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Celebrate Love: Taiwan’s Hottest LGBT Spots

Taiwan recently made headlines for being the first Asian territory to legalize same-sex marriage. But even before its historic passage of the gay marriage legislation, the self-governed island has already been ahead of its neighbors in terms of tolerance and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, Taiwan has long been an exciting queer destination!

Here are the hottest LGBT-friendly places to hit in Taiwanfrom Taipei to Kaohsiung:

 

Nightlife

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The LGBT nightlife scene in Taiwan is hot and happening! In Taipei, the iconic Red House beats as the heart and soul of the queer community. Located in vibrant Ximending, it is where you will find a chain of gay bars and cafes that don’t just cater to the local crowd but to foreigners as well.

 

G*Star

One of the busiest gay dance clubs in Taipei, G*Star is frequented by the younger local gay crowd. It is known for holding themed nights and crazy parties. They also have karaoke rooms on the second floor, if you want to sing your lungs out.

B1F, 23 Long Jiang Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan, 10492
Sun – Sat | 10:00 PM – 5:00 AM

 

TABOO

TABOO is perhaps the most popular club in Taipei for lesbians. The vibe is electric and youthful, as reflected by its generally young patrons. The club features a dance floor and a DJ spins for the guests. If you’re coming during their themed party nights, dress upit’s not just fun, it also entitles you to a discount!

B1/F, No.90, Section 2, Jianguo North Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Wed – Thu | 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Fri – Sat | 10:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Sun | 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM

 

Cafe Dalida

For those who are not into blasting music and busting out some moves on the dance floor, Cafe Dalida offers a more chill hangout spot, where you can freely mingle with guests sans the ear-splitting noise that drowns out conversations. They have an impressive cocktail menu (you’ll love their mojito!), but what you’ll love most is the look of the bar. The candle-lit seating area has a canopy of hanging ornamental plants and lanterns. Cafe Dalida also has a great outdoor terrace that’s perfect for people-watching.  

No. 51, Lane 10, Chengdu Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Sun – Thu | 7:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Fri – Sat | 6:00 PM – 4:00 AM

 

On the other hand, Kaohsiung’s and Taichung’s LGBT scene is much smaller compared to Taipei’s but no less solid. They have a thriving nightlife, which means they sure know how to party, too!


X-One Club 

Ask the gay community in Kaohsiung about night clubs, and they would most certainly mention X-One Club, formerly known as Hi-Bar. It’s the city’s main gay bar and night club, where almost all the awesome LGBT events happen!

228 Nanhua Road, Sanmin District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Sun – Sat | 9:00 PM – 4:00 AM

 

Katsikafe

This Mediterranean taverna in Northern kaohsiung is super gay-friendly! When you arrive, you will be greeted by a huge rainbow umbrella right at the facade. The vibe of the restaurant is rather chill, which is great if you just want to sit down for delicious food with good company. Their salads, tapas, and main courses are not to be missed, so as are their bar drinks.

1823 Jiuru 4th Road, Gushan, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Tue – Thu | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Fri | 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sat | 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Sun | 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
*Closed on Mondays

 

PLAZA

Taichung’s most famous gay bar and nightclub, PLAZA invites everyone who loves to party. They also schedule cabaret shows for guests to enjoy.

12F, 135 Green River West Street, Central District, Taichung City, Taiwan
Sun – Thu | 9:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Fri – Sat | 9:00 PM – 5:00 AM

 

Kudos

Inspired by the energetic gay scene in Britain, owner Marco decided to open his own bar and restaurant to spark a more visible LGBTQ culture in laid-back Taichung. The menu of Kudos features local fare with a twist. Their take on the quintessential Taiwanese beef noodle soup is even named after Brighton, which is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world!

No. 14, Jingcheng 5th Street, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan
Wed – Thu | 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Fri – Sun | 9:00 PM – 4:00 AM

 

Tip: You can easily reach Kaohsiung and Taichung by taking the Taiwan High-Speed Rail (THSR). If you are flying directly to Kaohsiung International Airport or Taichung International Airport, you may book a private transfer to take you to your choice of destination in the city center and vice versa.

Book a ticket or transfer now:
Discounted Taiwan High-Speed Rail ticket from Taoyuan International Airport
Discounted unlimited Taiwan High-Speed Rail ticket
Private transfer to Kaohsiung
Private transfer to Taichung

*Check out this post for other hassle-free and affordable airport transfer options in Taiwan.

 

 

Massage and Saunas

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After unleashing your wild side in the club, strip down for a rejuvenating spa treatment or sauna experience. If you’re a fan of self-pampering, then you’ll be happy to know that Taiwan boasts a great selection of gay massage spas and saunas for you to relax and let out some steam… literally.

 

The Royal Spa

Get the royal treatment at The Royal Spa, which is dubbed as the biggest all-male spa in Asia. They offer a wide range of massages including Thai, Chinese, acupressure, and more. Needless to say, this world-class men spa has a highly-trained lineup of masseurs, who can be booked through their official website.

60 NeiJiang St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Mon – Sun | 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
*Make your reservation from 11:30 AM – 11:45 PM

 

Sauna Taipei I/O

This up and coming sauna and cruise club with a hattenba concept. They don’t just offer state-of-the-art facilities (TV lounge, gym, KTV room, and more!), they also hold live shows with weekly themed events like nude, Fundoshi Night, and Japanese bondage. If you’re in the mood for some action, they have free condoms and lube available.

49 Shuangcheng St, Ln 12, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Sun – Thu | 12:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Fri | 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sat | Open 24 hours

 

Soi 13in Sauna

Reopened in 2017, Soi 13in Sauna is originally known as “Rainbow Sauna.” It is one of the first and original gay saunas in the city that now features modern facilities including a locker room, a hot tub, a steam room, and lounge rooms—among many others.

13 Minsheng E Rd, Sec 1, Zhongshan District, Taipei, Taiwan
Open 24 hours

 

 

Art and Culture

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Immerse yourself in the queer side of Taiwan’s robust art and culture scene, which ushered in the progress of the country’s acceptance towards the LGBTQ+ community.

 

GinGin Store

GinGin Store’s claim to fame is being the first bookstore dedicated to the Chinese gay community. It ignited discussion on homosexuality and now stands proudly as one of the earliest establishments that helped shape Taiwan’s gay culture. When you visit, you might chance upon a promotional event aimed towards the LGBT community like a book signing, a public forum, or a film promo. Such events are held ever so often in the store.

1F, No. 8, Alley 8, Lane 210, Section 3, Roosevelt Road, Taipei City, Taiwan
Wed – Mon | 1:30 PM – 9:30 PM
*Closed on Tuesdays

 

Witch House

Walk into the Witch House and you will instantly notice its quirky interiors that scream feminism and sex positivity. Pen Yu-Jin, who calls herself “Big Witch,” founded the cafe in 1996. Through the years, the cafe has hosted and seen the early beginnings of notable Taiwanese singers and bands like Cheer Chen, Sandee Chan, Deserts Chang, and Sodagreen. It is now tagged as the “cradle of indie musicians” in Taiwan.

No. 7, Lane 56, Section 3, Xinsheng South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Sun – Wed | 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thu – Sat | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

 

Fembooks

Right next to the Witch House is Fembooks, which is known as the first feminist bookstore that caters to the Chinese community. Members of Taiwan’s first women’s movement activist group opened the store in 1994 to sell books by, about, and for women.

No. 7, Lane 56, Section 3, Xinsheng South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan
Tue – Sun | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
*Closed on Mondays

 

228 Peace Memorial Park

The 228 Peace Memorial Park is among Taiwan’s most famous gay spots. Once known as the Taipei New Park, it served as the major setting of Taiwan’s first groundbreaking gay novel “Crystal Boys” by Pai Hsien-yung. The story is set in the ‘80s and tells the coming-of-age tale of a young gay man, whose journey towards belongingness begins when he comes across a group of gay youth at the Taipei New Park.

Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan

 

 

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