Planning a trip to southern Taiwan? This 6-day Kaohsiung itinerary combines scenic harbor views, historic landmarks, modern architecture, night markets, cultural attractions, and a full-day side trip to Tainan.

Kaohsiung is one of Taiwan's most interesting cities to explore, especially if you enjoy a mix of urban sightseeing, waterfront attractions, local food, and creative districts. During my trip, I explored the city's famous landmarks and also visited Tainan, known for its rich history, temples, and traditional Taiwanese culture.

Here's my day-by-day itinerary to help you plan your own DIY trip to Kaohsiung and Tainan.

Day 1: Arrival in Kaohsiung and Liouhe Night Market

7:00 PM – Arrival in Kaohsiung

I arrived in Kaohsiung in the evening and headed to my accommodation to settle in. Since it was already late, I kept the first day simple and focused on checking in and finding something to eat.

8:30 PM – Hotel check-in at ArtHome

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I checked in at ArtHome, my accommodation in Kaohsiung. After a day of traveling, it was time to unpack, freshen up, and get ready to explore the city.

9:00 PM – Dinner at Liouhe Night Market

My first food stop was Liouhe Night Market, one of Kaohsiung's well-known night markets. It's a convenient place to experience Taiwan's night-market culture and try local street food.

You can explore the food stalls, look for Taiwanese specialties, and enjoy the lively atmosphere before heading back to your hotel.

Overnight: Kaohsiung

Day 2: Historic Kaohsiung, Scenic Lookouts, and Love River

Day 2 was all about discovering Kaohsiung's history and enjoying some of its most scenic locations.

1. The British Consulate at Takow

The former British Consulate at Takow is one of Kaohsiung's notable historical landmarks. Located in the Gushan area, this historic site offers a glimpse into the city's past, along with beautiful views of the harbor.

It's a great place for sightseeing and photography, especially if you enjoy historic buildings and coastal scenery.

2. Shoushan Love Lookout

Next, I visited Shoushan Love Lookout, a scenic viewpoint where you can appreciate Kaohsiung's landscape from above.

This is a nice stop for taking photos and enjoying a different perspective of the city.

3. Love River

I also visited Love River, one of Kaohsiung's most recognizable waterfront attractions. The river is a pleasant place for a walk, particularly when you want a break from busy city streets.

Depending on your schedule, you can explore the riverside during the day or return in the evening to enjoy the illuminated surroundings.

4. Dinner at Liouhe Night Market

I ended the day with another visit to Liouhe Night Market for dinner and more Taiwanese street food.

Overnight: Kaohsiung

Day 3: Kaohsiung's Modern Architecture, Harbor, and Art District

Day 3 focused on the modern side of Kaohsiung, including contemporary architecture, waterfront attractions, public art, and creative spaces.

1. Central Park

Start the day at Central Park, a green space in the middle of the city. It's a good place for a relaxing walk before continuing to the surrounding urban attractions.

2. Focus 13

Focus 13 is another stop on this day's sightseeing route. Include time to explore the surrounding area and photograph the architecture and urban scenery.

3. Kaohsiung Music Center

The Kaohsiung Music Center is a striking modern landmark along the waterfront. Its contemporary architectural design makes it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in photography and modern cityscapes.

Take time to appreciate the surrounding harbor views as well.

4. Great Harbor Bridge

Continue to the Great Harbor Bridge, a pedestrian bridge in Kaohsiung's harbor area. Its distinctive design makes it an interesting place to visit, particularly for architectural photography and waterfront views.

5. Pier-2 Art Center

Pier-2 Art Center is one of the city's best-known creative districts. This former warehouse area has been transformed into a destination for art, installations, exhibitions, and creative spaces.

It's an excellent place to wander around, discover interesting artwork, and take photos.

6. Dinner in Kaohsiung

Finish the day with dinner at a restaurant or local food spot of your choice. After exploring the waterfront and art district, you can enjoy a relaxed evening before returning to your accommodation.

Overnight: Kaohsiung

Day 4: Dome of Light, Formosa Boulevard, Zuoying, and Fo Guang Shan

Day 4 combined one of Kaohsiung's most famous indoor attractions with a visit to the impressive Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum.

1. Dome of Light at Formosa Boulevard Station

Begin at Formosa Boulevard Station, home to the famous Dome of Light.

This colorful glass artwork is one of Kaohsiung's most recognizable attractions and a popular stop for travelers. Since it's located inside an MRT station, it's also convenient to visit while using the city's public transportation system.

2. Formosa Boulevard Station

Take time to explore the station itself and admire the artwork from different angles. It's a quick but worthwhile stop, especially if you enjoy photography and unique architectural spaces.

3. Zuoying Station

Next, visit the Zuoying area, an important transportation hub in Kaohsiung. This stop can also serve as a reference point for arranging your journey toward attractions outside the central city.

4. Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

The highlight of the day was Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, a major Buddhist cultural complex featuring an impressive central Buddha statue, spacious grounds, pagodas, and monumental architecture.

Allow enough time to explore the complex, walk along the main approach, and appreciate the scale of the buildings and statues.

Because the museum is outside central Kaohsiung, plan your transportation and allow sufficient time for the return journey.

Overnight: Kaohsiung

Day 5: Full-Day Side Trip to Tainan

For Day 5, I explored Tainan, one of Taiwan's most historically significant cities. This side trip combined museums, historic landmarks, a mangrove boat experience, a temple, and a creative district.

Tainan has plenty to offer, so an early start is recommended to make the most of the day.

1. Chimei Museum

My first major stop was Chimei Museum, a well-known museum recognized for its impressive architecture and extensive collections.

The grand building and landscaped surroundings make it a popular destination for photography. If you plan to explore the museum's collections, check its opening schedule and ticket arrangements in advance.

2. Anping Old Fort

Next, I visited Anping Old Fort, a historic landmark associated with Tainan's early trading history and Dutch colonial period.

This is a good place to learn more about the city's past while exploring the remaining fort structures and surrounding historic district.

3. Anping Tree House

Anping Tree House is a unique attraction where large tree roots and branches have grown around an old warehouse structure.

The combination of architecture and nature makes this one of the most distinctive sightseeing spots in Tainan. Walk through the site to see how the roots have intertwined with the walls and building remains.

4. Sicao Green Tunnel

One of the most memorable experiences of the trip was visiting Sicao Green Tunnel.

This attraction is known for its boat rides through a narrow waterway surrounded by mangroves. The overhanging branches create a natural tunnel effect, making the journey especially scenic.

It's a great addition to a Tainan itinerary if you want to experience something beyond temples and historic buildings.

5. Orthodox Luermen Shengmu Temple

I also visited Orthodox Luermen Shengmu Temple, a major religious site in Tainan.

The temple is known for its large grounds, traditional religious architecture, and colorful decorative details. It offers an opportunity to learn more about local temple culture and Taiwan's religious traditions.

6. Blueprint Culture & Creative Park

To finish the day, I visited Blueprint Culture & Creative Park, a creative district featuring art, design, shops, and visually interesting spaces.

It's a nice place to explore at a more relaxed pace after visiting Tainan's historic landmarks.

Travel tip: Tainan's attractions are spread across different areas. For a day trip covering all these stops, consider arranging transportation in advance or booking a private day tour. Check each attraction's opening hours and travel times before finalizing your route.

After sightseeing, return to Kaohsiung for your final night.

Overnight: Kaohsiung

Day 6: Hotel Check-Out and Departure

The last day was reserved for checking out and heading to Kaohsiung Station before departing.

1. Hotel check-out

Pack your belongings, check your room, and confirm your departure arrangements before leaving your accommodation.

2. Kaohsiung Station

I visited Kaohsiung Station as part of my departure-day schedule. Make sure to allow enough time to reach your next transportation connection, especially if you have a train or flight to catch.

3. Departure

This marked the end of my six-day trip around Kaohsiung and Tainan. From historic landmarks and scenic viewpoints to modern architecture, night markets, and cultural attractions, the trip offered a great introduction to southern Taiwan.

My 6-Day Kaohsiung and Tainan Itinerary at a Glance

Tips for Planning Your Kaohsiung and Tainan Trip

1. Stay in a convenient location. Choose accommodation with convenient access to public transportation and food options to make daily sightseeing easier.

2. Group attractions by area. Some attractions are far apart, particularly on the Tainan side trip. Plan your route carefully to avoid unnecessary travel time.

3. Start early on Day 5. Visiting six Tainan attractions in one day can be demanding. An early departure and prearranged transportation will help you maximize your time.

4. Prepare for walking. Historic sites, museums, parks, and temple complexes can involve considerable walking. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

5. Check opening hours. Museum schedules, temple access, boat rides, and other attractions may have different operating hours or ticket requirements.

6. Save time for Taiwanese food. Night markets and local eateries are an essential part of the experience. Liouhe Night Market is a convenient option for an evening food stop in Kaohsiung.

Final Thoughts

Six days gave me the opportunity to explore the different sides of southern Taiwan, from Kaohsiung's modern harbor and creative districts to Tainan's historical attractions and cultural landmarks.

If you're planning your first visit, this itinerary is a useful starting point for combining city sightseeing with a one-day Tainan excursion. You can follow the same route or adjust it depending on your travel pace, interests, and transportation arrangements.

Save this itinerary for your next Taiwan trip and use it to plan your own Kaohsiung and Tainan adventure!