10 Things to do on a Rainy Day in Taiwan

Are there any things in life more comforting than curling up at home with a book while soft rain pitter-patters outside your window? The answer, dear friends, is hell yes.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a day snuggled up at home because the rain has barred me indoors, but Taiwan’s rainy season has the tendency to turn many (myself included) into hermits who rarely leave the house.

After 3 days of rain, the last thing I want to do is buy another damn Kindle book, knit another sweater, or make another homemade honey and yogurt facial – there’s only so many Pinterest inspired days my heart can take without throwing up all over the ugly sweater I attempted to knit during day 2 of rain.

Instead of wasting away on the couch with cold noodles and Sex and the City reruns on Star Network, why not tackle this little list of fun things to do in Taiwan during those dreadful rainy days?

1. Check out a unique café

Yes, yes, I know. You’re probably screaming in your head, “Not another damn café suggestion, Judith!” I understand. Really, I do. These suggestions have been regurgitated time and again on many of my articles, but hear me out before you click back over to Facebook, will you?

Most veteran expats in Taiwan crossed these cheesy little caffeine houses off their list in the first week of moving here, vowing to never again step foot inside another. There are so many new and exciting cafes that have recently opened, though, that I’m sure you’ll find one you love.

A few weeks ago I found a café in Dunhua that only has room for 5 people and has a creepy display of naked Kewpie dolls. Mix in the caffeinated high with the claustrophobia of the tight room and toss in those creepy dolls, you have yourself a great space to read a horror story all afternoon.

2. Eat at the Shillin Market Underground Food Court

Just because the rain forces the stands in the night market to scatter doesn’t mean you have to go weeks without your favorite pork buns. Shillin Night Market still has the underground food area open so you can eat to your heart’s content.

3. Have a night in with delivery beer, dinner, and dessert

Long gone are the days of foreigners, who cannot read Chinese, being forced to eat out because the delivery system is in a language they can’t read. A nice app called Food Panda is just for us Chinese illiterate, so we too can enjoy the comfort of eating dinner in our pajamas while binging on Netflix movies! I recommend ordering dinner, beer, and dessert from 3 different shops that specialize in their craft.

4. Shop the underground malls

Full of trinkets and treasures (and yes, thingamabobs), Taiwan’s underground malls have it all. Best part of this shopping experience is you’ll stay dry and toasty as you haggle over the price of the cute dress you’re coveting.

5. Visit a traditional tea house

Taiwan’s tea houses are some of the most famous in the world. Wisteria Traditional Tea House being one. Forgo your usual latte at Starbucks for an afternoon sipping on light and delicious teas.

6. Treat yo self

Manicures, pedicures, and massages are all extremely affordable in Taiwan. One of my favorite things to treat myself to on rainy days is a shampoo at a salon. For only $10.00 USD these boutique salons wash your hair (adding in a great scalp massage), blow dry, and style it.

Now I look forward to rainy days as an excuse to splurge on little beauty days.

7. Eat baobing

Even if it’s raining outside, it’s still the month of May – meaning it’s hotter than the inside of a pork bun (seriously, those things are hot). It’s still nice to enjoy shaved ice on rainy days in Taiwan.

8. Stay up all night reading horror stories in a 24 hour bookstore

Eslite in Taiwan is the world’s only 24-hour bookstore. They boast a pretty decent English section, and (from my experience) don’t mind if you sit around for a few hours reading a book. The natural lighting is great for rainy days when you feel like reading a few horror stories.

9. Go out for cocktails

This one is inspired by the words of a wise man: Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker! Cabs are so cheap in Taiwan that taking one to and from a bar will barely put a dent in your wallet. Call up some friends and meet at one of Taiwan’s tastiest cocktail bars to soak your rainy day woes in sweet, sweet liquor.

10. Dance the night away

There’s no reason you can’t enjoy a night on the town in Taiwan, especially when the ATT For Fun building has a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes to choose from – all conveniently located in the same building.

No ruining your hair on the way from one bar to the next! It’s perfect for you little party animals who don’t want to give up Friday Nights Out just because of a little typhoon.

If you’re an expat living in Taiwan, what rainy day activities would you add to this list? Share your answers with other travelers in a comment below!