As a member of the LGBT community you will feel welcome in Taipei, one of the most gay-welcoming cities in Asia. In fact, Taipei was the first Asian city to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019. Known as the San Francisco of the East, Taipei is known for its inclusive and accepting atmosphere towards the LGBT community.
This guide will help you organize your trip to Taipei:
Best tip for your trip to Taipei:
Way Away Get low-cost flights to Taipei
Gay-Friendly Hotels in Taipei:
GS Gay Hotel (Budget hostel, 500 m away from a lively night market)
Amba Taipei Ximending (Mid-range, located in the gay-friendly district of Ximending)
Westgate Hotel (High-end hotel, close to a big variety of attractions)
Find here some tips for the best gay nightlife in Taipei:
1. Explore the Taipei Gay Area in Ximending
Ximending is the famous gay neighborhood in Taipei, drawing in a diverse group of local and international visitors. This district is well-known for its lively and accepting environment, making it a preferred destination for those in the LGBT community.
The historical landmark of Ximending in Taipei is the Red House Theater, an octagon-shaped red-bricked historical building from the beginning of last century. It is located in the pedestrian zone of Ximending district, a short walk west from Ximen Station on the MRT Taipei Metro (Exit 6).
In 2007, the theater was transformed into a popular cultural venue, attracting attention for its role in the gay community in Ximending. It hosts events such as Taipei Pride, the Mr. Gay World Taiwan pageant, and the annual LGBTQ+ New Year’s Eve countdown.
In the Ximending area, you will also find one of the best night markets in Taipei.
Whether you’re seeking a fun gay night out or simply a place to unwind and be yourself, Ximending is an excellent spot to immerse yourself in Taipei’s LGBTQ+ culture.
2. Visit Taipei Gay Bars and Night Clubs
At the Red Square area behind the Ximen Red House Theater you will find a vibrant Taipei gay nightlife scene in a large succession of gay bars. This is considered the largest outdoor gay bar area in all of Asia.
Some of the most popular gay bars in this area are:
G Paradise 39,10 alley, Chengdu Rd
Shibuya Bar 37, Lane 10, Chengdu Rd
The Garden 33, Lane 10, Chengdu Rd
Cafe Dalida 51, Lane 10, Chengdu Rd
Mudan Bar 43, Lane 10, Chengdu Rd
Commander D B1 Hanzhong St, Sec 2 (a meeting point for the BDSM community and a well-known gay cruise bar)
Out of Ximending
G- Star Club The largest and most popular gay bar in Taipei for younger people, K-Pop music, B1F., No.23, Longjiang Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City
Goldfish Bar 13 Linsen N Rd, Lane 85, Zhongshan District
Way Bar Karaoke gay bar 60 Linsen N Rd, Ln 85, Zhongshan District
Hanes Karaoke gay bar B1, No. 15, Lane 138, Linsen North Road, Zhongshan District
Matt Bar Karaoke gay bar 11 Zhongshan N Rd, Ln 121, Sec 1, Zhongshan District
Taboo Only for Lesbians B1, No. 90, Sección 2, Jianguo North Road, distrito de Zhongshan
Triangle Lesbians and Gays Night Club
3. Enjoy a Gay Sauna
Taipei is renowned for its thriving gay sauna scene in Asia, offering a variety of options including traditional Taiwanese hot springs, a popular destination among gay locals and tourists.
Taipei I/0, Hattenba (cruising space concept club) 49 Shuangcheng St, Ln 12, Zhongshan District
Hans Men’s Sauna Taipei 8F, 70 Xining S. Rd.
XL Club Taipei Gay Spa 4th Floor, No. 10, Minzu East Road, Zhongshan District
4. Taipei Gay Annual Events
Here are other great tips for LGBTQ+ on what to do in Taipei
Attend the Taiwan Pride Parade in October
If you are in Taipei in October, you will attend the second largest Pride Parade in Asia.
Taipei Pride was celebrated for the first time in 2003 with only 700 participants gathering in a park in central Taipei, many of them wearing masks to avoid discrimination.
In 2022,despite the rainy weather, 120,000 people paraded in the streets of Taipei for the city’s 20th annual Pride event.
Receive New Year in Ximending
On December 31st annually, the LGBTQ+ community gathers in Ximending to celebrate the New Year’s Eve countdown. This is the traditional way for the Taipei gay community to bid farewell to the year and welcome the new.
Where to Stay: Taipei Gay-Friendly Hotels
Budget Hotel
GS Gay Hotel is a hotel which welcomes gay people from all over the world and only accommodates gay men. It is located in the Songshan District. The Rahoe Night Market is just 500 m distance and you will find plenty of local food there.
Book a stay at the GS Gay Hotel here
Mid-range hotel
Amba Taipei Ximending is a gay friendly hotel, located in the vibrant Ximending shopping and entertainment district in Western Taipei. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Taipei Metro Ximen Station, one stop from Taipei Main Station for high-speed rail, and a 20-minute drive from Taipei 101.
Book a stay at the Amba Taipei Ximending here
High-end hotel
The Westgate Hotel is located in the bustling Ximending area. It is close to trendy boutiques, unique shops, upscale establishments, cultural attractions, and a variety of restaurants. The hotel has easy access to transportation,and is just steps away from all the food and shopping options. It is just one minute from Ximen MRT Station, making it easily accessible. A quick 10-minute MRT ride from Ximending takes you to popular attractions like Taipei 101 and the National Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall. The hotel is also a convenient 1-hour drive from Taoyuan International Airport.
Book a stay at the Westgate Hotel Taipei here
Best Time to Visit Taipei
Best time to visit is from October (Pride Parade) to November or March to April. These months boast a mild, comfortable climate with less rainfall, making it ideal for city exploration and sightseeing.
During spring, especially in March and April, Taipei is renowned for its cherry blossom season, adding to the city’s natural beauty.
If you’re looking to participate in Taipei’s festive events, consider visiting during the Lunar New Year (Jan/Feb) or the Mid-Autumn Festival (Sept/Oct).
