Best Bars in Taipei: Discover the City’s Most Vibrant Nightlife Spots

Taipei’s nightlife scene is as dynamic as the city itself — a fusion of creativity, culture, and cocktails. Whether you’re into craft mixology, speakeasy hideouts, or rooftop bars with skyline views, Taipei has a bar for every mood. In this 2025 guide to the best bars in taipei, we’ll take you from secret alleys in Zhongshan to buzzing nightclubs in Xinyi, and cozy local favorites that only insiders know.

Source: Canva

Best Bars in Taipei – A Snapshot of the City’s Nightlife Scene

Taipei’s nightlife is a vivid reflection of the city’s personality — creative, dynamic, and endlessly evolving. From rooftop cocktail bars to underground speakeasies, Taipei has become one of Asia’s most exciting drinking destinations. Whether you’re visiting for a few nights or planning a longer stay, the city offers a remarkable range of bar experiences for every mood and budget.

Taipei’s Signature Bar Culture

Unlike some cities where nightlife feels rushed or competitive, Taipei’s bar culture thrives on warmth and connection. Locals love to talk about flavors, ingredients, and design. A night out here often feels like a conversation between bartender and guest — not just a transaction.

Modern Taipei bars emphasize craftsmanship and storytelling. Mixologists experiment with local ingredients like oolong tea, lychee, smoked plum, pomelo, and Taiwanese whiskies. It’s not uncommon for bartenders to share the origin of the herbs they use or explain how the flavors connect to Taiwanese seasons.

Popular Districts for Nightlife

To help you navigate, here’s a breakdown of the top nightlife areas:

• Xinyi District: Known for its luxury skyscrapers and skyline views, this area is packed with rooftop bars and high-end lounges.
• Zhongshan District: Home to stylish speakeasies and creative concept bars hidden behind unmarked doors.
• Da’an District: Taipei’s creative hub — full of experimental cocktail bars and food-pairing lounges.
• Ximending: Youthful, energetic, and inclusive, especially known for LGBTQ+ nightlife.
• Gongguan: Close to universities; cheap drinks, friendly crowds, and live indie music.
• Yuanshan: Near Taipei Expo Park, relaxed yet trendy bar scene. Converted warehouses and open-air bars mix with art installations and food stalls.

The Rise of Taiwanese Mixology

Over the past decade, Taiwan’s mixology scene has exploded onto the global stage. Bars such as Indulge Bistro, Aha Saloon, and Le Kief have appeared in Asia’s 50 Best Bars list multiple times.

What makes Taipei’s mixology unique is its fusion of global techniques with local ingredients. You might find a Negroni infused with mountain tea, or a gin sour that uses passionfruit and calamansi. The creativity reflects both Taipei’s international mindset and its deep respect for local culture.

Source: Canva

Best Bars in Taipei – Top Picks by District

Each neighborhood in Taipei offers a distinct vibe. Below, we explore what makes each district special — and where to find the best cocktail bars in taipei.

Xinyi District – Rooftop Views and Upscale Lounges

If Taipei has a skyline that rivals any in Asia, it’s Xinyi. Towering over the city, Taipei 101 glows as you sip on finely crafted cocktails.

Must-Visit Bars:

• Frank Taipei: A rooftop gem with panoramic views, known for its signature cocktails and lively atmosphere.
• Barcode: One of Taipei’s first upscale bars, it remains a go-to for its elegance and classic cocktail list.
• Marquee(MQ): With large windows overlooking the city, it’s an ideal spot for after-dinner drinks.
• Bar Mood(吧沐): A hybrid between a cocktail bar and restaurant, praised for its balanced and innovative drinks.

Vibe: Elegant, cosmopolitan, and social. Perfect for celebrations, dates, or simply toasting the night away with a skyline backdrop.

Da’an District – Craft Cocktails and Hidden Gems

Da’an is Taipei’s creative soul — think of it as a blend of Brooklyn’s artistic flair and Tokyo’s attention to detail.

• Indulge Bistro is a must. Run by renowned mixologist Aki Wang, the bar blends art, science, and Taiwanese flavors. Try the “Formosa Highball,” a refreshing mix of whisky and local mountain tea.
• R&D Cocktail Lab attracts serious cocktail enthusiasts. Drinks are presented like science experiments — precise, aromatic, and elegant.

Other favorites:

• Tei by O’Bond(沓沓仔・明茗茶酒研究室): Tea-inspired cocktails and intimate service.
• Draft Land: A revolutionary concept bar serving pre-batched craft cocktails on tap — efficient yet high quality.

Vibe: Trendy and intellectual, ideal for cocktail connoisseurs or anyone who appreciates flavor storytelling.

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Zhongshan District – Speakeasies and Cozy Hideouts

Zhongshan is the beating heart of Taipei’s speakeasy culture. Narrow alleys and unmarked doors conceal some of the city’s most exclusive bars.

• Ounce was Taipei’s first hidden bar. Behind a café-style entrance, it opens into a moody room of jazz and dim lighting. Drinks are custom-made based on your flavor preferences.
• Aha Saloon, designed like a 1920s New York cocktail bar, often hosts guest bartenders from around the world. Their creative menu and award-winning service make it a must.
• Room by Le Kief blends fashion, design, and flavor — guests are served cocktails that change color or texture mid-sip.
• Lab takes a minimalist, modernist approach with chemical precision.
• Bar Pun is as quirky as its name — to enter, you have to ring a disguised fire alarm before a hidden door slides open.

Vibe: Sophisticated, mysterious, and cinematic. Perfect for those who love discovery and design.

Source: Canva

Yuanshan District – Art, Atmosphere, and Al Fresco Drinks

Just a few MRT stops north of Zhongshan, Yuanshan has emerged as Taipei’s newest nightlife darling. Centered around the Taipei Expo Park and the MAJI Square area, Yuanshan combines creativity, comfort, and community. Here, you’ll find bars that blend music, art, and open-air settings — the perfect escape from the busier districts downtown.

Must-Visit Bars:

• Taipei Beer Garden: A lively outdoor space where locals and travelers mingle over Taiwan’s famous local brews. Occasional live music and food trucks make it a casual favorite.
• Crafted - Beer & Co.(精釀啤酒舒肥手工披薩坊): Specializes in small-batch Taiwanese craft beers and local ciders. Its rustic-industrial décor and friendly staff attract a relaxed, social crowd.
• HAKU Taipei: Offers creative cocktails, potions and beer in a retro-wave neon jungle.
• WA-SHU Bar Spirit(和酒): A sophisticated Japanese-style bar tucked behind MAJI Market, offering whisky tastings and delicate cocktails that focus on balance and precision.

Vibe: Creative culture and night market charm. Open-air setting, frequent art events, and friendly atmosphere. Ideal for travelers who love authenticity but still crave good design and great drinks.

Budget-Friendly and Casual Bars

Not all the best bars in Taipei come with high prices. The city has countless relaxed, affordable spots with great vibes.

Ximending – Youthful Energy and Diversity

• HANKO 60(如醉如夢): Hidden behind a mock movie theater façade, this bar mixes nostalgia with playful cocktails.
• Beeru Craft Beer Bar(啤調客): A great place to try Taiwan’s growing craft beer scene.
• The Red House Square(西門紅樓): Taipei’s LGBTQ+ nightlife hub — outdoor seating, welcoming crowds, and vibrant energy.

Gongguan – Student Hangouts and Local Vibes

Close to National Taiwan University, Gongguan buzzes with youthful energy.

• Revolver: Affordable drinks, indie music, and a global crowd.
• 23 Public(精釀吧): Popular for local craft beers and relaxed seating.

Vibe: Easygoing, spontaneous, and full of community spirit. Great for travelers who prefer authenticity over luxury.

Source: Canva

Best Bars in Taipei – Hidden Bars Worth the Hunt

Part of the fun in Taipei is discovering best bars in taipei for foreigners — secret venues that require codes, passwords, or clever entrances. These speakeasies aren’t just about mystery; they represent Taipei’s creative spirit, where design, storytelling, and mixology merge to create unforgettable experiences. Each one offers its own atmosphere — some intimate and quiet, others dramatic and interactive.

If you love the thrill of discovery, make sure to include these secret gems in your Taipei bar-hopping itinerary.

Top Hidden Bars in Taipei

🍸Ounce Taipei

• Location: Zhongshan District
  Hidden behind a seemingly ordinary café, Ounce pioneered Taipei’s speakeasy movement. Once you enter through the coffee shop’s back door, you’ll find yourself in a dimly lit room that feels straight out of the Prohibition era. Bartenders here don’t hand you a menu — they simply ask, “What do you feel like tonight?” From there, they craft something tailor-made based on your mood and flavor preferences.
• Signature Style: Personalized cocktails, vintage ambiance, jazz soundtrack.

🍸Le Kief(菱玖洋服)

• Location: Zhongshan District
  Disguised as a classic tailor shop, Le Kief redefines mixology as performance art. Guests step through a hidden revolving wall before entering a sleek lounge filled with curated design touches. Cocktails change color, texture, or aroma mid-sip, reflecting both technical skill and imagination.
• Signature Style: Experimental cocktails with visual flair, elegant design, sensory storytelling.

🍸Aha Saloon

• Location: Zhongshan District
  One of Asia’s most celebrated cocktail bars, Aha Saloon consistently ranks in Asia’s 50 Best Bars. Designed like a 1920s jazz bar, it offers sophisticated cocktails inspired by Taiwanese pop culture and local ingredients. Drinks often incorporate oolong tea, tropical fruits, or indigenous herbs — a beautiful blend of global technique and Taiwanese identity.
• Signature Style: Award-winning mixology, local ingredients, international influence.

🍸Draft Land

• Location: Da’an District
  Draft Land revolutionized the way Taipei drinks by introducing cocktails on tap — a concept that balances efficiency and quality. Each pre-batched drink is precisely crafted and poured to perfection. The bar’s minimalist, standing-only setup encourages conversation among guests, creating a fast-paced yet friendly vibe.
• Signature Style: Casual innovation, fast service, social energy.

🍸HANKO 60(如醉如夢)

• Location: Ximending
  Behind what looks like an old cinema ticket booth lies HANKO 60, one of Taipei’s most playful speakeasies. The retro movie décor and vintage neon signs evoke 1960s nostalgia, while the cocktails burst with color and creativity. It’s a great spot for group photos and relaxed nights out.
• Signature Style: Retro movie theme, lively atmosphere, photogenic drinks.

🍸WA-SHU Bar Spirit(和酒)

• Location: Yuanshan District
  Tucked away near MAJI Square, WA-SHU Bar Spirit blends Japanese craftsmanship with Taiwanese warmth. It specializes in whisky-based cocktails and delicate infusions using seasonal ingredients. Guests come for the quiet atmosphere and stay for the bartender’s attention to detail — every pour, stir, and garnish feels deliberate and artful.
• Signature Style: Japanese whisky focus, intimate ambiance, refined presentation.

Quick glance of the Hidden Bars

Bar Name	District	Entrance Style	Signature Concept	Average Price (NT$)
Ounce	Zhongshan	Hidden behind café	Custom-made cocktails, vintage style	450–600
Le Kief	Zhongshan	Secret revolving wall	Artistic mixology with changing textures	600–900
Aha Saloon	Zhongshan	Discreet entrance on main road	Taiwanese-inspired ingredients, award-winning	550–750
Draft Land	Da’an	Minimalist open concept	Cocktails on tap, casual social setting	300–500
HANKO 60	Ximending	Fake cinema ticket booth	Retro movie theme, playful cocktails	350–550
WA-SHU Bar Spirit	Yuanshan	Hidden near MAJI Square	Japanese whisky and elegant presentation	500–800

Source: Canva

Best Bars in Taipei – How to Get There

Taipei is compact, efficient, and traveler-friendly, making it one of the easiest cities in Asia for a night of bar-hopping. Most nightlife districts are connected by the Taipei MRT, and even after the trains stop running, late-night transport is reliable thanks to taxis and private car services like tripool.

Getting Around by MRT

Taipei’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system is the backbone of the city’s nightlife connectivity. Trains are punctual, stations are clean, and all signs and announcements are bilingual in English and Mandarin. If you’re planning to visit several districts in one night, the MRT is the most convenient and budget-friendly option.

Here’s how to reach each nightlife district mentioned in this guide:

• Xinyi District:
  Take the Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) and get off at Taipei 101 / World Trade Center Station (R03). Most rooftop bars like Frank Taipei and Barcode are within a 5–10-minute walk. The Xiangshan Station (R02) is another good option for bars east of Taipei 101.
• Da’an District:
  Accessible via both the Red Line (Da’an Station, R05) and Brown Line (Technology Building or Zhongxiao Fuxing Stations). Most bars like Indulge Bistro and Draft Land are located near Zhongxiao Dunhua Station (BL16), just steps from major nightlife streets.
• Zhongshan District:
  Take the Red Line or Green Line to Zhongshan Station (R11/G14). Exit 2 brings you directly to the area filled with speakeasies like Ounce and Aha Saloon. The district is walkable and packed with cozy, hidden venues within a few blocks.
• Yuanshan District:
  Take the Red Line to Yuanshan Station (R14). From there, it’s a short 5-minute walk to MAJI Square and the Taipei Expo Park, where most of the area’s bars are located. The vibe here is open and spacious, perfect for those who prefer outdoor nightlife.
• Ximending:
  Hop on the Blue Line or Green Line to Ximen Station (BL11/G12). Exit 6 leads directly into the pedestrian area filled with bars, live music, and LGBTQ+ venues near the Red House.
• Gongguan:
  Take the Green Line to Gongguan Station (G07). Exit 4 brings you right into the heart of student nightlife, with Revolver and other indie bars just across the street.

📌MRT Tips for Nightlife Travelers:

• The MRT runs until around midnight, so plan your last train accordingly.
• Purchase an EasyCard or iPASS for contactless rides and quick transfers.
• For late-night returns, switch to taxis or tripool after 12 a.m.

Source: Metro Taipei

Tripool – Your Smart Ride for Bar-Hopping Nights

While Taipei’s public transport is efficient, tripool offers a premium option for those who value comfort, convenience, and safety — especially late at night or when moving between distant districts.

Tripool is a trusted Taiwan-based ride service that provides private, pre-booked transfers across the city and beyond. What sets it apart is its combination of affordability, English-friendly service, and flexible scheduling — making it ideal for international travelers.

Why tripool is Great for Bar-Hopping in Taipei:

• Late-Night Convenience: No need to worry about catching the last MRT. Tripool operates 24/7, ensuring a safe ride home even after 2 a.m.
• Multi-District Flexibility: Plan a route that takes you from Da’an to Yuanshan or from Xinyi to Zhongshan without switching trains or searching for taxis.
• English-Friendly Booking: The tripool app and website support English, and all communication is clear and traveler-oriented.
• Transparent Pricing: Fares are fixed before you ride — no surge pricing or confusion.
• Comfort and Cleanliness: Modern vehicles, air-conditioning, and polite drivers make it a more relaxing alternative to taxis.

For groups of friends exploring multiple bars, tripool’s shared or private car options are both economical and efficient. It’s also a smart choice for couples who prefer a quiet, safe and direct ride back to their hotel after a night out.

Whether you’re finishing cocktails at Bar Mood in Xinyi or enjoying a final beer at MAJI Square in Yuanshan, tripool can get you home comfortably and safely — letting you focus on your night, not your route.

Best Bars in Taipei – Nightlife Etiquette and Safety

Local Drinking Customs

• “Ganbei” (cheers) is the Taiwanese equivalent of “bottoms up.” It’s polite to clink glasses when drinking with locals.
• Tipping isn’t expected, but rounding up or leaving small change is appreciated.
• Most bars allow casual wear, but upscale places in Xinyi or Da’an may have smart-casual dress codes.

Safety and Inclusivity

Taipei consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Asia. Solo travelers, women, and LGBTQ+ visitors can comfortably enjoy a night out. Still, basic safety applies:

• Keep an eye on your belongings.
• Don’t leave drinks unattended.
• Always take licensed taxis or tripool for late-night rides.

👉🏻Fun fact: Taipei’s bartenders often remember regular guests. Many locals form long-term friendships with their favorite mixologists — it’s part of what makes this scene feel like family.

Source: Canva

FAQs About the Best Bars in Taipei

Q: What time do bars in Taipei usually close? 

Q: Do Taipei bars have entrance fees? 

Q: Can I find English-speaking bartenders in Taipei? 

Q: What are the good bars for solo foreigners in Taipei?

Q: Are tips required in bars? 

Q: What are the safest areas for nightlife in Taipei? 

Q: What is the average price of a cocktail in Taipei? 

Q: Can I smoke inside bars? 

Q: Are there LGBTQ-friendly bars in Taipei? 

Q: What’s the best way to plan a bar-hopping night in Taipei? 

RTR Editor’s Picks – Our Favorite Experiences in Taipei’s Bar Scene

As the editorial team behind Round Taiwan Round (RTR), we’ve explored hundreds of Taipei bars to curate this list. Beyond rankings or awards, we seek authenticity — those moments that capture the soul of the city.

Our nights often begin in Zhongshan, at Ounce. Behind its unmarked door, a jazz melody floats in the background. The bartender greets us like an old friend, asking, “What flavors are you in the mood for tonight?” Ten minutes later, a drink arrives — smoky, citrusy, perfectly balanced — a reminder that true craftsmanship lives in the details.

From there, we sometimes move to Indulge Bistro in Da’an, where Chef Aki Wang elevates mixology into culinary art. Watching his team blend longan syrup and aged rum with surgical precision feels almost meditative. The drinks here tell a story of Taiwan — rich, layered, and full of surprise.

For something different, we head to Frank Taipei, high above the Xinyi skyline. When the city lights reflect off your glass and Taipei 101 glows nearby, it’s hard not to feel awe. The bar’s playlist shifts seamlessly from jazz to electronic beats, matching the rhythm of the city below.

But Taipei’s magic isn’t limited to famous names. Some of our most memorable evenings happened in tiny, family-run whiskey bars tucked behind quiet alleys. One night in Zhongzheng, we stumbled upon a bar that only seated eight. The bartender poured us local plum liqueur while explaining its origin in Chiayi’s mountains. We left with new friends and a handwritten map of other secret spots.

That’s the charm of Taipei’s nightlife — it’s both intimate and inclusive. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-term resident, there’s always a new corner to uncover.

If we had to give one piece of advice: don’t chase the most popular place. Instead, follow the rhythm of the city — wander, explore, and trust your instincts. Taipei’s best bars are often found when you least expect them.

And when you do find that perfect bar — where the lighting feels right, the music hums softly, and the drink in your hand feels tailor-made — take a moment to pause. You’re not just drinking; you’re experiencing a piece of Taipei’s creative heart.

Cheers from all of us at Round Taiwan Round (RTR) — and may your nights in Taipei be full of stories worth telling.