Kaohsiung, Taiwan’s second-largest city, is a lively port with a mix of modern art, historic sites, and scenic waterfronts. Unlike Taipei, Kaohsiung’s pace is more relaxed, making it ideal for those who want an authentic experience away from tourist crowds. We especially appreciate tours that dive into local life — like the Kaohsiung Private Tour – Discover Local Hidden Gems, which offers a personalized look at the city’s less-traveled streets and stories. It’s perfect for travelers eager to see the city through the eyes of locals rather than just snapping photos of the main sights.
Some of the most engaging experiences include cultural visits like the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum or discovering contemporary art at Pier 2 Art Centre. For those craving a blend of scenic beauty and cultural insight, Kaohsiung’s varied tours are hard to beat. Whether you’re interested in a private walking experience, a comprehensive city tour, or a day trip to Kenting, this list covers the best options to help you choose.
1. Kaohsiung Private Tour – Discover Local Hidden Gems
At number one, this private walking tour offers a flexible, personalized way to experience Kaohsiung. It’s perfect if you want to get off the beaten path and explore local neighborhoods, markets, and lesser-known sights. The tour emphasizes live like a local feel, guiding you through streets and alleys often missed by travelers. The guide provides engaging explanations of culture and history, making the experience both fun and educational.
What makes this tour stand out is its customizable pace — you can focus on areas of particular interest or just follow the guide’s lead. It’s suited for travelers who prefer a private, intimate setting and want in-depth stories behind the places you visit. The reviews are glowing, with a perfect rating of 5/5 from 26 travelers, who praise the flexibility, friendliness, and local insights. For just $49 per person, this tour offers excellent value, especially if you’re keen on uncovering the soul of Kaohsiung beyond the typical attractions.
Bottom Line: If you love authentic experiences and personalized attention, this tour is a fantastic way to feel like a local in Kaohsiung.
2. Kaohsiung: Private City Tour with Fo Guang Shan Museum
At number two, this private city tour combines cultural highlights with scenic spots and includes a visit to the impressive Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum. This museum is one of Taiwan’s largest Buddhist sites and offers awe-inspiring statues and peaceful grounds. The tour is led by a professional chauffeur, giving you the comfort of a personalized experience that can be tailored to your interests.
Besides the Buddhist site, the tour features stops at the Museum of Fine Arts, the Pier 2 Art Centre, and the Love River, making it a well-rounded exploration of Kaohsiung’s artistic and scenic side. The flexibility to set your own schedule and the private guide’s local knowledge make this an excellent choice for travelers wanting a balanced day of culture, art, and relaxation. With a stellar 4.9/5 rating from 13 reviews, visitors highlight the personalized service and scenic variety.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for those who want a comfortable, flexible experience blending spiritual, artistic, and scenic highlights.
3. From Kaohsiung: Kenting & Ocean Coast Private Day Tour
At number three, this private day trip offers a taste of Taiwan’s southern coast — Kenting National Park. For around $144, you’ll explore breathtaking landscapes, marine attractions, and unique coastal scenery. The tour includes a visit to the National Museum of Marine Biology, and you’ll see the iconic Eluanbi Lighthouse at the southernmost tip of Taiwan.
The flexible itinerary allows you to customize your day, whether you want more time at the beach, to take photos, or visit specific sites. The private, air-conditioned vehicle and professional guide make the experience comfortable and smooth. Reviews note the scenic beauty and personalized service, though some mention the 4-hour drives, so be ready for a full day.
Bottom Line: This trip suits travelers eager to combine nature, marine life, and scenic coastlines into a single day, especially if you enjoy a flexible schedule and private transportation.
4. Kaohsiung: Private Walking Tour with a Local
Coming in at number four, this private, personalized walking tour offers a truly authentic look at Kaohsiung through the eyes of local residents. It’s perfect for travelers who want a less scripted, more spontaneous experience. The guide, a passionate local, shares tips, tricks, and stories about hidden corners, favorite eateries, and overlooked spots.
This tour is unscripted, allowing for spontaneity and genuine interaction. With a modest price of $48, it’s an affordable way to get a personalized, insider’s view of the city. While the review rating is 3.9/5 from 7 reviews, many appreciate the friendly guides and authentic interaction. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy walking and discovering at their own pace without a fixed schedule.
Bottom Line: For explorers who prefer an intimate, flexible approach, this tour offers personalized insights into Kaohsiung’s everyday life.
$48 per person
5. Kaohsiung: Highlights & Cultural Private Day Tour
Number five on the list is a full-day private tour that emphasizes Kaohsiung’s cultural and architectural highlights. This tour is designed for travelers who want a deeper understanding of the city’s colonial history, scenic spots, and modern developments. The tour includes a walk across the Dagang Bridge for harbor views and visits to the historic British Consulate at Takow.
The private vehicle and courteous chauffeur ensure comfort and flexibility, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The highlight is ending at Xizi Bay, an ideal spot for sunset photography and quiet reflection. While the specific review ratings are not provided, the combination of cultural insight and scenic beauty makes this a compelling choice.
Bottom Line: This tour is best suited for history buffs and those wanting a comprehensive look at Kaohsiung’s cultural landscape over a relaxed day.
$125 per person
6. Taiwan: 10-Day Private Island Tour with 4-Star Hotels
For those with more time, the 10-day private island tour offers a luxurious, all-inclusive way to explore Taiwan’s diverse landscapes. From mountains and lakes to coastlines, you’ll stay in top-rated 4-star hotels and enjoy seamless transportation and curated cultural experiences. While more expensive at $2,000 per person, this tour promises luxury, comfort, and breadth of exploration.
Highlights include visits to Yilan, Hualien, Pingtung, and Taichung, with an 8-day itinerary covering major sights, natural wonders, and cityscapes. The tour offers experienced guides and luxurious accommodations, making it ideal for travelers seeking a stress-free, high-end experience. The flexible schedule allows you to tailor many activities.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers looking for a comprehensive, luxury Taiwan tour with all logistics handled.
$2,000 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time, and interests. For a budget-friendly, authentic experience, the Kaohsiung Private Tour – Discover Local Hidden Gems is hard to beat. If you’re after a cultural or scenic day trip, the Kenting Ocean Coast Tour offers a great mix of nature and marine life. For a luxury, all-inclusive experience covering much of Taiwan, the 10-day private tour delivers comfort and variety.
For those wanting a more personal, local touch, the Private Walking Tour with a Local provides an intimate peek into everyday life. Meanwhile, the comprehensive highlights and cultural tour strikes a balance for travelers who want depth without overextending.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons (spring and fall). Think about what suits your pace, interests, and budget, and then choose the tour that will make your Kaohsiung visit truly memorable.
Kaohsiung offers a range of tours that cover everything from intimate local walks to scenic coast excursions and luxurious multi-day adventures. For most travelers, the private city or cultural tours will give a rich, personalized experience, while day trips to Kenting or the island tour provide a perfect escape from the city buzz. Whatever your style, planning ahead and choosing the right tour will ensure you get the most out of your time in this dynamic Taiwanese city.