Taipei is known as a beacon for homosexuals in Asia, and exploring gay Taipei should be a priority for any self-respecting gay man! It flies the rainbow flag high making sure all the gays know they are safe in Taiwan! The rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender members of our community are known to be one of the best in the world! This is why if you are in Asia you should make a stop in Taiwan to visit Taipei and enjoy the gay lifestyle here.

Taipei has almost everything a gay man could want; saunas, clubs, bars, cafes, bookstores, gay hot springs, gay hostels and one of Asia’s gayest beaches. Check out our top picks for gay nudist beaches, if that’s your thing!

We spent just under a month in Taipei exploring everything the city had to offer, from the wow wow g’s to as many gay saunas and bars as possible! In this gay guide for Taipei, we will explore all the gay attractions of Taipei, where to stay, and what to do!

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Arrival into Taipei

When flying internationally into Taiwan, you are most likely going to land in Taipei International (TPE). Arriving at this airport makes it easy to get almost anywhere in Taipei, as the MRT (Metro) runs from the airport into the city and out to the suburbs.

When going into the city from the airport you can use your contactless card but be warned this is only from the Airport. So don’t try to enter the MRT from any other station with your contactless card as you will not get far. You are going to need to pick up a freedom pass from the station and top it up as you go along. You can use this for both public transport in the city as well as in some shops.

One of the first things you will also notice is that the Locals are extremely friendly! What a treat! You need to keep your street smarts as with travelling anywhere but in Taiwan crime is extremely low. So if you are lost, ask for directions or if you need help with anything the Taiwanese are more than happy to help and take pride in it.

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Gay Taipei 

The Red House in Taipei’s Ximen district is the beating heart of Taipei’s gay scene. Built in the early 1900s, its purpose has transformed over time. The Red House is now surrounded by gay bars, open-air patios, and a vibrant nightlife that welcomes locals and visitors alike. Each evening, the area fills with a mix of drag shows, themed nights, and social gatherings, creating an inclusive, lively atmosphere.

Ximen is an artsy, bustling area known as “Taipei’s Harajuku.” With its open-minded crowd, annual Pride events, and energetic street culture, Ximen is the perfect backdrop for experiencing the best of Taipei’s gay nightlife. Beyond the Ximen District, other gay venues can be found in neighbourhoods like the Zhongshan District, located north of Ximen, and dotted around the city.

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What to do in Taipei?

We were lucky enough to spend nearly a month in Taipei, and the list of things to do in the city is endless. We would try to structure our days to include an attraction and something gay, whether that is a bar, bookshop, or hot spring.

Bearing in mind most tourists will barely spend a week in this city, I’ve popped together our must-do attractions when in Taipei.

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Taipei 101 stands as a symbol of dreams and a bright reminder of what is achievable for the Taiwanese. This towering structure, with its impressive 101 floors reaching 508 metres, represents the passage of time, with each floor symbolising a year in a decade—culminating in the 101st floor, which honours all the years yet to come. Its design, reminiscent of a bamboo stalk, reflects strength and prosperity in Taiwanese culture.

At the top, The Observation Deck offers breathtaking panoramic views. However, another option is to instead book a table at one of the many restaurants within the tower. Just make sure to double-check that it has a city view rather than in the mall that resides below 101.

If you fancy a hike to get a breathtaking view of Taipei 101 get yourself over to Elephant Mountain. It’s a rather challenging hike so make sure you have good shoes and plenty of water, don’t stop at the first view of 101 but continue up for a fabulous view of the skyline and fewer people!

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A visit to this memorial is a must, especially to witness the theatrical changing of the guard—a spectacle that is grand and wonderfully over-the-top, not to mention the charming guards as well. The building itself is stunning, crafted from white stone with an octagonal structure and a roof adorned with blue tiles. Beyond its beauty, the memorial is also believed to bring good fortune to all who visit. If you’re joining a Taipei Tour, this stop should be included!

Outside the memorial is a beautiful park with plenty of buildings to explore, including the National Theatre and Concert Hall. Don’t forget to stroll around these magnificent grounds and check out the ponds, where you have the opportunity to feed the fish and capture some great photos. When leaving the park, be sure to stop at Liberty Square and admire the Liberty Square Arch.

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This wouldn’t be a gay guide to Taipei without visiting the Red House even if you do not plan a drink. It’s full of life in the day with gay shops, food and of course, the Rainbow Six crossing you won’t miss it as it is as soon as you exit the Ximen Metro stop. Head into the Adidas store to get a good snap from above.

Then Head over to the walking street area close by and experience culinary delights such as; Taiwan boba tea, seafood grills, Taiwan steak and sweet potato balls. Trust me these are the best balls you will ever eat. Check out This Tour for less than $1 to explore the area and more!

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Still unsure of what to see in Taipei? Check out Get Your Guide below for some more inspiration!

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Gay Hotels in Taipei

“Did you see the way that guy was looking at us, he is definitely cruising around this hostel”

And he was… However, since the closure of Gs Gay Hotel, there are not any exclusively gay hotels or accommodations in Taipei. That being said I have never had so many cruising experiences in hostels in my life, might as well have been strolling through a gay sauna! If you have never experienced a Hostel now is the time, some of the hostels have single rooms which are completely private others have the classic simple backpacker setup. I always check out booking.com and Hostelworld to see what has better value for money, if they are both the same price then I typically book through Hostelworld because of the meetup function they offer.

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Location is key! Nestled in the heart of the Xiamen district, this hotel offers the perfect blend of hotel comforts with a local twist. Just a three-minute stroll from Ximen Station, the bustling Ximending Shopping Area is also on your doorstep. The host, Mei, is incredibly helpful and cheerful. Simply ask her for anything you need, and she will be more than happy to assist you.

Just note with this Hotel there is no elevator so If you have bulky baggage like we did you need to consider if you can get it up the flights of stairs.

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This hostel was my first gay hostel where almost everyone on the floor was cruising, I was invited into multiple beds and shower cubicles. So if you’re looking for casual fun while you stay in Taipei this is the place to book. When booking you need to request to be on the “friendly” floor otherwise you may end up on the “straight” floor. While here I stayed in both areas of the hostel and it’s cruisy on the “friendly” floor compared to the other floors.

Miniinn is a modern hostel located a short 3-minute walk from Taipei Main station, only 1 stop from the Taipai gay district of Ximen. Mini Inn is surrounded by shopping and plenty of restaurants all within walking distance. The hostel provides basic facilities such as toiletries and all rooms have AC, perfect for when you return from a party or want to play in the hostel. Mini Inn provides both private rooms and dormitories, and you have a choice of both double and single beds. Mini Inn also provides breakfast which is a bonus.

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This accommodation is a cross between a hostel and a hotel, everyone has their own rooms which are larger than a capsule room but still quite small. There are male and female areas so you could potentially avoid contact with the opposite gender throughout your whole stay if you wanted.

The star of this accommodation is the onsen located inside and this is where it gets a bit homoerotic. No clothes are allowed in the onsen area and you must shower and use the shared bath fully naked. If you are looking for fun then head up to the onsen late at night. SingleInn also provides a nice breakfast in the morning.

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Taipei Gay Nightlife

Taipei has an amazing gay scene, it’s one of the best in Asia and has a huge variety of venues from; bars, cruise clubs, gay gyms and more. The first place to head for a gay night out is the gay RedHouse area in Ximen, as the drinks start flowing think about where you want to take your night next! A lockerroom? A fetish bar? A gay gym which serves alcohol? A sauna?

The choices truly are endless. In this guide, we will go through our favourites.

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Around the Red House, you’ll find a collection of gay bars and outdoor patios, each with its own unique vibe. From laid-back outdoor cafés where you can chat with locals and travellers alike, to lively bars hosting drag shows and themed parties, the atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive.

Some of the most popular spots include Cafe Dalida, known for its relaxed vibe, and Commander D, a classic gay bar with a bit of an edgy, alternative feel. There’s also Hero, offering karaoke nights and a warm, social vibe, and Bear Bar, a friendly spot to find your very own bear!

The nightlife here spills out into the plaza surrounding the Red House, creating an open, casual atmosphere where people can easily mingle, move between bars, and enjoy the energy of the crowd. The area also celebrates major LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, including Pride festivities, which bring even more excitement and community spirit to the area.

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Gay Clubs

Gay clubs in Taipei tend to lean towards a gay bar in the early hours of the evening, then transform into a more classic club feel late in the evening. We experienced as many clubs as we could handle in the city and there is a huge selection especially if you don’t mind popping into a straight club. We’ve highlighted only our top favourites below to help keep this guide concise.

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This is one of Taipei’s top gay clubs and one of my favourites, located near the iconic Red House and is known for its bold, lively atmosphere. The highlight is the Wet Show, where dancers perform in a “shower” onstage, adding a unique edge to the club. The club also hosts regular themed nights, like SM Night, K-pop Night, and karaoke competitions, keeping the experience fresh and fun.

With its spacious dance floor, vibrant lighting, and friendly bar staff, Locker Room attracts a mix of locals and international visitors, making it a go-to spot for anyone looking to enjoy Taipei’s gay nightlife.

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This is a must-visit destination for gay men seeking a bold and exhilarating nightlife experience. Now I must admit I was absolutely terrified when we were waiting to get in but once inside you realise how fun a venue like this can be. The club’s provocative atmosphere encourages guests to let go of their inhibitions and embrace their true selves. With its monthly themed events, known as “the Hunting Seasons,” visitors can enjoy unique activities like “Lube Wrestling” and “Small Towel Day,” which provide endless opportunities.

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Gay Saunas

Taipei’s gay saunas provide the perfect escape. With amenities ranging from luxurious facilities and themed events to clothing-optional policies, these are the best saunas in Taipei:

I was blown away by what this exclusive gym and social cruise club has to offer. The facilities are top-notch, featuring everything from showers and a steam room to private cabins and playrooms. One of the highlights for me was definitely the clothing-optional policy, which creates such a liberating atmosphere. Guests can work out in the nude, allowing for some very unique interactions, especially when spotting someone

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This popular gay sauna features a variety of amenities, including steam rooms, saunas, private cabins, and play areas, making it an ideal destination for a bit of gay relaxation and social interaction. More popular with the younger crowd this Sauna gets busy later in the evening.

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Gay Hot Springs

Hotsprings are very popular in Taiwan as a whole, when we navigated the country we visited multiple hot springs all of them had a bit of cruising going on whether it be just looking or some touching. Don’t expect any heavy action in any of these gay hot springs located in Taipei as they are not officially gay! Just note most hot springs in Taiwan only accept CASH!

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This outdoor hot spring is located on the outskirts of Taipei in the Beitou District. This all-male hot spring features a Japanese-style onsen that is popular among local men of all ages, all of whom enjoy the experience fully naked. While Kawayu Spa & Sauna isn’t specifically a gay venue, there is plenty of discreet gay activity that occurs within the sauna room, which often becomes quite crowded.

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This spa is next door to Kawayu spa and features a variety of pools, each offering different temperatures and amenities. All of the pools are gender segregated and require you to be fully naked, making it a great spot to meet other men. Additionally, there’s a spring with invigorating jets that provide a delightful massage experience! The spa tends to get particularly busy in the evenings, especially after 8 pm. This spa is amazing in the rain so if you are in Taipei on a rainy day and unsure what to do maybe add this hot spring to your list!

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There are a few gay shops around the Redhouse which are hard to miss when exploring in Ximen. However, a gay trip to Taipei isn’t complete without a trip to GinGin. This bookstore has a huge variety to choose from so you can pick up the perfect gift for yourself. The bookshop has a great ethos that has helped support the gay population in Taiwan to this day! When I was there the owner was working and it was great to chat to him about the store and the ongoing struggles that Taiwan faces with regard to its LGBTQ+ population.

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Gay Beaches

Gay beaches and Asia do not go hand in hand, it’s very rare to find a nude beach around most of Southeast Asia, usually because of religion and local laws. However, I did find one in Taiwan and it doesn’t disappoint. Don’t go expecting a crowded beach full of nude hotties just go and enjoy your day at the beach and if you see some sights lucky you! Check Here for our list of the Best Gay Nudist Beaches!

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This beach is renowned as one of Asia’s top gay beaches, offering beautiful views and a lively cruising atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for nude sunbathing, drawing local Taiwanese men and tourists in the summer. If you’re looking to sunbathe nude, head towards the Green Lighthouse from the main beach to find your spot, I recommend around HERE. For cruising, turn into the woods away from the ocean to explore the spacious cruising area. Just note that swimming is prohibited here due to strong currents.

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Recommendations 

Taipei has gone under the radar for many gay travellers over the years but now is your chance to visit. I’m lucky as my brother has lived in Taiwan for many years teaching English and luckily for me, he had a gay friend to take us to all of the gay sights which go under the radar. Highlights for me include; The Red House for its atmosphere, XL Club for its unique gym setup, Miniinn for its hostel cruising and the Hotsprings for enjoying the other company of men naked.

If you are thinking of planning a trip to Taiwan or anywhere else in Asia send us an email with all your questions to info@boysaway.com or CLICK HERE to view our other posts on travelling Gay in Asia.