AFTER DARK

Taipei really comes to life at night. We started our evening with cocktails, followed by the freshest sashimi I’ve ever had at Addiction Aquatic Development ( addiction.com.tw). The space has been developed into an upmarket gourmet grocery, raw bar concept and seeand-be-seen hangout rather than the wholesale outlet the name would suggest. But, keeping true to its heritage, you can walk through the open-tank portion of the development and buy live crabs and fish. Perhaps not a good idea if you’re planning on going dancing...

From here your options are countless; from glossy rooftops to easy-to-miss hideaway bars – there are lots of good excuses to be out until the small hours. Here are a few to get you started:

Frank ( facebook.com/attfrank/): a new bar on the 10th floor of the ATT4FUN complex that’s packed even mid-week. Try and grab a spot on the tiny patio.

MQ Taipei ( marquee-taipei.com): after its renovation, this bar is all red velvet and dark wood, a laid-back feel with hip hop DJS at the weekend and occasional live jazz gigs.

Ounce ( facebook.com/ouncetaipei): a coffee shop acts as a faux front for this Prohibition erainspired ‘speakeasy’. Try one of the cocktails from the extensive menu or tell the bar staff which flavours you enjoy and they will create something bespoke.

Taipei 101 ( taipei-101.com.tw): without doubt, this bar has the best views of the city – it’s the ideal location to watch the sun set.

W Taipei ( wtaipei.com): have drinks by the pool, sit in one of their hanging egg seats, with the sparkling lights of the city in front of you.

F**king Place (See their Facebook page!): in Daan, hidden up an unassuming stairwell, this hip dive bar is popular with artists and musicians. There’s a relaxed atmosphere and it’s off the beaten track.