The Red House Taipei
Historic 1908 octagonal landmark in Ximending, housing local art boutiques, exhibits, and a lively evening bar street.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed browsing
The Red House Taipei
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1908 octagonal landmark in Ximending, housing local art boutiques, exhibits, and a lively evening bar street.
"A must-visit for unique souvenirs and a taste of Taipei's vibrant youth culture."
🎯 Explore the Alleys
Venture into the small alleys around the Red House for hidden gems and unique photo opportunities.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
Find unique gifts from local artists; many sell merchandise featuring famous Taiwanese sights.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Octagonal Architecture
Exterior
A historic 1908 landmark with striking octagonal design, a blend of Japanese and Romanesque styles.
Creative Boutiques
Interior
Discover unique Taiwanese art, crafts, and souvenirs from local designers and illustrators.
Exhibition Spaces
Interior
Explore rotating art exhibits and displays showcasing local talent and cultural themes.
Evening Bar Street
Exterior
As dusk falls, the exterior transforms into a lively bar street with music and pop-up events.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Ximending Vibe
Discover Local Artistry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore the Alleys
Venture into the small alleys around the Red House for hidden gems and unique photo opportunities.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
Find unique gifts from local artists; many sell merchandise featuring famous Taiwanese sights.
📸 Great Photo Spot
The Red House itself is an iconic backdrop for photos, especially with its red brick exterior.
❄️ Beat the Heat
Enjoy the air-conditioned interior, a welcome escape from Taipei's humidity.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore the Alleys
Venture into the small alleys around the Red House for hidden gems and unique photo opportunities.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
Find unique gifts from local artists; many sell merchandise featuring famous Taiwanese sights.
📸 Great Photo Spot
The Red House itself is an iconic backdrop for photos, especially with its red brick exterior.
❄️ Beat the Heat
Enjoy the air-conditioned interior, a welcome escape from Taipei's humidity.
🎶 Evening Entertainment
The exterior becomes a vibrant bar street at night, perfect for drinks and music.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Red House is a beloved historical landmark in Taipei's vibrant Ximending district, praised for its unique octagonal architecture and its role as a hub for local art and crafts. Visitors appreciate the air-conditioned interior for comfortable browsing and the opportunity to find distinctive souvenirs. While some find the interior exhibits less compelling, the building's charm and its transformation into a lively bar street in the evenings are definite draws.
"This is an iconic historical building in the heart of Ximending. Inside, there is a large toilet, small cafe, and many local businesses. This is a fantastic place to buy souvenirs for friends and family back home — most vendors are local illustrators and crafters, and many sell merchandise that feature famous sightseeing spots in Taiwan such as Jiufen, Shifen, Taipei 101, and so on.
I really love the range of works displayed, and couldn’t help but buy a few postcards and keychains from the following artists (Instagram usernames in brackets): Ni Hao Club (@littleyellowstudio), Cornet Cat (@cornercatt), Littdlework (@littdlework) and miimiicat (@miimiicat), Humor Star @twinkletwinklehumorstar). Hope to see more of their works around!
Also, on the upper floor, there are more stalls and a small display of local biodiversity which I really liked too."
Koi
"The Red House in Taipei is a fantastic spot to explore, and it's just one of many well-preserved buildings in Taiwan that showcase the country's rich history and architecture. What makes this place special is the unique blend of old and new, with beautifully restored structures housing modern shops and stalls.
Inside the Red House, you'll find a variety of shops selling distinctive merchandise that's perfect for souvenirs or gifts. I was particularly impressed by the creativity and craftsmanship on display. I picked up a wooden gun that uses rubber bands as bullets for my nephew, and he absolutely loved it! It was a great find, and I appreciated the thought and effort that went into designing such a unique toy.
One of the reasons we enjoyed spending time in the Red House was the comfortable atmosphere, thanks to the air conditioning. It provided a welcome respite from the heat outside, and we were happy to roam around, browse the shops, and take in the sights.
Overall, the Red House is a great place to visit if you're interested in history, architecture, or just looking for some unique shopping experiences. The combination of old-world charm and modern creativity makes it a standout destination in Taipei."
Aimee C
"This historical building has a very nice architecture, and the exterior of the building is used as a bar street in the evening where you can find bars serving up some music and alcohol while the open areas are used for pop up events and exhibitions. The interior of the building has been converted into smaller handicraft boutiques and a cafe. In the middle is the display of its history."
Rex Tan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Red House is easily accessible via the MRT. Take the Green Line or Blue Line to Ximen Station. Exit 1 is just a short walk away, approximately 100 meters.
While both are popular Taipei landmarks, they are not adjacent. You can reach Taipei 101 from Ximending via the MRT, typically involving a transfer.
The Red House is a central point in Ximending. From here, you can easily walk to various shops, eateries, and entertainment venues in the pedestrian-only area.
Parking in Ximending can be challenging. It's highly recommended to use public transportation like the MRT for convenient access to The Red House.
Depending on your starting point, you might be able to walk. It's relatively close to other heritage buildings in the Ximen area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Red House building itself is generally free. However, specific exhibitions or events held within may require separate admission fees.
The Red House typically opens around 11 AM and closes in the evening, with shops and exhibits having slightly different hours. The exterior bar street comes alive at night.
Yes, volunteer-guided tours are sometimes available and can offer deeper insights into the history and architecture of The Red House.
No, browsing the shops and boutiques inside The Red House is free. You only pay for any items you choose to purchase.
The Red House is usually open on public holidays, but it's advisable to check their official schedule or social media for any specific closures or special hours.
📸 📸 Photography
The octagonal exterior is a prime photo spot. Also, explore the surrounding alleys for unique angles and the interior for shots of local art.
Photography is generally allowed inside for personal use, especially in the common areas and shops. However, always be mindful of any specific exhibition rules.
Drone photography is typically not permitted in densely populated urban areas like Ximending due to safety and privacy regulations.
Daylight hours offer good lighting for the exterior. Evenings are great for capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the bar street.
It's polite to ask vendors before taking close-up photos of their merchandise. Many are happy to have their work showcased.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
You'll find a variety of creative boutiques selling local art, crafts, illustrations, keychains, postcards, and unique Taiwanese merchandise.
The numerous small handicraft boutiques on the upper floors are excellent for finding unique souvenirs that support local artists.
Yes, there is a tea cafe inside The Red House, offering a place to rest and enjoy a beverage.
Ximending is famous for its street food. You'll find a vast array of snacks, bubble tea, and local delicacies just outside The Red House.
The area around The Red House is known as a hub for the LGBTQ+ community, with many bars and gathering spots nearby.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical exhibits might be less engaging for very young children, the visual appeal of the architecture and the variety of colorful merchandise can capture their attention. Consider a brief visit to the interior, followed by exploring the more dynamic street life of Ximending, which often has more to offer for younger visitors.
🎨 Art & Culture Enthusiasts
Inside, you'll find a curated selection of local art and crafts, providing an excellent opportunity to discover emerging Taiwanese talent and purchase unique pieces. Keep an eye out for temporary exhibitions that often showcase contemporary art and cultural themes. The building itself, with its blend of historical preservation and modern use, is a cultural experience in its own right. The surrounding Ximending district also offers a rich tapestry of street art and cultural performances.
📸 Photographers
Explore the surrounding alleys for more candid and unique perspectives. Inside, the interplay of light and shadow within the boutiques and exhibition spaces can create interesting compositions. For evening shoots, the transformation of the exterior into a lively bar street offers a dynamic urban photography experience. Remember to be respectful when photographing vendors and their merchandise.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History and Architecture
The building has undergone several transformations, reflecting Taipei's evolving history. Today, its exterior is a striking landmark, while the interior has been revitalized to house a vibrant mix of creative boutiques, art exhibits, and performance spaces. This blend of historical significance and modern cultural use makes it a unique destination.
Shopping for Unique Souvenirs
Visitors often highlight specific artists whose work they admire, such as Ni Hao Club, Cornet Cat, and Littdlework, showcasing the personal connection people form with these local creators. The merchandise often features popular sights like Jiufen, Shifen, and Taipei 101, making them perfect mementos of your trip.
Beyond visual arts, you might also discover unique toys or handcrafted goods, like a wooden rubber band gun mentioned by one reviewer, which proved to be a hit. The air-conditioned environment makes browsing these shops a comfortable and enjoyable experience, allowing ample time to discover that perfect, meaningful souvenir.
Ximending's Cultural Hub
The area surrounding The Red House is known for its energetic atmosphere, filled with shops, street performers, and a diverse culinary scene. It's also recognized as a significant hub for the LGBTQ+ community in Taipei, contributing to the district's inclusive and dynamic character.
In the evenings, the exterior of The Red House transforms into a lively bar street, offering a different kind of experience with music and social gatherings. This dual nature—a historical landmark by day and a nightlife hotspot by night—underscores its importance as a multifaceted cultural center in Taipei.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit