Taipei, Taiwan
Youth and LGBTQ+ district with lots of shopping, street food, and nightlife. Safe and busy, good if you want energy and crowds. Weekends get packed.
The youth culture and LGBTQ+ center of Taipei, built around the Red House with its 25+ gay bars and cafes. Days bring pedestrian shopping - street performers, bubble tea, fashion boutiques selling Korean streetwear and vintage. The crowd skews young but mixes high schoolers, tourists, and locals of all ages. Eating alone is normal with plenty of cheap spots and themed cafes where people camp out. Weekend evenings get lively when outdoor bars at Red House fill up and drag shows start around 10pm. English is more common here since staff deal with tourists regularly. Well-lit and busy until midnight on weekends, with police around the MRT station. Gets chaotic Friday and Saturday nights - the crowds are overwhelming but that activity also makes it safe. Watch your stuff in the packed pedestrian streets.
Daytime Safety
ExcellentNight Walking Safety
ExcellentHarassment Risk
LowPublic Transport Safety
ExcellentPickpocketing Risk
LowScam Risk
LowPolice Visibility
ExcellentEmergency Services
ExcellentEvening Venues
ExcellentSolo Dining
ExcellentDrug Activity
LowHomelessness Visibility
LowGetting By in English
Excellent"So many people eating alone that it never felt awkward"
"Red House LGBT area felt welcoming and safe"
"Overwhelming on weekends but more fun-chaotic than scary"
"Keep your bag in front in the crowded pedestrian streets"
"Comfortable walking around at midnight with people always around"
Areas with comparable safety profiles for solo female travelers
Trendy artistic area with young professionals, strong cafe culture, and Michelin dining. Quieter than Ximending, more local character than Xinyi.
Residential district with strong cafe culture and local food. See how Taipei residents actually live while still having good dining and nightlife nearby.
Built around Taiwan's largest night market with hundreds of food stalls and Michelin vendors. Crowds and police make it safe but watch for pickpockets. Quiet residential area beyond the market.
Help other women stay safe in Ximending
Neighborhood conditions can change. Check recent news, ask locals or your accommodation about current safety, especially for nighttime plans.