Taipei is one of the most gay-friendly cities in Asia. But it wasn't always this way. There was a time when LGBT people had to seek temporary escape in 228 Memorial Park as well as hidden gay bars and karaokes.

Funky Club, a gay disco dance club, was established in the 1990s. Following this development, more gay spaces started to "come out." Well-known venues included French, which was once popular with foreigners but is no longer in business.

The city now sees a lot more LGBT spaces, and Good Eye Taipei, a new bilingual Taipei city guide, recommends five gay bars worth checking out.

TABOO

Address: No. 1, Section 2, Jianguo N Rd, Taipei City (台北市建國北路二段90號地下1樓)
Hours: Wed. 22:00 to 3:00, Fri.-Sat. 22:00 to 4:00.

taboo

Photo Credit: Good Eye Taipei

A lesbian-exclusive night club.

Bacio Taipei

Address: No. 11, Lane 160, Section 1, Dunhua S Rd, Da’an District (台北市敦化南路一段160巷11號)
Hours: 21:00 to 2:00, closed on Mondays.

Bacio_Taipei

Photo Credit: Good Eye Taipei

With a name that means “kiss” in Italian, Bacio is a bar full of love.

Triangle

Address: No. 1, Yumen St, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan (台北市中山區玉門街1號)
Hours: Sun. and Tue. 22:00 to 00:00, Wed.-Fri. 20:00 to 2:00, Sat. 20:00 to 4:00.

tr

Photo Credit: Good Eye Taipei

A regular spot for the boys’ party “Werk.”

Commander D

Address: B1F, No. 36, Section 2, Kaifeng St, Taipei City (台北市開封街二段36號地下1樓)
Hours: 21:00 to 2:00

c

Photo Credit: Good Eye Taipei

A bar for more hardcore friends.

PLUS

Address: No. 27, Section 1, Anhe Rd, Taipei City (台北市安和路一段27號)
Hours: Tue.-Thu. and Sun. 21:00 to 2:00, Fri.-Sat. 21:00 to 4:00

plus

Photo Credit: Good Eye Taipei

A newly-established sophisticated bar with KTV booths.

“Good Eye Taipei” can be purchased at all major bookstores in Taiwan. Check out TNL’s interview with the author here.

Editor: Olivia Yang