Kaohsiung City: Best Things to Do

flickr.com - Photo by Yoshitaka Ando

Kaohsiung is well known as the largest port city in Taiwan. It is also the center of cultural excellence and historical significance.

There is a Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum which is known for Mahayana Buddhist cultural, religious, and educational museums.

You can shop Kaohsiung's souvenir at Ruifeng Night Market. It's the largest and greatest night market in the city.

To have a comfortable stay, book a room at Han-Lai New World Center or E-DA ROYAL HOTEL.

Try their best Mandarin's cuisines only at Din Tai Fung and Tan Zuo Ma Li.

There are several fun things to do and to explore the gorgeous places at the Heart of Love River and Central Park metro station.

Spare your time to visit Pier2 Art Center and Dome of Light. This would be a good idea to visit Kaohsiung, it will never disappoint you!

For more complete guide about Kaohsiung, let's take a city tour with Tripboba!

SHARE

SIGHTSEEING

Museum Buddha Fo Guang Shan or well known as the Buddha Memorial Center is a Mahayana Buddhist cultural, religious, and educational museum. It is located in Dashu District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Take a look at the great architecture outside, you will be welcomed by the elephant on the right and the lion on the left. The two symbolize the conception of Prince Siddhartha who entered the womb of his mother on a white elephant and represents the Buddha's roar in teachings. Visit this place between the operational hours are from 9 am to 6 pm every day.

Museum Buddha Fo Guang Shan

Museum Buddha Fo Guang Shan

A very beautiful powerful main temple,numerous of statutes everywhere, cool viewpoints.

The main building has amazing shrines, as well as many interactive exhibitions.

There are many Buddha to be seen, there is a lot of material to read if desired.

All volunteers and monks are extremely friendly and willing to converse and teach.

Address : No. 1號, Tongling Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 84049

Want to know more ?

DOWNTOWN

Dragon and Tiger Pagodas was built in 1976. It is located at Lotus Lake in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Besides, The seven-story tower has yellow dividers, red columns, and orange tiles. The front interfaces with the shore with a bridge. There are compositions inside the sanctuary portraying Ksitigarbha. In the Tiger Tower, there are artistic creations of twelve Magi and the Jade Emperor's thirty royal residences that are like works of art of Confucius. The towers have a two spiral winding flight of stairs, one each for climbing and diving guests.

Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

One of the more interesting and picturesque places to visit on Liantan Road.

Beautiful pagodas that you can walk to the top of Intricate carvings and details of various deities.

Walk through the dragon's mouth.

And exit through the tiger's mouth to turn your bad fortune into good luck.

It's a very nice place to visit and a good spot for photography.

Address : No. 9號, Liantan Road, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 813

Want to know more ?

SHOPPING

Wooderful life 駁二店 offers all the things made from wood such as home devices, music bells, toys, and etc. Besides, you can do DIY here. The new aesthetic of wood art is quite perfect as a souvenir or gift to bring home. Ruifeng Night Market is the largest and greatest night market in the city. There are several stalls including food vendors, small eateries, and fashion accessories. The locals open their shop at around 5 pm knowing students often go home at that time. The market crowds start from 8 to 11 pm.

Wooderful life 駁二店

Wooderful life 駁二店

Interesting shop selling many wooden toys including Xmas mobiles.

There is a big mobile hanging on the ceiling with many runners.

There is a pissing boy painting with water spout in the next walls.

It’s worth to go during your holiday with kids.

Address : 803, Taiwan, Kaohsiung City, Yancheng District, Dayi Street, 2-2號C8-19大義倉庫

Want to know more ?

Ruifeng Night Market

Ruifeng Night Market

This is probably one of the most popular night market in Kaohsiung.

Lots of food and lots of games to play.

Good thing is that some stalls has seating area such that you can enjoy the food right at the stall.

Prepare to squeeze in the crowd and snack as you walk.

Fun for a full night of exploring.

Address : 804, Taiwan, Kaohsiung City, Zuoying District, Yucheng Road, 南屏路

Want to know more ?

FOOD & DRINK

Taiwanese breakfast, home cooking, dim sum, sushi, hot pot, beef noodle soup, gua bao, seafood, Taiwanese grill, and vegetarian food are the popular dishes of Kaohsiung which have a super delicious taste. Shuang Fei Milk Tea is a popular drink in Kaohsiung. You have to try these to complete your journey in Kaohsiung.

CULTURE

Han Chinese, Japanese, European, American, and Taiwanese aborigines cultures have had a great effect on the culture in Taiwan. There are many religions including Buddhism, Taoism, and Chinese folk religion. There are also many Christian churches and people worship in these churches according to their beliefs.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Kaohsiung for ideal weather is between mid-November to early-April.

HOTEL

What makes Han-Lai New World Center interesting is that International celebrities such as Michael Jackson, world tenor Carreras, global president of LV Group, and the heads of AIA have stayed here. This hotel consists of 540 comfortable rooms, 13 Chinese and Western Japanese restaurants, international business clubs, the top department stores in the south, wide venues, banquet halls including conference centers, and 1,000 parking spaces. You can also stay at the E-DA ROYAL HOTEL. This hotel offers several incredible facilities such as restaurants, wedding banquet, Spa, pool, sauna, fitness center, and many more.

Han-Lai New World Center

Han-Lai New World Center

This place has the best facilities and the service is impeccable.

The room is very spacious and beds are big and very comfortable with the city view.

The buffet breakfast has a pretty good selection.

Staff at the front desk, concierge, left-luggage, and taxi stand all spoke good English.

Address : No. 266號, Chenggong 1st Road, Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 801

Want to know more ?

E-DA ROYAL HOTEL

E-DA ROYAL HOTEL

Excellent hospitality,great to stay.

Room is clean and it is a really western-style and classic design.

The breakfast is superb in a cool atmosphere.

The service is good and the reception is patience and polite.

Address : No. 153號, Section 1, Xuecheng Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 840

Want to know more ?

RESTAURANT

Din Tai Fung was founded in 1958. They have very special selection menus such as exquisite pork, chicken, and crab soup dumplings including savory mushroom, green vegetable dumplings, soft pork wontons in a spicy sauce, tangy wood ear mushrooms, and many more. Tan Zuo Ma Li specializes in barbecue. Highly recommended menu including pork and chicken. In addition, they also offer a Japanese style noodles with rolls and an extremely good vegetarian pot.

Din Tai Fung

Probably favourite dumpling restaurant.

Their dumplings are incredible, their vegetables are super fresh and tasty.

Great variety of quality foodstuffs that make the restaurant so famous.

Staffs are also nice and they can speak various languages.

Address : 813, Taiwan, Kaohsiung City, Zuoying District, Bo'ai 2nd Road, 777號B1

Want to know more ?

Tan Zuo Ma Li

Spacious and nice environment like most high-end restaurants in Kaohsiung.

Food quality is good compared to its price.

Recommended for Japanese yakiniku (BBQ) lovers.

The stone bowl rices are very flavourful.

Helpful staff and reasonable price.

Address : No. 562號, Meishu East 4th Road, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 804

Want to know more ?

CAFE

Visit the most relaxed cafe in Do good coffee & dessert. Here, there are several menu offerings such as a variety of coffee and sides. There is free internet access in the store, this place is also suitable as a work-space. Ruh Cafe is such a unique space to hang out with friends. Take a look at the interior which is handmade like tables and chairs made using wood. The menu is handwritten, and the cafe's floor is also painted with a unique illustration. You will not be disappointed to try their coffees from rotating to brewing and delicious baked goods. It will make your day good.

Do good coffee & dessert

Do good coffee & dessert

Pretty cozy coffes shop in a excellent ambience.

Coffee shop is indoors with stylish decore and internet.

The pound cake and coffee set is seriously delicious.

Overall, it’s a cozy place with delicious dessert and reasonable price.

The manager and the clerk are very friendly, the shop dog is very quiet and very cute.

Address : No. 116, Bixin Street, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 803

Want to know more ?

Ruh Cafe

A unique and stylish cafe in city.

They support arts and music and often have cool little shows and presentations upstairs.

Excellent coffee with plenty of local style because it's frequented by artists and musicians.

A variety of latte and handmade desserts are also available.

Their waiters are welcoming and kind.

Address : No. 217號, Siwei 3rd Road, Lingya District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 802

Want to know more ?

BAR AND NIGHTLIFE

This place should be the most comfortable in Kaohsiung Bar. There are several selections of good wines from over the world including local wines from Kaohsiung. You can enjoy live shows which are mostly held on weekends. Shamrock 圣洛克酒馆 is a perfect place to have fun as there are several facilities you might like. This cozy place offers several favorite beers, wines, and tasty dishes.

Shamrock 圣洛克酒馆

Cozy place for your favorite adult beverage and a light meal.

Location good and fairly good beer and cocktail choices available.

It is perfect to have fun, service and quality place are awesome.

Kate, the owner, is a very beautiful girl and the most beautiful girl on the inside.

It is a very pleasant unexpected place and look forward to going back.

Address : No. 250, Chenggong 1st Road, Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 801

Want to know more ?

INTERESTING PLACE

Heart of Love River is located in the middle and upper reaches of the Love River in Boai Road and Tongmeng Road in Kaohsiung City. It combines water and land sightseeing including flood retention pools and ecological rehabilitation. Central Park metro station is a station on the Red Line, it includes a full ecology and greenness as well as the sound of running water. You can see several sunflowers on both sides of the escalator.

Heart of Love River

Heart of Love River

A picturesque place to sit down at night and eat and enjoy the scenery and view.

The route along the river is well designed.

There are bridges with instagramable spot.

Relaxing place,good for jogging,walking,biking,proposing for your love one.

Address : No. 2號, Longde Road, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 804

Want to know more ?

Central Park metro station

Central Park metro station

Central Park Station is a MRT station on the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line.

Quite a design and beautiful MRT station.

Beautiful lighting, good atmosphere, good place for couples to date at night.

The great underground street has a small seven and a clean environment.

Worth visiting for tourist.

Address : No. 11, Zhongshan 1st Road, Qianjin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 800

Want to know more ?

INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT

Take a moment to this colorful district called Pier2 Art Center. It is one of the most instagrammable spots in Kaohsiung. You will be spoiled by the wall murals or art galleries. There are artistic warehouse clusters, music chairs, 3D Train Station, and the 12 animals of the Zodiac Sign. Dome of Light is the busiest metro stop. The dome is an impressive 30 meters in diameter and it's made of 4,500 glass panels. Besides, there are four quadrants highlighting themes from the lifecycle of the cosmos, humanity, and Taiwan's political history.

Pier2 Art Center

Pier2 Art Center

Pretty aesthetic area with wall murals and modern art sculptures, perfect for Instagram shots.

The pier stretches for several blocks and there's unique and interesting art pieces all along it.

Some are out in the open and others blend into the buildings.

Worth checking out when in Kaohsiung.

Address : No. 1號, Dayong Road, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 803

Want to know more ?

Dome of Light

The Dome of Light is super charming and literally burst with lights and sparkles.

The Dome of Light exhibition has light shows three times a day, and four times during weekends.

The lights are lovely, especially underground.

Famous to both locals and foreign tourists alike.

Address : 800, Taiwan, Kaohsiung City, Xinxing District, Zhongshan 1st Road, 115號地下一樓

Want to know more ?