02/Jun/2025

Taipei Nightlife Guide｜5 Bars to Explore from ILLUME TAIPEI – A Tipsy Journey Through the City

When night falls, Taipei transforms from a bustling day city into a realm meant for deeper discovery.
Today’s urban romantics favor not wild drinking sprees, but a refined “bar-hopping” stroll through the night.
This journey becomes a nighttime poem—each bar is a checkpoint, each drink a line of verse.
Five bars, five verses—just like ancient poets who drank and rhymed, choose your favorite room and let the rhythm of Taipei’s night write itself in your tipsy steps.

Songshan Nightlife Picks: A Tipsy Map from ILLUME TAIPEI

If you’re looking to explore nightlife in Songshan District or enjoy a tipsy evening in Taipei, start from . Stroll through the district’s glowing streets and discover five uniquely styled bars, where crafted cocktails and the city’s lights blend into your one-of-a-kind night story.

Checkpoint 1 – Opera Cocktail Bar｜Begin Your Night with Rooftop Views

No need to leave the hotel to enjoy world-class drinks. Opera Cocktail Bar, located on the rooftop with stunning views of Taipei 101, is led by French mixologist Yann, formerly ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Bars. He blends global techniques with local flavors to create striking, memorable cocktails.
Guava Cooler: White rum with lime, guava, cucumber, and kaffir lime leaf – a fragrant, herbal, and refreshing start to your evening.
Sichuan Mule: Vodka meets aged ginger and house-made green Sichuan pepper liqueur. A layered, numbing spice profile makes this an unforgettable aperitif.

Instagram: @operataipei

Let this be the starting point—where you say Santé and begin your night’s story.

Opera Cocktail Bar

Sichuan Mule

Guava Cooler

Checkpoint 2 – Susuru｜A Quiet Nightcap in the Stillness

Just steps from the hotel, Susuru is a hidden Japanese bar tucked in an alley, specializing in sake and umeshu. Its soft lighting and wooden interiors invite you to let your guard down and savor the quiet.
Imo Shochu: Made from sweet potatoes, rich in aroma and full-bodied – perfect for quiet midnight contemplation.
Mugi Shochu: Barley-based, light and smooth with nutty notes—subtle yet satisfying.

Instagram: @susuru.tw

“Not to get drunk, but to quietly feel the warmth of the drink and the weight of each conversation.”

Susuru

Susuru Bar

Checkpoint 3 – OriginBAR｜A Taiwanese Tea & Cocktail Experiment

Just a 10-minute walk from ILLUME TAIPEI, OriginBAR specializes in tea-based cocktails crafted with Taiwanese tea. Known for creative and witty drink names, this cozy spot is a favorite among travelers with a taste for culture. Their menu charts acidity, sweetness, bitterness, and finish—each cocktail a flavorful experiment blending Eastern tea notes with Western spirits under ambient lighting.
“My Love Is a Tidal Wave of Red Oolong”: A poetic blend of red water oolong, vermouth, and citrus – ripe fruit meets fragrant tea in a vivid, flavorful dance.
“Spoiled Princess Meets Cynical Iron Goddess”: Iron Buddha tea and berry purée mingle in this sweet-sour creation—adorable, sassy, and full of personality.

Instagram: @originbar_yuan

“Each cocktail is a refined tea-and-liquor experiment—an elegant exercise in flavor philosophy.”

OriginBar

“My Love Is a Tidal Wave of Red Oolong”

“Spoiled Princess Meets Cynical Iron Goddess”

Checkpoint 4 – Honn Bar｜Where Flavors and Stillness Meet

Blending Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetics with British charm, Honn Bar is a sanctuary of craftsmanship. The subdued lighting and a palette of gray, white, and natural wood invite guests into a slower, more reflective rhythm.
Mount Fuji: A cocktail featuring Fuji apples, Kyoho grapes, and a butterfly-pea-flower ice cube shaped like Mount Fuji. A visual and flavorful delight for both the eyes and palate.
Good Night, Mr. Bear: Spiced rum meets British jam tea, topped with a charming bear garnish. A soothing sip and a heartwarming sight.

Instagram: @honnbar

“If you seek moments of stillness while traveling, this is a place you’ll never want to leave.”

Honn Bar

Mount Fuji

Good Night, Mr. Bear

Checkpoint 5 – Histoire｜The Final Stop of the Night, Whispering Goodnight

Located near Songshan Station, Histoire is one of Taipei’s quietest bars. Muted tones, soft lighting, and a peaceful atmosphere welcome those seeking gentle closure to the evening. Here, you can whisper “goodnight” and end your night on a calm, soothing note.
Honey Rose Vodka: Floral and lightly sweet, this delicate cocktail offers a gentle release for both body and soul.
Black Sesame Whisky Cream: Rich with nutty and milky notes, this signature drink feels like a warm embrace—beloved by many regulars.

Instagram: @bar_histoire

“Not an ending, but a gentle place to wind down – where the rhythm of the night slows into stillness.”

Histoire

A Night’s Safe Haven: Return to ILLUME TAIPEI and Let the Night Gently Fade

After a tipsy night of bar-hopping, return to ILLUME TAIPEI for a restful stay. Cozy rooms and thoughtful service bring your evening to a perfect close.
Each room offers a relaxing bathtub, a plush bed, and panoramic windows framing the Songshan night view. Let the calm embrace you as you drift into sleep—looking forward to a warm, hearty Sunny Buffet breakfast the next morning.
Whether you’re a night owl, a cocktail lover, or just curious about Taipei’s nighttime charm, remember: real luxury isn’t always the flashiest scene—it’s having a peaceful place to sleep when the night winds down.