Taiwan quickly climbed up my list of favorite destinations after my first solo trip there. This island nation offers an incredible mix of buzzing cities, serene nature, and some of the most delicious street food you’ll ever taste – all without breaking the bank. Unlike its more famous neighbors like Japan or Thailand, Taiwan remains somewhat of a hidden gem for budget travelers, meaning fewer crowds and more authentic experiences.
Table Of Content
Quick Facts
Let’s start with the essentials you’ll need to know before planning your Taiwan adventure:
- Currency: New Taiwan Dollar (NT$ or TWD). Divide by roughly 30 to convert to USD
- Transport: Excellent public transportation including high-speed rail, regular trains, metro systems, and buses
- Safety: Extremely safe with very low crime rates – one of the safest countries in Asia for solo travelers
- Language: Mandarin is the official language, but English is commonly understood in urban areas and tourist spots
- Visa: Most countries can enter Taiwan on a 15-90 day visa exemption
- Budget: Most solo travelers can comfortably explore Taiwan on US$30-35 per day
Best Cities to Visit
Taiwan’s cities each offer something unique, from the bustling capital to historic southern towns. Here’s my personal rating of the must-visit urban centers:
| City | Highlights | Ideal Stay | Budget Level | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taipei | Modern capital, night markets, Taipei 101, excellent metro | 3-5 days | Medium | 9/10 |
| Hualien | Gateway to Taroko Gorge, laid-back vibe, beautiful coast | 2-3 days | Low | 8/10 |
| Taichung | Art scene, original bubble tea shops, flower markets | 2 days | Low-Medium | 8/10 |
| Tainan | Taiwan’s oldest city, incredible temples, food capital | 2-3 days | Low | 7/10 |
| Kaohsiung | Harbor city, laid-back atmosphere, Kenting access | 2 days | Low | 7/10 |
When I first arrived in Taipei, I was immediately struck by how easy it was to navigate as a solo traveler. The MRT system is impeccably clean, signs are in English, and locals are surprisingly helpful if you look lost.
I’ll never forget my first night in the capital – completely jetlagged but determined to explore, I wandered into Shilin Night Market and was immediately overwhelmed (in the best way) by the sounds, smells, and pure energy of the place. A local vendor noticed my confusion and insisted I try her pork rice – it became my go-to comfort food for the rest of the trip!
Getting Around
Taiwan’s transportation system is remarkably efficient and budget-friendly, making it perfect for solo travelers.
High-Speed and Regional Rail
The Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR) whisks you from Taipei to Kaohsiung (north to south) in just 90 minutes. While more expensive than other options (NT$1,490/US$50 one-way), it’s worth it if you’re short on time. Consider a 3-Day Pass (NT$2,200/US$73) if making multiple journeys.
For a more scenic and budget-friendly option, the regular trains (TRA) are comfortable, reliable and about half the price of high-speed rail. I spent hours gazing out the window as we rolled past rice paddies, mountains, and coastal views.
Urban Transportation
Taiwan’s city transport systems are a dream for solo travelers:
- Taipei MRT: Exceptionally clean, efficient, and easy to navigate with English signage. A 24-hour pass costs NT$180 (US$6).
- City buses: Affordable (NT$15-25/US$0.50-0.80 per ride) but can be harder to navigate without Chinese language skills.
- YouBike: Taipei’s bike-sharing system is perfect for exploring at your own pace (NT$10/US$0.33 for 30 minutes).
- Rideshare: Uber operates in Taiwan (though Grab and Lyft don’t).
Pro tip: Get an EasyCard immediately upon arrival. This contactless card works across all public transportation systems and even at convenience stores. I can’t tell you how many times this saved me from fumbling with change or trying to decipher ticket machines!
Where to Stay
One of the best aspects of solo travel in Taiwan is the excellent hostel culture – you’ll find clean, secure, and social places to stay throughout the country.
| Hostel | Location | Special Features | Price Range (NT$) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Star Hostel | Taipei Main Station | Privacy curtains, shared lounge, free breakfast | 800-1,000 | 9/10 |
| We Come Hostel | Taipei | Near local markets, female-only dorms | 700-900 | 8/10 |
| NK Hostel | Taipei | Modern design, personal lockers, kitchen | 750-950 | 8/10 |
| Taiwan Youth Hostel | Taipei | Capsule-style beds, 24-hour security | 650-850 | 7/10 |
| On My Way | Hualien | Near train station, Taroko Gorge access | 600-800 | 8/10 |
| Getcha Hostel | Taichung | Pod bunks, central location, rooftop | 650-800 | 8/10 |
During my stay at Star Hostel in Taipei, I was impressed by both the cleanliness and the helpful staff. The privacy curtains on the beds were a game-changer for getting quality sleep. My favorite moment was connecting with three other solo travelers in the communal kitchen. We ended up cooking a collaborative dinner using ingredients we’d found at the local market, and those travelers became my adventure buddies for the next week!
One important note: accommodation in Taiwan is slightly more expensive compared to other costs like food and transport. Budget accordingly, as dorm beds in Taipei rarely go below NT$600 (US$20) per night, though the quality is generally high.
Food & Street Eats
Taiwan’s food scene is legendary and perfect for budget travelers. The night markets offer an incredible variety of delicious, affordable dishes that will have you coming back night after night.
Must-Try Street Foods
These Taiwan classics should absolutely be on your food bucket list:
- Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao): Delicate steamed buns filled with soup and meat (NT$100-150/US$3-5)
- Beef Noodle Soup: Rich broth with tender beef and hand-pulled noodles (NT$100-250/US$3-8)
- Bubble Tea: The original milk tea with tapioca pearls – Taiwan invented it! (NT$35-80/US$1-3)
- Stinky Tofu: Fermented tofu with a strong smell but addictive taste (NT$30-60/US$1-2)
- Scallion Pancakes: Flaky, savory pancakes that are perfect for breakfast (NT$30-50/US$1-2)
- Peanut Ice Cream Wrap: Thin crepe filled with peanut candy shavings and ice cream (NT$40-60/US$1-2)
- Taiwanese Fried Chicken: Crispy, juicy, and perfectly spiced (NT$50-70/US$2-2.5)
- Oyster Omelet: Savory egg dish with small oysters and sweet potato starch (NT$60-80/US$2-3)
The night markets are a solo traveler’s paradise – I never felt awkward eating alone since the format is to grab and go or stand at shared tables. My favorite night markets were Raohe Night Market in Taipei (smaller but more authentic), Shilin Night Market also in Taipei (massive with endless options), and Fengjia Night Market in Taichung (lively university vibe).
Pro tip: If you see a long line of locals at a food stall, join it! My best food discoveries came from simply following the crowds. One evening I waited 30 minutes for a bowl of mee sua (thin wheat noodles with oysters) because the line was so long – it turned out to be one of the most memorable meals of my entire trip.
Top Things to Do
From urban adventures to natural wonders, here are the experiences you shouldn’t miss in Taiwan:
| Activity | Location | Cost (NT$) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Explore Night Markets | Throughout Taiwan | Free entry | 10/10 |
| Hike Taroko Gorge | Hualien | Free/NT$200 park fee | 9/10 |
| Visit Taipei 101 | Taipei | NT$600 observation deck | 8/10 |
| Soak in Hot Springs | Beitou/Wulai | NT$150-500 | 9/10 |
| Attend Tea Ceremony | Jiufen/Maokong | NT$300-500 | 8/10 |
| Temple Hopping | Tainan/throughout | Free | 8/10 |
| Cycle Sun Moon Lake | Nantou County | NT$200 bike rental | 9/10 |
| Visit Kenting Beaches | Southern Taiwan | Free | 8/10 |
| Explore Rainbow Village | Taichung | Free (donations welcome) | 7/10 |
| Lantern Festival | February (varies) | Free | 10/10 |
Hiking the trails of Taroko Gorge was hands-down my most memorable experience in Taiwan. The Shakadang Trail follows a crystal-clear river through marble canyons, and I felt completely safe doing this alone. The shuttle bus system makes it easy to explore different parts of the park without needing to join a tour.
Another highlight was taking the train to Jiufen, a mountain village that reportedly inspired the setting for the animated film “Spirited Away.” The narrow, winding streets are filled with red lanterns, tea houses, and food stalls. I spent an afternoon sipping oolong tea at a traditional teahouse overlooking the ocean as the mist rolled in – one of those perfect travel moments that stays with you forever.
Meeting People
While Taiwan’s hostel scene isn’t quite as rowdy as Thailand or Vietnam, there are still plenty of ways to connect with others as a solo traveler:
Best Ways to Connect
- Join Food Tours: I met several other solo travelers on a night market tour in Taipei, and we ended up exploring together the following days.
- Take Walking Tours: Many cities offer free or low-cost walking tours. The guides are usually happy to recommend local spots afterward.
- Sign Up for Classes: I took a one-day cooking class where I learned to make xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and connected with both locals and other travelers.
- Use Travel Apps: While Taiwan isn’t huge on travel apps, Meetup can help you find events with English speakers.
- Join Day Trips: Taking organized day trips to places like Taroko Gorge or Sun Moon Lake is another excellent way to meet fellow travelers.
- Visit Cat Cafes: Taiwan has amazing themed cafes that make for perfect solo hangouts and conversation starters.
The locals are genuinely friendly and often curious about solo travelers. Don’t be surprised if someone strikes up a conversation with you at a tea shop or offers directions when you look lost. One of my favorite memories was when an elderly man practicing tai chi in a park invited me to join his morning routine – I ended up returning every day for a week!
Budget Breakdown
Taiwan offers incredible value for money compared to other East Asian destinations. Here’s what you can expect to spend daily:
| Expense Category | Budget Option (NT$) | Mid-Range Option (NT$) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 600-800 (hostel dorm) | 1,500-2,000 (private room) |
| Food | 300-400 (street food) | 500-700 (casual restaurants) |
| Transportation | 100-150 (public transport) | 300-500 (including taxis) |
| Activities | 0-200 (free/low-cost) | 300-600 (paid attractions) |
| SIM Card | ~33/day (NT$1,000/month) | Same |
| Miscellaneous | 100-200 | 200-400 |
| Daily Total | NT$1,133-1,783 (US$38-60) | NT$2,333-4,200 (US$78-140) |
Money-Saving Tips
Here’s how I managed to keep my budget under control while still having an amazing time:
- Eat at night markets instead of restaurants – you’ll save money and have a more authentic experience
- Get an EasyCard for transportation discounts and convenience
- Take advantage of free activities like hiking trails, temples, and parks
- Book hostels with free breakfast to save on one meal per day
- Consider a Taiwan High-Speed Rail pass if you’ll be moving between cities frequently
- Look for hostels with kitchens to occasionally prepare your own meals
- Shop at local markets for fresh fruits as snacks (mangoes in Taiwan are incredible!)
- Fill up water bottles at public stations – Taiwan’s tap water is generally safe after boiling
During my three-week trip, I spent approximately US$45 per day, which included everything – and I wasn’t being particularly frugal. Taipei was slightly more expensive than other cities, but even there, you can find excellent budget options.
Safety Tips
Taiwan is remarkably safe for solo travelers, but here are a few tips to ensure a smooth experience:
- Travel Insurance: While healthcare in Taiwan is excellent and affordable, travel insurance is still recommended.
- Transportation Safety: Public transportation is extremely safe, but if renting a scooter, be aware that you’ll need an international driving license.
- Natural Hazards: Taiwan experiences occasional typhoons (June to October) and earthquakes. Follow local guidance if these occur.
- Cultural Etiquette: Remove shoes when entering homes, temples, or some traditional guesthouses. Point with an open hand rather than a finger.
- Language Barrier: Having a translation app handy and learning a few basic Mandarin phrases can be helpful, especially outside major cities.
- Staying Connected: I recommend getting a local SIM card immediately (available at the airport) to ensure you always have maps and translation tools.
- Solo Woman-Specific: As a female solo traveler, I felt incredibly safe even at night. However, as anywhere, remain aware of your surroundings.
Overall, the biggest “safety concern” in Taiwan might be eating too much delicious street food! I never once felt unsafe, even walking alone at night in Taipei or other cities.
My Take
After traveling solo throughout Asia, Taiwan stands out as one of the most welcoming, convenient, and safe destinations for independent explorers. The perfect blend of modern efficiency and traditional culture makes it an ideal place to dip your toes into solo travel if you’re new to it.
What impressed me most was how the Taiwanese people went out of their way to help – from the convenience store clerk who walked me to my hostel when I looked lost to the elderly man who shared his umbrella during a sudden downpour. These small acts of kindness defined my experience.
If you’re hesitating about traveling to Taiwan alone – don’t! The efficient transportation, delicious affordable food, and incredibly safe environment make it possibly the most solo-traveler-friendly destination in Asia. While you might not meet as many other backpackers as you would in Southeast Asia, the authentic experiences and cultural immersion you’ll gain are invaluable.
Ready to Plan Your Taiwan Adventure?
- Start by booking your flights – aim for shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October) for the best weather and prices.
- Reserve your first few nights of accommodation in Taipei to get oriented.
- Pick up an EasyCard and local SIM card immediately upon arrival at Taoyuan Airport.
- Make a loose itinerary but stay flexible – Taiwan is perfect for spontaneous exploration.
- Download useful apps: Google Translate with Mandarin language pack, Maps.me, and the Metro Taipei app.
So pack your appetite for adventure (and bubble tea), grab your EasyCard, and discover why Taiwan deserves a spot at the top of every solo traveler’s bucket list. I promise you won’t regret it!
