Gay Taipei | Guide for LGBTQ Travellers

Taiwan has long been positive towards the LGBTQ community. Taipei’s ex-mayor and current President is particularly supportive and have set aside generous government funding for LGBTQ events putting gay Taipei on the map.

Happily, after passing a law to legalise marriage between same-sex couples, they are now officially the most gay-friendly country in South-East Asia and gay Taipei is thriving in tandem with this progressive attitude.

There are hundreds of places for LGBTQ people to meet and have fun. Red House, an inner-city multi-level village of gay bars, funky dance clubs, and shops is a must-visit for anyone wanting to get involved in the local LGBTQ scene.

The Pride March in October is extra-ordinary. People travel from all over the world to get involved in this vibrant festival of activism, magnificent outfits, and the joy of being accepted for who you are.

Best Hotels in Gay Taipei

Hotels in Taipei are universally LGBTQ friendly but there are some which the community prefers due to their convenient location near favourite clubs and bars.

Gs Gay Hotel

This lovely hotel is in the heart of the Songshan District. Guests are greeted cheerfully with free hot or soft drinks in reception at the 24-hour front desk. There’s free wi-fi and the hotel is across the road from the delicious food of the Raohe Night Market.

> Book your stay at Gs Gay Hotel

Ximen Taipei – DreamHouse

Ximen Taipei – Dreamhouse is a cute and cosy hotel tucked away just a ten-minute walk away from the main train station.  The rooms are stylish rather than ostentatious and guests can enjoy free wi-fi, air conditioning, TV, and a mini-bar. The hotel’s location at the centre of energetic Ximending is perfect for exploring all that Taipei has to offer.

> Book your stay at Ximen Taipei DreamHouse

Inhouse Hotel

The Inhouse Hotel has a fabulous location close to the hubbub of the gay scene in Taipei. It’s a hip hotel with colourful, brightly lit stylish rooms that were designed in homage to the famous Red House Theatre. There’s an in-house restaurant that serves excellent western and Chinese food or the night markets are nearby for takeaways.

> Book your stay at Inhouse Hotel

Westgate Hotel

The hotel’s location in the very middle of the ‘action’ and the artwork in the reception of the Westgate sets the scene for a lively stay. However, the hotel vibe is surprisingly relaxing and

the owners have worked hard to create a peaceful oasis that allows guests to recover from partying hard. The late breakfast and checkout are an indication of that thoughtfulness. 

> Book your stay at Westgate Hotel

Gay-friendly Tours in Taipei

Taipei is a city that has long had power and influence over the political and cultural life of Taiwan. It’s an exciting combination of ancient and modern with Buddhist temples sharing humid air with sky-scraping tower blocks.

Guided tours are an excellent way to learn all about the history and future of this incredibly welcoming city.

Gay-friendly restaurants in Taipei

Trying new and unusual food and drink is one of the great joys of travel and the fantastic cuisine of Taipei is worth exploring.

There are plenty of LGBTQ friendly restaurants and cafes all over the city. It’s a food lover’s dream! The main food styles are Japanese, Korean, and Chinese, all with a Taiwanese twist.

Street food is safe, plentiful and SO good but if you’d rather sit down at a table in a fancy restaurant then Taipei has lots of wonderful places to choose from.

Din Tai Fung

Your first stop should be the original branch of this internationally renowned steamed dumpling restaurant chain. It’s thirty years old and sits on the corner of Xinyi Road and Yong Kang Street and, thanks to the Michelin star, is popular with all kinds of people.

Al Revés

Al Reves, western-style gay-owned restaurant is around the corner from Red House and gay run. They welcome all with open arms. The atmosphere is chilled, and the tasty, creative food is inexpensive.

Cosby’s in Red House

This lesbian-friendly burger restaurant is iconic. The American style burgers are possibly the best in the country and are brilliantly priced. The company is wonderful too and when the kitchen closes the bar opens until the early hours.

Gay-friendly bars & nightclubs | Taipei

Fairy Taipei

Fairy Taipei is styled like a beach house and has a clean-cut, hip clientele. The cocktail menu is colourful, fruity, and strong. If you prefer a simpler tipple, they sell a fine range of craft beers.

The basement dance floor is fun, it’s the opposite of seedy and attracts a young crowd. Themed parties and big events are a big part of most weekends.

Red House

Red House was built in 1908 as a public market and is rightfully proud of being the home of the first gay bar in Taipei.

It’s THE place for LGBTQ people to shop, drink and socialise and so the bars are fantastic! There are open-air cocktail terraces, cosy pub like dens, and sophisticated gin bars.

Café Dalida

If a tourist asked a local for a gay bar recommendation, it’s very likely that they would eagerly suggest Café Dalida.

They have an amazing cocktail menu and serve the best Mojitos in the whole of Taiwan. It’s a fun place that also serves tasty food.

At night there’s a live DJ and customers dance till late on the outdoor terrace. Café Dalida is an awesome place for people-watching and is much-loved by locals and tourists alike.

Club Funky

Club Funky one of the older gay clubs in Taipei and is the perfect place for men of all ages to have a night of fun.

The dance floor is huge and there is plenty of comfy seating around the edge. The bubbly DJ plays a mix of Asian and international pop music which keeps the crowd moving all night.

Taboo

Taboo is Taipei’s best-loved lesbian nightclub and is busiest on a Wednesday night and throughout the weekend. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch one of the International DJ’s who often visit the city to play a set. The elaborately themed nights at Taboo are a regular event too.

PLANNING YOUR PERFECT TAIPEI TRIP

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Vanessa Ball