6 Date Ideas For Couples in Taipei

Whether you live in Taipei or are simply passing through, there are no shortage of fun date activities for couples (or even first dates) looking to spend some quality time together (or get to know one another). From incredible hiking trails and night markets, to international film houses and Japanese izakayas, all the way to rowdy arcades and quirky cultural parks, Taipei has it all, you can’t go wrong. 

I’ve compiled a list of 6 of my favorite date ideas in Taipei, Taiwan, for you to choose from for your next date night (or day). 

Catch a Foreign Flick at SPOT – Taipei Film House

Courtesy of the Taipei City Government website.

Spot Taipei Film House is my go-to date activity on Sundays (it is also a perfect rainy day date) to catch a foreign film at. Spot’s history dates back to the early 1900s (during Japanese occupation of Taiwan), and served as the U.S. ambassador to Taiwan’s residence until the end of the 1970s. 

Spot has operated as an 88-seat film house since 1997, and screens independent art films from across the globe. It also sports the Lumiere Cafe (with a courtyard), which makes for a great spot to grab an espresso before you catch a flick, and the Spot Le Ballon Rouge Lounge for all the wine-lovers out there. 

Spot Taipei Film House actually holds quite some significance in my life, as I went on a Sunday date there with my then girlfriend while I was considering quitting my job. My then girlfriend looked at me and saw how anxious I was during the movie, and at dinner (and after some reflection on how my Sunday was nearly ruined thinking about work), I decided to quit the next day. And I did. 

You can find Spot’s film schedule over at: http://www.spot.org.tw/schedule/schedule_one.html. 

Address:  

• English: No. 18號, Section 2, Zhongshan N Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 104
• Chinese: 104台北市中山區中山北路二段18號

Looking to post up at one of Taipei’s hidden coffee shops, sip a latte, and do some work or studying next to a rain streaked window? Make sure to check out my article breaking down my 6 favorite cafes to work from in Taipei. 

Hike Elephant Mountain (象山) & Catch the Best View of Taipei

Time in and time out tourists come to Taipei and think heading to the top of the towering Taipei 101 is the way to go to catch a great view of Taipei. Little do they know, the best (some may beg to differ) view of Taipei and Taipei 101 comes from atop Elephant Mountain, just one MRT stop away. 

I’ve hiked Elephant Mountain many times and love that it boasts several different routes (some longer, some shorter), as it is part of the Four Beast Mountains of the Nangang Mountain Range, which is great for whatever type of hiking mood you are in. For instance, when I’m extremely hungover, I just hike up to the major rock lookout overlooking Taipei 101, drink an Asahi or two, and then make my way back down (still drenched in sweat).

It only takes 15 to 20 minutes to get to the top of Elephant Mountain, where there are plenty of great benches and spots to post up and take in a Taipei sunset. Keep in mind that there are a lot of stairs, so be ready to get vertical!  

How to Get to Elephant Mountain 

To get to Elephant Mountain, simply head to Xiangshan MRT Station (Elephant Mountain Station) on the MRT red line, exit at Exit 2, and you will see signs for the hiking trail on your left. 

Following the signs will take about 5 to 10 minutes before you reach the base of the Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) hiking trail. 

Eat & Drink at an Izakaya

Izakayas are hands down my favorite places to eat and drink at anywhere in the world. In my opinion, nothing beats an izakaya for drinking ice cold beers and grilled meat from the hours of 6PM to 12AM. If I could stay at one all night, I would. For those wondering “What the heck is an izakaya?” Don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. 

Izakayas are casual Japanese bars that serve up ice cold alcoholic drinks (beer and sake included) along with an array of grilled meat skewers and fish, rice bowls, fried chicken, sashimi, and other delectable Japanese snacks. Some people compare izakayas to tapas restaurants, which I would argue is an injustice to izakayas, as izakayas are not pretentious in the slightest and are all about making sure the salaryman has a good time.  

Izakayas also can be what you make of them. I’ve had a lot of great nights going out with my buddies to “get at it” at izakayas, and then have had plenty of intimate and wholesome dates at izakayas. Izakayas are restaurants of multitudes. 

There is no shortage of awesome izakayas to drink and eat at in Taipei. Simply typing in “Taipei izakaya” or “Taipei 居酒屋” will dozens of results which tick the box of what you are looking for, however, below are several of my favorite izakayas:

老八風居酒小料理

For Big Body, this is the izakaya to rule them all. It is somehow cozy and lively at the same time, meat quality is out of this world (highly recommend getting the cow tongue, fried chicken, and grilled chicken skewers with minced onion), and the staff are some of the friendliest people I’ve encountered. 

This is my go-to izakaya when I’m in Taipei (and over the course of my two years living there), so maybe we will run into each other! 

Address:  

• English: No. 4號, Lane 160, Section 1, Dunhua South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
• Chinese: 106台北市大安區敦化南路一段160巷4號

大村武串烧居酒屋-忠孝店

Yanji Street is littered with izakayas, and what I consider the “Izakaya Mecca” of Taipei. However, with so many options it can be easy to be led astray. If you are seeking out cold beer, huge bottles of sake, and some of the most tender beef in all of Taipei, this is your spot. 

I would recommend making reservations in advance, as I’ve been stuck aimlessly wandering Yanji Street dozens of times while waiting for a table here!

Address: 

• English: No. 52號, Lane 223, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
• Chinese: 106台北市大安區忠孝東路四段223巷52號

Takemura Izakaya

I’ll be straight up, Takemura Izakaya is not the best izakaya out there, but it is consistent and just a damn good spot to go “get at it” drink-wise on a date. The booze flows like the Nile, the atmosphere is lively, and patrons are incredibly friendly. 

I recommend trying to snag a seat outside if possible, as it’s not only a great spot to people watch but also a great spot to strike up a conversation with fellow patrons. 

Address: 

• English: No. 2號, Alley 1, Lane 253, Songren Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
• Chinese: 110台北市信義區松仁路253巷1弄2號

Check Out a Creative & Cultural Park

Courtesy of Huashan 1914 Creative Park’s Facebook page.

If you’ve never heard of a creative or cultural park, don’t worry. I had no idea what they were until I moved to Taipei. Creative and cultural parks are multi-purpose spaces with museums, photo galleries, restaurants and cafes, movie theaters, artisan shops, and more! 

Think of a creative and cultural park as a collective space for everything art and design, but a tad grittier. Creative and cultural spots are a great date spot to stroll around, check out local designers, drink craft beer, and people watch. While creative and cultural parks are great to simply walk around and people watch, I recommend arranging to go when there is an exhibit or two that interests you! 

You will have to pay to go into certain exhibitions, however, there are plenty of free exhibitions, stalls, and unique shops that can fill a whole day.

Taipei has two main creative and cultural parks that make for a great date activity: 

• Huashan 1914 Creative Park; and 
• Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. 

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Located in Zhongzheng District and a stone’s throw away from the roaring Civic Boulevard, Huashan 1914 Creative Park is my favorite of the two creative parks (mostly because I’ve sampled some great local Taiwanese beers here). 

Originally an old sake winery, Huashan is an open-plan space that boasts everything from incredible noodle shops, to chic cafes and designer stalls, all the way to large-scale art exhibitions (and galleries) and theater productions.

Address: 

• English: No. 1, Section 1, Bade Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
• Chinese: 100台北市中正區八德路一段1號

Songshan Cultural & Creative Park

Referred to as the “Creative Hub of Taipei,” the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is a former tobacco factory and the present day epicenter of everything art and design in Taipei. From extended and short-term exhibitions, to fashion shows and symposiums, all the way to film shootings and award ceremonies – Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is a local and international stage for cultural and creative events. 

Admission is free, however some exhibitions will have a cover charge. My favorite spot to peruse and hang at is the Yue Yue Bookstore – a cute little coffee shop, bookstore, and performance space all in one spot. 

Address: 

• English: No. 133號, Guangfu South Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
• Chinese: 110台北市信義區光復南路133號

Channel Your Inner Kid at E7Play

Courtesy of E7Play’s Google My Business page.

E7Play is a chain of gaming centers and arcades across Taipei which boasts everything from traditional arcade games, to bowling and darts, all the way to whack-a-mole and rockband-style games. Fun fact about E7Play’s name – it is a play on the Chinese word “yiqi” meaning “together.” So the name literally means “together play.” 

E7Play also boasts karaoke booths for those looking to get their Mariah Carey on. 

With my then-girlfriend, we had several great dates at E7Play, as it was a great way for us to just open up, be a bit silly, and channel our inner kid-selves. I did also get into a huge whack-a-mole contest with a 7-year old Taiwanese kid, which I admittedly lost and then was made fun of by him for the rest of my time at E7Play. 

Pro Tip: E7Play also serves alcohol, which always makes me think I bowl far better than I actually do. 

Address: 

• English: 241, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Sanchong District, Zhongyang South Road, 63號B1~B3
• Chinese: 241新北市三重區中央南路63號B1~B3

Grab Street Food & Snacks at Tonghua Night Market

I may be biased towards Tonghua Night Market as I lived right next to it in my two-plus years in Taipei, but this is hands down the best spot for a night market date. Tonghua isn’t absurdly crowded, has a diverse range of snacks and treats, and is not overwhelmingly large or difficult to navigate (looking at you Shilin Night Market). 

Located in Da’An district and also known as Linjiang Street Night Market, Tonghua Night Market is a vibrant, late-night market where you can find everything from scrumptious dumplings and stinky tofu, to Korean fried chicken and Thai coconut curry, all the way to cuban sandwiches and Beijing street BBQ. There are also several stalls with carnival-style games that can make for some friendly competition with your date – the loser buys kumquat lemonade or spicy chili oil wontons. 

I actually went on a Valentine’s day date to Tonghua Night Market, which was just an overall great time, as we were able to people watch, try an assortment of Taiwanese dishes and snacks, and explore at our own pace. 

TrickyTaipei does a great write-up of spots you absolutely have to check out and Taiwanese cuisine to try at Tonghua Night Market. 

My personal favorite spots include: 

• 生煎包 (Pan fried buns and dumplings): located right at the Keelung Street entrance, these are some of the best steam fried pork buns and dumplings I’ve ever had. They keep it simple, and you can either go with the buns or dumplings (I recommend both). You can’t miss this spot, as it usually has a sizable line. But, it is completely worth the wait! 
• 傻瓜面 (“Dumbass Noodles”): Having somewhat of a ridiculous name, “sha gua mian” aka “dumbass noodles” are simply plain noodles (with garlic) that you add your own toppings and sauces to. These noodles are great for garlic lovers, and noodle traditionalists that just want to sample quality, doughy, Taiwanese noodles. 
• 艋舺雞排通化店 (Fried chicken): coming from the Keelung Street entrance, this hip fried chicken spot will be on your direct left. Honestly, I prefer it to KFC, and am good for one of these massive fried chicken sticks once a week. 

You really can’t go wrong just sampling everything you see at Tonghua, so don’t be afraid to walk up to a stall, point at whatever it is you want to try, and dig in! 

Pro Tip: Ningxia Night Market is a smaller night market that is worth checking out as well. My Taiwanese buddies swear that food-quality-wise, this is the best spot. I’ve had nothing but positive experiences, and would highly recommend heading here for some local Taiwanese cuisine and snacks as well as Tonghua! 

Address: 

• English: Alley 1, Lane 40, Linjiang Street, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
• Chinese: 106台北市大安區臨江街40巷1弄

Traveling through Asia and heading to Hong Kong next? Make sure to check out my blog post breaking down 7 fun date ideas in Hong Kong!

Final Thoughts on Date Ideas in Taipei

Romance is definitely in the air when you are in Taipei, so make sure you get out there and explore all that Taipei has to offer. Taipei fits couples (or prospective couples) of all types and has so many hidden pockets of beauty that you will never be bored. Writing this post actually was quite nostalgic and made me remember just how special Taiwan was and still is to me. 

I’d love to hear some of your favorite date ideas in Taipei in the comments or via my contact form. I personally can’t wait to get back to Taipei to continue exploring, revisiting old jaunts, and reconnecting with friends. 

Best,

Big Body