From cultural landmarks and centuries-old traditions to picturesque natural landscapes, these spots offer engaging ways to experience Taiwan’s depths.
There are plenty of reasons to visit Taiwan, but I’ll start with the simplest: Filipinos can explore the country visa-free for up to 14 days. If the ease of travel isn’t enough of a reason to go, then Formosa’s culture and nature attractions ought to be. With a rich history that pre-dates the country’s periods of colonial rule, as well as a biodiverse landscape shaped by mountains and ocean, there’s a lot to chew through if you’re into more than just the usual tourist attractions (though we include a few of them here).
Yang Shuang-zi’s novel Taiwan Travelogue also recently won the 2026 Booker Prize, which might just be your sign to dive into the country that serves as its focal point. The sovereign island is so much more than its delicious food (though it’s definitely another reason to visit that’s worthy of an entirely different feature), and these spots show us just how much there is to see, experience, and soak in.
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The Red House, Ximending, Wanhua District
Let’s start with something more urban before branching out into the other must-visit spots. The Red House carries a bit of everything: situated in Taipei’s popular shopping spot of Ximending, it’s one of the easiest places to access in this list, yet it’s no less historical despite its modern surroundings.
The red octagonal building is easy to spot and looks quite stunning in the sea of newer buildings around the city; constructed in 1908 by Japanese architect Kondo Juro and Matsugasaki Tsumunaga, it was the first government-built public market in Taiwan, and the most well-reserved historic building in the nation. It has a very rustic, vintage appeal, yet it somehow manages to look timeless with its geometric silhouette. Over the years it has served a variety of functions, moving from public market to cinema and theater.
Today, it serves as a hub for small creative businesses and independent makers to showcase their wares. Think of it as a mix of ArteFino and an artist convention, but one that’s open year-round. Here, you’ll find all sorts of beautiful, gift-worthy pieces, including local apparel, homeware, intricate wooden music boxes, glass bottle décor, keychains, cards, stickers, bags, and plenty more.
The Red House also frequently hosts guided tours, creative seminars, and craft workshops, along with the occasional theatrical performance and special exhibition. Step outside, and you’ll find a weekend market of more independent artists to check out, with finds that are sure to delight.
Beitou District
The Beitou District is hot spring central, and if you’ve been meaning to take a soak in those warm mineral waters, this is the place to be. Yet Beitou has so much more to offer than a relaxing bath. The district is home to more than 4,000 minerals, including the Hokutolite that’s produced by the green sulfur hot spring water passing over the lands of Beoitou Stream. The rare mineral takes roughly 120 years to crystallize (and that’s only a centimeter of it). Beitou has also earned the nickname “Hollywood of Taiwan,” having served as the filming location for over 100 early Taiwanese films.
Start your visit at the Beitou Hot Spring Museum for a deeper understanding of the district’s history. Once the Hokuto Public Bathhouse, the building itself has gone through several transformations over the years and now stands as a city monument.
Just beside it is the Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch, one of the district’s most beautiful spots, especially on a cool, drizzly afternoon. Framed by a wispy tree and pond, the old wooden structure lined with expansive windows is nothing short of breathtaking.
Inside is a large collection of books, including an updated English literature section, alongside children’s reading areas, workspaces, and a multimedia library stocked with an impressive lineup of films. Even if you can’t borrow anything, it’s worth wandering through. Pick up a book, settle into a corner for a while, and take in the surroundings. The library feels like a perfect blend of the traditional and the modern, where analog charm coexists with more contemporary amenities.
Tamsui District
The Tamsui District is known for its waters and the cliffsides surrounding them, given its seaside location. It carries a coastal town serenity that’s hard to replicate, especially when you take a walk around the Tamsui Riverside Park, where you’ll find pigeons at rest, little egrets, children playing, and the elderly chatting or listening to busking performances. It’s a nice place for a jog or just a casual stroll to clear the mind.
Climb a little higher up, and you can visit the historical fortress Fort San Domingo as well, which rests at the top of a cliffside. Originally built by the Spanish in 1628, it was rebuilt by the Dutch in 1644 and later served as a British consulate, much of the Old World interiors preserved and replicated so stepping inside feels like traveling to a different point in history.
Wulai District
The Wulai District is another destination that’s not to be missed, especially if you want to see striking aquamarine waters and a majestic waterfall. Start with a trek around the Yun Hsien Resort, an ecological park that also serves as the location of the Wulai Trolley (log cart) that has taken people around the area since the Japanese occupation.
The carts are a novelty, perhaps something to try if you don’t mind lining up, but if you prefer a slower pace, try walking the park’s winding routes instead—on a cloudy day that’s not too hot, the air is crisp, the trees provide ample shade, and you’ll find a number of beautiful birds resting at different points.
Make your way to Wulai Falls, a gorgeous waterfall that cascades and looks like a moving postcard. You can snap a few photos, but if you really want to sit and absorb the whole scene, there’s an “underground” coffee spot called the “Wulai Three Cafe” that offers an unbeatable, panoramic view of the falls while you sip on a drink or two for a good hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of Taiwan’s standout destinations for culture and nature include the Red House in Ximending, the Beitou District, the Tamsui District, and the Wulai District. These locations offer a mix of historic landmarks, creative spaces, hot springs, waterfalls, riverside parks, and scenic landscapes that showcase Taiwan’s rich cultural history and natural beauty.
The Red House in Taipei’s Ximending area is a historic octagonal building originally constructed in 1908 as Taiwan’s first government-built public market. Today, it serves as a creative hub for independent artists and small businesses, offering local apparel, homeware, crafts, music boxes, stickers, bags, and more. The Red House also hosts guided tours, workshops, exhibitions, and performances.
The Beitou District is known for its hot springs, mineral-rich landscapes, and historical landmarks. Visitors can explore the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, the Taipei Public Library Beitou Branch, and the Xinbeitou Historic Station while learning about Hokutolite, a rare mineral that forms in the area’s sulfur hot springs. Beitou has also been called the “Hollywood of Taiwan” due to its connection to early Taiwanese cinema.
In the Tamsui District offers relaxing walks at Tamsui Riverside Park and a chance to explore Fort San Domingo, a historic fortress originally built by the Spanish in 1628 and later rebuilt by the Dutch.
In Wulai District, visitors can explore Yun Hsien Resort, ride the historic Wulai Trolley, and visit the scenic Wulai Falls.
