Extra Tips For Travelers Headed To APT Taipei 2025

Powerhouse brand Asian Poker Tour makes its much-anticipated return to Taipei City, Taiwan from April 25 to May 4, 2025, and no doubt, players from around the globe will be flocking to seek out those signature lion trophies once again. Throughout the ten days, a massive 126 game lineup awaits players with the Main Event highlighted by a guarantee of NTD 70 Million (~US$ 2.1 Million).

While that is surely every reason to be at APT Taipei 2025, there are also plenty of additional ways to enhance one’s stay by exploring what the city has to offer. Somuchpoker has come up with some tips and suggestions for players that want to balance the grind with moments outside of the poker room. 

Staying Energized Between Events

To be on top of the game, everyone needs to stay sharp which means staying active – and Taipei makes it easy to do just that. Here are some great ways to keep the mind and body energized throughout the festival:

• Taipei Arena: Just a short walk from the poker venue, this public space is great for jogging and light workouts.
• City Streets: Taipei is bike and runner friendly, with dedicated lanes throughout much of the city.
• Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan Trail): A quick hike that rewards you with one of the best views of Taipei 101. Set time at night to capture the view once the city lights come to life.  
• Da’an Forest Park: Taipei’s largest urban park and a perfect spot for a morning run, people-watching, or a quiet break from the tables.

Late April to early May also signals the start of spring in Taiwan, with mild weather and low humidity. This is perfect for exploring the city on foot or by bike, taking in the sights and street scenes of Taipei. There are also numerous small parks scattered throughout the city, where you can unwind.

Getting Around The City

To get around the city, Taipei offers a variety of dependable transportation options.

• MRT (Metro): Fast, clean, and efficient. 
• Uber and Taxis: Readily available and reasonably priced.
• Buses: Great coverage, even to lesser-known neighborhoods.
• YouBike: Public bike-sharing system that’s perfect for quick rides or casual exploration.

And for first-time visitors, the Taipei Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is highly recommended with stops at key landmarks like Taipei 101, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and the National Palace Museum. This is a great way to see the city with the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Language Tips

While many locals speak English, it’s handy to have a translator app like Google Translate for reading signs and menus. It is especially helpful in smaller shops, food stalls, or navigating MRT station signs.

Food From Foodies

Taipei is a food lover’s paradise, and we’ve compiled these highlights to check out:

• Yong Kang Beef Noodle – A national favorite, one of the most talked-about beef bowls in town by locals and tourists. 
• Gua Bao (Pork Belly Buns) – Soft, savory, and found at many night markets like Raohe Street Night Market.
• Stinky Tofu – Yes it stinks! An iconic street snack that some say tastes like cheese but try for yourself and decide. Go for it at Shilin Night Market if you dare!
• Sunny Hills Pineapple Cakes – A great treat and souvenir, SunnyHills is known for its buttery, premium take on this traditional pastry. 

Of course exploring Taipei’s night markets is also a must, not just for the food, but for the full sensory experience.

Where To Stay During APT Taipei 2025

Getting discounts anywhere is always welcome and at APT Taipei 2025 players have that option through DK Tour, which offers convenient packages that include hotel accommodations near the new venue Red Space. These deals tend to fill up pretty quick so players are encouraged to contact DK and book now as the festival is fast approaching. Listed below are hotels supported by DK Tour. 

• Mayer Inn Hotel 
• Urtrip Hotel
• Simple + Hotel
• arTree Hotel
• ILLUME TaipeiJ
• Horizon Inn
• Deja Vu Hotel

APT Taipei 2025 Highlights

The upcoming APT Taipei 2025 is in partnership with the Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Association (CTP Club) and Asia online platform Natural8. The staggering 126 game lineup is littered with choices for every type of player along with guaranteed prize pools amounting to a whopping NTD 126 million (~USD 5.4 million). Buy ins range from an affordable NTD 3,500 (~$106) to the high stakes price tag of NTD 800,000 (~$24,420) for the Superstar Challenge.

The APT Main Event raises the bar once again featuring a larger NTD 70 Million (~$2.1 Million) guarantee for a buy in of NTD 55,000 (~$1,680). Make sure to mark down the highlights listed below.

Festival Highlights

• Main Event: NTD 70,000,000 (~$2,100,000) guarantee – Buy-in NTD 55,000 (~$1,680) – April 27-May 3, 2025
• APT National Cup: NTD 10,000,000 (~$305,000) – Buy-in NTD 12,000 (~$365) – April 25-28, 2025
• Mystery Bounty – Sponsored by Natural8: NTD 15,000,000 (~$458,000) guarantee – Buy-in NTD 17,000 (~$520) – April 26-27, 2025
• Sunday Super Stack:  NTD 5,000,000 (~$152,000) guarantee – Buy-in NTD 30,000 (~$915) – April 27, 2025
• Mini Main: NTD 15,000,000 (~$458,000) guarantee – Buy-in NTD 25,000 (~$765) – May 2-3, 2025
• Double Stack: NTD 10,000,000 (~$305,000) guarantee – Buy-in NTD 20,000 (~$610) – May 3-4, 2025
• Micro Main: NTD 2,000,000 (~$61,000) guarantee – Buy-in NTD 11,000 (~$335) – May 4, 2025 

High Roller Highlights

• APT Super High Roller: NTD 15,000,000 (~$458,000) guarantee – Buy-in NTD 330,000 (~$10,100) – April 26-27
• Superstar Challenge: Buy-in NTD 800,000 (~$24,420) – April 28-29, 2025
• Zodiac Classic – Sponsored by Natural8: NTD 20,000,000 (~$611,000) guarantee – Buy-in NTD 80,000 (~$2,440) – May 1-2, 2025
• Baby Superstar: Buy-in NTD 165,000 (~$5,040) – May 2, 2025
• APT High Roller:  NTD 15,000,000 (~$458,000) guarantee – Buy-in NTD 110,000 (~$3,360) – May 3-4 2025

Links:

Guide To APT Taipei 2025