Best gay bars in taipei

At the same time dazzlingly modern and beautifully traditional, Taipei is one of the most visited cities in Asia. Home to over 7 million inhabitants, the city is the political, economic and cultural heart of Taiwan. For visitors, Taipei offers an exciting blend of east meets west and old meets new. The city is a safe and welcoming place to visit as an LGBT traveler, and is considered by many the gay capital of Asia.

Overall, Taipei has a much more prominent and outspoken gay community than anything you see in neighboring China. In fact, many see Taiwan, and Taipei in general, as a sort of democratic, liberal version of China. Both countries share a lot of their history and culture, but Taiwan has passionately fought to have an independent identity and is self-governed.

The area is great for gay bar hopping and also includes some gay saunas, shops, and cafes. Gay Taipei has a great collection of gay saunas and spas, in which you are almost guaranteed some action. Most gay travelers opt to stay in central Taipei, near to Ximending and the Zhongxiao East Road shopping area. The area has a great selection of hotels to fit a range of budgets and tastes.

If visiting Taipei for a gay festival or Pride weekend make sure to book well in advance, perhaps a few months ahead.

Gay Taipei guide 2025: gay bars, clubs, saunas, events and more

Those popular gay-friendly hotels get booked up early for these events. Taipei is seen by some as the capital of gay rights in Asia, combining an exciting gay nightlife and community and a progressive approach to LGBT rights. The law came into effect on 24 May and same-sex couples got married on the first day they were legally allowed to do so.

Gay Taipei is home to a vibrant nightlife, although gay number of the largest gay clubs have closed in recent years. Nonetheless, the gay party and sauna scenes are still going strong, and hold up their own against big Asian gay hubs like Bangkok and Tokyo. On a day-to-day bar, it is common to see gay couples holding hands, but not kissing.

Practice safe sex at all times — both condoms and lube are easy to find in most convenience stores, as well as a few sex shops around town. Nowadays, it is relatively run-down, but contains some fascinating heritage architecture and commerce. This is based around the iconic Red House Theater.

Zhongzheng — The city centre, concentrating government offices, Taipei Train Station, the National Museum, two large parks, and several temples. Zhongshan — home to the main gay nightclub, G-Star. A former financial and business center, it is now full of hotels and restaurants, as well as a few parks, museums, and galleries.

ZhongXiao East Road is particularly good for shopping and trendy gay cocktail bars. Xinyi — The financial district, and the place to go for brightly lit skyscrapers and a constant buzz of the big city. During the day, check out Minsheng Community, a lovely tree-lined hipster enclave filled with coffee shops and designer boutiques.

If you are planning to stay in the taipei during your stay, this is a best place for a more traditional Taiwanese experience just a minute train from the city centre. From Taipei Songshan Airport — This airport is in the city itself.