Taipei doesn’t have a red light district at the moment, but I’ll talk about other things you can do at night. Keep reading to learn more.
I don’t think this article needs an introduction.
Table of Contents
Does Taipei Have a Red Light District?
Taipei does not have a red light district.
Huaxi Night Market in Taipei used to have many ladies of the evening, but it doesn’t anymore. Or at least they’re much harder to find.
The Taipei mayor in 2017 discussed a legalized prostitution zone in Wanhua District [1]. But nothing ever became of that.
Prostitution in Taiwan (in general) is legal, but ONLY in specialized zones [2]. Otherwise, it’s illegal. However, as mentioned, the government hasn’t actually talked about adding any zones.
Taiwan Does Have Hostess Bars
Hostess bars in Taiwan are venues where customers pay for female companionship. These establishments often feature music, drinks, and conversation. Customers are expected to buy drinks for the hostesses.
They differ from other bars due to their focus on paid social interaction.
I can’t provide any specific information on this because hostess bars don’t often publicly advertise themselves. You’ll need to speak to locals and see if you can get a hookup.
I’ve seen many foreigners talk about Linsen North Road, but no specific restaurant name.
This video gives us a perspective of what it’s like to work at a hostess bar — and what you may experience:
What Else Can I Do at Night?
It depends on what you want to do…
I have a full guide on Taipei nightlife that discusses various bars, music venues, clubs, and night markets you can visit in Taiwan.
I’m not much of a party animal these days, but here’s a map of bars to check out as a foreigner:
| Bar | Drinks Served | Price | Open Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brass Monkey | Beer, cocktails, & American cuisine. | $$ | Fri & Sat: 5 PM – 2 AM |
| Thur: 5 PM – 4 AM | |||
| Sun, Mon, & Wed: 5 PM – 12 AM | |||
| AHA Saloon | Cocktails, Tapas | $$ | Daily: 8 PM – 2 AM |
| The Speakeasy Irish Bar | Cocktails, Beer | $$ | Tue – Sat: 7 PM – 2 AM |
| Closed Sunday & Monday | |||
| Draft Land | Craft Beer, Cocktails | $$ | 6 PM – 1 AM |
| Revolver | Cocktails, Whiskey | $$$ | Fri & Sat: 6:30 PM – 4 AM |
| Sun: 6:30 PM – 1 AM | |||
| Mon – Thur: 6:30 PM – 3 AM | |||
| Ounce | Cocktails, Wine | $$$ | Fri & Sat: 6 PM – 3 AM |
| Sun – Thurs: 6 PM – 2 AM | |||
| ROXY Taipei | Cocktails, wine, & draft beer | $$ | Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 4 AM |
| Sun: 9 am – 4 AM | |||
| Barcode Taipei | Cocktails | $$$ | Fri & Sat: 9 PM – 3 AM |
| Sun, Wed, & Thur: 9 PM – 2:30 AM | |||
| Closed Monday & Tuesday | |||
| KOR Taipei | Cocktails | $ | Fri – Sat: 9 PM – 4:30 AM |
| Closed Monday & Sunday | |||
| Tue – Wed: 9 PM – 2 AM |
Sources
- [1] Taiwan News: Discussion of legal prostitution zone
- Archived link that the site removed in 2023
- [2] Government website (PDF
