Redefining nightlife: Unveiling signature bars from north and south

Asia 49 excels in Asian cuisine, serving hearty seafood and meat dishes. (Photo provided by Asia 49)

Located in New Taipei City’s tallest building, Asia 49 boasts a modern and stylish interior, now one of the hottest check-in restaurants. (Photo provided by Asia 49)

Café de Lugano is exquisitely crafted, blending Eastern and Western cultures with a mix of modern and classical elements, creating an immersive yet not chaotic ambiance of opulence. (Photo by Café de Lugano)

The dishes at Café de Lugano are of high quality—for example, Florence-style braised beef tripe delivers the aroma of various spices, showcasing the chef’s exceptional skills. (Photo by Café de Lugano)

Another nighttime-exclusive dish at Café de Lugano, “Roasted Duck Breast with Kumquats,” fuses classic Western cuisine with Taiwanese flavors, also a delightful choice. (Photo by Café de Lugano)

Order a fine drink, wander through the dazzling lights and surreal vibes, and urbanites can let their guard down to find joy. (Photo by Café de Lugano)

Perched atop the Indigo Hotel, the outdoor bar “Pier No.1” is Kaohsiung’s only high-altitude open-air bar, offering views of iconic landmarks like 85 Sky Tower and Howard Plaza Hotel. (Photo by Pier No.1)

Radiating the vibrant energy of a port city, Pier No.1 has become the most talked-about nighttime destination in southern Taiwan. (Photo by Lin Chengyan)

The cocktail named “Yuzhu” (Bamboo Jade) draws its name from the Yuzhu commercial district in Xinzhuang River. (Photo by Pier No.1)

Cities are always in flux, always creating fleeting moments of human connection—especially when night falls and the city is cloaked in darkness. Men and women crave a space for timely release and interaction. Fortunately, there are a few great spots where not only are the lights enchanting and the atmosphere delightful, but you can also take in breathtaking night views or immerse yourself in diverse charms. Wine doesn’t intoxicate people; people intoxicate themselves. After a brief pause to breathe, life begins anew.

★ A Mirage Floating in the Air – Asia 49

The cool autumn breeze wafts onto the terrace, with the dazzling metropolis of Greater Taipei sprawling beneath your feet. Located on the 49th floor of Banyan Tower next to Banqiao Station, “Asia 49” at night resembles a floating mirage, approaching gradually with radiant lights, its beauty rippling like water, immersing you in endless urban charm.

Asia 49’s skywalk offers unobstructed views; by day, you can gaze at the lush peaks of the Datun Volcano Group, but the real show begins after dark. In the past, enjoying night views meant driving up Yangmingshan or paying to visit Taipei 101, but Asia 49 is far more accessible. Just a five-minute walk from Banqiao Station, take the high-speed elevator directly to the 49th floor, and instantly, the diamond-like Taipei unfolds before your eyes. Whether you’re sipping alone or gathering with friends, the night view alone makes it worth the visit.

The night views are spectacular, but without fine cuisine, the experience would fall flat. Asia 49 focuses on Asian cuisine, offering a wide range of authentic dishes from Taiwan, Thailand, Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia. For those looking to unwind with a drink, try the various cocktails here. Asia 49’s drinks are playful—even “loquat syrup” and “Kaoliang liquor” are incorporated—showcasing local flair as bold as the alcohol itself, dancing vibrantly across wooden tables.

Asia 49 Asian Cuisine & Lounge

Business hours: Sun–Thu 11:30–23:00, Fri & Sat 11:30–24:00

Phone: 02-7705-9717

Address: 49F, 16 Xinzhan Rd., Banqiao District, New Taipei City

★ Redefining Taipei Nightlife – Café de Lugano

Located on the first floor of Mandarin Boutique, Café de Lugano is like Taipei’s Naples. It transcends borders, basking in the sun by day under colorful umbrellas full of Southern European flair; as the sun sets, it dons a mask and transforms into a captivating Venetian lady, radiating both the romance of Southern European culture and the exuberance of modern aesthetics. A blend of East and West, old and new, it crafts a unique style.

The tables at Lugano are year-round hotbeds of passion. Ingredients, under the chef’s bold strokes, showcase the unrestrained spirit of Southern Europeans while maintaining the elegance of Western cuisine. The ruby-red Florence-style braised beef tripe and the golden roasted duck breast with kumquats transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, small bites like roasted chicken liver and eel introduce Eastern ingenuity. Lugano transcends cultural barriers—not just in decor, but also in its food.

Taipei residents have never lacked nightlife options. Tourist night markets are bustling year-round, and izakayas in alleys are easy to find. One might think Taipei has nothing more to offer—but after the opening of Lugano, you’ll discover this unconventional gem in the steel city, built with romance as bricks and elegance as tiles. With a great dish and a fine drink, wander through the dazzling lights and surreal vibes. Come to Lugano to redefine Taipei nightlife.

Café de Lugano

Business hours: Sun–Thu 11:00–23:00, Fri & Sat 11:00–01:00

Phone:

Address: 1F, No. 166, Dunhua North Road, Songshan District, Taipei City

★ The Beauty and Sorrow of Takao—Pier No.1

For those who enjoy nightlife and fine drinks, Kaohsiung also has great spots. Located amidst the bustling city traffic just like in northern Taiwan, Hotel Indigo Kaohsiung stands shoulder to shoulder with its northern counterparts. Dubbed as the “most popular check-in spot,” it has secured its place as the southern king of harbor-city nighttime charm. This design hotel is full of surprises, but the most talked-about spot is undoubtedly the rooftop bar, “Pier No.1.”

The popularity of Pier No.1 is no secret. This sky-high bar embracing stunning night views fills up quickly on warm southern nights, with many young people gathering here as soon as evening falls. With music pulsing to the rhythm of Acid House, it’s all you need to let go of the day’s stress and dive headfirst into the enchanting ambiance of the harbor city.

Indigo is known for blending local culture with stylish, urbane design, and this ethos naturally extends to its drinks and menu. The drink list at Pier No.1 reads like a guidebook to Kaohsiung sightseeing, featuring local libations like “Jade Bamboo” and “Breeze on the Love River.” The bar snacks are equally rooted in Taiwanese flavors—salt-and-pepper chicken and sausage wraps are just the beginning. The real standout is the southern Taiwan-style “tomato platter,” a surprising delight made with cubed black persimmon tomatoes served with ginger-infused soy sauce, offering both depth and creativity. The refined elegance of southern Taiwan awaits discerning guests to savor at their leisure.

Indigo Hotel Pier No.1

Business Hours: Sunday to Thursday 18:00-24:00, Friday and Saturday 18:00-01:00

Phone:

Address: No. 4, Zhongshan 1st Road, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City

★ China Times reminds you that excessive drinking is harmful to your health.