Keelung
Hello, fellow cruisers! Welcome to one of my favorite ports in Northern Taiwan: Keelung. This is a city that absolutely buzzes with authentic, local energy. It’s a place that assaults the senses in the best possible way, with the smell of the sea, the steam from countless food stalls, and the constant hum of a working harbor.
Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the most of your day in this wonderfully vibrant port.
⛵ Port Introduction
Keelung is Taiwan's largest and most important cruise port, nestled on the island's northeast coast. It's famously known as the "Rainy Port" (don't worry, it's often just a passing shower!), and its identity is deeply tied to the sea. The city itself is built around a deep, natural harbor, and you'll see container ships, naval vessels, and fishing boats coming and going all day.
The city has two main cruise terminals:
West Coast Terminal (Terminal 1): A beautifully renovated historic building located very close to the Keelung Train Station.
East Coast Terminal (Terminal 2): A newer, more modern facility that handles many of the large, international cruise ships.
Keelung is both a fantastic destination in its own right and the primary gateway to Taiwan's capital, Taipei, which is only about a 30-45 minute drive or train ride away. Cruisers can easily spend a full, rewarding day just exploring Keelung, especially its world-famous night market.
⚓ Terminal Information
Your ship will dock, not tender. Both the East and West terminals are right in the heart of the city, so there is no long, isolated pier to walk down. You will disembark directly into the terminal building. Both terminals are busy but efficient and fully equipped to handle large ships.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
You'll find both terminals to be modern, comfortable, and well-organized. They are permanent buildings, not tents.
Inside the terminal, you will find ample seating, very clean restrooms, and clear signage.
Amenities: There are free WiFi hotspots, currency exchange counters, souvenir shops, and an excellent Tourist Information desk with helpful, English-speaking staff.
Tour Pickups: All pre-booked tours, private drivers, and taxis gather in an organized area right outside the terminal doors.
Public Transportation: This is a huge advantage!
The West Terminal is a very easy 4-5 minute walk from the Keelung Train Station's North Exit.
The East Terminal is about an 8-10 minute walk from the Keelung Train Station's South Exit.
🗣️ Language
The official language is Mandarin Chinese (Taiwanese Mandarin). You may also hear Taiwanese Hokkien spoken among locals.
English proficiency is limited in the general population, especially among older residents. However, in key tourist spots like the port terminal, the tourist info center, and the train station, you will find staff who can communicate in English. Younger people are also more likely to speak conversational English.
Don't let this deter you! Pointing, smiling, and using a translation app goes a long way. The Taiwanese people are famously friendly and patient with visitors.
Useful Mandarin Phrases:
Hello: Nǐ hǎo (nee-how)
Thank you: Xièxie (shyeh-shyeh)
Bathroom?: Xǐshǒujiān? (see-show-jyen?)
How much?: Duōshǎo qián? (dwuh-show chyen?)
Delicious!: Hào chī! (how chir!)
💰 Money
The local currency is the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD).
Cash is King: While major department stores and restaurants will accept credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), cash is essential for taxis, small eateries, and especially the night market.
ATMs: ATMs are safe, reliable, and plentiful. They all offer an English-language option. You can find them inside the Keelung Train Station (a short walk from either terminal).
Fees: Your home bank will likely charge a foreign transaction fee. The local Taiwanese bank may also charge a small withdrawal fee (often around 100 NTD, or ~$3 USD).
Closest Bank ATM: The easiest and most reliable option is to use the 24/7 ATMs from a major bank (like the Bank of Taiwan) located inside the Keelung Train Station.
🚗 Transportation
Getting around Keelung or heading to Taipei is very straightforward.
Public Transportation (Bus/Train): This is the best option for going to Taipei. From the nearby Keelung Train Station, you can:
Take a Train: Runs every 15-20 minutes, takes about 40-50 minutes to Taipei Main Station, and is very cheap.
Take an Intercity Bus: Buses (like the Kuo-Kuang 1813) leave from a terminal near the train station, are slightly faster than the train (35-40 mins, traffic pending), and are also very affordable.
Payment: Use cash (exact change) or buy an EasyCard from a convenience store (like 7-Eleven). This is a tap-on/tap-off card that works on all trains, buses, and the Taipei Metro.
Taxis: Taxis are plentiful, safe, and regulated. Look for the yellow cabs. They all use a meter, so you won't need to haggle.
Ride-Sharing: Uber is available in Keelung and works just as it does in the U.S.
Car Rental: Not recommended for a short port day. Driving is chaotic, and you would need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
♿ Accessibility
Keelung has an accessibility rating of 7 out of 10. The cruise terminals and the main train station are modern and fully accessible. However, Keelung is an older port city. Sidewalks can be uneven, very crowded, and are often cluttered with parked scooters, making wheelchair navigation challenging. The famous Miaokou Night Market becomes extremely crowded and would be very difficult to navigate with a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
For travelers with limited mobility, the best option is to hire an accessible taxi or private van to visit specific, accessible sites.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best part about Keelung is that you are already in town! The terminals are located right on the harbor in the city center. The city's main attraction, the Miaokou Night Market, is a flat, easy 10-15 minute walk from either terminal.
🚽 Toilet
The public toilet situation in Taiwan is generally good and has been the focus of a national improvement campaign.
Availability: You can find free public toilets in the cruise terminal, the train station, public parks (like Zhongzheng Park), and temples.
Cleanliness: They are typically well-maintained and clean.
Key Differences:
Squat Toilets: You will likely encounter "squat-style" toilets. In most modern facilities, there will be at least one Western-style "sitting" toilet, often in the accessible stall.
CRITICAL: Do NOT flush toilet paper. The plumbing systems in most of Taiwan (even in new buildings) are not designed for it. There will be a small trash bin next to every toilet for used paper.
Alternatives: 7-Eleven and FamilyMart convenience stores (there's one on nearly every block) almost always have clean public restrooms.
💊 Drugstore
Watsons (Keelung Miaokou Store)
Address: No. 6, Rensan Rd, Ren'ai District, Keelung City. (Right at the night market entrance).
Hours: Typically 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
Cosmed (Keelung Store)
Address: No. 47, Ai'er Rd, Ren'ai District, Keelung City. (Very close to the market and port).
Hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM.
✨ Authentic Experience
Explore the Miaokou Night Market (Even for Lunch!): This is one of Taiwan's most famous food markets, and unlike most, it's open all day! The yellow-lantern-lined street is iconic. Support local by being adventurous. Try the thick crab soup, oyster omelet, or the Pao Pao Bing (a delicious, finely shaved ice).
Visit the Ren'ai Market: This is where the locals really eat and shop. It’s a multi-story indoor market. The ground floor is a bustling traditional market (fish, meat, vegetables). Go to the second floor to find a legendary food court full of stalls that have been serving generations of Keelung residents.
Get a View from Zhongzheng (Chung Cheng) Park: Take a short taxi ride (or a steep walk) up the hill overlooking the port to this park. It's home to a massive, 22.5-meter (74 ft) white statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. It’s a peaceful, local spot that offers the single best photo opportunity of the harbor and your ship.
