More Than Night Markets and Bubble Tea: Top 10 Reasons Foreign Tourists Visit Taiwan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

Taiwan boasts rich natural beauty and diverse cultural charm, making it a beloved travel destination for international visitors. Beyond its famous night market snacks and bubble tea, there are many other reasons that make foreign tourists fall in love with Taiwan. Below is a compilation based on overseas reviews and media, listing the top 10 reasons to visit Taiwan. Travelers can also use this as a reference or recommend it to friends and family abroad.

1. Night Markets and Street Food
The most iconic reason to visit Taiwan is its night markets and street food. There are over 300 night markets across the country, with more than 10 just in Taipei, each offering unique features and signature dishes—such as yam cakes with salted egg yolk at Ningxia Night Market, grilled chicken cutlets at Shilin Night Market, as well as tofu pudding and oyster omelet.
 
2. Beef Noodles
National dish beef noodles are another must-try, with different shops offering their own distinct flavors and styles. Loved by foreign visitors, Taipei even hosts an annual Beef Noodle Festival that draws numerous food enthusiasts.
 
3. Architecture
Taiwan’s architecture blends Western, Chinese, and Japanese influences across various historical periods. Iconic structures such as Taipei 101, the Presidential Office Building, and the Grand Hotel showcase a beautiful fusion of modern and traditional elements, leaving foreign visitors in awe.

4. Dadaocheng
The streets of Dadaocheng retain their historic charm, with ancient neighborhoods and shops selling dried goods and traditional Chinese medicine—making it a great place to experience old Taipei.
 
5. Traditional Breakfast
Taiwanese breakfast options are incredibly diverse, and one of the highlights for many foreign visitors is trying traditional Chinese breakfast items like soy milk with fried dough sticks and egg pancakes.
 
6. Bubble Tea
Another iconic Taiwanese treat, bubble tea, not only attracts international tourists but has now spread across the globe—it's truly a source of national pride.

7. Hot Springs
Soaking in hot springs is the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle. Taiwan offers many hot spring resorts where visitors can relax at a cozy onsen inn.
 
8. Hiking and Cycling
Taiwan has a wealth of scenic hiking and cycling routes—including the Elephant Mountain Nature Trail and the Sun Moon Lake Bicycle Path—some of which are located very close to city centers.

9. Tea
Taiwanese tea is world-renowned, and sampling it is a must-do for many international visitors. Aside from tea tasting, visitors can also explore historic teahouses and admire beautiful tea plantations.
 
10. Shrimp Fishing
Shrimp fishing is a uniquely Taiwanese and widely popular leisure activity. With hundreds of shrimp fishing ponds nationwide, visitors can enjoy the fun of catching their own shrimp and even grill them for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.