10 Awesome Things to do in Taipei at Night

If you’re planning a trip to Taipei, chances are you’re probably wondering what to do in Taipei at night. If so, you’ve come to the right place!

Taipei, Taiwan’s vibrant, colorful capital hub, is a magnificent city to explore at night. The streets are always teeming with people, neon lights shine brightly, and there’s an electrifying vibe in the air! Moreover, there’s plenty to keep you busy!

Taipei has much to offer locals and travelers during the night – from a booming nightlife scene and bustling night markets to impressive landmarks and spectacular night views. All in all, the city is a mecca for night crawlers! In fact, if you’re looking for an epic night out on the town, there’s no better place than Taipei!

In this Taipei nightlife guide, I’ve rounded up the TOP things to do in Taipei at night to help you figure out how to spend an evening in Taipei. I’ll cover Taipei’s top attractions to visit at night, what to do in Taipei after dusk, where to stay in Taipei, and tons of handy tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect Taipei night itinerary.

There will be opportunities for sightseeing, feasting, bar hopping, and clubbing. So no matter what you decide to do, get ready for an epic night out in Taipei!

Ready to see what to do in Taipei during the night? Let’s go! Read on to find out what to do in Taipei after dark.

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Taipei at Night: Nightlife Essentials

To make the most of your night out in Taipei, here are a few essentials that may come in handy. 

• EasyCard – You’re probably going to make good use of the public transport in Taipei and the rest of your stay in Taiwan. For a seamless journey, grab an EasyCard to tap and go on the subway, buses and local trains.

• Sim Card – Make sure to grab an unlimited 4G SIM card upon arrival at the airport. This way, you’ll be able to plan your stops, access maps or translations, and have a stress-free trip. 

• Slim Power bank – You’re definitely going to need this if you’re worried about your phone’s battery running out. Or even worse, getting lost in the city without battery power. This power bank is super small, and 90% lighter than other power banks on the market. So, it easily fits into your pocket or handbag. 

• Take a food tour – If you’re a foodie or a more adventurous traveler, you’re definitely going to want to join a food tour! This Ningxia Night Market tour is super fun, and you’ll get to sample lots of tasty famous local snacks! 

• Join a Pub Crawl tour – The best way to dive right into Taipei’s booming nightlife scene is on this Taipei Pub Crawl. You’re guaranteed a good time and perhaps even make a few new friends. 

How to get Around Taipei at Night

Taipei’s extensive MRT (subway) can get you practically anywhere in the city. It’s also the easiest way to get around when exploring Taipei at night. Trains are cheap and run frequently, but it’s probably good to know that the subway only operates between 6 am and 12 am. 

Therefore, if you plan on partying all night in Taipei, it’s best to grab a taxi back to your hotel. Like elsewhere in Taiwan, you can flag down a cab on the street or book one via any iBon machine in 7-11 stores. Alternatively, if you can read a bit of Chinese, be sure to download the LineTaxi app on your mobile. 

Top Tips: Grab Taiwan’s local top-up card, the EasyCard, to explore Taipei at night hassle-free.

The Best Things to do in Taipei at Night

Wondering what to do in Taipei tonight? If so, you’re in luck! Taipei has a booming nightlife scene with so much to keep you busy well into the night – from amazing sunset viewing spots to a thriving nightlife scene.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the best things to do in Taipei during the night. You’ll have a chance to see the city’s dazzling lights, feast your way through bustling night markets, dance the night away, and get a taste of Taipei’s buzzing nightlife vibe. I’ve also included the best places to stay in Taipei, as well as tons of tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect night out in Taipei. 

Since there are so many great things to do in Taipei after dark, it’s nearly impossible to fit them all in on just one night! So, feel free to tailor this Taipei night guide to your own needs and preferences. After reading this Taipei night guide, however, you will have a good idea of what to do in Taipei during the night. 

Take a Ride on the Taipei Sightseeing Bus

The best way to quickly get a taste of Taipei in a short amount of time is with a ride on the Taipei Sightseeing Bus. It’s a relaxing ride taking you past all the city’s highlights – from landmarks and museums to night markets and shopping areas. Taipei’s sightseeing bus has two routes, and although you could easily see most of the city’s top sites on the red course, I highly recommend doing the blue course too. This way, you’ll get a feel for the town and also see which places you’d like to return to later during your time in Taipei. Grab your Taipei Sightseeing bus ticket here to enjoy a seamless journey!  

Top tips: If you do decide to do both routes, you should start your journey in the afternoon. The last bus on the blue route leaves at 16:40, and 8 pm for the red course. Both depart from Taipei Main Station. 

Of course, if you want to get off at one stop and explore the area, you can easily hop on another bus later on. There are also four different passes ranging in time available.

Watch the Sunset at Elephant Mountain

Watching the epic sunset from atop Elephant Mountain is a massive must on your night out in Taipei. Situated not too far from Taipei 101, Elephant Mountain is a relatively short hike, but a tough one. Steep stairs lead you to huge boulders and mind-blowing views over the far-stretching city. The hike up the mountain only takes about 20-30 minutes depending on your fitness level. 

Elephant Mountain is a popular spot among photographers and wannabe influencers alike, so it’s best to come at least an hour before sunset to grab the best viewing spot. If you’re brave enough, scramble up on one of the boulders from where you can get an even better view! 

Top Tips: You may want to bring a small flashlight along for the walk down in the dark. Alternatively, make sure to charge your phone before you go!

Grab Dinner at Din Tai Fung

Taipei has a fantastic food scene with more than its share of restaurants, making choosing just one a challenge. However, no visit to Taipei will be complete without trying the mouthwatering and super juicy xiao long bao (soup dumplings) at Din Tai Fung – one of the most famous restaurants in all Taiwan! There are a few branches in Taipei, but visiting the Taipei 101 branch is highly encouraged. If time permits, it’s best to head here during the week as there is often a long queue of hungry patrons eagerly waiting to sample these famous dumplings. Better yet, grab this Din Tai Fung set voucher to cut waiting in the line in half! 

Top Tip: Din Tai Fung closes at 10 pm on Fri – Sat, and 21:30 on other days. You will find them in B1 of Taipei 101. 

ALSO READ: Taiwan Itinerary: 2 Perfect Weeks in Taiwan

Admire the Cityscape from Taipei 101

Seeing the city light up from atop the tallest building in Taiwan is a massive must while exploring Taipei during the night! 

Taipei 101 is the most popular tourist attraction in the city. And for an excellent reason. As the former tallest building in the world, it towers 508m over the city and offers spectacular views over the entire cityscape. Today, Taipei 101 is the tallest green building in the world and home to a high-end mall and several areas where you can enjoy the breathtaking city views. Some of the most notable features of the tower include a high-speed elevator, a giant 660-ton wind damper, and a museum. 

Start by exploring the indoor observatory on the 89th floor. Then head up the stairway to the 91st floor to access the outdoor observatory (weather permitting). Both observatories are open from 9 am to 10 pm every day.

It’s important to know, though; the line to access the observatory is always long, no matter what time of day you visit! Make sure to grab a fast pass ticket to skip the lines. This way, you’ll have more time to admire the views and grab a latte and pineapple cake! At least, that’s what I always do!

For an even more thrilling experience, you may also want to consider this priority pass to the Skyline 460 Observation Deck. 

Top Tip: If time permits, come during the week as weekends are even more jam-packed. 

Explore Taipei’s Night Markets

Night markets are a thing in Taiwan, and in Taipei, it’s an essential part of the city’s nightlife scene. In fact, the best way to really get to know Taipei is to follow your stomach! And, visiting the city’s lively night markets is the perfect way to do just that!

With more than 20 night markets to choose from, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Taipei after dark. Some of the most popular night markets include Roahe, Shilin, and Ningxia night markets. 

However, the quickest way to sample the best Taiwanese street food is to take a local food tour with a guide. This Ningxia Night Market tour is lots of fun! The guides are super knowledgeable, and it’s a great way to taste unique local dishes from hawkers included in the Michelin Guide Taipei 2018 Bib Gourmand Selection. 

Besides eating your way through all the food stalls dishing up popular Taiwanese food like stinky tofu and bubble milk tea, you’ll also find many stalls selling anything from clothes and shoes to cellphone accessories and knick-knacks. 

Top Tip: Just a word of advice, Taipei’s night markets can get severely crowded! So come a bit earlier in the evening or get ready to join the scrum! 

Visit CKS Memorial Hall

At night “Liberty Square” is just as amazing as it is during the day, if not more. 

As the most prominent landmark in the city, the sprawling 250,000 square meters plaza is home to several important points of interest, most notably Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

Make sure to visit before 6 pm if you want to go into the main exhibition hall or see the giant bronze statue of Chiang Kai Shek up close. Afterward, take a gentle stroll around the grounds to see the dazzling display of lights, do some people watching or practice your night photography skills. 

Liberty Square is a beautiful site and one of the best places to visit in Taipei at night.

Enjoy the Vibe at Ximending

Ximending is a lively pedestrian shopping district in Taipei and a massive must for night owls. Here you’ll find everything from international brand name stores to hip little boutique stores and literally everything in between! 

After dark, Ximending comes alive and is often teeming with locals and tourists alike. It’s a great place to shop, grab a bite, people watch and soak up the city’s magnetic vibe! All in all, making it a great add-on to your list of things to do in Taipei at night! 

Chill at the Best Bars in Taipei 

If you are keen to experience the vibrant nightlife of Taipei or new to the city, then one of the quickest ways to find it is to join the Taipei Pub Crawl tour. Taking a pub crawl tour at the beginning of your visit to Taipei is a great way to find out the best places to mingle with other travelers, expats, and locals. What’s more, you’ll have a good idea of where to hang out for the rest of your visit.

If you prefer discovering Taipei’s hot spots on your own, there’s plenty of choices – all guaranteeing a fun night out in Taipei. From casual places and hipster hangouts to posher areas mixing up boozy cocktails! 

Top Tips: A night out in Taipei generally requires putting in a bit more effort into your wardrobe choices. It’s best to avoid shorts and open shoes if you are a guy, while it’s not uncommon to see girls partying the night away in ridiculously short shorts. 

Here are the best bars in Taipei, all highly recommend for a fun night out in Taipei! 

• Frank Taipei – A laid back lounge on the rooftop of ATT4Fun with mesmerizing views of Taipei 101. 

• Barcode – A stylish, yet fun cocktail lounge with both indoor and outdoor seating. There’s also a pool table to keep you entertained, and the music is usually decent.

• On Tap – If you’re looking for a proper old school type pub, On Tap is just the answer. It’s a casual place with a laidback vibe, offering a wide selection of beers and other more potent drinks.

• Revolver – Just a stone’s throw from CKS Memorial Hall, you’ll find one of the most atmospheric bars in all of Taipei! On weekends, it’s a lively place packed with expats who come to mingle and enjoy underground music.

Dance the Night Away at the Best Nightclubs in Taipei

Taipei is a great city for a fun-filled night out. If you’re after a bit of dancing, you’re in luck! The city is home to a plethora of nightclubs guaranteeing an epic night out on the town! What’s more, most of Taipei’s nightlife scene is actually pretty close to Taipei 101, allowing you to move from one place to another quickly. 

Ready to put on your dance shoes? Here are the best nightclubs in Taipei: 

• OMNI – One of the fancier clubs in the city, but also the best! With its large dance floor and world-class DJ’s spinning EDM nonstop, get ready to party the night away here. 

• Vibe – A cool club, featuring a dance floor, a huge cocktail bar, and several digital beer pong tables for those looking for an alternative to dancing.

• Triangle – A popular hangout spot among the expat crowd. Triangle is a great place to meet new people and enjoy Taipei’s nightlife scene. Be sure to check out their FB page as they usually have different theme nights.

• 1001 Nights – If you’re after a laidback atmosphere, don’t miss stopping by 1001 Nights. It’s a cool place, especially if you want to enjoy shishas. 

• Roxy Rocker – The best alternative club in the city and a great place to chill. There are two separate rooms, each playing different music genres. If you’re looking to dance to old school rock classics, you won’t find a better place in Taipei than here. 

Sing Your Heart out at KTV

Another super fun thing to do in Taipei at night (and practically anywhere else in Taiwan) is to go to KTV. It’s the perfect place to show off your singing skills and have fun with friends. 

Like elsewhere in Taiwan, you won’t need to look too hard to find a KTV. They are literally everywhere! But, unless you’ve rounded up a bunch of local friends, it’s best to steer clear of the dodgy-looking KTVs. Instead, go to one of the more prominent franchises like Party World or Holiday. 

To make it worth your while, go in a group of at least 3-4 people, especially since you’ll need to rent an entire karaoke room. My motto is always the more, the merrier! 

The KTVs in Taiwan generally have different packages depending on the size of the room and how long you want to rent it. Once inside, you can also order drinks and even food to fill your belly after that vocal workout. 

Where to Stay in Taipei

Taipei is huge, so it’s important to stay somewhere convenient. The best places to stay in Taipei for nightlife are Xinyi, Ximending, or near Taipei Main Station. Other decent areas, albeit a little quieter, include Da’an and Zhongshan.

If you’re planning on visiting a few of the pubs or clubs in Taipei, staying near Taipei 101 is highly encouraged. Alternatively, try to at least stay near an MRT station to make getting around a little easier. 

Note: Choosing the perfect place to stay in Taipei can be tricky, especially since there are loads of options. I’ve personally handpicked these hotels to make things a bit easier for you and help you make the most of your time in the city. More importantly, all of these hotels have 24-hour front desks, so there’s no need to keep a close eye on the time when exploring Taipei at night! 

Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Taipei. 

Best Hotels and Hostels to Stay in Xinyi

Both Work Inn or Just Inn Taipei offer great value for money and are perfect for travelers visiting Taipei on a shoestring. While travelers or couples looking for something a bit more upscale may want to consider Home Hotel– a trendy mid-range hotel, featuring many facilities to compliment your visit to Taipei.

If you’re looking to treat yourself, check-in at W Taipei – one of the poshest hotels in Taipei. The W is within walking distance of Taipei 101 and offers world-class amenities. 

Best Hotels and Hostels in Ximending

Via Hotel Ximen is an excellent budget option for travelers looking for a bit more than a hostel. What’s more, the hotel is located mere steps from the Ximending Walking District. 

Just Sleep Ximending, on the other hand, is an excellent upscale alternative. The hotel features contemporary rooms and excellent value for money. There are two metro stations nearby, allowing easy access to the city and all it has to offer. 

Westgate Hotel is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a 4-star stay. The hotel is a short stroll from Ximen Station and steps from the Ximending Night Market. 

Best Hotels and Hostels Near Taipei Main Station

Travelers looking for excellent value for money at budget hotel rates may want to consider staying at CityInn. The hotel features bright trendy rooms and is within walking distance of Taipei Main Station. 

Hotel Relax is an excellent base to explore some of the city’s top sights. The interior is a bit eclectic, but the rooms are spotless and the breakfast tasty. There are also a bunch of restaurants and shops nearby. 

The Sheraton Grand Hotel is a luxurious 5-star hotel near Taipei Main Station. The hotel features beautiful rooms and a rooftop pool – an excellent place to kick back and get a birds-eye view of the cityscape. 

Need more options? Find more hotels and compare prices here on Agoda. 

Whether you’re a local or just landed, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Taipei at night! What’s your favorite thing to do in Taipei during the night? Drop your comments below. 

Before you go, you might also like my guide on the best things to do in Taipei solo to find more of the city’s gems while this detailed First Timer’s Guide to Taipei will surely come in handy too. Want to explore the city’s outskirts? Check out these unmissable day trips from Taipei.

Want more ideas for exploring Taipei and further afield? Follow my Facebook, where you can ask questions to help you plan your visit to Taiwan.

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