Take China Group Tours in 2025 to enjoy 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price!
What to Do in Kaohsiung & How Many Days to Stay?
Kaohsiung is Taiwan's most laid-back harbor city, warm, open, and full of color. Here, old temples meet modern art centers, and cozy street food stalls sit beside wide-open parks and waterfronts. You'll find colonial-era buildings, sunset beaches, Instagrammable villages, and one of Taiwan's best night market scenes.
Thanks to its spacious layout and efficient MRT system, Kaohsiung is easy to explore. Whether you're into food, culture, sea views, or art, there's something for you, and everything is surprisingly accessible.
So, how long should you stay?
For most travelers, 1-3 days is enough to cover Kaohsiung's top sights at a relaxed pace. If you're doing a full Taiwan loop or visiting for the first time, we recommend spending at least 1 night and 1 full day here. Even with a short stay, Kaohsiung's warm vibe will leave a lasting impression.
Best Things to Do in Kaohsiung, 2025 Attractions Guide
Let's dive into your perfect Kaohsiung itinerary, day by day.
Kaohsiung 1-Day Itinerary: Best of the City in a Day
A day in Kaohsiung can be cultural, relaxing, or both. Chasing temples and history or street art and snacks, this city makes it easy to have it all. Follow the two classic ways to enjoy the best of Kaohsiung in just one day:
Option 1: Explore Kaohsiung's Culture & Scenery Highlights, Best for First-Timers
Lotus Pond → Fo Guang Shan → British Consulate → Xiziwan Sunset
This route is perfect for first-time visitors who want to dive deep into Kaohsiung's culture, history, and natural charm.
Start your adventure at Lotus Pond, just 10 minutes from Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station. It's a great first stop if you're arriving from Taipei or Chiayi. This scenic lake is dotted with colorful temples and mythological landmarks.
Spend an hour or two walking along the shore, entering the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas (yes, go in through the dragon's mouth and out the tiger's!), admiring the Spring and Autumn Pavilions, and visiting the towering Xuantian God Statue at Zuoying Yuandi Temple.
Next, head northeast for about 40 minutes to Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum — Taiwan's most important Buddhist site, founded by Master Hsing Yun. You'll need around two hours to walk the Bodhi Path, admire the eight majestic pagodas, and gaze up at the 108-meter seated Buddha statue, one of the tallest in the world.
After that, make your way back toward the coast. If time allows, stop at the British Consulate at Takow. This red-brick hilltop building offers a glimpse into Kaohsiung's colonial past — and some of the best views of Kaohsiung Harbor. Around sunset, head to nearby Xiziwan Bay. The golden light, crashing waves, and open sea make for a perfect ending to your day.
Tip: This itinerary is most comfortable with a private car or local guide, especially if you want to cover all the highlights efficiently.
Option 2: Chill & Snap Your Way Through Kaohsiung
Pier-2 Art Center → Cijin Island → Formosa Boulevard Station → Liuhe Night Market
If you'd rather skip the long drives and dive straight into Kaohsiung's coastal charm, this easygoing itinerary is for you. All the stops are close together, so you'll spend less time on the road and more time soaking it all in.
Start your morning at the Pier-2 Art Center. Once a cluster of old warehouses, it's now a creative playground filled with quirky sculptures, giant murals, and open-air exhibits. If you need a break, the cafés and food trucks nearby are always ready with great coffee and local snacks.
Next, walk to Gushan Ferry Pier and hop on the 5-minute ride to Cijin Island. The moment you step off the ferry, the famous Cijin Old Street welcomes you with seafood stalls and local treats.
If you're short on time, head straight to Cihou Lighthouse and Cihou Fort for a stunning coastal view and a pop of color from the rainbow-hued rooftops below. If you've got an hour or two, rent a funky electric bike and ride around the island. It's fun, scenic, and breezy.
As the sun sets, return to the city and make a quick stop at Formosa Boulevard Station. Its Dome of Light, the largest glass art installation in the world, is truly a showstopper. The colors swirl above you like a dream - a must-see for every visitor.
Then, walk 5 minutes to Liuhe Night Market, one of Kaohsiung's most iconic foodie spots. From grilled squid and papaya milk to Taiwan's famous sausage-in-a-sausage, it's the perfect place to eat your way into the night.
Tip: This route is great for independent travelers, no guide needed, just bring a good camera and appetite!
Let's be real, not every “1-day” in Kaohsiung is a full 24 hours.
Many travelers arrive in Kaohsiung around noon, either by high-speed rail from Taipei or after exploring Alishan or Chiayi. Others may spend a relaxing morning here, then head off to Kenting or Tainan in the afternoon. That's why your itinerary needs to be flexible.
Kaohsiung 2-Day Itinerary: Classic Route with Sunset & Culture
Got two days in Kaohsiung? Perfect! That's just enough to soak up the city's culture, sea breeze, and laid-back charm.
Option 1: Combine Two Classic One-Day Routes
The easiest way is to combine two classic one-day routes:
- Day 1: Lotus Pond (Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Spring and Autumn Pavilions, and Beiji Pavilion) → Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum → Love River cruise
- Day 2: British Consulate at Takow → Xiziwan Bay → Pier-2 Art Center → Cijin Island → Formosa Boulevard Station → Liuhe Night Market
Option 2: Perfect Link with Other Destinations in 3 Days
Most travelers don't get a full 48 hours here. One half-day often slips away during travel between cities. If you're arriving from Taipei or Chiayi (Alishan) and heading on to Kenting afterward, here's a smarter plan that matches your travel rhythm:
Day 1: Xiziwan Bay → British Consulate at Takow → Love River cruise
Arrive in Kaohsiung from Chiayi or Taipei (2–3 hours). After checking into your hotel, take it slow. Head to Xiziwan for a walk by the sea, then climb up to the British Consulate at Takow for sweeping harbor views. If time allows, enjoy a Love River cruise in the evening. It's a relaxing way to end your first day, especially if you've just trekked through Alishan.
Day 2: Lotus Pond → Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum → Night Market
Start your morning at Lotus Pond, a must-see cultural gem just 10 minutes from Zuoying HSR Station. Explore the myth-inspired Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, the vivid Spring and Autumn Pavilions, and the majestic Beiji Pavilion. Afterward, take a 40-minute ride to the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum — Kaohsiung's most iconic spiritual landmark, with a 108-meter-tall seated Buddha and peaceful courtyards.
If you return to the city before nightfall, wrap up your trip with a visit to one of Kaohsiung's buzzing night markets. Besides Liuhe, locals love Ruifeng Night Market and Ziqiang Night Market for even more street food and local vibes.
Kaohsiung 3-Day Itinerary: City, Culture & Easy Extensions
Planning to spend 3 days exploring Kaohsiung and its nearby gems? Smart move. While Kaohsiung itself offers plenty, its location also makes it a perfect base to connect with other southern highlights. Among them, Kenting and Tainan are the most popular extensions.
Option 1: Combine Kaohsiung with Kenting
This plan gives you a full southern Taiwan coastal experience, from local temples and seafood to sandy beaches and blue skies.
Day 1: Kaohsiung → Kenting
Arrive in Kaohsiung and head south. On the way, make a stop at Donggang in Pingdong. Visit Dapeng Bay Scenic Area (coastal views and wetlands) and Donggang Donglong Temple. Explore Huaqiao Seafood Market to pick your own fresh lunch.
In the afternoon, continue toward Hengchun Old Town and catch sunset at Baisha Bay, then check into your Kenting hotel.
Day 2: Explore Kenting
Spend the full day exploring Kenting National Park. Visit natural spots like Kenting Forest Recreation Area, Sail Rock, Eluanbi Lighthouse, and Longpan Grasslands. Chill, take photos, enjoy the breeze - this is your beach day.
Kaohsiung to Kenting: Express Bus, Taxi/Shared Car, Train, Scooter (2025)
9 Best Beaches in Kenting for Swimming, Snorkeling or Surfing
Day 3: Back to Kaohsiung
On your way back, stop at the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium. If time allows, visit British Consulate at Takow and enjoy a sunset at Xiziwan to close your trip.
Option 2: Combine Kaohsiung with Tainan
This option dives deep into local life, blending Kaohsiung's modern harbor vibe with Tainan's ancient charm.
Day 1: Arrive in Kaohsiung
Head straight to Xiziwan Bay and the British Consulate at Takow for sea views and history. In the evening, hit up a night market, maybe Liuhe, Ruifeng, or Ziqiang, and dig into some classic street snacks.
Day 2: Explore Kaohsiung
Start at Lotus Pond and visit the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, Spring & Autumn Pavilions, and Beiji Pavilion.
Then travel to Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum to see Taiwan's tallest seated Buddha. Return to the city for a dreamy Love River cruise at night.
Day 3: Kaohsiung → Tainan
Begin your morning with a trip to Cijin Island. Grab some seafood and climb up to Cihou Lighthouse to get a great view of colorful houses.
After lunch, make your way to Tainan. Explore Anping Old Street, Anping Fort, or the mystical Anping Tree House.
If you're continuing north, it's easy to head toward Chiayi and prepare for your Alishan adventure.
Kaohsiung to Tainan: Distance, By Train & HSR (2025)
15 Tainan Things to Do & See [With Tainan Itinerary Guide]
Kaohsiung Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Kaohsiung is sunny most of the year, even in winter. The best time to visit is October to March, when the weather is cooler and drier. Summers (June–August) can be hot and humid, but coastal breezes make it more bearable than Taipei. Avoid typhoon season (late summer) if you're planning beach or ferry trips.
Where to Stay
Stay near Kaohsiung Station or Formosa Boulevard Station for easy access to both sightseeing and transportation. This area is also close to night markets and the Love River. If you're into sea views, consider a stay around Xiziwan or Pier-2 Art Center. For a more local feel, Zuoying (near Lotus Pond and the HSR station) is also a great base.
How to Get Around
Kaohsiung's MRT system is simple and clean, with two main lines connecting key spots.
You can also rent YouBike (public bikes) for short rides, or hop in a taxi or Uber for more flexibility. For places like Fo Guang Shan or Kenting, private car, shuttle buses, or guided tours are your best bet.
Taipei to Kaohsiung: Time, Fare, Route & Map
Kaohsiung to Taichung: 4 Ways via HSR, TRA, Car or Bus
Combine Your Kaohsiung Trip with Taiwan Looping Tour
| Day | Itinerary | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Taipei | Check in Hotel | Taipei |
| 2-4 | Taipei Tour | Yeliu Geopark, Jiufen Old Street, Shifen Waterfall, National Palace Museum, Taipei 101, Beitou, Yangmingshan National Park | Taipei |
| 5 | Taipei → Sun Moon Lake | Sun Moon Lake | Sun Moon Lake |
| 6 | Sun Moon Lake → Alishan → Chiayi | Alishan Forest Train, Alishan Forest Park | Chiayi |
| 7 | Chiayi → Kaohsiung | Hinoki Village, Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, Cijin Old Street | Kaohsiung |
| 8 | Kaohsiung → Donggang → Taitung | Lotus Pond, Kaohsiung Museum of History, Huaqiao Fish Market, Dapeng Bay, Duoliang Railway Station | Taitung |
| 9 | Taitung → Hualien | Sanxiantai, Jing Pu Tropic of Cancer landmark, Chixing Lake, Chisingtan Katsuo Museum | Hualien |
| 10 | Hualien → Taipei | Siho Aquatic Development Tourism Factory, National Center for Traditional Arts, Ximending Night Market |
Travel to Kaohsiung with Asia Odyssey Travel
Asia Odyssey Travel with trusted local experts bring you seamless, worry-free journeys through Kaohsiung. Whether you're here for street food, sunsets, or spiritual landmarks, we make sure every moment counts.
Join Asia Odyssey Travel and discover Kaohsiung the easy, exciting way. We offer carefully designed tour packages and in-depth travel guides, including:
✔ Diverse Tour Packages: Kaohsiung Food Tour, Kaohsiung Taipei Tour, Kaohsiung Kenting Tour
✔ Latest Travel Guide: Kaohsiung Attractions, Kaohsiung tourist maps, Kaohsiung Itineraries
✔ Ultimate Transportation Guide: Taipei to Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung to Taichung, Kaohsiung to Kenting.
Data in submission...
