TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE filed through the streets of Taipei in record-setting fashion, clad in rainbow colors, waving Pride flags and carrying homemade banners with slogans like “Closets Are for Clothes.”
Last October’s Taipei Pride Parade — the first since Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage — was the city’s largest yet. Taipei Pride, which has been the region’s biggest pride event since launching in 2003, draws visitors from across the Pacific and the world. The 2019 parade, themed “Together, Make Taiwan Better,” attracted an estimated 170,000–250,000 people from roughly 100 countries.
Organizers acknowledge there is still work to be done to advance equality in Taiwan and beyond, but the 2019 parade and the overall welcoming atmosphere demonstrate that Taipei — and Taiwan more broadly — is generally progressive and open to gender and sexual minorities, making it an appealing destination for LGBTQ+ travelers.
PHOTO: © CHON KIT LEONG – DREAMSTIME.COM
Taipei’s skyline of glass-and-steel towers rises against verdant, volcanic mountains. Volcanic activity near the city creates natural hot springs that are perfect for relaxing after a long flight or a busy day. Beitou Hot Springs is home to several spas and hotels and features gender-segregated public bathhouses, including the Millennium Hot Spring with pools of different temperatures. Visitors can learn about the area’s thermal culture at the free Beitou Hot Springs Museum, or walk paved trails through the Beitou Thermal Valley to see open-air hot springs.
Queer travelers can connect with Taipei’s local LGBTQ+ scene at GinGin Bookstore, the island’s first queer-focused bookstore. The small shop stocks books, magazines, films and rainbow-themed items, and it hosts public events such as forums, art shows and book signings. GinGin has become a community hub despite challenges including censorship and occasional hostility.
Feminist cafe Witch House serves as a safe space for women and the LGBTQ+ community, and it doubles as a venue for emerging musicians. The cafe has a playful atmosphere — from board games and a cheeky menu to themed decor — and often hosts live performances and community events.
Adjacent to Witch House, Fembooks is one of the few feminist bookstores in the region. Founded in 1994 by women’s rights activists, the shop highlights women’s voices through a curated selection of Chinese-language books and films that explore gender and social issues.
PHOTO: © ZEROBUG2000 – DREAMSTIME.COM
Taipei’s nightlife also caters well to LGBTQ+ visitors. The area around The Red House performance hall features a lively square filled with outdoor bars and venues popular with queer crowds. Options range from the lesbian dance club Taboo and candlelit cocktail bar Café Dalida to the large gay dance club and karaoke lounge G*Star.
Beyond queer-focused spots, Taipei — a city of more than 2 million people — offers a wide variety of cultural and hands-on activities. Cooking 101 provides approachable cooking classes where participants can learn dishes such as beef noodle soup, soup dumplings, bubble tea and oyster omelets. The classes are beginner-friendly and designed to be fun and collaborative.
The National Palace Museum is a must-see, housing around 700,000 artifacts and works of art spanning some 8,000 years of Chinese history. Many pieces were moved to Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War, and the museum’s extensive collection offers a deep dive into classical art and cultural heritage.
For panoramic views of the city, take the high-speed elevator to the observation deck of Taipei 101 Tower, once the world’s tallest building. From the deck you can enjoy 360-degree vistas of Taipei and, on a clear day, the surrounding mountains. For a more active viewpoint, hike the stairs up Elephant Mountain through dense vegetation to several scenic overlooks.
No visit to Taipei is complete without exploring one of the city’s night markets, where stalls sell a wide variety of local foods and goods. Raohe Street Night Market, one of Taipei’s oldest, is particularly popular for its street food. Look for favorites such as Fuzhou black pepper buns, oyster vermicelli, stinky tofu and spiral-cut potato snacks.
Huashan 1914 Creative Park is a great place to find unique souvenirs and enjoy a creative atmosphere. The former industrial complex has been converted into a hub of shops, cafes and performance spaces. It hosts exhibitions, live music and other cultural events, and you can pick up Taiwan-grown tea or locally made art as a memento of your trip.
INFO TO GO
International flights arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, about 25 miles from downtown Taipei. Taxis run on meters and typically cost around NT$1,150 (about $38) to central Taipei. The Taoyuan Airport MRT train links the city and airport; tickets cost about NT$160 (around $5) and the journey takes 35–45 minutes.
LODGING
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, TAIPEI
A five-star option near a subway station, the Mandarin Oriental offers modern, spacious suites and a large spa. Its convenient location makes it a good base for exploring the city.
158 Dunhua N. Road
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REGENT TAIPEI
The Regent provides a luxurious retreat with suites, a rooftop pool, spa facilities, a lively lounge with live music and an impressive buffet breakfast.
3 Lane 39, Section 2, Zhongshan N. Road
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VILLA 32
Located in the leafy Beitou Hot Springs district, Villa 32 features individually decorated rooms, lush landscaping and access to on-site hot springs bathhouses.
32 Zhongshan Road
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DINING
THE GUEST HOUSE
Located on the 17th floor of the Sheraton, this Michelin 2-star restaurant blends Hunan and Sichuan flavors with Taiwanese influences. Private VIP rooms are available for groups.
Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel, 12 Section 1, Zhongxiao E. Road
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LE PALAIS
A Michelin 3-star restaurant in the Datong district, Le Palais is known for elaborate dim sum and banquet-style Chinese cuisine, including Cantonese specialties like crispy roast duck.
Palais de Chine Hotel, 3 Section 1, Chengde Road
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SHOUN RYUGIN
This kaiseki-style restaurant highlights seasonal dishes using ingredients from Taiwan and Japan, with multi-course menus typically offered in seven or ten-course options.
301 Lequn Third Road
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