Kaohsiung may have made its mark on the tourist map because it is the political and economic center of southern Taiwan, but it more than that. This massive municipality has quite a handful attractions for the jaded city slicker to discover.
Easily one of country’s most beautiful destinations, a beautiful blend of creative and eco-friendly lifestyles, hipster café culture, waterside parks, bike lanes, wide avenues, lush parks, gorgeous metro station, cultural venues and cool art spaces. What I like about Kaohsiung is, aside from its carefully-planned, most tourist spots here are free and accessible via MRT so it is pretty easy to explore.
So how many days should you spend in Kaohsiung? About 2-3 days should be enough to cover the top attractions here. I’ll be blogging a Kaohsiung travel guide soon but for the meantime, here’s a detailed Kaohsiung itinerary with budget to help you plan your trip here soon. This balanced itinerary blends cultural sites, art, scenic strolls, and local food experiences. Feel free to switch days or skip attractions based on your vibe and budget.
TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS
KAOHSIUNG TRAVEL ESSENTIALS:
For seamless ride to MRT, bus, bike and some attractions, purchase Easycard or Ipass or Taiwan Pass. Then just top it up. Transportation rates are also discounted when you are using EasyCard or IPass and will save you time queuing just to buy bus or MRT/LRT tickets.
Taiwan Easy Card: BUY HERE
IPASS: PURCHASE HERE
KAOHSIUNG MRT TICKET (1-2 DAYS PASS): BUY DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE
You can purchase a 1–2-day MRT pass through the links above if you’re traveling in Kaohsiung. You can also buy a combination pass MRT + Light Rail Ticket (Train) for Kaohsiung, click the link above for the price.
MRT + LRT TICKETS: BUY HERE
KAOHSIUNG TOUR PACKAGES
If you want a hassle-free tour around Kaohsiung, you can pre-book & join group tour packages that’ll cover most of the top tourist attractions in Kaohsiung. Click the links below to check the rates, tour itinerary, and reserve a spot.
KAOHSIUNG 1 DAY TOUR: RESERVE HERE
KAOHSIUNG DAY TOUR: RESERVE HERE
KAOHSIUNG MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS TICKET: BUY HERE
ALISHAN DAY TOUR FROM KAOHSIUNG: RESERVE HERE
KAOHSIUNG PRIVATE TOURS: CHECK RATES HERE
KENTING AND PINGTUNG ONE DAY TOUR: RESERVE HERE OR BOOK HERE
SUZUKA CIRCUIT PARK TICKET: BUY HERE
SAMPLE KAOHSIUNG ITINERARY (2 Days – 3 Days)
Here’s a sample KAOHSIUNG ITINERARY for 2-3 DAYS with budget estimates. This itinerary is ideal for a first-time visitor, with a balanced mix of culture, food, sightseeing, and some relaxation. Feel free to tweak this depending on your budget and schedule.
You are staying near Formosa Boulevard Station or Kaohsiung Station or anywhere in Central Kaohsiung area. Scroll down the Kaohsiung Itinerary for the “Where to Stay in Kaohsiung” section.
I stayed at Tree House Hotel in Kaohsiung during my trip here.
- Tree House Hotel
- Location:
- CHECK RATES HERE
This is assuming:
- You are using MRT, ferry, and walking for transport
- You are using EasyCard/Ipass/Icash to pay for the MRT/LRT/HSR/Ferry
- Budget is mid-range: street food + occasional entry fees
- Budget excludes: accommodation, drinks, shopping & other personal expenses
- Prices are in NTD (New Taiwan Dollar) and PHP (Philippine Peso)
KAOHSIUNG ITINERARY DAY 1
- Kaoshiung Tourist Spots: Pier-2 Art Center, Hamasen Railway Park, Cijin Island, Love River
- Estimated Budget for Day 1: NTD 825 (₱1,542)
| SCHEDULE | ACTIVITIES |
| DAY 1 | ART, ISLAND & RIVER |
| 09:00 AM | ETD Pier-2 Art Center & Hamasen Railway Park |
| 1.Take MRT Orange Line to Hamasen Station (01) | |
| 2.Alight at Yanchengpu Station (02). 2nd stop. | |
| If coming from Formosa Blvd. MRT fare is NTD 20 (₱38) | |
| 09:30 AM | Pier-2 Art Center & Hamasen Railway Park. FREE |
| *Dayong Warehouse Cluster | |
| *Penglai Cluster | |
| *Dayi Cluster | |
| *Great Harbor Bridge | |
| 12:30 AM | Lunch. NTD 200 (₱374) |
| Eat around Pier-2 or Gushan Ferry Terminal | |
| 02:00 PM | Cijin Island day trip |
| Take ferry at Gushan Ferry Terminal to Cijin Island. 6 minutes. | |
| Passenger ferry fare is NTD 20 (₱38) | |
| *Cijin Island day tour | |
| *Rainbow Church | |
| *Cihou Fort | |
| *Wind Power Park | |
| *Cijin Beach | |
| Seafood Street. Snack. NTD 100 (₱187) | |
| 06:00 PM | ETD Love River |
| 1.Take ferry from Cijin Island to Gushan Ferry Terminal | |
| Passenger ferry fare is NTD 20 (₱38) | |
| 2.Get off at Gushan Ferry Terminal. 6 minutes. | |
| 3.Walk to Hamasen LRT Station.10 minutes. Use Google Maps | |
| 4.Take the Green Line (LRT) to Lizihnei (C1) | |
| 5.Get off at Love Pier Station (C11). 3rd stop. 7 mins. | |
| LRT fare is NTD 20 (₱38) | |
| 6.Walk to Love River | |
| 06:30 PM | Love River |
| Optional Boat Ride.BUY TICKET HERE | |
| Boat fare is NTD 130 (₱243) | |
| 07:30 PM | ETD Ruifeng Night Market |
| 1.Walk back to Love Pier Station. | |
| 2.Take LRT Green Line to Heart of Love River (C24). 24 minutes. | |
| 3.Alight at Heart of Love River Station (C24). 11th stop. | |
| LRT fare is NTD 25 (₱47) | |
| 4.Walk to MRT Red Line Aozihdi Station. 2 mins. | |
| 5.At Aozihdi Station. Take MRT Red Line to Gangshan Station (RK1) | |
| 6.Get off at Kaohsiung Arena Station (R14). 2 min. 2nd stop. | |
| MRT fare is NTD 20 (₱38) | |
| 7.Walk to Ruifeng Night Market. 7 mins. | |
| 08:20 PM | Riufeng Night Market |
| Dinner. NTD 250 (₱467) | |
| 10:00 PM | ETD Hotel. |
| Walk back to MRT Kaohsiung Arena Station. 7 mins | |
| Take MRT Red Line to Siaogang Station (R3) | |
| Get off at Formosa Boulevard Station (R10) or near hotel station. 8 mins. | |
| MRT Fare (if alighting at Formosa Blvd) is NTD 20 (₱38) | |
| Walk to hotel | |
| 10:30 PM | Sleep |
| Day 1 Expenses | NTD 825 (₱1,542) |
| Day 2 | TEMPLES + NIGHT MARKET |
| 09:00 AM | ETD Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum |
| 1.Take the MRT Red Line to Zouying Station (R16) | |
| 2.If coming from Formosa Blvd, NTD 25 (₱46) 13 mins. | |
| 3.Walk to Zouying (THSR) Station. 6 mins. NTD 82 (₱153) | |
| 4.Take the Hafo Express (E02) to Fo Guang Shan Monastery. | |
| 5.Alight at the Buddha Memorial Hall Station. 4th stop. 26 mins. | |
| 6.Walk to Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum. 11 min. | |
| 10:00 AM | Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum. FREE |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch near the temple. NTD 250 (₱467) |
| 01:30 PM | ETD Lotus Pond |
| 1.Walk back to Buddha Memorial Hall Station (THSR) | |
| 2.Take the E02 Hafo Express train to Zouying Station. | |
| 3.Alight at Zouying Station. 3rd stop. 40 mins. NTD 82 (₱153) | |
| 4.Take Shuttle Bus 301. NTD 13 (₱22) | |
| 5.Get off at Zouying Market. 10th stop. 12 mins. | |
| 6.Walk for about 7 mins to Lotus Pond. | |
| 02:00 PM | Lotus Pond. FREE |
| *Dragon & Riger Pagodas | |
| *Spring & Autumn Pavilions | |
| *Kaohsiung Confucius Temple | |
| *Chi Ming Palace | |
| *Xuantian God Statue (Beiji Xuantian Shangdi) | |
| *Wuli Pavilion & pei Chi Pavilion | |
| *Zhouzi Qingshui Temple | |
| 05:00 PM | ETD Liuhe Night Market |
| 1.Walk to Cuiming Road. 16 mins. 550 m. | |
| 2.Take Bus 301 Zhizen Rd Intersection. NTD 12 (₱22) | |
| 3.Alight at Taiwan Railway Xinzuoying Station.2nd stop. 4 mins. | |
| 4.Walk to Zouying MRT Station. | |
| 5.Take MRT Red Line to Xiaogang. NTD 25 (₱47) | |
| 6. Get off at Formosa Boulevard Station. 6th stop. 13 mins. | |
| 7.Take Exit 11. Walk to Zhongshan 1st Road. 2 mins. | |
| 06:00 PM | Dinner at Liuhe Night Market. NTD 200 (₱374) |
| 08:00 PM | ETD Hotel. |
| 09:00 PM | Lights out. |
| Day 2 Expenses | NTD 689 (₱1,284) |
| DAY 3 | ARTS, SHOPPING + DEPARTURE |
| 08:00 AM | Hotel breakfast |
| Hotel check-out. Leave luggage at Concierge. | |
| 09:30 AM | ETD Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts (closed on Mondays) |
| 1.Ride MRT Red Line to Gangshan Station. | |
| 2.Get off at Aohzidi Station. 3rd stop. 7 min. NTD 20 (₱22) | |
| 3. Take escalator and take Exit 1. | |
| 4. Walk to Aohzidi Station (Boai 2nd Road). 2 mins. | |
| 5.Take Bus 168 Huanxi to Love Boat Goubin Station. | |
| 6.Get off at Fine Arts of Museum. 5th stop. 10 mins. | |
| 7.Walk to Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts. | |
| 10:00 AM | Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts BUY TICKET HERE NTD 90 (₱170) |
| 12:00 PM | ETD Sandou Shopping District |
| 1.Walk to Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts bus stop. 5 mins. 280 meters. | |
| 2.Take Bus 8502 to E-DA World. | |
| 3.Alight at Aohzidi Station. 5 stops. 9 min. NTD 25 (₱46) | |
| 4.Take MRT Red Line to Xiaogang. NTD 20 (₱22) | |
| 5.Alight at Sandou Shopping District. 5 stops. 11 mins. | |
| 12:30 PM | Sandou Shopping District. |
| Lunch. NTD 250 (₱467) | |
| 02:00 PM | Continue shopping. |
| 04:00 PM | ETD hotel. |
| 1.Take MRT back to hotel. NTD 20 (₱22) | |
| 04:30 PM | Claim luggage. |
| 05:00 PM | ETD Kaohsiung Airport or train Taipei |
| If going to Kaohsiung International Airport: | |
| 1.Take MRT Red Line to Kaohsiung International Airport | |
| 2.Alight at Kaohsiung Airport. 16 mi. 7th stop. NTD 30 (₱56) | |
| 3. Check-in | |
| If going to Taipei: BUY TRAIN TICKET HERE | |
| 1.Take MRT Red Line to Gangshan Station. | |
| 2.Alight at Zouying Station (R16). NTD 25 (₱46) | |
| 3. Take Exit 1. | |
| 4.Enter Zouying THSR via Entrance 2. 5 min. | |
| 5.Take THSR 116 (High Speed Train) to Nangang | |
| 6.Get off at Taipei Main Station. 3rd stop. 1.5 hours. | |
| Day 3 Expenses | NTD 455 (₱805) |
| TOTAL 3 days | NTD 1,969 (₱3,631) |
KAOHSIUNG TRAVEL TIP
Taiwan Tourism is giving away Taiwan travel vouchers worth NTD 5,000 (₱9,687). Prizes are provided in the form of a pre-paid e-ticket or a set of accommodation vouchers. To qualify, you must be an independent traveler (not part of a group tour) who holds a foreign passport, you’re staying in Taiwan for 3-90 days, and you’re not applying for a group-related incentive.
You need to register your personal information, such as, name, passport number, nationality, e-mail address, arrival date and flight, and departure date 1-7 days before your arrival in Taiwan. You will receive a QR code via e-mail, so make sure the e-mail you used to register is valid and working. This travel campaign will run until September 2025.
TAIWAN TOURISM GIVE AWAY: REGISTER HERE
WHERE TO STAY IN KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN
1.XINXING DISTRICT
Why stay in Xinxing District? Central Location & Lively Night Market. It’s often considered the best base for first time tourists in Kaohsiung due to its central location and lively night market such as Liuhe, shopping in Shinkuchan, and it’s pretty near the iconic Formosa Boulevard with its stunning Dome of Light. I stayed here during my first visit in Kaohsiung because it’s pretty easy to navigate since the 2 MRT lines cross here. Xinxing District is therefore perfect for solo or group travelers who are looking for a place to stay at the heart of everything.
- WUHOO HOUSE
- Location: Xinxing District, Kaohsiung
- CHECK RATES HERE
- BIG BEAR HOTEL
- Location: Xinxing District, Kaohsiung
- CHECK RATES HERE
- HOK HOUSE
- Location: Xinxing District, Kaohsiung
- CHECK RATES HERE
- RIVER INN
- Location: Xinxing District, Kaohsiung
- CHECK RATES HERE
2.YANCHENG DISTRICT
Why Stay at Yancheng District? Budget-Friendly, Waterfront, and Arts. A hip and cool place to stay at in Kaohsiung is Yancheng District because it’s pretty relaxed and artsy, close to the Pier 2 Art Center. If you like a leisurely walk along the Love River at night or you want an easy access to Cijin Island for your day trip, stay here. There’s also a bunch of budget-friendly accommodations scattered here.
- WEN-PIN HOTEL PIER 2
- Location: Yancheng District, Kaohsiung
- CHECK RATES HERE
- LEO111 YANCHENG PIER 2
- Location: Yancheng District, Kaohsiung
- CHECK RATES HERE
- CITY SUITES – KAOHSIUNG PIER 2
- Location: Yancheng District, Kaohsiung
- CHECK RATES HERE
3. QIANJIN DISTRICT
Why stay at Qianjin District? Quieter with Riverside Vibes. Quinjin District is located in central Kaohsiung so you have access to Central Park MRT Station that connects you to most places in Kaohsiung, so, the MRT is just walking distance to the following sites: Formosa Boulevard, Pier 2 Art Center, Love River, and Liuhe Night Market. It borders between Xinxing District and Yancheng District and is more of a mix a residential and commercial mix. Also, compared to the flasher Lingya or busy Xinxing, Qianjin is more relaxed and local but still offers riverside walking paths, small cafes, and some under-the-radar eateries and traditional local shops. This are is perfect for solo travelers and couples who are looking for a not so crowded area to stay with lots of boutique hotels and B&Bs that won’t break the bank and a charming riverside vibes.
- LEGEND HOTEL
- Location: Qianjin District, Kaohsiung
- CHECK RATES HERE
- HARBOR 1O HOTEL
- Location: Qianjin District, Kaohsiung
- CHECK RATES HERE
- SKYONE HOTEL
- Location: Qianjin District, Kaohsiung
- CHECK RATES HERE
4. LINGYA DISTRICT
Why stay at Lingya District? Shopping and Night Life. Lingya District is a lively district in Kaohsiung that is best for luxury and modern travelers who wants to stay in upscale accommodations. It is known for its vibrant nightlife and high-end shopping. It is anchored by the Sanduo Shopping District and attractions such as the 85 Sky Tower.
- HUB HOTEL KAOHSIUNG
- Location: Lingya District, Kaohsiung
- CHECK RATES HERE
- JUST SLEEP HOTEL KAOHSIUNG ZHONGZHENG
- Location: Lingya District, Kaohsiung
- CHECK RATES HERE
- CENTURY HOTEL
- Location: Lingya, Kaohsiung
- CHECK RATES HERE
- FINE HOTEL
- Location: Lingya, Kaohsiung
- CHECK RATES HERE
5. SANMIN DISTRICT
Why stay at Sanmin District? Family-oriented and Budget-friendly.
Sanmin District is a great choice for families. It is well-connected via public transport and near the Kaohsiung Main Station. It has a more residential quiet charm and is close to attractions like the Dream Mall, National Science and Technology Museum, and the Ruifeng Night Market.
- WATERMARK HOTEL
- Location: Sanmin District, Kaohsiung
- CHECK RATES HERE
- Midtown Richardson – Kaohsiung Boai
- Location: Sanmin District
- RESERVE HERE
- J HOTEL KAOHSIUNG
- Location: Sanmin District Kaohsiung
- CHECK RATES HERE
IMPORTANT:
- Typical check-in time in Kaohsiung is around 3:00 PM, check-out is around 11:00 AM.
- Accommodations are usually cheaper on weekdays than on weekends and public holidays.
- Toiletries may or may not be included, best to bring your own toiletries or buy at a nearby convenience store.
- Hotels here have their own housekeeping schedule, they don’t clean the rooms daily.
ALSO READ:
KAOHSIUNG FREE TOURIST SPOTS
KAOHSIUNG AIRPORT TO KAOHSIUNG CITY CENTER
DISCLOSURE:
If you think this Kaohsiung Itinerary blog is helpful, you can support me by clicking and booking through the links provided above. I earn a small commission without additional cost to you when you book hotels, tickets, tours, etc. through the links on this site. This helps me maintain this travel blog for free. I appreciate your support. I promise to post more detailed and helpful guides and itineraries.
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