Of course, there’s Café Dalida, a botanical-themed bar that is known for launching the careers of countless drag queens in the country and for hosting Drag Race viewing parties. Mature queer crowds should head to Hero, whereas lesbians will enjoy the cosy stylings of Taboo, a well-established club that has been serving queer females for over 20 years.
Additional destinations for LGBTQ+ people include Bacio Taipei, Fairy Taipei, G Star and Hunt. There’s plenty of daytime activities too, with queer cafés such as Love Boat, Vixen’s Café, Sugarman, Tokyobike Taiwan, Maple Maple Cafe and The Jen Library.
The latter brings us to LGBTQ+ readers: Gin Gin is the first-ever gay bookshop in Taiwan and the first LGBTQ+ bookstore in the Chinese-speaking world. Found in a small alley in the centre of Taipei, Gin Gin sells books, magazines, clothes and sex toys. What more could you want, really?
For more historical context, 228 Peace Memorial Park is widely regarded as one of Taiwan’s most famous gay spots. Before social media and hook-up apps were a thing, this park was used as a cruising ground for gay men. It memorably served as inspiration for Crystal Boys, Taiwan’s first-ever gay novel, which was later adapted into the acclaimed 2018 drama The Outsiders.
For more information on LGBTQ+ destinations and LGBTQ+ culture in Taiwan, visit this ultimate guide map.