Must-see nightlife in Southern Taiwan

  • Narrow Door Cafe

    Tainan

    A 38cm-wide alley leads to this charmer where the colours are bold, the ceilings high, and on a fine day, there's always a breeze dancing. The patterns…

  • Lola

    Tainan

    A moody venue in an old village residence that has retained much of its original look, down to the creaky wooden doors. The bar is at the back, dimly lit…

  • Hsiao Ti Cafe

    Kaohsiung

    One of Kaohsiung's oldest cafes, Hsiao Ti was started by a Japanese-speaking Taiwanese woman 40 years ago and it seems nothing has changed since then –…

  • Little Bay Beach Bar

    Kenting National Park

    Though it's run by the mega-sized Caesar Park Resort across the road, you wouldn't know it. This outdoor bar-cafe on Little Bay Beach (小灣海灘) is everything…

  • Pari Pari Apartment

    Tainan

    A elegant cafe serving good single-origin coffees, homemade cakes and thirst-quenching drinks. You can relax at the communal table and read their books on…

  • TCRC Bar

    Tainan

    Directly opposite Mazu Temple, TCRC (The Checkered Record Club) is cool in all the right places – a speakeasy vibe, indie sounds, colourful cocktails and…

  • Bar Home

    Tainan

    The glamorous younger sister of TCRC Bar, Bar Home is all red velvet curtains, green walls and chandeliers, like a cross between old Tainan and Cluedo…

  • One Bar

    Kaohsiung

    Similar to the restaurant downstairs, this bar features retro Japanese decor and music. Cocktails are carefully prepared by mixologist Neil. Hang around…

  • Reload

    Kaohsiung

    Young beer connoisseurs from Kaohsiung like to hang out at this spacious taproom and discuss local politics over a strong ale or a light Belgian brew…

  • Gandan Café

    Tainan

    The owner here has built a lush cafe from a rubbish heap by filling it only with recycled materials. The hip spot is wedged into an old building facing…

  • Little Green

    Kaohsiung

    This classy European-style restaurant is one of the few places in southern Taiwan that sells fine European wine by the glass, with a decent Belgian beer…

  • Cijin Sunset Bar

    Kaohsiung

    A laid-back bar right on Cijin Beach offering an assortment of craft beers and fresh fruit smoothies. It's great for watching the sunset, especially…

  • Daybreak 18 Teahouse

    Tainan

    Tucked away in the garden of the historic Tainan Public Hall (公會堂, Gōnghuì Táng), this elegant teahouse takes the form of a 1930s Japanese wooden…

  • Shan Ming Teashop

    Kaohsiung

    A fragrant teashop offering an assortment of quality loose-leaf teas from Taiwan. If you want to buy, the English-speaking owner can explain their…

  • A Chuan Melon Drink

    Tainan

    Well-known melon (or winter-squash) drink stand across from the Official God of War Temple. Look for the queue. Winter melon cools the body and makes for…

  • Old Trick

    Kaohsiung

    A warm, jovial place offering good cocktails, craft beer and open frontage. Decor is a light nod to old Kaohsiung with wooden shutters and a calligraphic…

  • Brickyard

    Kaohsiung

    The place for clubbing in Kaohsiung, with a DJ and themed parties almost every night of the week and an international clientele. At the time of research,…

  • Pista Alcohol

    Tainan

    A shipping container wedged into an alley and converted into a bar and gelateria. Buy your craft beer and salami platter from the counter and proceed…

  • Dai Ran Po

    Tainan

    A cosy pub cluttered with quirky Japanese toys and other kidult bait. They have a good assortment of Asian and European craft beers; most young locals…

  • Ruh Cafe

    Kaohsiung

    A laid-back roadside cafe run by musicians. You can sit on the bench outside and play with the cat or ascend a narrow staircase to a quiet apple-green…

  • Lily Fruit Shop

    Tainan

    Across from the Confucius Temple is this famous shop serving delicious bàobīng (刨冰, shaved ice and fruit) and fruit drinks. There's always a crowd waiting…

  • Lighthouse Bar & Grill

    Kaohsiung

    A loud and popular sports bar in the Zuoying District, with good service, live broadcasts and a wide selection of beer and liquor.

  • Willy's Second Base

    Tainan

    This American franchise offers live sports coverage, draught beer, cheap pizza, dart boards and a pool table.