Things to Do in Kaohsiung

1. Visit The Dinosaur Theme Park: This Jurassic World-themed exhibit includes over 40 life-size animatronic dinosaurs in a forest environment, as well as fossil excavation areas and kid-friendly activities. The show is attracting a large number of visitors who are interested in learning more about the prehistoric period because each dinosaur on display has a detailed description.

The Tyrannosaurus Rex, which stands at an impressive 12 metres, is a standout feature here. A gift shop sells dinosaur toys and merchandise, and there are numerous cafes and food stalls offering light snacks and drinks. The Dinosaur Park is free to enter; however, you must pay to ride the rides or play the games that line the rooftops. And, it's definitely one of the best things to do in kaohsiung.

Location: No. 10, Section 1, Xuecheng Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 840

2. Climb The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas: The Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are an exotic attraction among Kaohsiung's many attractions. The most striking characteristic of this location is its entry and exit concept, which resembles the mouth and throat of a tiger and a dragon, respectively. This structure's symbolic sense is turning back bad luck and moving into a positive one.

You will gaze at the traditional Chinese paintings depicting scenes from their early lives while strolling through these pagodas. Not only that, but it also has intriguing murals depicting scenes from heaven and hell that are filled with passion in order to inspire people to do good deeds. Make sure to pay a visit to this 7-story mighty structure, which is one-of-a-kind and well worth seeing!

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

3. Hit Up The Antique Bar: A visit to TimeS Antiques and Bar should be on your list of things to do in Kaohsiung at night if you like all things vintage. The music and furniture are both retro Japanese. It's brimming with mementos from the past. And if you hear frantic barking as you approach, don't be alarmed – that's Mojo.

He's about five inches tall, and he'll be on your lap or eating out of your hands within five minutes of entering the bar; in fact, owner Peter will give you snacks to feed him!

Location: No. 20-7, Linhai 1st Road, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 80441

4. Visit the Alien Art Centre: You can visit here if you are planning a day trip to see contemporary art. Stroll across the building and enjoy yourself in this entire unique world, and don't miss the opportunity to eat at its cafe, which serves excellent food and has a pleasant atmosphere.

With old photographs and veteran oral histories, a show on the building's unusual past explains and records this alien centre. So, make sure to visit this amazing yet spooky place!

Location: No. 111, Gushan 1st Rd, Gushan District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 80444

5. See the Giant Buddha: The Fo Guang Shan monastery is Taiwan's largest Buddhist temple and home to Southeast Asia's largest bronze sitting Buddha statue. The Great Buddha Standing Statue is massive as it is surrounded by several smaller Buddha statues.

There are about 480 small Buddhas surrounding it symbolising the Fo Guang Shan monastery is breathtaking.

Location: Dashu, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

6. Get Lost in Kaisyuan Flea Market: This massive market, known simply as the Junk Market, takes place on a Sunday morning at 758 Kaixuan 4th road (also home to the Kaisyuan Night Market once the sun sets) and is huge. The stalls range from new goods piled high to more interesting individual vendors who might have everything from second hand watches to collectible plastic figures.

If you want a home full of kitsch souvenirs, this is the place to go for shopping, which is one of the best things to do in kaohsiung.

Location: No. 758, Kaisyuan 4th Road, Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 806

7. Head Up High at 85 Sky: It is among the tallest skyscrapers in Taiwan and has an intriguing shape with two twin towers connected by a third tower that extends from above the center. You can spot your favorite attractions in the panoramic views of the city and Kaohsiung Harbour and watch the sunset over the sea in the evening.

You can visit the tower as soon as you arrive in the city to familiarise yourself with the city's various landmarks, or you can do your sightseeing around the city before climbing the tower to better recognise the attractions from above. After the sun sets, you can photograph the tower as a dramatic part of the skyline and view the building lit up in green against a backdrop of the ocean.

Location: Lingya, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

8. Visit Fo Guang Shan Monastery: The Fo Guang Shan Monastery is a must-see for anyone visiting Kaohsiung. The monastery is Taiwan's largest Buddhist temple, and it houses Southeast Asia's largest bronze sitting Buddha statue. There are tonnes and tonnes of Buddhist ornaments, statues, displays and exhibitions in the centre. This magnificent monastery of international standard leaves any visitor overwhelmed by a great sense of awe and amazement as one tracks through the well-developed and ancient attractions and shrines such as the towering Great Buddha situated at the Great Buddha Land, the mysterious Pure Land Cave, the absolutely beautiful Main Shrine which is called Da Siong Bao Dian.

It's indeed a hidden gem of Taiwan but yet it's free for all to visit. You do not have to pay a single cent to visit the estate and the food sold in the premises are quite cheap.

Location: No. 153, Xingtian Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 84049

9. Explore Kaohsiung Museum of History: The museum, which first opened in 1994, has since grown to include an entrance plaza, an external sculpture park, and an ecology park. Sculptures, large-scale artworks, and valuable objects in regulated environments, such as calligraphy, can be seen in the building's four floors, as well as temporary displays of national and foreign works.

You can also visit the onsite stationary and art store, as well as the vast public art library. After visiting the museum's exhibits, take a leisurely walk through the local parks.

Location: No. 272, Zhongzheng 4th Rd, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 803

10. Visit Cijin Island: Cijin Island, located just off the coast of Kaohsiung, foregoes skyscrapers and neon lights in favour of beaches and seaside vibes. It's one of Taiwan's many outdoor activity hotspots. The Sea Shell Museum, located farther down the beachfront, is one of Cijin's most famous attractions. The museum, which houses a variety of sea-shells, is free to visit, but that isn't why people come here. People are drawn in by the numerous art installations spread around the museum and park.

This is the kind of location where everybody wants their picture taken. Aside from the temple, exploring Cijin Island entails visiting the numerous market stalls as well as the simple, traditional houses that dot the island's perimeter.

Location: Kaohsiung City, Taiwan

1. Take a walk around the Lianchi Lake - Taking a walk by the Lianchi Lake is one of most refreshing and calming feelings to experience. Lianchi Lake is also known as Lotus Lake and is beautifully surrounded by a large number of temples including the spring and Autumn Pavilions.

It is basically an artificial reservoir that has a variety of lotus flowers on its water surface and is a home for the dragon and the Tiger pagodas.

2. Shop at the Taroko Park - Taroko Park is a large fascinating park that is best for dining and shopping purposes. Wondering about what to do in Kaohsiung, then head out to this place at night because of its bright, colourful lightings.

3. Marvel at the amazing architecture of Fo Guang Shan - Fo Guang Shan is very much famous for its architectural design. Heading over to this monastery, you will be able to spend some pleasant and peaceful time. You will be welcomed by about 480 smaller Buddha images surrounding a larger statue of Buddha.

4. Take a boat ride at Ai He (love river) - Here you can choose to take a beautiful boat ride for about 20 minutes in the Kaohsiung solar powered love boat. Wondering about what to do in Kaohsiung, then taking this boat ride you can catch a glimpse of the Music hall, district court, memorial park and many such landmark places.

5. Indulge in a massage session at Floating Palace - One of the most romantic getaways with your partner is the special kind of spa and massage treatment here. In a floating palace they help you release your stress, tensions and help to keep your skin healthy by massaging warm coconut oil along with various imported HRF organic essential oils.

The best time to visit Kaohsiung would be from the month of January to the month of June and again from the month of October to the month of November. Between December to March the climate stays perfect with minimum rainfall and lovely weather.

Day 1: You can start your trip by visiting the pleasant Holy Rosary Cathedral and then opt for cycling along the famous Love River. Spend your day art centres and the Dai Tian Temple followed by a perfect sunset view by the river.

Day 2: Spend your second day, exploring the beautiful Lotus lake that is amazingly surrounded by temples, dragon structures and tiger pagodas.

Day 3: Try making the most of your last day by taking a ferry to Cijin Island and by having a great time at the coastal park here. You can even visit the Cihou Lighthouse here.

Kaohsiung is the largest port city in Taiwan that has the biggest night markets, intriguing temple structures as well as some of the coolest and prettiest metro stations.

In Kaohsiung you can plan a flexible itinerary so that you have enough time to explore the famous religious park where the exit is through a tiger’s mouth. This place has some of the best indoor attractions at Pier-2 art centre that is filled with stylish coffee shops and theatres.

Do stop by the Wall Pier 2 roofless concert venue and even make your own notebooks at Bandon Zakka Store.

- Waterproof footwear
- Standard footwear
- Light jacket
- Long sleeve shirts
- Shorts/pants/jeans/long skirts

Two to three days is best to explore this fascinating port city in Taiwan. It is advisable to plan your itinerary in such a way that you can visit every tourist spot in this city.

Yes, Kaohsiung is a pretty safe city to spend some quality vacation time. It is comparatively far from the rain flooded areas and ensures that the subways here are clean, comfortable, fast and accessible by all kinds of tourists.