KEELUNG (TAIPEI)

Keelung is a port city in northern Taiwan that has small temples, a historic fort, local shopping and dining options, and a few hiking trails. While exploring Keelung can make for a relaxed day, the real purpose of Keelung is to serve as a gateway to Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, which is 18 mi/ 30 km inland.

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There are easy public transportation options that will get you to Taipei from Keelung in 45 minutes. Before heading out, don’t forget to pick up some Taipei maps and information from the visitor staff inside the cruise terminal for some reading material on your trip into the city.

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Once in Taipei, you may wish to explore the street markets, take a ride to the top of Taipei 101, see pandas at the zoo, enjoy a walk around National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, or soak up the local art at the Huashan 1914 Creative Park among other fascinating cultural, historical, and modern-day points of interest.

If Taipei doesn’t pique your interest, consider heading to the Yehliu Geopark, Shifen Waterfall, or to the historic decommissioned mining town of Jiufen, which is our favorite alternative destination. Jiufen is a labyrinth of alleyway streets lined with shopping, tea houses, and countless food options serving up delicacies such as taro ball soup, glutinous rice, and fish balls.

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Quite often, ships will have a late sail or overnight stay in Keelung. If so, be sure to stop by the famous Miaokou Night Market which is a few blocks away from the port at the mouth of the Dianji temple. People from across Taiwan travel into Keelung for this night market experience, with peak times being 7pm-10pm.

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Keelung is an amazing opportunity to soak in the essence and culture of Taiwan, and a port you want to plan ahead for in order to fully maximize your time.