Northern Taiwan

Taipei

Taiwan’s capital offers the densest concentration of museums, night markets, and public transport connections, making it ideal for first-time visitors who want maximum variety with minimum planning effort. The city blends Japanese colonial architecture, traditional temples, and contemporary design within walkable neighbourhoods, meaning you can experience multiple historical layers in a single afternoon. Taipei’s efficient MRT system and widespread English signage lower the barrier for independent exploration, whilst its position as a transport hub makes it the natural base for day trips across northern Taiwan. However, this accessibility comes with crowds and higher prices compared to other cities.

New Taipei

Wrapping around Taipei, New Taipei City functions less as a unified destination and more as a collection of distinct districts, each offering escapes from the capital’s intensity. Towns like Jiufen and Shifen offer beautiful mountain scenery within an hour of central Taipei. Inland areas such as Wulai are known for their hot springs and indigenous culture, while coastal spots like Tamsui and Yehliu provide easily accessible sea views. The key advantage here is proximity to Taipei’s infrastructure whilst experiencing more local, less touristy environments, though you’ll need to research specific districts rather than treating “New Taipei” as a single entity. Transport connections vary significantly by area, so factor in extra planning time.

Keelung

This working port city offers Taiwan’s one of most dramatic coastal scenery and its rainiest climate: bring waterproofs regardless of season. Keelung’s compact size makes it ideal for a focused day trip centred on the Miaokou Night Market (famous for its seafood) and the stunning hiking trails close to Badouzi, where you can enjoy sea views. The city’s authenticity appeals to travellers tired of polished tourist zones, though limited English and fewer conventional attractions mean it’s better suited to those comfortable navigating independently.

Yilan

Yilan offers hot springs, coastal scenery, and rural landscapes within easy reach of the capital, making it ideal for travellers with limited time wanting to sample non-urban Taiwan. Yilan’s reputation for good governance and environmental protection creates clean, well-maintained attractions, though this also means more developed and less wild than Hualien or Taitung. The county’s traditional arts, particularly Taiwanese opera, add cultural depth beyond its natural attractions. The Yilan Park of the National Center for Traditional Arts offers an excellent opportunity to experience and learn about Taiwan’s traditional performing arts. Yilan’s accessibility, just an hour from Taipei, means weekends bring crowds, so time visits for weekdays when possible.

Taoyuan

Home to Taiwan’s main international airport, Taoyuan is primarily a transit point rather than a destination, though most of its interesting spots lie closer to the mountains. The city itself offers little that can’t be experienced more enjoyably elsewhere in Taiwan. Consider staying in Taoyuan only if you’re specifically interested in its nearby mountain towns or need accommodation close to the airport.

Hsinchu

Taiwan’s “Silicon Valley” attracts business travellers but offers limited appeal for tourists beyond its reputation for strong winds and excellent rice noodles and pork balls. The city’s coastal areas provide decent beaches and wetlands for birdwatching, whilst the nearby Neiwan Old Street offers a glimpse of Hakka village life. Hsinchu works best as a brief stop when travelling between Taipei and Taichung, particularly if you’re interested in technology industry history or want to experience a more working-class Taiwanese city.