While staying in Kaohsiung, my friend and I decided to take a day trip to Tainan. The city is easily accessible by train, and in less than an hour we were already at our destination! Founded by the Dutch, Tainan was Taiwan’s capital for a long time, so we expected to find plenty of historical buildings. What surprised us, though, was how much the city charmed us with its mix of architecture, calm atmosphere, and streets full of history. So let me guide you through this Tainan day trip so you can make the most of your own visit !

Tainan Confucius Temple – 臺南孔子廟

Built in 1666, the Tainan Confucius Temple is Taiwan’s very first Confucian temple. Originally established as a place of education and culture, it earned the title of “Highest Institute.” Inside, you can find several buildings such as the Yi Cheng School and Ta Cheng Palace.

What struck me the most were the buildings’ bright red walls. They stand out beautifully against the surrounding green lawns and trees, really showcasing its unique architecture. I truly enjoyed the relaxing and calm atmosphere, so much so, it turned out to be my favorite spot on my Tainan day trip !

Hayashi Department store – 林百貨

The next stop on your Tainan day trip should be the famous Hayashi Department Store. This five-story building was built in 1932 during the Japanese occupation. It was later bombed by the United States but restored in the early 2000s. Today, it’s the perfect spot to shop for souvenirs. Each floor is filled with Taiwan-related gifts, you’ll find clothes, stationery, snacks, and much more.

One special feature you shouldn’t miss is the department store’s vintage elevator. Above the door, an arrow shows which floor it’s on so you know how long to wait, very old-school ! On the top floor, you can also spot traces of history, including WWII air raid damage (holes in the walls) and a small Shinto shrine.

Tainan Art Museum Building 2 – 臺南市美術館

Tainan’s art museum is split between two buildings. The first is a former police station built in the 1930s, while the second is a modern building that opened in 2019. Since I’m a big fan of modern architecture, I mainly went to Building 2 to see the work of Japanese architect Ban Shigeru. However, we also ended up exploring the exhibitions as well and really enjoyed the museum’s focus on Taiwanese artists, which we hadn’t seen much of before.

Inside, the building’s design is even more impressive. On the top floor, a stunning glass roof fills the museum with natural light, flooding all the other floors. Whether you’re into art or architecture, this is a must-visit stop on your Tainan day trip.

Snail Alley

Hidden within Tainan’s small, narrow streets, Snail Alley is a colorful and fun stop. The alley is decorated with painted snails and bright murals, creating a playful street art experience. But why snails ? They’re a tribute to Yeh Shih-tao, a local Taiwanese writer. In his novel The Past is Like a Cloud, he described a quiet, narrow street as moving at the slow pace of a snail.

If you want to discover more, you can also visit the Yeh Shih-tao Literature Memorial Museum nearby.

As it is hidden behind buildings, Snail Alley wasn’t easy to find. Still, it made it even more fun to search for it. Wandering through its painted houses and murals was such a unique surprise on our Tainan day trip.

Fort Provintia – 普羅民遮城

Also known as Chikan Tower, Fort Provintia was originally built in 1652 by the Dutch. It was later destroyed in the 18th century and rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty.

As soon as you enter, you’ll notice a temple and a pavilion overlooking the garden below. The architecture is impressive, full of colors and intricate details. In the garden, a small stream filled with colorful fish runs alongside a monument of nine turtle-shaped sculptures.

You can climb up to the pavilion to admire the architecture more closely and explore the rooms that display bits of history. I loved the mix of culture, colors, and the beautifully maintained gardens. It’s definitely a spot I recommend including in your Tainan day trip.

Shennong Street – 神農街

During the Qing Dynasty, Shennong Street was actually part of the “Tainan Five Channels,” serving as one of the city’s entrances. Therefore, you would enter by boat rather than by foot ! Today, it has transformed into one of Tainan’s most cultural and artistic streets.

Strolling down Shennong Street, you’ll find handmade crafts, colorful facades, and traditional lanterns hanging from the roofs. The artsy vibe makes it a perfect place to wander slowly and take in the details. I loved walking here; it was so pretty that I felt like I wanted to paint it just to capture the atmosphere.

Fort Zeelandia – 熱蘭遮城

The final stop on your Tainan day trip is Fort Zeelandia, also called Anping Fort since it’s located in Tainan’s Anping District. Like Fort Provintia, it was originally built by the Dutch.

The fort sits on a hill, with a tower and a small museum that gives an overview of its history. From the top, you get a panoramic 360° view of the surrounding streets and the sea—definitely worth the climb. We visited late in the day, and I really enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere with fewer tourists around. The fort is quite open, so you can explore its hidden corners at your own pace.

Since it’s located a bit farther out, I recommend taking a taxi to get there—it’s the easiest way to reach this historic landmark.

This Tainan day trip was one of my favorite excursions in Taiwan. I loved discovering the mix of architectural styles and getting a deeper understanding of the island’s history. If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan, I definitely recommend giving Tainan a look ! And if you’re looking for more travel inspiration, check out my other Taiwan recommendations.