Keelung (Taipei) Shore Excursions & Cruise Tours to Local Highlights

Keelung Shore Excursions are the ideal way for cruise passengers to experience the best of northern Taiwan in just one port day. Serving as the main gateway to Taipei, Keelung allows travelers to discover world-famous attractions, historic sites, lively markets, and beautiful coastal scenery.

Cruise ships visiting Keelung dock at Keelung Port (Port of Keelung), one of Taiwan’s largest and most convenient cruise ports. The port is located right in the city center, allowing cruise passengers to start their Keelung shore excursions almost immediately after disembarkation.

Keelung Port features modern cruise terminals. Two most common terminals (East Passenger Terminal and West Passenger Terminal) are within walking distance of local shops, seafood markets, and waterfront areas. From the port, it takes approximately 30 - 45 minutes to reach Taipei, making popular attractions such as Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and the National Palace Museum easily accessible on a shore tour.

Thanks to its central location and well-developed transportation infrastructure, Keelung Port is an excellent gateway for cruise travelers exploring northern Taiwan through organized shore excursions.

Why Our Keelung Shore Excursions from Port Stand Out?

- Authentic Keelung Shore Excursions with Premium Care -

Travel with Expert Local Guide

Our team of local guides has deep knowledge of Keelung culture, history, and natural environment, offering travelers rich and insightful experiences.

Designed for Cruise Ship Guests

All Taipei shore excursions are carefully designed to align with cruise ship schedules, ensuring you make the most of your visit without missing your departure.

Safe & Reliable - Trusted by Travelers

All Keelung excursions from cruise port adhere to international safety standards and include comprehensive insurance coverage for your peace of mind.

Niu Rou Mian

Xiao Long Bao

Hu Jiao Bing

Lu Rou Fan

Exploring local cuisine is one of the most rewarding experiences on Taipei shore excursions, especially for cruise travelers arriving via Keelung. From iconic street food to world-famous restaurants, Taipei offers a rich food culture that reflects Taiwan’s history and creativity.

Beef Noodle Soup (Niu Rou Mian)

Beef noodle soup is considered Taiwan’s national dish and a staple of local cuisine in Taipei. It features a rich, slow-simmered broth with tender braised beef and springy wheat noodles. This comforting dish is easy to enjoy during short Taipei excursions and is widely available near major sightseeing areas.

Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)

Xiao long bao are delicate steamed dumplings filled with seasoned pork and hot, flavorful broth. Carefully folded and steamed, they are best enjoyed fresh and are a highlight of many Keelung shore excursions. Famous restaurants and local eateries alike make this dish accessible to cruise travelers.

Pepper Bun (Hu Jiao Bing)

Pepper buns are crispy on the outside and juicy inside, filled with pork and generous amounts of black pepper. Baked in traditional clay ovens, they are especially popular at Raohe Night Market. This dish is perfect for travelers who want a quick yet authentic street food experience during a Taipei port visit.

Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan)

Braised pork rice is a classic everyday dish loved by locals throughout Taipei. Minced pork belly is slow-cooked in soy sauce and spices, then served over steamed rice for deep, savory flavor. It offers cruise visitors a genuine taste of local life on Keelung shore excursions from Keelung.

Understanding Taipei’s weather helps cruise travelers plan more comfortable and enjoyable Keelung shore excursions from port. Taipei has a subtropical climate, with distinct seasonal characteristics that can affect sightseeing, outdoor activities, and travel time from the port.

Spring (March to May)

Spring offers mild temperatures and blooming scenery, making it one of the best seasons for sightseeing. Occasional rain showers are common, so light rain gear is recommended. This season is ideal for city walks, cultural sites, and scenic Taipei shore excursions from Keelung.

Summer (June to September)

Summer in Taipei is hot, humid, and often rainy due to typhoons and afternoon showers. While popular attractions remain open, travelers should plan indoor activities or shorter outdoor visits. Early departures from Keelung port to Taipei help maximize sightseeing before peak heat.

Autumn (October to November)

Autumn is widely considered the best time to visit Taipei, with cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and clear skies. These conditions are perfect for full-day Keelung shore excursions, outdoor landmarks, and photo opportunities. Cruise travelers especially enjoy the comfortable weather during port calls in this season.

Winter (December to February)

Winters are mild and relatively short, with cooler temperatures and occasional rain. While it’s less crowded, travelers should dress in layers and expect damp conditions. Winter remains a good option for museum visits, food-focused tours, and relaxed Keelung shore excursions.

Best Time for Taipei Shore Excursions from Keelung

For most cruise passengers, spring and autumn provide the best balance of pleasant weather and sightseeing comfort. These seasons allow smooth transfers from Keelung cruise port to Taipei and flexible itineraries without extreme heat or heavy rainfall. Planning with seasonal weather in mind ensures a smoother and more enjoyable Keelung shore excursion experience.

Getting around efficiently is key to making the most of your time ashore. Fortunately, transportation on Keelung shore excursions is convenient, reliable, and well-suited for cruise travelers visiting Taipei and nearby attractions.

Private Vehicles for Keelung Shore Excursions

The most comfortable and popular option for Keelung shore excursions is a private car or van with a driver. This allows direct transfers from Keelung port to Taipei attractions without waiting, fixed routes, or language barriers. Private transportation is ideal for cruise schedules, especially when traveling from Keelung cruise port to Taipei.

Cruise-Ready Guided Tours from Keelung Port

Many travelers choose guided Keelung shore excursions that include transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a well-planned itinerary. These tours are designed around ship arrival and departure times, ensuring a smooth return to the cruise port. This option offers peace of mind and efficient sightseeing in a limited timeframe.

Train from Keelung to Taipei

Independent travelers can use local trains from Keelung Station to Taipei Main Station, with travel times of about 40 - 50 minutes. While affordable, this option requires walking from the cruise terminal, navigating stations, and managing time carefully. It is best suited for experienced travelers familiar with public transport.

Taipei MRT (Metro System)

Once in Taipei, the MRT is fast, clean, and easy to use for reaching major attractions. It’s a practical way to explore the city during Taipei excursions, especially for museums and central landmarks. However, coordinating MRT travel with a tight cruise schedule requires careful planning.

Taxis and Ride Services

Taxis are widely available near Keelung cruise port and throughout Taipei, offering flexible point-to-point travel. They are reasonably priced but may be affected by traffic during peak hours. This option works well for short distances or when combined with other transportation methods.

With limited port hours and travel time to consider, a few practical preparations can help ensure your Keelung shore excursions run smoothly and stress-free. The tips below are designed to help cruise travelers stay comfortable, manage time wisely, and fully enjoy every moment of their day on land.

• Check your ship’s docking terminal at Keelung Port in advance to avoid confusion on disembarkation day.
• Plan your itinerary based on port time, especially if traveling from Keelung cruise port to Taipei.
• Book shore excursions with return-to-ship guarantee for peace of mind.
• Start early in the morning to avoid traffic and make the most of your time ashore.
• Dress comfortably and wear good walking shoes, as many attractions involve walking.
• Bring light rain gear or an umbrella, as weather can change quickly in northern Taiwan.
• Carry some local currency (TWD) for markets, street food, and small shops.
• Keep your passport or cruise ID with you when leaving the port.
• Avoid overpacking your schedule to allow buffer time for traffic on the return to port.
• Choose private or small-group tours for flexibility and a smoother shore excursion experience.

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from cruise travelers planning Keelung shore excursions. These answers will help you better understand logistics, timing, and what to expect when exploring Taipei and northern Taiwan from Keelung Port.

Make the most of your cruise stop in Taiwan with expertly designed Keelung shore excursions tailored to your ship’s schedule. Plan with confidence and enjoy a stress-free day exploring Keelung and Taipei.