Location & Transportation
When you dock in Keelung, you’ll find that the cruise terminal is conveniently located in the city center. The train station is just a 10-minute walk away, making it easy for you to explore on foot or hop on local buses. A large board right outside the port parking lot displays pictures of the main sights, which is a great starting point to plan your day!
You can also take buses directly from the port area to nearby Taipei. Trains depart roughly every 10 to 20 minutes, and the journey to Taipei Main Station takes about 50 minutes. If you prefer a taxi, just be ready to show your map with both English and Chinese labels—it helps a lot since most cab drivers speak only Chinese.
For those looking to extend their stay, there are several modest hotels and guesthouses in Keelung. They offer a comfortable resting spot after a day of exploring the city and its surrounds.
Nearest Airport
While Keelung serves as a convenient port, most international travelers will likely fly into one of Taipei’s airports. Taipei Songshan Airport is relatively close for domestic and some regional flights, whereas Taipei Taoyuan International Airport handles most international traffic. Both are accessible via train or taxi if you wish to explore further from the port.
Sightseeing
Keelung has its own charm. Nicknamed the “Rainy Port” due to its frequent drizzles, it’s a lively seaport with a rich maritime history. On foot, you can explore a number of interesting sights:
- Miaokou Night Market: Often bustling with activity, this market is famous throughout Taiwan for its wide variety of tasty snacks. Even if you arrive during the day, many of the eateries are open for a bite.
- Ershawan Fort: This historic fort boasts five cannons and provides a glimpse into the area’s military past.
- Jungjeng Park: Overlooking both the city and the harbor, call a bus (routes 101, 103 or 105 from the train station) for a short ride up to this scenic spot where you can relax and take in panoramic views.
Tours & Excursions
Keelung’s compact downtown makes it perfect for a leisurely day of exploring on foot. If you want to venture further:
- Take the train or bus to Taipei. There’s an information desk right at the port where friendly staff will provide maps and schedules. English-speaking help is available at the ticket counters.
- Once you arrive at Taipei Main Station, you can easily catch the Taipei MRT to explore famous attractions.
- In Taipei you can visit landmarks like:
- National Palace Museum: Home to the world’s largest collection of Chinese art treasures.
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: A grand monument dedicated to a pivotal figure in Taiwan’s history.
- Confucius Temple: A serene place of worship paired with historical significance.
- Bangka Lungshan Temple: Located in the Manka district, this temple, founded in 1738, is one of the most cherished religious sites frequented by visitors.
These excursions provide an excellent way to experience both the modern pulse and the historical depths of Taiwan.
It‘s a good idea to compare shore excursion costs between what your cruise line offers and options like Viator and GetYourGuide. They often provide lower prices and include customer reviews and ratings to help you choose the best option. They may also offer more more flexible cancellation or rescheduling policies than those available through your cruise line. However, while booking independently might give you more variety and potentially better rates, be mindful of your schedule - cruise line excursions are typically coordinated to match your ship‘s schedule with guaranteed pick-up and drop-off times.
There is also a great resource for finding local guides at Tours by Locals. Tours by Locals connects you with local guides who can help you plan a private personal tour, guide you, and get you back to your ship on time. You can also check out Rome2Rio for local transportation options. It is a great resource for finding how to get from one place to another, including public transportation, taxis, ferries, and more.
Shopping
While strolling through the Miaokou Night Market, you’ll discover much more than just delicious food. There are quirky souvenir shops and stalls where local artisanal crafts are available. It’s a fun environment to pick up unique keepsakes and gifts that capture the maritime spirit of Keelung.
Dining
The heart of Keelung’s culinary scene is undoubtedly the Miaokou Night Market. Here, you can taste a range of Taiwanese street food—from savory oyster omelets and bubble teas to other local specialties. Since many of the market stalls are set up along winding lanes near Dianji Temple, it’s easy to meander and sample a variety of flavors as you take in the bustling street atmosphere.
Culture & Local Events
Keelung is not just about sightseeing—it’s a place where local life and culture are on display:
- Local Currency & Exchange: Taiwan’s currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). At the cruise port, you’ll find an exchange tent offering good rates for changing your money, with the added bonus of being able to change back any unused funds before you sail away. A handy tip: NT$100 is roughly equivalent to US$3.
- Communication: English is spoken sporadically around the city. I recommend carrying a map that shows both English and Chinese labels; it makes communicating very simple, whether you’re navigating or chatting with a cab driver.
- Store Hours & Holidays: Unlike some cities with strict schedules, many shops in Keelung tend to stay open as long as there are customers. However, be aware that during busy travel periods such as Chinese New Year, the streets and transportation hubs can become quite hectic.
- Local Events: Keelung is known for its lively festivals, including seasonal celebrations at the night market and harbor festivals that reflect its maritime heritage. Keep an eye out for local events when you visit—the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming!
- Safety & Awareness: Keelung is generally safe for tourists, but as with any busy port city, keep an eye on your belongings. Enjoy your explorations but be mindful of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.