Now that the world is slowly opening up to everyone after two years of hesitation due to the pandemic, many people are rebooking their plane tickets and are excited to explore different parts of the world already, including Taipei.
Taipei is known for its cosmopolitan charm, a charming mix of the mysterious East and the innovative West. The city comes alive at night, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs to keep you entertained. Taipei is a great place to start if you want to experience authentic Chinese culture without going too far off the beaten path.
Taipei’s nightlife is as vibrant and exciting as the daytime, but some districts are better known for thrilling evenings. Taipei is filled with great nightlife options for all types of people.
For those looking to party it up and explore the city, many popular districts offer everything from delicious food at renowned markets to luxurious lounges on top floors worth checking out!
In this article, we’ll give you some of the highly recommended places to visit in Taipei if you want to experience a unique and memorable night in Taipei away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.
Here are some of the best nighttime spots for those interested in visiting Taipei.
Xinyi District
If New York City and Hong Kong had a baby, the Xinyi District would be their child. Xinyi is the most modern district in Taipei and is home to some of the city’s swankiest bars and nightclubs. Its shopping district is also a shopper’s heaven, with lots of shops and stores lined up on both sides.
Here you can find everything from high-end martini bars to dance clubs that stay open until the sun comes up. This is also where you’ll find Taipei 101, so if you want to get a bird’s eye view of the city, this is the place to do it.
Xinyi district also has many restaurants, so you can always take a break from drinking and dancing if you need to refuel. Be sure to try some of Taipei’s famous street food while you’re in the district.
Daan District
If you’re looking for a more relaxed and low-key night out, Daan is the perfect place for you. This district is home to many trendy cafes and bars, as well as a few nightclubs if you feel like getting your groove on.
Daan is a great place to go if you want to catch up with friends or meet new people, as the atmosphere is generally more laid-back than in other parts of the city. Anhe Road, in particular, offers a wide variety of bars and restaurants to choose from.
There are also plenty of great restaurants in Daan, so you can get a taste of Taiwanese cuisine without having to venture too far from the action. Be sure to try out some of the local specialties, such as beef noodle soup or stinky tofu.
Night Market
Of course, nighttime trips to Taipei won’t be complete without checking out their Night Markets. If you’re looking to experience the more “local” side of Taipei nightlife, a night market is the place to be.
Night markets are open late, and they offer a wide variety of food, drinks, and entertainment. You can find everything from small street stalls to large pavilions selling all sorts of things.
Most night markets also have a stage where you can watch traditional Chinese performances and games, and other amusements to keep you busy. Night markets are also the best places to try their street food at affordable prices.
Shilin is known as the king of the Taipei night markets, with its stunning array of stalls offering different items, from food, drinks, clothing, accessories, to gadgets and souvenirs to take home.
Yangmingshan
This place is famous for its stunning views of its restaurants. If you are looking for a place to take your date, this is one of the best places in Taipei. This place has a wonderful mixture of different types of food, and the prices are moderate.
The best time to go is at night, so you can see the city lights while you eat. There are also a lot of performances and cultural events that go on here, so it is worth your time to check out the events first when you visit. If you are bothered by the transportation to Yangmingshan, Edison tours’ Taiwan private tour will be your best option.
Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) Hiking Trail
If you want to hike at night as a way to explore Taipei, then the night hikes at the Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) Hiking Trail are your best bet. This trail is a great way to see the cityscape while you get some exercise in the process.
The trail is about 2.3 kilometers long, and it takes about two hours to complete. It’s not too challenging, but it’s worth visiting if you want to do something different on your trip to Taipei.
Chinese Massage Parlors
You cannot skip the massages when you are staying in Taipei. The best part is that the massage parlors are open till late at night, plus it’s a great way to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
Most massage places are not too pricey, and they offer a wide variety of services. You can get a traditional Chinese massage or go for a more modern massage. Whichever one you choose, you’re sure to leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
The Glass Floor Gondola to Maokong
This is the perfect place to end your night out in Taipei. The Maokong Gondola is the very first gondola transportation system in Taipei, which takes you from the Taipei Zoo Station to the Maokong Gondola Station. It’s a must-visit destination for those who want to unwind away from Taipei.
The ride lasts for about 25 minutes. Stepping off the gondola at Maokong Station, visitors will find food street and teahouses. The tea farms are famous for Bouzhong tea and Taiguan Ing. Maokong is also a hiker’s paradise. Put on the sunscreen and choose a trail to tread by day. After dusk, you can find a teahouse to taste tea, chat with friends, and enjoy the nightfall.
Karaoke Bars
No East Asian experience would be complete without a trip to the karaoke bars. The karaoke bars are a favorite among Japanese and Korean tourists, which is why most of the songs on the bars are in Japanese and Korean.
The English song selections though are limited as compared to the Korean and Japanese ones, but if you’re okay with that and you can’t wait to sing your heart out, then you’re in for a blast!
Arts and Cultural Activities
Lastly, Taipei is not all about parties and booze all night long. If you want to experience the cultured side of the city, with nearly 200 museums, Taiwan is just perfect for you.
There are art galleries, museums, and theaters that offer various performances. Although you will have to check their schedules first to make sure they’re open when you drop by. Aside from art galleries and museums, there are also traditional Chinese opera shows and martial arts performances that are worth watching.
Ready to Have a Blast?
No matter your interests, you are sure to find something that piques your interest in Taipei. From the booze and karaoke bars to chill hikes and cultural events, you have a lot of options to check out and explore the city to its fullest. Work with Edison Tours, a reputable travel agency in Taiwan, and plan your unique night trip in Taipei. Get out there and sing, dance, or hike the night away!