Taipei Nightlife

Those after a casual pub experience will find all they need at On Tap. As well as a wide selection of craft beers and pub grub, the bar has large screens playing sports, plus darts and a pool table. Regular happy hours make the evening pretty affordable, too.

You'll find the door to this hidden speakeasy inside the Relax Cafe, which is useful as you can wait there for a table. Once inside, mixologists will create custom cocktails to your preferences or you can order off the menu. Aim to get there before 9pm or you'll probably have to wait for a table.

Hidden down a side alley, Woo Taipei is a relaxing spot for a coffee during the day or a late-night cocktail (and is not be confused with WOO Bar in the W Hotel). Furnished with comfy armchairs and sofas, it is popular with Taipei's arty, hipster crowd. The surprisingly good bar menu has Italian dishes, burgers and steaks.

Underground techno hasn't really taken off in Taipei, but this small basement club manages to capture something of Berlin or Amsterdam with the music to match. It's also something of an after-hours club, as it opens until 5.30am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Taipei's first nightclub, the famous Luxy, is now Omni, an upmarket venue with a cutting edge sound system and sophisticated LED laser lighting. It's best to come with a group of friends and get table service. Make sure you check out KOR, the neighbouring lounge bar that also has an amazing sound system and regular guest mixologists.

An upscale nightclub, Room 18 has DJs spinning techno, R&B and hip-hop tunes to a young, fun-loving crowd. Ladies night is on Wednesday, but women also get in free on Fridays. The entrance charge is steep, but usually includes a couple of drinks. As well as a VIP area, there's a separate lounge bar.

A relaxed neighbourhood bar - the name means 'No problem' in Taiwanese, although it's more commonly known as 'Bob and Dave's' by expats - that has live music by up-and-coming bands and an open mic night with drinks specials on Wednesdays. There's decent pub grub on offer too.

One of Taipei's premier live music spots, Brown Sugar is modelled after a typical New Orleans jazz bar and features live music every evening, usually jazz, blues and Latin. Tables need to be reserved in advance (there's a bar menu with Western food) but there's a bar near the entrance for latecomers.

Set at the back of the Red House cultural centre, a former public market turned arts space, this live music theatre seats 800 people and hosts a range of music, from indie and rock 'n roll bands to pop music stars. It's the place to see up-and-coming local musicians.