Kaohsiung 1 Day Itinerary
If Taipei is the bustling urban capital of Taiwan, Kaohsiung is the slower, sunnier, seaside city that is much more spread out, much less bustling. Kaohsiung is the third largest metropolitan area in Taiwan, but compared to its counterparts to the north, much more laid back. It’s a place for the locals, a place to live more than visit, and a destination made for local visitors more than international travelers. It feels a couple decades behind Taipei in terms of global cosmopolitan culture, but is still very much rooted in Taiwanese identity.
When it comes to tourist attractions, Tainan has definitely got Kaohsiung beat, but the slow pace makes for a nice getaway, and perfect for short visits. You could very well just spend a day eating at the many internet trending 打卡 food spots and leave fulfilled.
Getting to Kaohsiung is pretty easy by HSR, just a couple hours express from Taipei, and even faster from other cities. It’s also easily accessible by train from the east coast. The Zuoying HSR station is connected to the MRT that can get you into the city center. Getting around can be a bit more of a challenge. The MRT system is lacking, with only 2 main lines plus a light rail line, and underutilized compared to Taipei. Most locals are used to zipping around by motor scooter and cars. The good news is that you can still use the Easycard on public transit here.
This itinerary is perfect for a quick weekend trip any time of the year, when you need a change in scenery, a change of pace, and likely warm (if not sweltering) sun when it is rainy in the north. Most places are pretty accessible by MRT, but depending on your priorities and traveling group, it might be easier to take a cab.
This 24 hour itinerary assumes you are coming in from another part of Taiwan, it’s perfect for a noon to noon trip. Take a morning train down, and roll in just in time to drop off bags, grab a bite and start exploring.
morning
start with the immersive weiwuying 衛武營
MRT Station: Weiwuying Station (O line) – exit 6
Recommended Time: honestly any time, but mornings and afternoons are nice to explore at your leisure, most programming is in the evening
If you take an HSR from Taipei at around 9am, you’ll probably get to Zuoying by 11, and into the city center by noon. Drop your things off and make your way to the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts. A breathtaking architectural work that feels expansive and grandiose, but also peaceful.
The complex combines indoor and outdoor spaces, reminiscent of the native banyon trees, offering much needed shade from the sun. The inside is sleek and contemporary, housing several theaters, and offering public space with coffee counters and shops.
The art center is surrounded by the large Weiwuying Metropolitan Park, which makes for a lovely walk if it isn’t too hot. The neighboring Fengshan District has many restaurants and hole-in-wall eateries to grab a quick lunch.
waterfront walk and afternoon treats around Pier2 Art Center 駁二藝術特區
MRT Station: Yanchengpu Station (O line) use exit 1 and walk toward the water
Recommended Time: 15-18:00, it’s usually pretty quiet in the mornings and early afternoons on weekdays, but it livens up by mid afternoon, and weekends tend to have more activity with street vendors and programming
Mid afternoon is the perfect time to make your way toward the water, to Pier2 Art Center. Where Weiwuying is a home for world class performing arts, Pier2 Art Center is an up and coming hub for local contemporary art and culture. The former warehouses have been converted into a creative space filled with art installations, cafes, and shops.
Shops and vendors along the promenade usually open up in mid afternoon and peak in the early evening as golden hour dances along the pier. Take your time as you make your way along the waterfront from Hamasen Railway Cultural Park to Glory Pier, and if you’re feeling lazy take the light rail back over. Soak in the views of the harbor and Cijin Island beyond.
While you’re there spend some time wandering around Yancheng District and stop by a local cafe for some afternoon tea or an iced dessert pick me up. There are so many little shops tucked away in the streets and alleys off the main promenade that make for a perfect break, ranging from photogenic Instagram-famous cafes to old school shaved ice shops that have been around for generations.
while you’re here:
- stop by sunny hills for a little pineapple cake and tea break
- indulge in giant bowls of fruit-laden shaved ice at 高雄渡船頭海之冰, a chaotic experience but great for sharing
- if you have extra time, spend it shopping around Shinkuchan Shopping District where there are many department stores
- if you really have a lot of time to kill, grab a cab to the Dream Mall, an expansive shopping complex that is pretty much Taiwan’s version of the Mall of America (read: there is an amusement park built in), nothing too special about it besides its size, but it is a good place to escape the elements and entertain (and feed) the whole family
bask in golden hour in Sizihwan 西子灣
MRT Station: Sizihwan Station (O line) exit 1, and then walk or take a short taxi ride over to the entrance
Recommended Time: about an hour before sunset
About an hour before sunset, make your way up to the The British Consulate at Takow. No, not to think about colonialism. You’re here for the views. Perched up high on the hill overlooking the sea on one side and city on the other, it offers an unparalleled panoramic view of Kaohsiung.
Sizihwan is a wonderful place to watch the sunset, to see the sun disappear over the western horizon, dipping into the golden water as dusk settles along the city, and it’s a short walk back to the MRT station to get back into the city.
while you’re here:
- some other points of interest include: Xiziwan Tunnel, the photo op Shoushan LOVE Lookout, Kaohsiung Martyrs’ Shrine and Wude Martial Arts Center
- on a nice day, it might be worth heading west early and spending some time at Siziwan Beach
street eats at night markets
Recommended Time: night markets usually start opening in the afternoon but really liven up around 6 for dinner
When it comes to night markets, Kaohsiung has many. There’s the touristy ones that are probably the most accessible, namely Liuhe Night Market, and then there are several others located in different neighborhoods around the city. Some are probably best accessed by car (well, ideally by motor scooter).
Liuhe Night Market is just a short walk from the Formosa Blvd MRT station. It mostly caters to tourists but isn’t overly crowded, a convenient choice if you’re staying nearby.
Probably the easiest (if you’re coming straight from Sizihwan) is to walk back over to Pier2, where there is a small but popular night market on Saturday nights.
Lingya Night Market isn’t so much a night market as it is an abundance of street food and eateries, a go-to spot for locals picking up a casual meal. It is also pretty easy to get to, close enough to Glory Pier, and near the commercial area filled with shopping and restaurants, making it a solid option for dinner.
Guanhua Night Market, also popular among locals, is crammed on the side of a busy street, and best experienced by scooter. It’s worth going for dinner if you’re looking for traditional Taiwanese foods.
Ruifeng Night Market is the beloved one of the moment, the one where all the locals ride over to for a night out. It’s a classic night market, occupying a large enclosed lot in Zuoying with hundreds of vendors. It’s walking distance from the Kaohsiung Arena MRT station.
wander around the Zuoying Lotus Pond 蓮池潭
MRT Station: the northern part of the pond is about a 10-15 min walk from the Zuoying HSR station
Recommended Time: 18:00 or 19:00 – tbh any time after 5pm things will be bustling, but the crowds will probably peak between 7 and 9pm
The next morning, assuming you’re leaving by way of HSR, make your way up to Zuoying. Throw your stuff in a locker at the HSR station and then head over to the Lotus Pond. The pond is like a public park, its perimeter dotted with mini attractions almost reminiscent of Epcot as you make your way from one to the next. There’s the famous Dragon and Tiger pagodas, and other traditional architecture and sculptures jutting into the water.
There’s also the Confucius temple on the north end and a playground park for kids. On a quiet morning, it makes for a peaceful, leisurely walk. Along the waterfront and in the nearby streets there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to grab a bite as well.
It’s a perfect, easy morning activity before heading out.
while you’re here:
- If you’re catching a later train, you may have time to stop by the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts on the way up. If you do, be sure to also stop by Neiwei Arts Center and the cultural park surrounding.
- For a quick lunch, stop by San Niu Beef Noodles.
- If you’re feeling like more outdoor time before hopping on the train, you can do a quick hike around Shoushan National Natural Park, right by the HSR station.
