Where to stay

Despite once being a busy industrial port with very few tourist attractions, Kaohsiung has recently emerged as one of Taiwan's most up-and-coming cities. Discover its local heritage and contemporary culture by booking a hotel in the huge Sanmin District, which is home to the space-age National Science & Technology Museum and Kaohsiung Hakka Cultural Museum. Contrastingly, Yancheng (Kaohsiung's harborside old town) has a handful of great hotel options near the unique Alien Art Center and the colorful Pier-2 Art Center. The latter is located inside one of the neighborhood's former industrial warehouses and is considered the headquarters of southern Taiwan's burgeoning arts scene.

This southern coastal city not only has two swimming beaches right on its doorstep, but dozens of great parks in its cosmopolitan center. Book a hotel in the Gushan District to explore numerous scenic viewpoints up lush Monkey Mountain or to take a dip in the sea at Shitzuwan Beach. Those with children should consider accomodations in Dashu, 14 miles (23 kilometers) to the east, one of the best neighborhoods for families thanks to exciting outdoor attractions like the E-DA Theme Park. Alternatively, make a reservation at one of the dozens of hotels in Cianjin and look forward to evening strolls along the romantically named Love River.

Booking somewhere to stay in the central Sinsing District will put music fans within easy walking distance of some of the city's best-known jazz bars such as Marsalis Bar on Zhongzheng 4th Road. Hotels in Kaohsiung City Center are also ideally placed for visiting the city's atmospheric night markets where you can savor delicious street food and pick up cheap souvenirs. For travelers after a more upscale Kaohsiung nightlife experience, the lively Lingya neighborhood offers ample accommodations and is home to the soaring 85 Sky Tower where you can sip on beautifully crafted cocktails and watch the sunset over the city.