The primary metropolis in Taiwan and the historic capital of the nation, Tainan, is without doubt one of the southernmost cities that you must go to whereas exploring Taiwan. It actually offers Taipei (the brand new capital) a run for its cash relating to cities to go to whereas in Taiwan.
For me, what makes Tainan further candy is its meals tradition. Not solely does it have a heap of night time markets, it additionally has an enormous mixture of stalls and eating places that make this metropolis the foodie capital of Taiwan.
So, that will help you get probably the most out of your time in Taiwan, I’m sharing our high issues to do in Tainan if you go to the town. It’s one among Taiwan’s greatest cities to go to while exploring the nation.
1.) Anping Market
Not too removed from Anping Fort, the Anping Market space (Google Maps hyperlink) is crammed with hawker-style shops, foodie spots and heaps of unbiased shops that line the streets right here.
Give your self round 2-3 hours to totally discover the world. Though it isn’t big, you’ll find yourself stopping at so many various spots alongside the best way in Anping Market and even be a part of some native lessons.
After we visited, we might attempt our hand at making honeycomb sugar biscuits inside the market itself. You pay a small charge (round 60-100 Taiwan {dollars}) and also you’ll make your very personal biscuits on the streetside. We liked it.
Additionally, don’t neglect that Tainan is a candy metropolis. What I imply by that is that the town loves candy treats. It’s well-known in Taiwan, and Tainan really embraces its love of candy treats.
Be sure to attempt brown sugar cake, pineapple cake, and Taiwanese bubble tea, which is without doubt one of the greatest on this planet—effectively, in my view, a minimum of.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Taipei
2.) Anping Fort
Just some hundred metres from Anping Market, Anping Fort is a historic spot inside Tainan that’s effectively price visiting for a 45-minute journey while within the metropolis. As soon as right here, you’ll discover the historic fort that dates again centuries. Not solely that, you’ll get to climb the viewing platform for views all throughout Tainan.
There’s a small value for entry, nevertheless it’s effectively price it when in search of one of the best issues to do in Taian.
Afterwards, don’t neglect to e-book this Tainan tea ceremony that lasts round 90 minutes. It’s an effective way to delve into Taiwan’s wealthy tea heritage, and it’s such a scrumptious expertise.
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3.) Taijiang Nationwide Park
Noting just isn’t overly far in Tainan, particularly Taijiang Nationwide Park. It’s a brief switch (about quarter-hour) from the centre of Tainan, and also you’ll get to discover the extra rural areas simply shy of the town limits.
As soon as right here, make sure that to pop over to the Sicao Inexperienced Tunnel (Google Maps hyperlink), which takes you thru a few of the mangrove waterways right here in Taiwan. Visits take round 25 minutes, and there’s a small charge for boarding the boat and you may e-book excursions right here. Excursions aren’t in English, they usually don’t have translation instruments, however you’ll be able to nonetheless benefit from the inexperienced tunnel, which is simple to incorporate on a visit to Tainan.
Afterwards, you’ll be able to simply pop into the Sicao Dazhong Temple (四草大眾廟) that’s round a 90-second stroll from the Sicao Inexperienced Tunnel Entrance. It’s some of the visually stunning temples in all of Taiwan and is one spot you’ll be able to’t miss whereas within the wider Tainan space of Taiwan.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Taipei
4.) Chikan Pharmacy Bar
In all probability one among my favorite speakeasy bars in Taiwan, the Rooster Pharmacy Bar (Google Maps hyperlink) is positioned in central Tainan and is effectively price visiting throughout a go to to the town.
Now, there are round eight tables inside, so count on it to be cosy, however this pharmacy-style speakeasy is effectively price visiting for its well-known cocktails. Ask them about their Negroni drinks—they’re so good.
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5.) YongLe Evening Market
Evening markets in Taiwan are a factor, no extra so than in Tainan (the foodie capital of Taiwan). For those who love markets, one spot it’s essential go to is the YongLe Evening Market (Google Maps hyperlink). There are actually a whole lot of stalls, outlets and daily-run companies that make this space so particular.
Now, I’d say visiting within the early night is important. That is when YongLe Evening Market really comes alive. Be sure to attempt the mango shaved ice and the grilled pork you’ll discover in most of the market spots right here in Tainan.
Oh, and ensure to take money with you. Few of the stalls take automobiles, they usually actually desire small notes ($100 or decrease).
Not solely that, you will have a spread of cool little classic shops and cocktail spots, like 台南-秘氏咖啡 (Google Maps hyperlink), that are simply beautiful. Simply keep in mind, these are on the 2nd flooring (so, one flooring up from the bottom).
On the identical flooring, you’ve then acquired a heap of small unbiased shops, bars and barbers which might be so unimaginable to go to. We liked it right here and also you’d don’t have any clue they existed in case you hadn’t ventured increased than floor degree.
They make a few of the greatest espresso cocktails in all of Tainan.
Additionally, don’t neglect about Tainan Backyard Evening Market (Google Maps hyperlink). That is one other one among our favorite night time markets, and you need to go to it in Tainan. I’d go so far as to say it’s one among my favourites in Taiwan. Give your self a minimum of 2 hours to eat, pursue and discover.
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6.) Lola
We completely love all of the small unbiased bars and cafes inside Tainan, particularly Lola (Google Maps hyperlink), an intimate cash-only bar that serves scrumptious cocktails. Within the night, Lala turns into an intimate speakeasy bar hidden behind the lounge of the budding.
Head inside, seize a drink, and benefit from the unimaginable environment right here.
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7.) Anping Previous Avenue
Anping Previous Avenue (Google Maps hyperlink) is a spot to go to when exploring Tainan. It’s among the best issues to do in Tainan in case you’ve already visited Anping Fort, the market, and different streets within the space.
As you meander the small streets, make sure that to cease by 安平陶坊(延平店) 劍獅學堂 (Google Maps hyperlink). Right here, you’ll discover a pottery portray and making spot that permits you to good your expertise in all issues pottery. It’s a lot enjoyable, and we spent round 60 minutes designing our pottery items right here.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Taipei
8.) Chou’s Shrimp Rolls
Widespread for a cause! Chou’s Shrimp Rolls (Google Maps hyperlink) is an unfussy spot that’s an amazing lunch spot. There’s nothing massively fancy about Chou’s, however they’re well-renowned for his or her yummy shrimp rolls and congee.
We spent round 45 minutes at lunchtime there and liked it. Once more, it’s nothing fancy, however the meals is de facto good and nationally famend.
Additionally, don’t neglect about heading to Tainan’s Confucius Temple for somewhat stroll round.
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9.) Shennong Avenue
In all probability one among my favorite streets to discover in Tainan, Shennong Avenue (and the encompassing alleys) is a superb place to absorb the foodie capital of Taiwan and delve into the dishes and drinks that make this nation so particular.
As you wander down Shennong Avenue (and close by alleys), you’ll come throughout many unbiased companies in Tainan that concentrate on high quality dishes and drinks.
We liked ‘We Drink Beer Firm’ (Google Maps hyperlink), which focuses on native brews from the broader Tainan space. The house can be so stunning. It may be small, nevertheless it doesn’t matter when an area is that this design-led.
Afterwards, proceed strolling the road and stopping by the native cafes and kawaii-style shops that make this space distinctive. We liked it.
Oh, and don’t neglect to pop into Tainan Confucius Temple (Google Maps hyperlink), while you’re in downtown Tainan. It’s unimaginable to see and completely beautiful to walk round.
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10.) Xinyi Avenue
I do know I discussed Lola’s, which is on Xinyi Avenue, earlier than, however I genuinely assume the entire of Xinyi Avenue (Google Maps hyperlink) deserves its very personal point out. We completely love this space of Tainan, and it’s an amazing place to cease for a night ‘crawl’ via a few of Tainan’s greatest locations to go to.
Ofcourse, like we talked about earlier than, you’re going to cease at Lola’s (Google Maps hyperlink) for a tipple or two. Afterwards, head over to Dano’s Wine and Pasta (Google Maps hyperlink) for his or her yummy contemporary seafood and pasta dishes that are a few of the greatest in all of Taiwan. It’s a small little joint nevertheless it’s completely price a go to.
Lastly, head to the 四聯境老古石集福宮 temple (Google Maps hyperlink) and discover the non secular historical past of Tainan. Xinyi Avenue actually is particular, and though not the busiest, it definitely packs a punch with cool spots to go to when in search of one of the best issues to do in Tainan. Have enjoyable!
Afterwards, go to the close by Anping Kaitai Tianhou Temple and discover Anping Previous Avenue with its many little stalls.
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Taipei
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