The Ultimate Gay Travel Guide to Taipei, Taiwan: Night Markets, Saunas, Culture, and Nightlife Hotspots
Whether you’re a sweaty traveler on an MRT adventure, a local twink who can debate bubble tea toppings for hours, or someone who just wants a stiff cocktail and a handsome guy to show you around, this is your no-nonsense guide to the best of gay Taipei.
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To cut through the tourist fluff, we went straight to the source — asking real Grindr users in Taipei where they eat, drink, dance, and recover. Take a look below for our curated travel guide:
Favorite Queer-Friendly Restaurant or Food Spot
These are the places you start your night with dumplings and end it three cocktails deep.
Mudan Bar & Restaurant – Ximen (Red House Plaza)
Old-school queer comfort food meets open-air bar vibes. Mudan has been serving Taiwan’s LGBTQ+ community for years with tasty Taiwanese xiaochi (snacks) and grill bites, all under rainbow lanterns.
📍 No. 45, Lane 10, Chengdu Rd, Wanhua District (behind The Red House)
🔥 Tip: Grab a plate of stir-fried noodles and join the communal table. By your second Taiwan Beer, you’ll be trading Grindr profiles with the table next door.
Din Tai Fung (Taipei 101) – Xinyi District
Yes, it’s a world-famous dumpling house and totally worth it. Think of Din Tai Fung as a pilgrimage spot for foodies (queer or otherwise) – the soup dumplings here are little pillows of heaven. The vibe is bustling but classy, and you’re just as likely to spot a table of gay friends on brunch as you are a family of tourists. It’s queer-friendly by sheer inclusivity – everyone’s too busy slurping and moaning over dumplings to care who you’re holding hands with.
📍 4F, Taipei 101 Mall, No. 45, Shifu Rd, Xinyi District (inside Taipei 101, access via Taipei 101/World Trade Center MRT)
🔥 Tip: The wait can be long, so go early or reserve. Practice your Xiaolongbao nipple pinch technique (lift those dumplings gently)!
Ay-Chung Flour Rice Noodles – Ximending
Street food legend and post-club ritual. There are no seats – you’ll join a huddle of patrons standing and slurping big bowls of vermicelli noodles in rich broth loaded with oysters and pork intestine (for the Western palate—trust us, it’s better than it sounds!). This corner stall has been around forever, and at 2 a.m. you’ll find drag queens, club kids, and maybe your latest Grindr chat all in line for a late-night snack.
📍 No. 8-1, Emei St, Wanhua District (in the Ximen pedestrian area, near Exit 6 of Ximen MRT)
🔥 Tip: Slurp confidently! It’s an art. Keep one hand on your bowl and one eye on that cutie next to you. Nothing says “marry me” like bonding over pig intestine noodles at 3 in the morning.
Best LGBTQ+ Bar or Nightlife Spot
There’s “out all night,” and then there’s Taipei. These are your non-negotiables for queer nightlife.
Café Dalida – Ximen (Red House District)
The granddaddy of Taipei gay bars and the drag hotspot that basically launched the local scene. Café Dalida is an open-air bar with a neon-lit patio that’s perfect for people-watching (and cruising) in the Red House plaza. Expect a lively mix of locals and foreigners, drag shows that range from campy to absolutely unhinged, and a soundtrack of pop anthems that’ll have you singing along by your second mojito.
📍 No. 51, Lane 10, Chengdu Rd, Wanhua District (in the Red House courtyard, Ximen MRT Exit 6)
🔥 Tip: Arrive by 9pm if you want a seat (seriously). Order the signature mojito, tip the drag queens, and don’t be shy – by the end of the night you might be onstage attempting a Mandarin pop lip-sync. Ni hao, new superstar!
G*Star Club – Zhongshan District
Ready to dance your pants off (perhaps literally)? G*Star is Taipei’s most famous gay dance club, hidden in a basement but known citywide for its high-energy parties. Three words: pop remixes galore. The crowd here skews younger and local with plenty of cute college guys and pop enthusiasts, but everyone is welcome as long as you’re ready to sweat on the dance floor. There’s a bar, a stage for occasional go-go boys or drag performances, and even private karaoke rooms when you need a breather (or a duet with that handsome stranger).
📍 B1, No. 23, Longjiang Rd, Zhongshan District (near Songjiang-Nanjing MRT – listen for the bass thumping underground)
🔥 Tip: Dress to impress (or undress). The later it gets, the wilder the crowd. Don’t be surprised if you end up shirtless, covered in glitter, belting out Britney with ten new friends. This is your Taipei club-kid moment – live it fully.
Wonder Bar – Da’an District
A lesbian-owned gem and inclusive haven in Taipei’s East Side. Wonder Bar is all about chill vibes, strong cocktails, and a crowd that feels like your queer friend circle back home. It’s a smaller lounge with cozy couches and a zero-attitude atmosphere – you’ll find queer women, trans folk, non-binary pals, and allies mingling like it’s a house party.
📍 No. 23, Lane 38, Section 1, Anhe Rd, Da’an District (hidden in a lane near MRT Zhongxiao Anhe – look for the rainbow flag by the door)
🔥 Tip: Come on a themed event night (think queer trivia or acoustic sets). The friendly bartenders might just invent a cocktail for you based on your vibe. And yes, there’s a secret menu shot – ask for the “Gayby” if you’re feeling bold.
Must-Visit Cultural or Artistic Spot
Because even the thirstiest traveler needs a break from dropping it low at the club. Take a breather and get cultured with these must-see spots.
The Red House (Honglou) – Ximen
A cultural landmark turned queer landmark. The Red House is a historic 1908 theater with a gorgeous octagonal structure – by day it hosts quirky artisan shops and occasional art exhibits, but by night its surrounding plaza becomes the epicenter of gay Taipei. Walking through its brick archways knowing it’s been witness to a century of drama (from Chinese opera to drag extravaganzas) gives you goosebumps. It’s basically Taipei’s Rainbow Ground Zero.
📍 No. 10, Chengdu Rd, Wanhua District (Ximen Station Exit 6 – you literally can’t miss the big red brick building)
🔥 Tip: Visit in early evening. Tour the little cultural museum upstairs (peek at old theater memorabilia), then snag a pic with the big rainbow sign out front. If you’re lucky, you might catch an outdoor drag or music performance in the plaza. Culture + gay nightlife in one stop? Yes please.
GinGin LGBTQ+ Bookstore – Zhongzheng District
Part bookstore, part community center, all queer culture goldmine. GinGin is Asia’s first LGBTQ+ bookstore, a cozy fourth-floor haven packed with queer literature, zines, pride merch, and indie art. It’s the kind of place you can flip through a Taiwanese gay manga, chat with knowledgeable staff about the local LGBTQ+ scene, and maybe catch a weekend talk or small art exhibit.
📍 1F, No. 8, Alley 8, Lane 210, Sec. 3, Roosevelt Rd, Zhongzheng District (near MRT Taipower Building, just follow the rainbow stickers up the stairwell)
🔥 Tip: Pick up a sexy comic or a Pride souvenir to support local queer artists. If you’re traveling solo, check their bulletin board for LGBTQ+ events happening during your stay – you might end up at a queer film screening or underground voguing night you’d otherwise miss.
Longshan Temple – Wanhua District
When you need to atone for last night’s sins (or pray for future ones), hit up Taipei’s most famous temple. Longshan is an ornate Buddhist-Taoist temple that’s been around since 1738 – think golden dragons, incense galore, and worshippers of all ages. It’s not “queer” in the obvious sense, but queer locals (and hopeful tourists) do come to pray for love here.
📍 No. 211, Guangzhou St, Wanhua District (Longshan Temple MRT – the temple is right outside Exit 1)
🔥 Tip: Dress modestly (save the crop top for later) and observe the candle-lighting ritual. Make a wish for true love or a hot date – the deities don't judge. After soaking in the spiritual vibes, stroll to the nearby herbal tea shops for a revitalizing drink.
Favorite Queer-Friendly Gym or Workout Spot
Get sweaty now, so you don’t have to turn the lights off later.
Da’an Forest Park – Da’an District
Taipei’s own version of Central Park, lovingly nicknamed “Gay’an Park” by some locals for its plethora of shirtless joggers. Da’an Forest Park is a green oasis with running paths, ponds, and even an outdoor tai chi plaza. By morning, you’ll see toned guys doing yoga or jogging laps (bonus: cute dog walkers everywhere). By evening, the mood lighting makes it perfect for a stroll with that new friend you met on Grindr.
📍 Xinsheng South Road & Section 2, Xinyi Road, Da’an District (Right at Daan Park MRT Station)
🔥 Tip: Go at sunrise for the tai chi and stay for the impromptu pull-up contests at the park’s fitness area. If you’re feeling bold, join a local badminton game – nothing breaks the ice like a little sweaty competition with the cute stranger in short shorts.
Xinyi Sports Center – Xinyi District
Who needs a luxury gym when Taipei’s public sports centers are this good? The Xinyi Sports Center is a multi-story fitness palace complete with a gym, swimming pool, and even a climbing wall, all at budget-friendly day-pass rates. It’s clean, modern, and right in the fancy Xinyi neighborhood. The crowd is mixed but you’ll definitely spot some gym bunnies and maybe a visiting businessman or two sneaking in a quick pump before hitting the town.
📍 No. 15, Guangfu South Road, Xinyi District (near Taipei City Hall MRT Exit 3)
🔥 Tip: Day pass costs less than your grande latte, so no excuses! Hit the rooftop track for a killer view of Taipei 101 while you run. And if you forgot your water bottle, the vending machines sell protein shakes—gains, babe. Go get ‘em.
World Gym (Ximen Branch) – Wanhua District
If you must get your grind (and Grindr) on at a proper gym, World Gym Ximen is the place. This branch of the popular chain is smack in the middle of the gayborhood, meaning eye candy on every treadmill. It’s got all the standard equipment, plus a hefty dose of queer-friendly energy.
📍 B1, No. 36, Xining South Rd, Wanhua District (Ximen Station Exit 6, under the Wannian Building shopping complex)
🔥 Tip: They offer one-day passes (around NT$600). Bring your own padlock for the locker and your best gym attire. Pro move: hit the sauna room after your workout – it’s basically a preview of tonight’s party, with fewer clothes.
Hidden Gem or Lesser-Known Spot You Need to Check Out
Here’s where the real stories begin. Off-map, dimly-lit, and full of strange magic.
Witch House (女巫店) – Da’an District
A quirky café-bar-meets-live-music-den near university campus, Witch House is an alt-queer cultural landmark. By day it’s a chill cafe serving waffles and coffee to artsy queer folk and indie music lovers. By night, it transforms into an intimate live house featuring local bands, folk singers, and the occasional drag folk music mashup. This is the spot for a low-key night of board games and craft beer, or a starting point before club-hopping.
📍 No. 7, Lane 56, Sec. 3, Xinsheng South Rd, Da’an District (near Shida Night Market and NTU – look for the witch logo sign)
🔥 Tip: Check their event schedule; you might catch an open-mic night and end up listening to a non-binary punk band singing about tofu. Order the enchanted hot chocolate (spiked with a little whisky).
Yong He Soy Milk King – Da’an District (Late-Night Eatery)
The name might not scream “gay hotspot,” but hear us out: this 24-hour Taiwanese breakfast joint is the unofficial after-party canteen for Taipei’s night creatures. Stumble in at 4 AM and you’ll find a glorious mess of drag queens with their wigs askew, club kids in glitter, and maybe a few gym rats breaking their diets – all feasting on steaming bowls of salty soy milk, crispy youtiao (fried crullers) and scallion pancakes.
📍 No. 102, Fuxing South Rd, Section 2, Da’an District (corner of Fuxing and Xinyi Rd; open 24/7, just follow the smell of fresh soy milk)
🔥 Tip: Try the shāo bǐng yóu tiáo (flatbread stuffed with fried dough). Don’t worry about your diet at this hour.
Commander D – Ximen (BDSM Bar)
Tired of the same old bar scene? Head to Commander D, Taipei’s first and only BDSM-themed gay bar, for something a little spicier. Tucked away on a second floor, it’s surprisingly easy to miss – until you’re inside and greeted by a harness-clad bartender and walls adorned with kinky art. The crowd here ranges from curious newbies (nervously sipping beer) to leather daddies proudly flaunting their gear. It’s friendly, it’s wild, and it’s definitely a story to take home.
📍 2F, No. 10, Chengdu Rd, Wanhua District (above the shops at Red House, entrance hidden next to a leather goods store – of course 😈)
🔥 Tip: No need to suit up if you don’t have gear – casual attire is fine (but leave the flip-flops at home). Show respect: ask before touching anything or anyone. Try their strong “Master’s Special” cocktail.
Final Thoughts
Taipei is truly a queer paradise of its own. A city where you can slurp street noodles at 3 am, sweat out those toxins in a rooftop gym by noon, pay respects to a temple deity in the afternoon, and march in Asia’s biggest Pride parade come October – all while feeling welcomed and celebrated for who you are.
So pack an umbrella (seriously, surprise rain is real), charge your phone (the grid here is also real), and say hi to that drag queen ordering boba in front of you. In Taiwan, love wins and everyone’s invited – now get out there and make some memories.
