Let’s cut to the chase—Taiwan is one of the best places in Asia to travel solo.

After 20 days of backpacking in Taiwan, I have realised this country is clean, safe, easy to navigate, and refreshingly low-drama. Yet somehow, it still flies under the radar compared to neighbouring Japan or Korea.

But for those in the know, Taiwan offers something far better: genuine hospitality, the freedom to roam at your own pace, and the quiet joy of being left alone without ever feeling lonely. It is slow-paced, even in busy Taipei. Perfect to slow-down if you are looking to slow down, but are still a city-traveller.

Why Taiwan Works So Well for Solo Travellers?

1. Safety is a Given

Let’s start with the obvious; During my visit to Taiwan, I fathomed that Taiwan is one of the safest places in the world. In fact, it is almost on par with Singapore. Public nuisance is not within sight and violent crime is rare.

Locals will often go out of their way to guard an umbrella until the owner comes back, or chase after you when you dropped your EasyCard—Yes, I’ve seen it for myself. You can walk through night markets or hop between temples at dusk without the creeping sense of needing to watch your back. There’s also a deeply embedded social etiquette—one that values harmony, respect, and not making others uncomfortable. For a solo traveller, that is gold.

2. Public Transport That Just Makes Sense

Taipei’s MRT is everything you would want in public transportation: clean, colour-coded, punctual, and hassle-free. And the best part? People queue with no pushing.

The High-Speed Rail zips down the west coast, linking Taipei to Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung in under a few hours. On the east, slower trains glide through valleys, cliffs, and quiet towns.

You don’t need a car. You don’t even need to read Mandarin. A transport card and a rough plan will do. That being said, the Taipei Main Station is a maze—the underground stretch is massive, covering a very big area of Taipei as the underground malls and walkways acts as an air shelter. The signages can be confusing at first (and I definitely got lost more than once), but after a three days of exploring, I think I’ve gotten the hang of it.

ABOVE High Speed Rail ticket from Taipei to Taichung (Left), HSR Station in Taichung

3. Café Culture and the Art of Being Alone

Taiwan is also a haven for café-hopping introverts. Whether in Taipei’s Da’An or Zhongshan, or tucked into a quiet lane in Taichung, cosy cafés are everywhere—and solo diners are just part of the scene.

Eating alone? Totally normal. Sipping coffee slowly? No one bats an eye. You can journal, read, or just sit there doing nothing. No stares, no pressure. Just you, your drink, and your own little world. Cafes and restaurants in Taiwan usually have a corner for solo diners to eat comfortably.

ABOVE Some photos taken at the cafes in Da’An, Taipei

The Cultural Norms in Taiwan That Make It Easy to Be Alone

In many parts of Asia, eating alone can still feel awkward. But, not in Taiwan.

Solo dining is normal here. Step into any noodle shop and you’ll spot people quietly enjoying beef noodles or rice sets without a fuss—much like Japan. Even hot pot restaurants cater to one-person meals, with bar seating and individual pots made just for solo diners.

ABOVE Taipei Tian Hou Gong Temple at Ximending

Interested in exploring the temples alone? You will not need a guide. Most temples have clear explanations and number markers on incense burners that show you where to start and end your prayers. It’s designed to be intuitive, even for first-timers. Visiting alone doesn’t feel strange—in fact, it feels peaceful.

If you need help, locals are approachable and polite. They’ll lend a hand when asked, then step back. Many even make the effort to speak English, no matter how basic.

Suggested Route: A Slow Southbound Journey

Here’s a simple route that solo travellers can enjoy over a week or two. Of course, if you have more days to spend in each city, your experience will be all the more immersive.

Taipei (5 Days)

Start in the capital. Wander Ximending for youth culture. Hike Elephant Mountain for views. Visit Longshan Temple for spiritual grounding. Catch indie films or soak in hot springs at Beitou. Spend your evenings at Ningxia or Raohe Night Market. Don’t rush. Taipei isn’t flashy like other Asian cities or capital, but it grows on you. As an introduction to Taiwan’s culture, Taipei has it all; culture, arts, nightlife, nature hikes, and a diverse variety of cuisine.

Taichung (3 Days)

The cultural heart of Taiwan. If I were to relate this city to another, it would definitely is be Penang in Malaysia: Old streets, quiet temples, and some of the best street food on the island. Although I was not the most adventurous in Taichung during my travels, I must say that this city is a creative hub. If you’re in to arts, music and creatives, this city is for you as there are various art galleries, and bazaars catering to the younger crowd (check out Calligraphy Greenway on the weekends).

Kaohsiung (2 Days)

End in Kaohsiung. It’s more industrial and modern—but has its own charm. Picture this: art parks and waterfront promenades to visit. While the infrastructure is similar to Taipei, I realised that life here is drastically slower. If very slow-paced-city-life speaks to you, Kaohsiung will be your perfect match. From here, you can take the high-speed rail back to Taipei or fly home from Kaohsiung Airport.

There have been several recurring questions that I received during my trip, with the primary one being “Are the cities outside of Taipei worth exploring?”. And my answer is this: it really depends on what you want to do and what interests you.

If you’re looking to experience the city at large and going for nature-centric expeditions is not your main thing, then staying right in Taipei is good enough as it has everything you need; from hiking trails to night life; unless you’re looking to experience the different paces and norms of each city.

But if you are interested in sightseeing at destinations such as the Wind Turbines in Taichung or the Lotus Pond in Kaoshiung, you should definitely make a visit to the other cities.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a crew to enjoy Taiwan. You don’t need a travel partner to feel safe. Taiwan won’t overwhelm you. It doesn’t demand that you tick off bucket lists or shout about it online. What it offers instead is subtlety, sincerity, and a quiet kind of companionship. For solo travellers, I think that’s more than enough.

Honestly? If you want a place that lets you feel free, free to explore, to wander, to reflect—Taiwan might just be the best-kept secret in Asia—but not for long!