Welcome to Kaohsiung,  Taiwan’s underrated gem in the south.
If it’s your first time visiting Taiwan, chances are Taipei is already on your list. But if you’re looking for a destination that’s less crowded, more relaxed, and easier on the budget, Kaohsiung deserves a spot on your itinerary.

In this Kaohsiung DIY Travel Guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to plan a stress-free and budget-friendly trip, from how to get around, where to stay, must-visit attractions, food spots, and even a sample itinerary perfect for first-timers.

We personally visited Kaohsiung during our Taiwan trip and quickly realized why many travelers fall in love with this city. Think wide MRT stations, scenic rivers, coastal views, vibrant night markets, and chill island side trips. All without the overwhelming crowds you usually find in bigger cities.

Whether you’re planning a short side trip from Taipei or making Kaohsiung one of your main stops in Taiwan, this guide will help you decide what to do, where to go, and how much to budget, especially if you’re traveling DIY-style.

👉 Let’s start with why Kaohsiung is worth visiting and why it’s perfect for first-time Taiwan travelers.

• 🌆 Why Visit Kaohsiung?
• ✈️ How to Get to Kaohsiung
• 🚇 Getting Around Kaohsiung (DIY-Friendly Transport Guide)
• 🏨 Where to Stay in Kaohsiung (Best Areas for First-Timers)
• Top Things to Do in Kaohsiung (Must-Visit Attractions)
• 📆 Sample Kaohsiung DIY Itinerary (Relaxed & Beginner-Friendly)
• 💰 Kaohsiung Travel Budget (DIY Breakdown)
• ⚠️ Travel Tips & Common Mistakes in Kaohsiung
• Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a Taiwan destination that feels relaxed, spacious, and budget-friendly, Kaohsiung is an easy yes. Located in southern Taiwan, this city offers a different vibe compared to Taipei, slower, less crowded, but still full of things to see, eat, and experience.

Here’s why Kaohsiung is worth adding to your Taiwan itinerary:

🌤️ 1. Less Crowded, More Relaxed (Based on Our Experience)

One of the first things we noticed about Kaohsiung was how calm and relaxed it felt, especially compared to Taipei.

We arrived in Kaohsiung at around 8:00 PM and headed straight to our hotel near Pier-2 Art Center using the MRT. Even at that hour, we were surprised that there weren’t a lot of people around. The MRT ride was smooth and quiet, and when we started walking around Pier-2, the area felt peaceful and almost therapeutic.

Instead of the usual city rush, we were welcomed by wide walkways, open spaces, and a slow, laid-back atmosphere. It honestly felt like the city was telling us to slow down and just enjoy the moment.

Even during the day, while there were more people out and about, it never felt overwhelming. Compared to Taipei, crowds were lighter, people weren’t rushing, and everything just felt more relaxed. We found ourselves enjoying slower mornings, unhurried walks, and chill afternoons exploring the area.

As an introvert, this vibe was perfect for me. Kaohsiung felt like a city where you don’t need to keep up, you can move at your own pace, take your time, and actually enjoy having slow travel days.

💸 2. Budget-Friendly for DIY Travelers

From accommodation to food, Kaohsiung is generally cheaper compared to northern Taiwan. Night market food, local eateries, and transportation won’t easily break your budget. Great news if you’re traveling for several days or doing a multi-city Taiwan trip.

🚇 3. Easy to Explore Using Public Transport

Kaohsiung has a clean and tourist-friendly MRT and light rail system, making it easy to get around even if it’s your first time in Taiwan. Most major attractions are accessible by train, bus, or a short walk.

🌊 4. Mix of City, Nature, Museums & Night Markets

What we really liked about Kaohsiung is how balanced the experience feels. In just one city, you can easily switch between urban sights, nature spots, cultural spaces, and food trips without long travel times.

During your stay, you can explore:

• City landmarks & creative districts like Pier-2 Art Center

• Museums and cultural spaces that give you a deeper look into Taiwanese history, art, and local life

• Scenic rivers and coastal views, perfect for slow walks and sunset watching

• Night markets, where the city comes alive after dark with affordable street food and local vibes

• A nearby island side trip via Cijin Island for beaches and chill seaside views

This variety makes Kaohsiung ideal if you want to experience more than just city sightseeing. You can spend your mornings in museums or cultural spots, your afternoons walking by the river or exploring art spaces, and your nights food-hopping at night markets — all without feeling rushed.

It’s a great destination for travelers who want culture, food, and relaxation in one place, especially if you’re doing a DIY trip and prefer a more laid-back pace.

🍜 5. Amazing Street Food & Night Markets

Food is a huge part of the Kaohsiung experience, and this city definitely doesn’t disappoint when it comes to street food and night markets. After sunset, Kaohsiung comes alive with locals and travelers heading out for affordable eats and casual food hopping.

Two night markets you shouldn’t miss are Liuhe Night Market and Ruifeng Night Market.

We personally tried Liuhe Night Market, and it was a great introduction to Kaohsiung’s food scene. It’s very tourist-friendly, easy to navigate, and perfect if it’s your first night in the city. There were plenty of food options to choose from, and the atmosphere felt lively without being too overwhelming.

Ruifeng Night Market, on the other hand, feels more local and energetic, with a wider variety of food stalls, snacks, and drinks to explore. If you enjoy a busier night market vibe and want to see where locals usually eat, this is a great place to visit.

From grilled seafood and Taiwanese sausages to bubble tea and dessert stalls, food here is flavorful, affordable, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re doing a quick food trip or spending the whole night sampling different stalls, Kaohsiung’s night markets are a must especially if you love experiencing local food culture.

🧳 6. Great Stop for First-Time (and Repeat) Taiwan Travelers

This was already our second time in Taiwan, and visiting Kaohsiung made us realize how different each city in Taiwan can feel.

Compared to Taipei, Kaohsiung has a very different vibe. It is more relaxed, slower-paced, and less overwhelming but what we appreciated most is that it still shares the same things that make Taiwan easy to love as a destination. It’s easy to navigate, tourist-friendly, and well-connected by public transportation, even if you’re traveling DIY.

Despite being beginner-friendly, Kaohsiung doesn’t feel overly commercialized. You still get that authentic Taiwanese atmosphere, from local neighborhoods and night markets to everyday scenes of people just going about their day. It feels real, lived-in, and not too polished for tourists.

For first-time Taiwan travelers, Kaohsiung is a great place to ease into the country without feeling rushed or lost. And for those who’ve already been to Taipei, it offers a refreshing contrast while still being familiar and comfortable.

If you’re the type of traveler who wants a destination that’s easy, authentic, and less chaotic, Kaohsiung fits perfectly into any Taiwan itinerary.

Getting to Kaohsiung is surprisingly easy, even if you’re traveling DIY. Whether you’re coming from Taipei or landing directly in the south, there are several convenient options depending on your budget and travel style.

🚄 Option 1: Taipei to Kaohsiung via High-Speed Rail (HSR)

This is the fastest and most convenient option, especially if you’re short on time.

• Travel time: ~1.5–2 hours

• Route: Taipei Main Station → Zuoying HSR Station

• Cost: Higher than regular trains, but worth it for comfort and speed

Once you arrive at Zuoying HSR Station, you can easily transfer to the Kaohsiung MRT to reach your hotel or chosen area.

👉 Best for: Travelers who want speed, comfort, and a stress-free ride.

🚆 Option 2: Taipei to Kaohsiung via TRA (Regular Train)

If you want to save money and don’t mind a longer journey, the regular train is a solid alternative.

• Travel time: ~4–5 hours

• Cost: Cheaper than HSR

• Experience: More scenic, relaxed pace

One advantage of taking the TRA is that it stops at Kaohsiung Main Station, which is near the city center. From here, it’s easy to transfer to the MRT or walk to nearby hotels, making this option very convenient if you want to stay within central Kaohsiung.

This is a good choice if you’re not rushing and prefer a more relaxed travel day while still arriving close to where most attractions and accommodations are located.

👉 Best for: Budget travelers, slow travelers, and those staying near the city center.

🚌 Option 3: Bus (Most Budget-Friendly)

Long-distance buses also operate between Taipei and Kaohsiung.

• Travel time: ~5–6 hours

• Cost: Usually the cheapest option

• Comfort: Depends on the bus company

👉 Best for: Ultra-budget travelers or overnight trips.

✈️ From Kaohsiung International Airport

On our last trip, we flew directly from Manila to Kaohsiung International Airport, and we were honestly surprised at how convenient and hassle-free the experience was.

One of the best things about arriving here is that the airport is directly connected to the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line. After landing, you can easily hop on the MRT and reach most central areas of the city in just 20–30 minutes — no complicated transfers needed.

• MRT access: Direct connection via Red Line

• Travel time to city center: Around 20–30 minutes

• Payment: EasyCard accepted

If you can find a good flight deal, flying straight into Kaohsiung is a great option, especially if you want to skip the long train ride from Taipei and start your trip in a more relaxed city right away.

For Filipino travelers, this makes Kaohsiung a very practical entry point to Taiwan, whether it’s your first visit or a return trip.

🎫 Travel Tip: Use an EasyCard

No matter which transport option you choose, having an EasyCard makes traveling around Kaohsiung much easier. You can use it for MRT rides, buses, and even some purchases at convenience stores.

👉 We’ll explain this in detail in the Getting Around Kaohsiung section.

One of the things we really appreciated about Kaohsiung is how easy and stress-free it is to get around, even if you’re doing a full DIY trip. Just like Taipei, Kaohsiung’s transport system is clean, organized, and tourist-friendly but with a more relaxed vibe.

Here are the main ways to get around the city:

🚇 Kaohsiung MRT (Main Mode of Transport)

The MRT is the easiest and most reliable way to explore Kaohsiung.

• Clean, spacious, and easy to understand

• Stations are well-signposted in English

• Connects major attractions, train stations, and the airport

Based on our experience, MRTs are more consistent and predictable compared to buses. Trains arrive frequently, so waiting time is usually short. The trade-off is that MRT stations are often larger, which means more walking when entering or exiting stations — especially if your destination is a bit far from the exit.

Still, for us, the MRT was the most stress-free option, especially when moving between major areas.

🚊 Kaohsiung Light Rail (LRT)

The Light Rail is perfect for sightseeing and slower travel days.

• Ideal for areas like Pier-2 Art Center and harbor spots

• Great for short distances and scenic routes

• Easy to use even for first-time visitors

If you’re staying near Pier-2, the LRT is a fun and convenient way to explore nearby attractions without rushing.

🚌 Buses (Good Backup Option)

Buses are useful for reaching places not directly served by the MRT or LRT, but they do require a bit more patience.

• EasyCard accepted

• Google Maps works well for navigation

Based on our experience, bus waiting times can be longer compared to MRTs. If you’re on a tight schedule or don’t want to wait too long, the MRT is usually the better option. That said, buses can sometimes drop you closer to your destination, which means less walking once you get off.

🚲 YouBike & Walking

For relaxed days, walking and biking are great options.

• YouBike stations are available in many areas

• Flat roads make biking beginner-friendly

• Perfect for riverside areas and Pier-2

We found walking around certain neighborhoods very enjoyable, especially when the pace of the city encourages slow exploration.

🎫 EasyCard: A Must-Have for Kaohsiung

To make things even easier, we highly recommend getting an EasyCard.

You can use it for:

• MRT and LRT rides

• Buses

• YouBike rentals

• Convenience store purchases

Having one card for almost everything made our Kaohsiung trip much smoother and less stressful.

Choosing the right area to stay in Kaohsiung can make your trip much more convenient, especially if you’re traveling DIY. Based on our experience, staying near an MRT or LRT station is the best option. It saves time, reduces walking, and makes day trips much easier.

Here are some of the best areas to stay in Kaohsiung, especially for first-time visitors:

🎨 2. Near Pier-2 Art Center (Chill, Scenic & Creative Vibe)

This is where we personally stayed during our last Kaohsiung trip, and it ended up being one of our favorite areas in the city.

We stayed at Sa-Yo Hotel, located near Pier-2 Art Center and the Hamasen Railway Cultural Park. The location was incredibly convenient and many attractions were either walkable or just a short MRT or LRT ride away.

What really stood out to us was the vibe of the area. It felt:

• Calm and relaxed, especially in the evenings

• Scenic, with harbor views and open spaces

• Creative and artsy, perfect for slow walks and photo spots

After busy sightseeing days, coming back to this area felt refreshing. Walking around Pier-2 at night was peaceful, and the whole neighborhood encouraged us to slow down and enjoy the moment.

If you’re the type of traveler who prefers a quiet, scenic place to stay but still wants to be close to attractions then the Pier-2 Art Center area is a great choice.

🚆 3. Near Kaohsiung Main Station (Budget-Friendly & Accessible)

Staying near Kaohsiung Main Station is ideal if you’re arriving via TRA train.

• Close to the city center

• Easy MRT access

• Good selection of budget and mid-range hotels

This area is practical for travelers who want easy transportation and affordable accommodations.

📍 Quick Tips When Booking a Hotel

• Choose a hotel within 5–10 minutes walking distance from an MRT or LRT station

• Check if your hotel is near food spots or night markets

• See if there’s a convenience store nearby, such as 7-Eleven or FamilyMart

Having a convenience store close to your hotel is extremely helpful. If you need snacks, drinks, toiletries, or even a quick meal at any time of the day, you can easily buy what you need without going far. This small detail made our stay much more convenient, especially after long days of exploring.

Prioritizing location over hotel size is usually the smarter choice when doing a DIY trip in Kaohsiung.

Kaohsiung has a wide mix of cultural landmarks, creative spaces, scenic spots, and food areas, making it an easy city to enjoy even on a short visit. From iconic temples and art districts to night markets and island side trips, there’s something for every type of traveler.

Some of the highlights include:

• Pier-2 Art Center & harbor area

• Lotus Pond & Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

• Formosa Boulevard – Dome of Light

• Cijin Island side trip

• Night markets like Liuhe and Ruifeng

Since this guide focuses on planning and logistics, we created a separate, detailed guide that covers each attraction in depth including tips, photos, and how to get there.

👉 Read here: Why Kaohsiung Is Worth Visiting: 13 Must See Places & Beautiful Attractions

This way, you can easily plan your days here, then dive deeper into each attraction once your itinerary is set.

Kaohsiung is best enjoyed at a slow and balanced pace. Below are two itinerary options depending on how much time you have. Both designed to minimize backtracking, avoid rushing, and mix outdoor + indoor stops comfortably.

🔵 2-Day Relaxed DIY Itinerary

Best for: First-timers who want to see the highlights without feeling rushed.

🗓️ Day 1 – Harbor, Art & Island

• ☀️ Breakfast (near your accommodation)
  Start the day easy with breakfast from a nearby 7‑Eleven or a local breakfast shop around your hotel.
  You’ll usually find simple and filling options like scallion pancakes, local bread, buns, or coffee. Perfect before a morning walk.

• Morning walk at Hamasen Railway Cultural Park

• Pier-2 Art Center

• 🍜 Lunch at Gang Yuan Beef Noodles

• Cijin Island (bike + seafood)

• 🍢 Dinner / Early Dinner at Cijin Old Town

• Kaohsiung Music Center (night)

💡 Breakfast tip: Keeping breakfast light helps you start early without feeling rushed or too full before walking.

🗓️ Day 2 – Culture & City Life

• ☀️ Breakfast (near your accommodation)
  Grab a quick breakfast from a convenience store or a nearby local eatery. Many small breakfast shops open early and sell freshly made pancakes, sandwiches, or soy milk.

• Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

• 🍱 Lunch at Zuoying Station

• Lotus Pond & Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

• Formosa Boulevard – Dome of Light

• Liuhe Night Market

A balanced day focused on culture and calm sightseeing.

💡 Why this works: Breakfast stays flexible so you can adjust your start time depending on energy and travel distance.

🔵 3-Day Slow & Flexible Kaohsiung Trip

🗓️ Day 1 – Harbor, Arts & Island

• ☀️ Breakfast near your hotel (7-Eleven or local breakfast shop)

• Pier-2 Art Center

• Hamasen Railway Cultural Park

• 🍜 Lunch at Gang Yuan Beef Noodles

• Cijin Island (bike + seafood)

• 🍢 Dinner / Early Dinner at Cijin Old Town

• Kaohsiung Music Center

• Love River (evening walk)

🗓️ Day 2 – Nature, Culture & Reflection

• ☀️ Breakfast near your hotel (quick and light)

• Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

• 🍱 Lunch at Zuoying Station

• Lotus Pond & Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

• Formosa Boulevard – Dome of Light

• Liuhe Night Market

🗓️ Day 3 – Science, History & Waterfront

• ☀️ Breakfast near your accommodation

• National Science and Technology Museum

• Wei Wu Mi Mi Village

• Weiwuying (National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts)

Perfect for a slower final day with indoor attractions and creative spaces.

🔗 Want More Details on Each Attraction?

This itinerary focuses on flow and planning.
For detailed guides, photos, and tips for each stop, check our full attraction guide:

👉 13 Must-Visit Places in Kaohsiung (First-Timers Guide)

Traveling DIY in Kaohsiung is very budget-friendly, especially compared to Taipei. Prices are generally lower, transportation is efficient, and food is affordable making it ideal even for short trips.

Below is a realistic daily budget estimate per person, based on a relaxed DIY itinerary.

🏨 Accommodation (Per Night – 2-Person Room)

Accommodation in Kaohsiung is very reasonable, especially if you’re sharing a room. Below are typical prices per night for a 2-person room, then divided to show the per-person cost.

• Budget hotels / hostels:
  1,400–2,000 NTD / room
  → 700–1,000 NTD per person
  → ₱1,200–₱1,800 per person

• Mid-range hotels:
  2,000–3,000 NTD / room
  → 1,000–1,500 NTD per person
  → ₱1,800–₱2,700 per person

• Comfortable hotels:
  3,000+ NTD / room
  → 1,500+ NTD per person
  → ₱2,700+ per person

🏨 Our Actual Stay (Real Example)

During our trip, we stayed at Sa’yo Hotel near the Pier-2 Art Center.

• Room rate: ~1,800 NTD per night

• For 2 people: ~900 NTD per person

• PHP equivalent: ~₱3,500 per night / ₱1,750 per person

For us, this was a great deal — clean room, good location, and easy access to attractions and public transport.

💡 Tip: When traveling as a couple or with a companion, Kaohsiung accommodations become even more budget-friendly once you split the cost.

🍽️ Food Budget (Per Person, Per Day)

• Breakfast:
  60–120 NTD → ₱110–₱220 per person per day
  (7-Eleven or local breakfast like scallion pancakes or bread)

• Lunch:
  120–200 NTD → ₱220–₱360 per person per day

• Dinner / Night Market:
  150–250 NTD → ₱270–₱450 per person per day

• Snacks & drinks:
  50–100 NTD → ₱90–₱180 per person per day

👉 Estimated food total:
350–600 NTD per person per day → ₱600–₱1,050

🚇 Transportation (Per Person, Per Day)

Getting around Kaohsiung using public transport is affordable and straightforward, especially with an EasyCard.

• MRT / LRT rides:
  20–50 NTD → ₱35–₱90 per person per ride

• Average daily city transport:
  80–150 NTD per person per day
  → ₱140–₱260

🚌 Fo Guang Shan Transportation Cost (Important Note)

If you’re visiting Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, take note of this additional transport cost, as it’s outside the city center.

• Bus from Zuoying Station to Fo Guang Shan:
  70 NTD per way per person → ~₱120–₱130

• Round trip bus fare:
  140 NTD per person → ~₱240–₱260

💡 This is a separate cost from your usual MRT/LRT daily expenses, so it’s best to factor this into your budget on the day you plan to visit Fo Guang Shan.

• Cijin Island ferry:
  ~30 NTD → ~₱55 per person per way

✅ Budget Tip

On days with long side trips like Fo Guang Shan, expect your transportation cost to be slightly higher than usual but still very affordable compared to taxis or tours.

🚇 Average Transportation Cost per Day (Per Person)

For most DIY travelers, transportation in Kaohsiung is very affordable and easy to budget.

• Normal city day:
  80–150 NTD per person per day
  → ₱140–₱260
  (MRT, LRT, short bus rides, and walking)

• Day with Fo Guang Shan visit:
  220–250 NTD per person per day
  → ₱380–₱440
  (Includes MRT rides plus bus fare from Zuoying to Fo Guang Shan)

👉 Overall average for the whole trip:
120–180 NTD per person per day
→ ₱210–₱315

This makes Kaohsiung a very budget-friendly city to explore, even if your itinerary includes longer side trips like Fo Guang Shan.

🎟️ Attractions & Entrance Fees (Per Person, Per Day)

One of the best things about traveling in Kaohsiung is that many top attractions are free, which helps keep your daily budget low even with a packed itinerary.

✅ Free Attractions (₱0 / 0 NTD)

You can enjoy these without paying any entrance fee:

• Pier-2 Art Center

• Formosa Boulevard Station Dome of Light

• Love River

• Lotus Pond

• Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

• Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum (main complex)

🎫 Paid Attractions (Optional)

• National Science and Technology Museum

  • General Ticket: 100 NTD per person → ~₱180

  • Special or themed exhibitions may require additional fees (optional)

Most travelers can easily mix free attractions + one paid museum in a day without increasing the budget too much.

📊 Estimated Attractions Cost

• Typical day:
  0–100 NTD per person per day → ₱0–₱180

• Day with museum visit:
  100–200 NTD per person per day → ₱180–₱360

This makes Kaohsiung very friendly for DIY travelers who want meaningful experiences without spending much on entrance fees.

💡 Budget Tip:
Plan museum visits on hot or rainy days, and balance them with free outdoor attractions to keep both your budget and energy in check.

📊 Estimated Daily Budget (Per Person)

Putting everything together with accommodation, food, transportation, and attractions, here’s a realistic daily budget estimate per person when traveling DIY in Kaohsiung.

This already includes (per person, per day):

• 🏨 Accommodation (shared 2-person room)

• 🍽️ Food (3 meals + snacks)

• 🚇 Transportation (including occasional longer trips)

• 🎟️ Attractions (free spots + optional paid museum)

💡 How to use this budget:
Multiply the daily amount by the number of days you’ll stay in Kaohsiung, then add flights and shopping for your total trip cost.

This breakdown shows why Kaohsiung is a very budget-friendly Taiwan destination, especially for Filipino DIY travelers.

🧮 Sample Budget: 3 Days in Kaohsiung (2 Persons, DIY)

Below is a sample estimated budget for a 3-day Kaohsiung trip for two people, based on a comfortable DIY travel style and a shared hotel room.

📍 Destination: Kaohsiung

💰 Daily Cost Breakdown (Per Person)

• Average daily budget:
  1,500 NTD per person per day → ~₱2,800

📆 Total for 3 Days (Per Person)

• 1,500 NTD × 3 days = 4,500 NTD

• ~₱8400 per person

Before wrapping up your trip planning, here are some important tips and common mistakes to avoid when traveling DIY in Kaohsiung. These are based on our own experience and will help you save time, money, and energy.

✅ 1. Don’t Rush Your Itinerary

Kaohsiung is best enjoyed at a slow and relaxed pace. Trying to squeeze too many places into one day can make the trip feel tiring instead of enjoyable.

💡 Tip: Leave buffer time for walking, coffee breaks, and spontaneous discoveries.

🚇 2. MRT Is Reliable, But Expect Walking

MRT stations in Kaohsiung are spacious and clean, but this also means longer walking distances inside stations.

💡 Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and check which MRT exit is closest to your destination.

🚌 3. Expect Longer Waiting Time for Buses

Buses are useful, but waiting times can be longer compared to MRTs.

💡 Tip: Use MRT whenever possible, and treat buses as a backup or for specific destinations like Fo Guang Shan.

🎫 4. Get an EasyCard Early

An EasyCard makes our commuting much easier. No need to buy tickets every time.

You can use it for:

• MRT & LRT

• Buses

• Ferries (Cijin Island)

• Convenience stores

💡 Tip: Load enough balance so you don’t need to top up frequently.

🏪 5. Stay Near a Convenience Store

Having a 7-Eleven or FamilyMart near your hotel is a big plus.

• 24/7 access to food, drinks, and essentials

• Easy breakfast or late-night snacks

• Very helpful after long sightseeing days

🍜 6. Eat Early at Night Markets

Popular night markets like Liuhe can get busy in the evening.

💡 Tip: Go earlier (before peak dinner time) if you want a more relaxed food experience.

🧭 7. Plan Fo Guang Shan on a Separate Day

Fo Guang Shan is farther from the city center and requires extra travel time.

💡 Tip: Visit it on a day when you’re not rushing other attractions.

🌤️ 8. Check the Weather Before Planning Outdoor Stops

Kaohsiung can get hot, especially midday.

💡 Tip:

• Do outdoor attractions in the morning or late afternoon

• Save museums for hot or rainy days

🎯 9. Use the Right Guide for the Right Purpose

This Ultimate DIY Travel Guide is for planning, budgeting, and logistics.

For attractions and sightseeing inspiration:
👉 Check our “Why Kaohsiung Is Worth Visiting: 13 Must See Places & Beautiful Attractions”

Using both guides together will make planning much easier.

🍜 10. Follow the Locals When Choosing Where to Eat

One of the easiest ways to find good local food in Kaohsiung is to simply observe where locals are lining up.

If you see:

• A long line of locals

• A simple-looking stall or small eatery

• Limited menu options

That’s usually a very good sign.

In our experience, places with long local queues are often affordable, delicious, and worth the wait. These spots may not look fancy, but the food quality speaks for itself and prices are usually much lower compared to tourist-focused restaurants.

💡 Tip: Don’t be discouraged by the line. Turnover is often fast, and the payoff is usually a satisfying local meal.

Kaohsiung is a city that rewards travelers who slow down, explore thoughtfully, and enjoy simple moments, good food, open spaces, and relaxed city vibes. With the right planning, it’s an affordable, beginner-friendly destination that still feels authentic.

If you’re planning your Taiwan trip DIY-style, Kaohsiung is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.