Taichung has a reputation for having a vibrant nightlife, and with so many bars and pubs to choose from for a night out on the town, it’s little wonder. Yet, it’s not just pubs that whet the locals’ appetite for a night out. Taichung was once home to some of the island’s most famous nightclubs, and although many have since shut down, there are still a few places to enjoy a night of drinks and dancing.
18TC
Nightclub, Asian, $$$
A lively nightclub in the heart of Taichung City, 18TC has two rooms that often play completely different styles of music. It’s a popular place with the younger generation and will often have drink specials on certain nights of the week. Perhaps because of its two rooms, 18TC has a smaller club feel that makes it feel a little packed at the weekends. Nevertheless, this is one of Taichung’s best clubs for music that is not necessarily electronic dance music.
One of Taichung’s most famous nightclubs, Muse is a club with a raucous atmosphere. It’s the place for clubbers to be at the weekend, and so it’s not uncommon to have to queue for a while before getting in. The drinks are typical club prices, and the music is loud and upbeat. They sometimes have guest DJs, and it’s definitely a good spot for partying all night long.
A lively nightclub in Taichung’s Nantun District, XCUBE is located not too far from 18TC. This club is quite small and has an odd layout, but other than that it’s a great place for a night out. The music is the standard club dance music, while the drink menu is impressive. It’s a popular place for students, so party-goers can expect a crowd here similar to that at 18TC. Like all the other clubs on this list, XCUBE stays open until 4am, which is the standard for places in Taichung.
A small club in Taichung with a great vibe, Rave Club has a name that makes it an appealing choice for lovers of proper dance music. However, despite its name, this is no underground techno club. Rave Club is simply a small nightclub that plays decent music and has a very nice atmosphere. If you’re not interested in big crowds and long queues, then this is a great option for a lively night out away from the bigger crowds at the other clubs on this list.
Although Taichung used to be a city full of nightclubs, the demand for craft beer and a relaxing atmosphere has seen many close with smaller bars and pubs opening in their places. And despite what clubbers may think, this is actually a good thing. Fewer clubs means better crowds at those that remain in business. This means that whichever club you choose, it’s likely to have a good atmosphere with plenty of clubbers enjoying a night out.
So whether it’s a night out with friends over a few cold ones or a crazy all-nighter of dancing and cocktails, Taichung has it covered.
These recommendations were updated on May 2, 2018 to keep your travel plans fresh.
