Tainan, Taiwan: travel guide
Taiwan's old capital of temples, forts and extraordinary snacks
Taiwan's oldest city and former capital (1683–1887) is the undisputed capital of food.
About Tainan
Tainan is the oldest part of Taiwan's story and still its most atmospheric city. It was a seat of government under successive rulers, and old temples and forts remain within an easy walk of each other.
Among things to do in Tainan are the remains of Fort Zeelandia and the Anping Tree House, where banyan roots wrap an old warehouse, plus temples tucked into narrow lanes. The city is just as famous for its snacks, from beef soup to danzai noodles, found in small old shops.
Tainan suits history lovers and serious eaters. The best time to visit Tainan is from late autumn to spring, when the heat eases.
- Country
- Taiwan
- Currency
- TWD
- Time zone
- Asia/Taipei
- Nearest airport
- TNN
Last updated
Top places to visit in Tainan
Anping Fort
Fort · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · entry $70 (≈ ₹210)
Built by the Dutch East India Company in 1624 — Taiwan's oldest European fortification. Whitewashed walls, a cannonball tree, and sea-view tower.
Tainan Confucius Temple
temple · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Taiwan's first Confucius Temple (1665), known as "the highest academy." Ancient scholars' trees and south-facing layout unique in Taiwan. Free.
Things to do
- Old Tainan Night Food Walk Food Drink · 2.5 h · from TWD 540 per person
- Anping Fort & Treehouse Heritage Walk Cultural · 2 h · from TWD 270 per person
Day trips and tours
- Tainan Historic Temples & Food Walking Tour 5 h · from TWD 720
Where to stay in Tainan
- West Central / Anping about TWD 1,800 per night
Tainan's temple-and-history core. Walk between shrines, Dutch-era forts, and night-market alleys.
Hotels
- Silks Place Tainan 5-star · TWD 6,000 to TWD 22,000 per night
- Tainan Sugar Factory Youth Hostel 1-star · TWD 400 to TWD 1,200 per night
Where to eat
- Tu Hsiao Yueh (Degree Noodles) taiwanese · about TWD 135 per person
- Chou Family Milkfish Congee taiwanese · about TWD 108 per person
Getting to Tainan
Airport: Tainan (TNN)
Getting around
- Bicycle
- Bus
- Scooter Rental
- Walking
More in Taiwan
Frequently asked questions about Tainan
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Tainan?
- The highest-rated places in our Tainan guide are Anping Fort, Tainan Confucius Temple.
- Where should I stay in Tainan?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Tainan: West Central / Anping.
- How do I get around Tainan?
- Ways to get around Tainan covered in our guide: Bicycle, City bus, Scooter rental, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Tainan?
- The nearest airport to Tainan has the code TNN.