Kaohsiung is located in southern Taiwan and is the third largest city after Taipei and Taichung.
Kaohsiung is also known as the port city because there is the largest port in Taiwan.
In addition to the famous port, Kaohsiung also has many tourist attractions, historical sites, and natural landscapes.
Whether it is day or night, there is so much fun for you to explore, here are 23 recommended attractions to make you leave a good memory in Kaohsiung.
*Cover image credit: @geo_mystery
Before You Go
I strongly recommend that you get two useful tools to make your travel go smoothly: MRT Pass Card ＆ 4G SIM Card.
With Unlimited MRT Pass, you can explore Kaohsiung by MRT easily; With the local 4G SIM card, you will find your destination easily, check the latest public transport schedules immediately, and share your vacation photos or videos with your family and friends anytime, anywhere.
| Unlimited MRT Pass | $6 | Book NOW |
| 4G SIM Card | $9.35 | Book NOW |
| 4G WiFi Router | $1.29 | Book NOW |
Kaohsiung Attractions
1. Sizihwan （西子灣）
Sizihwan, located on the west side of Kaohsiung City, is a sightseeing spot famous for its beautiful sunsets and natural coral reefs.
At dusk, couples gather here to enjoy the beautiful sunset, creating a romantic atmosphere.
What to expect –
The breathtaking sunset in Gaomei wetlands you will never forget.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 24hrs
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to Sizihwan Station [O1] and Bus #99 to [National Sun Yat-Sen University Administration Building].
- Admission fee：Free
2. Pier 2 Art Center（駁二藝術特區）
The Pier 2 Art center was once an abandoned warehouse close to the port that used to store fish meals and sugar, but now it has transformed into an art and cultural center for exhibitions and fairs.
Here you can enjoy the artworks and special showcases at different times. It is also the best leisure place for the public, and there are excellent scenes for taking pictures everywhere.
The collision of an old area and new fine art gives Pier 2 a new vitality.
What to expect –
Stroll along the pier under the cultural and artistic atmosphere.
- Hours：Mon – Thu 10:00~18:00 | Fri – Sun 10:00~20:00
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to Sizihwan Station [O1] or Yanchengpu Station [O2].
- Take Kaohsiung Light Rail to Penglai Pier2 Station [C13] or Dayi Pier2 Station[C12].
- Admission fee：Free
Hamasen Museum of Taiwan Railway Admission Ticket in Kaohsiung
- A good place to take your family to learn about the history of the Taiwan Railway
- The Museum displays models of railways, rails, and trains of HO (1:87) scale
- Have a chance to take the small train and have fun with your travel buddies
Photo Source: Klook
3. Kaohsiung Port Warehouse No.2, KW2 （棧貳庫）
KW2 is located at Kaohsiung Port No. 2 Pier. It was an old brick-walled warehouse built during the Japanese occupation in 1914.
After many years of idleness, the No.2 warehouse is now reopened and stationed in many cultural and creative goods and restaurants.
It has become a popular spot for everyone to visit in recent years.
What to expect –
Enjoy the ocean views through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the warehouse.
- Hours：Sun – Thu 10:00~21:00 | Fri – Sat 10:00~22:00
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to Sizihwan Station [O1].
- Take Kaohsiung Light Rail to Penglai Pier2 Station [C13].
- Admission fee：Free
4. Love River（愛河）
The Love River is 7.5 miles long flowing through downtown Kaohsiung to Kaohsiung Harbor, there is a variety of fun things to do around the Love River.
You can take a love boat to visit the beautiful scenery around the Love River. Besides, there are many local specialty shops, and exquisitely decorated cafes and restaurants along the river.
You can stroll along the romantically illuminated riverwalk and enjoy the beautiful night view of Kaohsiung.
What to expect –
Experience an exotic gondola boat ride on the Love River, and listen to the boatman’s beautiful singing while enjoying the Love River scenery.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 24hrs
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to City Council Station [O4].
- Admission fee：Free
Want to Explore Kaohsiung Love River on a boat?
#1 Love River Boat Cruise
- 25 minutes boat touring
- Pass by various Kaohsiung popular tourist spots
- Professional tour guides introduce the scenery and history of Kaohsiung along the way
Photo Source: Klook
#2 Romantic Gondola Boat Ride
- 25 minutes boat touring
- Pass by various Kaohsiung popular tourist spots
- Listen to the boatman’s beautiful singing while enjoying the Love River scenery
Photo Source: Klook
5. Great Harbor Bridge（大港橋）
Great Harbor Bridge is the first horizontal rotating bridge in Taiwan and the longest cross-port revolving bridge in Asia.
It is 110 meters long and 5 to 11 meters wide, also can accommodate 550 people and bicycles at the same time.
The design concept is based on shells and dolphins with pure white and streamlined design. There is a viewing platform at the center of the bridge, visitors can overlook the beautiful waterfront of Kaohsiung Port City for a panoramic view.
What to expect –
Don’t miss the horizontal rotation of the bridge every day at 3 pm.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 08:00~22:00
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to Yanchengpu Station [O2].
- Take Kaohsiung Light Rail to Dayi Pier2 Station [C12].
- Admission fee：Free
6. Kaohsiung Music Center（高雄流行音樂中心）
Kaohsiung Music Center is located on the banks of the Love River. The avant-garde appearance of the waves splashing and the special hexagonal peak-and-nested building make the Kaohsiung Music Center a new Kaohsiung check-in landmark.
It is a multi-functional complex music center, including the Live warehouse, indoor performance hall, outdoor plaza, independent performance space, and cultural and creative commercial space.
Besides watching the show, you can also walk along the embankment and enjoy the view of the port.
What to expect –
Admire the spectacular Kaohsiung Music Center light show at select festivals.
- Hours：Tue – Sun 10:00~18:00 | Mon Closed
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to Yanchengpu Station [O2].
- Take Kaohsiung Light Rail to Love Pier Station [C11] and Glory Pier Station [C10].
- Admission fee：Free
7. Kaohsiung Public Library（高雄市立圖書館總館）
Kaohsiung Public Library is a modern design architecture. It is not only the world’s first column-suspended eco-friendly green building but also uses a lot of high-transparency glass for its exterior.
The top floor also integrates the subtropical garden landscape into its architecture.
Even if you are not reading in the library, you can go up to the sky garden on the top floor and overlook the entire Kaohsiung Port.
What to expect –
Go up to the sky garden on the roof, which is a hidden spot to enjoy fantastic night views of Kaohsiung.
- Hours：Tue – Sun 10:00~18:00 | Mon Closed
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to Sanduo Shopping District Station [R8].
- Take Kaohsiung Light Rail to Kaohsiung Exhibition Center [C8].
- Admission fee：Free
8. Cijin（旗津）
Cijin is a long and narrow island in southwestern Kaohsiung. There is two way to get there, one is to take a ferry, and the other is to drive through the undersea tunnel.
In Cijin, in addition to visiting historical sites such as forts, lighthouses, and star tunnel, you can also have water activities at the beach, and visit Cijin Old Street to eat local delicacies such as seafood, grilled Neritic Squid, tomato platter, etc.
What to expect –
Drinking on the beach at sunset is a unique experience in Cijin.
- Hours：24hrs
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to Sizihwan Station [O1] and take the ferry to Gushan Ferry Pier Station.
- Drive
- Admission fee：Free
9. The British Consulate at Takow（打狗英國領事館文化園區）
The British Consulate at Takow is a former British consulate built-in 1865. With the Baroque style of Renaissance architecture and the exterior made of red brick buildings and round arches.
It is located on the mountainside of Xiziwan Mountain, where you can overlook Kaohsiung port and the fine scenery of Siziwan.
What to expect –
Watching the sunset through the red brick arch window is so romantic.
- Hours：Tue – Fri 10:00~19:00 | Sat – Sun 09:00~19:00 | Mon Closed
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to Sizihwan Station [O1] and take the bus, or walk to there.
- Admission fee：NT$99 ($3.3)
10. Shoushan LOVE Lookout （壽山情人觀景台）
Shoushan LOVE Lookout is an observation deck on the mountain, here you can overlook the entire Kaohsiung city and port.
Besides, there is a big illuminated metal LOVE sign, attracting many couples to here for taking pictures and enjoy a romantic night view.
What to expect –
Indulge in a moment which sunset to a night view with your loved one.
- Hours：24hrs
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to Yanchengpu Station [O2] and take a taxi.
- Drive.
- Admission fee：Free
11. Dome of Light（光之穹頂）
The Dome of Light is a huge public art installation located on the roof of the Kaohsiung MRT Red and Orange Line interchange station.
It was completed by contemporary artist Narcissus Quagliata in nearly four years.
The dome is composed of glass, painted, and light, showing four elements of water, earth, light, and fire, representing the four-time sequences of birth, growth, spirit, destruction, and rebirth of humans.
What to expect –
Visit the second most beautiful subway station in the world.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 06:00~24:00
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to Formosa Boulevard Station [O5][R10].
- Admission fee：Free
12. Lotus Pond (蓮池潭)
Lotus Pond is a famous artificial lake in Zuoying, Kaohsiung.
Its biggest feature is that there are various temples around the pond, including the Spring and Autumn Pavilions (春秋閣), the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas (龍虎塔), and the Confucian Temple (孔廟).
It is a must-visit Kaohsiung attraction for international tourists.
What to expect –
Entering from the dragon’s mouth of the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas, and exiting from the tiger’s mouth, it is said that it can pursue good fortune and avoid disaster.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 08:00~18:00
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to Zuoying Station [R16] and take Bus #301、R35、R51A、R51B、R51C to there.
- Take HSR to Zuoying Station and take Bus #301、R35、R51A、R51B、R51C to there.
- Admission fee：Free
13. SKM Park
SKM Park is a comprehensive shopping landmark integrating outlets, cinemas, and amusement parks. Even if you are not interested in shopping, there is Japan’s only overseas authorized Suzuka racing car you can have fun with.
What to expect –
Experience high-speed racing on the Suzuka circuit.
- Hours：Mon – Thu 11:00~21:30 | Fri 11:00~22:00 | Sat – Sun 10:30~22:00
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to Kaoya Station [R4A].
- Admission fee：Free
Want to try the first kart racing theme park in Taiwan?
Suzuka Circuit Park
- Spend the day riding go-karts at Taiwan’s very first kart racing theme park — Suzuka Circuit Park
- In addition to the kart circuit, the park features two major themes, a carousel and a trolley ride
- A day pass or a night pass to choose
Photo Source: Klook
14. E-DA Theme Park（義大遊樂世界）
E-DA Theme Park covers a total area of 90 hectares. It is themed around the Greek scene, combined with hotels, shopping malls, and amusement worlds. In addition to many Greek-style buildings that can be photographed, it is also a good place for shopping, and having fun for families.
What to expect –
Like being in the romantic world of Greece.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 09:00~17:30
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to Zuoying Station [R16] and take Bus #8501 there.
- Take HSR to Zuoying Station and take Bus #8501 there.
- Admission fee：NT$899 ($30)
The original ticket price is NT$899($30), but you can get 25% off just click the below button!
15. Chaishan Marine Cave（柴山海蝕洞）
The Chaishan Marine Cave is a secret place because it is difficult to reach.
The long-term erosion of seawater has formed super-large coral reef caves on the coast of Chaishan.
Many people choose to stand at the entrance of the cave to take pictures.
You can also take a coffee break at the nearby Ocean Corner Café.
What to expect –
When the sun goes down, stand on top of the big reef and take a beautiful photo.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 24hrs
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Drive.
- Admission fee：Free
16. Chaishan Fishing Pier（柴山小漁港）
Chaishan Fishing Pier was a small fishing village many years ago, after the pier was abandoned, fewer people come here.
Now it is a secret beach, with an azure coastline, this place has a sense of paradise.
In addition to Xiziwan, it is also very suitable for watching the sunset.
What to expect –
A rare place to stay away from the hustle and bustle.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 24hrs
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Drive.
- Admission fee：Free
17. Hongmaogang Cultural Park（紅毛港文化園區）
Hongmaogang Cultural Park is located at the entrance of Kaohsiung Port. It was originally a seaside village, but after local people moved out, it has transformed into a cultural park to commemorate 400 years of history and culture.
Here are an exhibition hall, outdoor exhibition, skywalk, revolving restaurant, and ocean front platform for you to explore.
What to expect –
Enjoy 360-degree harbor views as you dine.
- Hours：Mon – Fri 15:00~20:00 | Sat – Sun 10:00~21:00 | Wed Closed
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to Siaogang Station [R3] and take Bus R13 there.
- Drive.
- Admission fee：NT$99 ($3.3)
Round-trip ferry tickets & boat tours & cultural park tickets
- 40 minutes boat tour from KW2 to Hongmaogang Cultural Park
- Profession Mandarin tour guide
- One meal at the revolving restaurant
Photo Source: Klook
18. Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum（佛光山佛陀紀念館）
Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum is an important and largest Buddhist resort in Taiwan. The Buddhist temples are all arranged according to the mountains, and they are magnificent. It is a popular tourist attraction for pilgrimages, even been selected as the 2020 Travellers’ Choice Winner by the world’s largest travel review website TripAdvisor.
What to expect –
Admire the tallest seated Buddha statue in the world.
- Hours：Mon – Fri 09:00~18:00 | Sat – Sun 09:00~19:00 | Tue Closed
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to Zuoying Station [R16] and take Bus #8501 there.
- Take MRT to Kaohsiung Main Station [R11] and take Bus #8009 or 8010 to there.
- Drive.
- Admission fee：Free
Want to get insight into Taiwan’s largest Buddha temple?
Fo Guang Shan Half Day Tour
- 3hr – 4hr tour
- Profession English / Mandarin tour guide
- Optional hotel pick up
Photo Source: Klook
19. 85 Sky Tower（高雄85大樓）
It is the tallest building in southern Taiwan and an essential landmark in Kaohsiung. The building is 378 meters high and has a total of 85 floors, so it is called the 85 Sky Tower. The appearance of the building expresses the Chinese name of the first word of Kaohsuing City.
What to expect –
Reach the highest observation deck of southern Taiwan in just 43 seconds to overlook the most beautiful port capital.
- Hours：Mon – Fri 09:00~18:00 | Sat – Sun 09:00~19:00 | Tue Closed
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to Sanduo Shopping District Station [R8] and take about 8 mins walk.
- Admission fee：Free
20. Moon World Landscape Park（田寮月世界）
Moon World Landscape Park is a place that has a peculiar landscape, a terrain called Badlands. Badlands are a type of dry terrain formed by the strong erosion of rain and river water for many years.
It is famous for its desolate desert beauty, like the sight of the moon, so draws many people coming for it.
What to expect –
Feel like walking on the surface of the Moon.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 10:00~17:00
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Drive
- Admission fee：Free
21. National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts-Weiwuying （衛武營國家藝術文化中心）
National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts is also known as Weiwuying, the origin of its name because it used to be a military training base. Now it was reconstructed as an arts center, covering 14,000 square meters with four indoor performance halls and an amphitheater for outdoor performances.
Even if you don’t want to watch the exhibition or opera, you can come here to enjoy the spectacular architecture.
What to expect –
Admire Asia’s largest pipe organ in the largest performance arts center in southern Taiwan.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 11:00~21:00
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to Weiwuying Station [O10].
- Admission fee：Free
22. Rueifong Night Market（瑞豐夜市）
It is the largest and most representative night market in Kaohsiung, with various local specialty food stores one after another. It is undoubtedly a gathering place for people in Kaohsiung to taste snacks and supper at night.
What to expect –
Enjoy the food feast at the night market.
- Hours：Mon – Sun 17:00~24:00 | Mon & Wed Closed
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to Kaohsiung Arena [R14] and take about 4 mins walk.
23. Dadong Arts Center（大東文化藝術中心）
Dadong Art Center is the art center at Fengshan, it collects a theater, exhibition hall, library, and education center.
The art center features translucent membrane skylights that float like hot air balloons over the semi-open plaza, bringing visual beauty.
What to expect –
After the lights are lit at night, the colorful hot air balloons are dazzling.
- Hours：Tue – Sat 10:00~21:00 | Sun 10:00~17:00 | Mon Closed
- Get Location
- How to get there：
- Take MRT to Dadong Station [O13].
- Admission fee：Free
Recommended Itineraries
If you want to take a Kaohsiung double-decker sightseeing bus and see the various customs of the port city:
Kaohsiung Double Decker Sightseeing Bus One Day Ticket
- The Chinese-speaking guide on the double-decker sightseeing bus will introduce you to the cultural scenery along the way
- Unlimited rides on and off one day
- Provide Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean audio guide services
Photo Source: Klook
Or you want to take a private car for Kaohsiung’s popular sightseeing:
Kaohsiung Popular Sightseeing Private Car Charter
- Rent a private car charter for 4, 8, or 9 hours and get to customize the sightseeing route you want to take
- Enjoy a convenient pick-up and drop-off service to and from your preferred locations
- Travel with a friendly, reliable, and knowledgeable professional driver who will help plan your route
Photo Source: Klook
I hope you enjoyed reading this post, in this post, you’ve learned what’s fun in Kaohsiung, tell us which one you prefer, and where you would like to go first.
Finally, If you still have any questions about your trip to Kaohsiung, please leave them in the comments below, I will be more than happy to help you out:)
