Gay bars in Taipei can be found almost all in one place: around the Red House in the Ximending district. The striking red brick building dates back to the Japanese colonial era and now serves as a cultural centre. On the square behind it, the largest concentration of gay bars in the city has formed over the years. Open bars with open-air tables are lined up here, with drag shows, karaoke and small clubs in between. On balmy evenings, you sit outside, watch the people and move casually from table to table. The area is easily accessible by metro, the Ximen station is right in front of it.
The atmosphere is relaxed and very open by Asian standards. Taiwan became the first country in Asia to introduce same-sex marriage in 2019, and you can see that in the nightlife too. The audience is made up of locals, guests from the region and travellers from the West. While some restaurants at the Red House focus more on relaxed pre-drinking outdoors, others go on until the early hours of the morning with a DJ and dance floor. If you prefer something a little harder, you will also find themed bars in the district. Because everything is close together, an evening can easily be spanned from the quiet terrace to the night of dancing. The following addresses will help you find the right restaurant for your evening.