Keelung Taiwan Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Food & Tips

Keelung is often overlooked by travelers who prioritize places like Taipei, Jiufen, and other tourist attractions. After spending nearly 3 days in Keelung and exploring this northern port city, it ended up being one of my favorite places in Taiwan.

Many travelers visit Keelung as a day trip from Taipei or maybe when their cruise is at port in Keelung, but it’s well worth spending time in this city. There is an incredible amount of things to do in Keelung from famous night markets to leisure activities.

In this Keelung travel guide, I’ll cover my recommended things to do in Keelung, places to eat, how to get there, and share my itinerary. In my opinion, Keelung deserved more than just a few rushed hours.

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Table of Contents

Is Keelung Worth Visiting?

If you enjoy food, coastal activities, and exploring off the beaten path, then yes, Keelung is absolutely worth visiting!

What makes Keelung worth visiting is that it feels completely different then Taipei. Keelung does have a maritime vibe to it with narrow streets, surprising attractions, and amazing food options.

Keelung also has one of the most famous night markets in Taiwan, the Keelung MiaoKou Night Market.

Most travelers visit Keelung as a day trip from Taipei or if their cruise ship is at port but I think you’ll get a more authentic experience if you stay in Keelung for multiple days. I stayed in Keelung for nearly three days and my itinerary was packed!

Keelung may not be the prettiest city in Taiwan but it does have a lot of character. With that being said, Keelung is absolutely a must visit and should be included in any Taiwan itinerary.

Where is Keelung?

Keelung is a coastal port city located in northern Taiwan. It’s about 25 kilometers northeast of Taipei.

Keelung is known for its busy harbor, beautiful coastline, and rainy/cloudy weather. It’s also a great location to explore other areas of northern Taiwan like Houtong Cat Village, Jiufen, or Yehliu Geopark.

How to Get to Keelung from Taipei

Getting to Keelung from Taipei is easy and affordable. There are two recommended ways to get to Keelung from Taipei, by bus or train. I’ve done both and will outline each mode of transportation below.

Getting to Keelung by Bus:

Head to Taipei City Hall Bus Station located next to Taipei City Hall MRT Station.
Look for the Kuo-Kuang Bus counters and signs for 1813 Keelung. Stand in line at Bus Stop #1 and wait for the Keelung bus to arrive. If you are unsure about which stop, there are signs and you can always ask the bus driver just to make sure.
You can purchase a bus ticket at the counter at the station or just use a EasyCard and tap when boarding. I use my EasyCard, these are preloaded cards you can buy at Taoyuan Airport or train stations.
The journey to Keelung from Taipei takes about 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Get off at Keelung Station, it’s direct.

Getting to Keelung by Train:

From Taipei Main Station, take the TRA and not the High Speed Rail.
Purchase a ticket or use your EasyCard (recommended).
Board a northbound train heading toward Keelung. Local trains to Keelung run frequent throughout the day.
The train ride usually takes around 30-45 minutes.
Arrive at Keelung Station.

Each route is the same for the way back from Keelung to Taipei.

Getting Around Keelung

Luckily, getting around Keelung is fairly easy, especially if you are staying near the station or Maritime Plaza. Most of the cities main attractions are within walking distance of each other.

For attractions that are farther out like Heping Island Park and the Shen’ao Rail Bike, I recommend hailing a taxi or using Uber.

Uber works well in Taiwan. In fact, the whole time I was in Keelung, I relied on Uber to get me to places that were farther out.

Where to Stay in Keelung

Keelung is a walkable city, so in reality staying anywhere near the train station, Maritime Plaza, or MiaoKou Night Market, is a decent place to stay in Keelung.

Based on price and location, I stayed at the Keebe Hotel and really enjoyed my stay here.

Keebe Hotel was right next to all the action. The second I stepped out the front door, I was already at the Keelung MiaoKou Night Market. It was near many convenience stores, restaurants, and just a few minutes walk to the Maritime Plaza and train station.

If interested in staying at the same hotel I did, check out the Keebe Hotel, here.

Keebe Hotel
Address: No. 215號, Rener Rd, Yutian Village, Ren’ai District, Keelung City, Taiwan 20048

Best Things to do in Keelung

Despite often being treated as a quick day trip from Taipei, Keelung has plenty to offer. In this Keelung travel guide, I’ll cover the best things to do and provide tips and recommendations along the way.

These are in no particular order, I’ll provide a Keelung itinerary further along in the post to help you maximize your time spent in Keelung.

Sample Street Food at MiaoKou Night Market

I love Night Markets in Taiwan and MiaoKou Night Market ranks up there as one of the best. For many, MiaoKou Night Market is the main reason to visit Keelung.

MiaoKou Night Market is just a few blocks from the train station and Maritime Plaza. This night market is famous for its fresh seafood, traditional Taiwanese street food, and lively atmosphere.

Walking through the glowing yellow lanterns and browsing the crowded food stalls is an experience on its own.

Popular dishes here include crab soup, oyster omelets, tempura, grilled squid, and hundreds of other delicious food dishes to try.

Some of my favorite things to try at MiaoKou Night Market include the One-Bite Sausages, Scallion Pancakes, Fried Rib Tips, Sugar Coated Fruits, and various styles of dumplings that I tried.

Visit Zhengbin Fishing Port

In almost any Keelung Travel Guide, you’ll see Zhengbin Fishing Port as it is one of the more photogenic places in Keelung.

This fishing port has become famous especially with influencers because of the colorful row of waterfront buildings that overlook the harbor.

The area combines Keelung’s old fishing port with trendy cafes, local restaurants, and scenic ocean views.

The port is especially beautiful around sunset when the colorful buildings reflect across the water, making it one of the best photography spots in northern Taiwan.

At Zhengbin Fishing Port there is also the famous T-Ham Bus Station. The T-Ham Bus Station resembles an old school American Diner that sells hotdogs.

I am not entirely sure what the story is behind the T-Ham Bus Station, but it’s a quirky attraction that is fun to take photos of or with.

It is an active bus stop, so you can hop on the bus here back to the center of Keelung.

Walk Around Heping Island Park

There are a few geoparks along the north coast of Taiwan, Yehliu Geopark is the most famous one but then there is Heping Island Park.

Heping Island Park is one of the best places to experience the dramatic coastal scenery around Keelung.

It’s just a short bus ride away from the city center. We arrived here by Uber from the Shen’ao Rail Bike and took an Uber back to Keelung.

There are several maintained trails here where you can see the unique rock formations and get stunning ocean viewpoints. There are also seasonal swimming areas in the park.

Heping Island Park is a photographers paradise. The rock formations, ocean views, and just stunning landscape make it a unique and must visit attraction while staying in Keelung.

Explore Zhongzheng Park

Zhongzheng Park is an interesting attraction in Keelung. It’s a bit quirky, interesting, beautiful, quiet, and even busy all at once.

Getting here, I took the elevator at Keelung Tower up and walked past the beautiful Pagoda. From the Pagoda, I walked to Zhongzheng Park.

The park is on a hill, elevated from the rest of the city. Because of this, you get some of the best panoramic views of Keelung. The park is famous for its massive white Goddess Guanyin Statue and the golden guardian lions.

Zhongzheng Park is also a great place for families. The day I was here, there were a lot of kid events going on. It almost feels like a theme park here but it is a temple complex with a lot going on!

Enjoy the Energy at Maritime Plaza

Located along the waterfront near the train station, Keelung Maritime Plaza is one of the best places to see the harbor and take photos. The open promenade overlooks the busy port where you can see fishing boats, giant cruise ships, and cargo ships.

The Maritime Plaza is a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists. There was a lot of fun lights strung out at night, silly mascots, and tons of people taking memorable photos.

Check out the 100-Year Bomb Shelter

Just searching Keelung on Google Maps, I discovers a Point of Interest for this 100-Year Bomb Shelter and it was not far from the MiaoKou Night Market.

According to an old sign posted here, it’s listed as a Centennial Air Raid Shelter and was built in 1903 during Japanese occupation.

Today, the bomb shelter has now been converted into a passageway in a residential area. It’s free to visit and walk through. We did this first thing in the morning. Realistically, you don’t need but 5 minutes here.

Address: 200, Taiwan, Keelung City, Ren’ai District, Wen’an Village, Jing 1st Rd

Watch the Giant Display at Guomen Square

Close to the train station and located near the Maritime Plaza, Guomen Square is a large public area in Keelung where locals come to relax and visitors can view the harbor and city skyline.

One of the main reasons I recommend visiting Guomen Square is to watch the advertisements on the big screen here. There is even an adorable cat that shows up on the street, like the one in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Here, you can also find Aniverse Keelung. It’s a fun place to experience, especially on a rainy Keelung day.

Squeeze Through Buddha's Hand Cave

Buddha’s Hand Cave is one of the more unique hidden gems in Keelung and I highly recommend adding this to your Taiwan itinerary. This temple is beautiful, interesting, and kind of thrilling.

This small cave temple is on the other side of the port and I recommend taking an Uber to get here.

The whole temple is amazing, it’s built in a cave and there are carvings on the walls. The thrilling aspect here is that there is a very and I mean very narrow passageway to a small shrine. It took me two tries to get back here, it was that tight.

I’ve never felt an adrenaline rush while exploring a temple like this. It’s a fun experience that I feel is a must when visiting Keelung.

Relax and Get a Foot Massage

Of course, I can’t write a post about Taiwan without mentioning ending the day with a foot massage.

It’s part of my daily Taiwan ritual: Tea Eggs, Night Markets, and Foot Massage.

When traveling in Taiwan, I legit get a foot massage every night, usually after visiting a night market.

I went to the Anyue Health Center two nights in a row.

Address: No. 8號, Lane 98, Ai 3rd Rd, Yutian Village, Ren’ai District, Keelung City, Taiwan 200

Best Food and Drinks to Try in Keelung

Keelung is a food lovers paradise! In Keelung, you have one of Taiwan’s most famous night markets, great local restaurants, famous Japanese chains, amazing craft beer, and literally delicious eats on every corner.

During my stay in Keelung, I am guilty for going o the MiaoKou Night Market every night. But here are some of the other recommended food spots in Keelung I tried out.

Try Everything and Anything at MiaoKou Night Market

Visiting the MiaoKou Night Market and trying all the food there is easily one of the best experiences in Keelung.

The market is packed with small food stalls serving fresh seafood, traditional Taiwanese street food, desserts, and so much more.

There are hundreds of stalls, so it’s hard to pick and choose exactly what you want to eat. Since I’ve been to dozens of night markets throughout Taiwan, I do have a few favorites. Those include scallion pancakes, sweet sausages, and pepper buns.

I think you really need at least two nights in Keelung, just to sample your way through MiaoKou Night Market. On the first night, don’t have a plan, just walk around and eat whatever looks good. This night market alone is worth a trip to Keelung.

Since MiaoKou Night Market is Keelung’s #1 attraction, it can get very busy here. But lines tend to go fast and there are so many stalls, you won’t starve.

Stand in Line for the Fried Buns at 遠東賴家水煎包

While walking around Keelung, I saw a line of locals in front of 遠東賴家水煎包 (English: Far East Lai Family Pan-Fried Buns).

This restaurant is famous for their steamed or pan-fried buns. I ordered a half a dozen with a nice mix of vegetable and meat filled buns.

I found a peaceful place to try them and the buns were outstanding. Perfect for breakfast or an early lunch.

The line was long, but I only waited for about 10-minutes and it was well worth the wait.

Address: No. 91號, Zhong 3rd Rd, Mingde Village, Ren’ai District, Keelung City, Taiwan 200

Local Food at Renai Market

Renai Market, located in the heart of Keelung is a daytime market that is fun to explore. This is a traditional indoor market that sells produce and fresh meat but there are also a few vendors and restaurants.

I love walking through local markets when I travel so I highly recommend stopping here to sample local food or just browse the stalls.

Conveyor Belt Sushi at Sushiro

Sushiro is a Japanese conveyor belt Sushi chain. I’ve never been to Sushiro outside of Japan but I was curious what differences I’d see on the menu so I stopped in for lunch.

In general, I saw a lot of similarities but the location in Keelung did have some different items on the conveyor belt. Most notably there was a softshell crab and fried food that differ from Sushiro in Japan.

Sushiro was located at Guomen Square right by the station. It’s a very fun experience. The best thing about conveyor belt sushi is that you can eat as much or as little as you want. Go to Sushiro, sample some dishes and save room for the Night Market.

Pick Up Some Local Snacks at Family-Mart

Taiwan has amazing convenience stores, in my opinion, second best right after Japan. Whenever I visit Taiwan I always make sure to visit a convenience store to see what new chips, chocolates, and other snacks there are.

There are plenty of convenience stores in Keelung, and they are open 24/7, so perfect when walking around the city and needing a snack to get you through the day until the night market opens up.

You have to try the new Coriander Doritos, they are amazing and highly addictive.

👉 I highly recommend trying the Taiwanese Tea Eggs, you can find these at convenience stores. You can read more about these delicious eggs in my 12 Must Eat Food in Taiwan post.

Sample Craft Beer at Haven Taproom & Bar

One of the best taprooms and places to sample craft beer in Taiwan is Haven Taproom & Bar in Keelung. I came here to sample Taiwanese craft beer and it did not disappoint.

The bartenders were amazing, the owner spoke perfect English and explained the beer and history behind the breweries.

Haven Taproom & Bar is a must visit when in Keelung if you want to sample good local Taiwanese craft beer.

Address: 200, Taiwan, Keelung City, Ren’ai District, Rende Village, Lane 98, Ai 3rd Rd, 5號1樓

Restaurants at Great Food Town

Another option for dining in Keelung is the Great Food Town. The Great Food Town is just a short walk from the Maritime Plaza.

The Great Food Town is a full of a nice variety of restaurants. Most restaurants here seemed like chain restaurants. The views here are nice, especially at night.

The Great Food Town, is a nice place to come to if you just want to find a nice sit down restaurant.

My Suggested 2-Day Keelung Itinerary

I spent nearly 3 days in Keelung but I feel you can see most of the sites and get a good sense of the city in a solid 2 days. I do think if you are going to Keelung as a day trip from Taipei, you’ll rush it a bit, just my opinion.

Here is my exact 2-day Keelung itinerary.

Day 1 in Keelung

Shen’ao Rail Bike → Zhengbin Port → Heping Island → Maritime Plaza → MiaoKou Night Market

Morning

Arrive in Keelung from Taipei.
Check into Hotel.
Take an Uber to the Shen’ao Rail Bike.

Afternoon

Visit Zhengbin Port to see the colorful buildings.
Walk, Uber, or take a bus to Heping Island.
Grab lunch in downtown Keelung.

Evening

Explore the MiaoKou Night Market
Go to Haven Taproom & Bar.
Finish the day off with a Taiwanese foot massage.

Day 2 in Keelung

Buddha’s Hand Cave → Guomen Square → Zhongzheng Park → MiaoKou Night Market

Morning

Start the day off at Buddha’s Hand Cave.
Grab an Uber back to Guomen Square.

Afternoon

Get lunch at Sushiro or grab pan-friend buns.
Head to Zhongzheng Park.

Evening

Rinse and Repeat from the night before. Sample more food at MiaoKou Night Market.
Find a new bar to relax and enjoy local beers or cocktails.
Finish the day with a much needed foot massage.

FAQ

Is 2 Days in Keelung Enough?
Honestly, you can see a lot of Keelung and the surrounding area in two days. I feel like one day in Keelung as a day trip from Taipei is rushing it. So I recommend at least 2 days in Keelung.

Is Keelung Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, Keelung is worth visiting. There is so much more to do in Keelung then I expected and the night market alone was worth the trip.

Can you do Keelung as a Day Trip from Taipei?
The short answer is yes. Keelung is an easy day trip from Taipei. But I recommend staying the night in Keelung.

What is Keelung Famous For?
Most notably, Keelung is famous for the MiaoKou Night Market and its delicious food. But there are also amazing coastal views here, fun attractions, and an interesting history.

Does it Rain in Keelung?
Keelung is known for its rainy weather and is one of Taiwan’s most rainiest places. Just remember to pack your umbrella and appropriate clothes, but rain should not deter you from visiting.

Do you Need a Car in Keelung?
Nope, we used public transportation to get to Keelung and used Uber to get around.

What are Some Day Trips from Keelung?
Some of the most popular day trips from Keelung are Jiufen and Houtong Cat Village.

Conclusion

While Keelung is often overshadowed by other places in Taiwan like Taipei or Jiufen, the city ended up being one of my favorite places in Northern Taiwan.

Between the MiaoKou Night Market and Shen’ao Rail Bike experience, Keelung is home to a lot of attractions and things to do to keep any traveler busy for a couple days.

This Keelung travel guide was based on my experience and visit to Keelung and I highly recommend spending more then one day here.

Have you visited Keelung or want to explore more of Northern Taiwan? Let me know in the comments. Safe Travels!

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