Top Things to Do in Kaohsiung

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

About the City

Ahoy to the vibrant port city of Kaohsiung! With a throbbing heart of culture and commerce, this Taiwanese gem is as eclectic as it is enchanting. Picture towering skyscrapers, a sprawling harbor, and night markets bustling with energy - a sensory feast for city-dwellers. The Love River isn't shy of admirers, as it wends through the city offering romantic riverside walks and charming cafes for a perfect evening escapade. But it's not just the urban allure that captivates; Kaohsiung's Lotus Pond, dotted with majestic temples, reflects the spiritual soul of this metropolis, promising tranquility amidst the chaos. And don't get me started on the food – from succulent seafood to tantalizing local treats, your taste buds will be doing the happy dance! Yet every rose has its thorns. The rapid urbanization comes with the dreary dance of pollution, making some days less shiny. Traffic can become a knotty puzzle of patience, testing the wits of even the calmest commuters. And humid subtropical climes? Be prepared to get cozy with your AC unit. Still, Kaohsiung's kinetic energy and relentless charm make it a city that's easy to love and hard to forget.

Things to Do in Kaohsiung

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Find a truly weird modern building

Sights

Let’s appreciate the mad genius of modern architects. Show us the strangest example you’ve seen. In the photo, it’s not a stormtroopers summer camp, rather it’s the music center in Kaohsiung, a cit...

Chew on Chou's Shrimp Rolls

Food & Drink

Get a mouthful of Kaohsiung's coastal charm with Chou's Shrimp Rolls. These are bite-sized, crispy wonders packed with juicy shrimp, tightly rolled up and deep-fried to golden perfection. They're the ...

Beach Volleyball Showdown at Xiziwan Beach

Outdoors

Spike, dive, and jump your way to sandy glory with a round of beach volleyball at Xiziwan Beach. Whether you're a pro or just there to have fun, everyone's a winner when playing with the sun on your b...

Discover the Art of Tea Making

The Unexpected

Turn tea time into 'me time' with a twist. Learn the subtleties of tea picking and brewing and get schooled in the art of Taiwanese tea. It's time to spill the tea on why the local brew is such a big ...

Spin Pottery with a Local Artisan

The Unexpected

Channel your inner artist and get those hands muddy by jumping on the pottery wheel! Find a local craftsman's studio and let them guide you through the mesmerizing process of spinning, shaping, and fi...

Become a Tea Master at the Source

The Unexpected

Go beyond just sipping tea—learn how it's made, right from the source! Join a local tea farm experience where you'll get your hands dirty picking leaves, then watch as those leaves turn into liquid go...

Pedal through history in Hamasen

The Unexpected

Time travel on two wheels? Yes, please! Pedal your way through Hamasen, a historical area in Kaohsiung where the old railroad meets the sea. You'll find charming old streets, rail relics, and watersid...

Cruise on a Dusk Kayak Adventure

Outdoors

Imagine gliding on water as the sky puts on a twilight show, just you and your kayak bow cutting through the Love River. Add a touch of magic to your evenings in Kaohsiung with a dusk kayaking escapad...

Rock Climbing at the Urban Boulders

Outdoors

Take your fitness to new heights by scaling some of Kaohsiung's coolest urban climbing spots. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, the city's boulders will have you feeling like Spider-Man!

Conquer the Cijin Island Bike Trail

Outdoors

Ready to feel the ocean breeze while pedaling? Gear up for a cycling adventure on Cijin Island! With the sea on one side and yummy seafood smells guiding you, this trail is like a two-wheeled tour thr...

Get Your Hike on at the Banping Mountain

Outdoors

Lace up your boots and hit the trails of Banping Mountain. It's a workout with a view! You get to sweat it out with nature and take in stunning vistas of the industrial side of Kaohsiung. It's like a ...

Nibble on Nutritious Papaya Milk

Food & Drink

Sip and slurp your way through a glass of Kaohsiung's favorite fruity beverage — Papaya Milk. Creamy milk meets sweet, fresh papaya for a healthful treat that's like a hug for your insides. Great for ...

Join the High-Flying Kite Fun

Sights

Let your spirit soar as high as a kite at the scenic riverside parks of Kaohsiung. Unleash your inner child or be that cool adult with a fancy kite—either way, you’re in for a breezy good time!

Cycle Around the Massive Lotus Pond

Sights

Pedal power activate! Circumnavigate the ginormous Lotus Pond on a bike. With temples a'plenty and lotus flowers for days, it's both a feast for the eyes and a decent leg workout. Plus, an occasional ...

Marvel at 85 Sky Tower's Heights

Sights

Ever wanted to touch the sky? Head over to 85 Sky Tower, where you can zoom up to the observation deck and get an eyeful of the city from the heavens. It's a view so mind-blowing, you'll feel on top o...

Engage with the Past at Cijin Old Street

Sights

Stroll down the quaint Cijin Old Street and bask in the blast from the past! Savor some traditional snacks, eyeball the old-timey architecture and get ready for a nostalgia trip. It's a wonderful mish...

Relish the Flavors of Popiah

Food & Drink

Roll up for some popiah, Kaohsiung's answer to the spring roll! This fresh delight is wrapped in a thin, crepe-like layer and packed with goodies like stir-fried veggies, peanuts, and a sweet sauce ki...

Devour Dan Bing Breakfast

Food & Drink

Start your day the Kaohsiung way with a dan bing, Taiwan's tasty breakfast pancake! It's a crispy, eggy creation often jazzed up with cheese, bacon, or even sweet options. It's like the most epic brea...

Dig into Duck Rice

Food & Drink

Duck Rice, or 'Ya Fan', is a Kaohsiung classic you've got to try! Imagine luscious slices of braised duck resting on fragrant rice, with just the right mix of soy-infused spices. Each bite is a journe...

Step Into the Shoes of a Blacksmith

The Unexpected

Ever wanted to play with fire and get hammer-happy? Try your hand at blacksmithing and forge your very own keepsake! Heat up some metal and bang away at the anvil. It's hotter than a summer romance an...