel seamlessly blends Art Deco elegance with modern amenities. When we stayed at the hotel we always went to the rooftop bar for a bottle of prosseco, live DJ performance and local trendy people watching and relax in the spa, which features hot onsen and saunas.
