MANILA, PHILIPPINES, August 16, 2024 – The APT Taipei Poker Classic, running September 27 to October 7 in partnership with the Chinese Texas Hold’em Poker Club (CTP), is the tour’s penultimate festival of the year and promises players a thrilling poker experience.
The action-packed series will spread 114 tournaments over 11 days and boasts over TWD 150 million (~USD 4.6M) in prize pool guarantees, with the jewel in the series' crown—the APT Main Event—coming with a hefty TWD 65 million (~USD 2 million) prize pool guarantee!
There is more than world-class tournament poker on offer, with the vibrant city of Taipei providing visitors with a host of accommodation and entertainment options ranging from the vibrant local night markets to an eclectic selection of restaurants, bars, and night life.
We have done a little homework to bring you all the essential information on how to get to the venues, where to stay, great places to eat, and entertainment available away from the tournament tables.
LOCATION
The APT Taipei 2024 is taking place over two venues; the CTP Asia Poker Arena—Asia's largest permanent poker room—and the CML (Chinese Mahjong League 華人麻將競技聯盟), both located in central Taipei around a 40-minute taxi ride from Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport.
You can pre-book an airport pickup and dropoff via APT's official travel partner Travel As Locals; a one-way trip for two persons plus luggage (5-seats) costs TWD 1,100 (~USD 36), for three persons plus luggage (7-seats) costs TWD 1,300 (~USD 42), and for four persons plus luggage (9-seats) costs TWD 1,500 (~USD 49).
You can also catch the Airport Line (Express) to Taipei Main Station, which takes around an hour and twenty minutes. You then have the option to either take a short five-minute walk over to Rear Station and catch the #52 bus to Zhongshan Girl High School – which is nine stops and should take around 13-minutes – or you can take a five-minute walk over to Beimen Station and catch the Songshan–Xindian MRT for two stops to Songjiang Nanjing station, which is located around a 10-minute walk from the CTP Asia Poker Arena.
APT CARD REGISTRATION & KEY INFORMATION
Make things easier for yourself and apply for your APT Registration Card online; your Digital APT Registration Card can be used for all upcoming APT Events. The cut-off date for online registration is 12pm local time on Wednesday, September 25.
All key information for the APT Taipei Poker Classic 2024 can be found HERE.
HOTELS
The majority of the marquee event action is playing out at the CTP Asia Poker Arena – which is located in the heart of the Zhongzheng District in central Taipei and there are several great hotel options in the area.
High Roller tournaments and mixed games are playing out at the CML (Chinese Mahjong League 華人麻將競技聯盟) – which is located in the nearby Songshan District and there are also hotels located close by.
We have deals in place via APT official travel partners Travel As Locals and DK Poker Tour Bookings for accommodation options suitable for both venues, and have listed some of these below:
Green World Grand Nanjing Hotel (洛碁大飯店 南京館)
Address: No. 8, Section 3, Nanjing E Rd, Zhongshan District
Google Ranking: 4.2 stars
Deal: DK Poker Tour Bookings
This 4-star hotel is located a 5-minute walk from APA. All rooms come with free WiFi, and bottled water, air conditioning, a refrigerator, and a safe. Players booking through DK can get the following prices:
- Standard room (26m2): ~USD 117 per night (breakfast inclusive)
- Superior room (30m2): ~USD 123 per night (breakfast inclusive)
- Deluxe room (33m2): ~USD 132 per night (breakfast inclusive)
Green World Hotel Jianpei (洛碁大飯店建北館)
Address: No. 140號, Section 1, Jianguo N Rd, Zhongshan District
Google Ranking: 4 stars
Deal: DK Poker Tour Bookings
This 4-star hotel is located a 2-minute walk from APA. All rooms come with free WiFi, bottled water, and toiletries, air conditioning, a refrigerator, and a safe. Players booking through DK can get the following prices:
- Backpackers cabin (10m2): ~USD 86 per night (breakfast inclusive)
- Business room (30m2): ~USD 120 per night (breakfast inclusive)
- City view room (33m2): ~USD 129 per night (breakfast inclusive)
Green World Mai-Nanjing (洛碁大飯店 舞衣南京館)
Address: No. 163, Section 2, Nanjing E Rd, Zhongshan District
Google Ranking: 4 stars
Deal: DK Poker Tour Bookings
This 3-star hotel is located a 5-minute walk from the APA. All rooms come with free WiFi, and bottled water, air conditioning, a refrigerator, and a safe. Players booking through DK can get the following prices:
- Superior room (20m2): ~USD 89 per night (breakfast excluded)
- Fashion room (23m2): ~USD 98 per night (breakfast excluded)
arTree Hotel (阿樹國際旅店)
Address: Section 3, Bade Rd, 76號1樓, Songshan District
Google Ranking: 4.3 stars
Deal: Travel as Locals
This 3-star hotel is located a 2-minute walk from CML offering guests comfortable terraces, two onsite restaurants, a gym and an onsen spa. Players booking via Travel as Local can get a 10-night stay including breakfast for TWD 49,800 (~USD 1,540). Rooms come with free WiFi, air conditioning, and a refrigerator. All rooms are non-smoking.
FX Hotel Taipei (台北富驛時尚酒店 南京東路館)
Address: No. 131, Section 3, Nanjing E Rd, Zhongshan District
Google Ranking: 3.8 stars
Deal: Travel as Locals
This 4-star hotel is located a 10-minute walk from APA and a 20-minute walk from CML. Onsite facilities include a gym and the hotel offers an airport shuttle service (must be booked in advance). Players booking via Travel as Local can get a 10-night stay including breakfast for TWD 31,300 (~USD 970). Rooms come with free WiFi and are non-smoking.
Hotel Metropolitan Premier Taipei (JR東日本大飯店台北)
Address: No. 133號, Section 3, Nanjing E Rd, Zhongshan District
Google Ranking: 4.5 stars
Deal: Travel as Locals
This 5-star hotel is located a 10-minute walk from APA and a 20-minute walk from CML. Onsite facilities include a choice of three restaurants, a bakery, and three lounge bars, a spa, pool & sauna, and a gym. Players booking via Travel as Local can get a 10-night stay for TWD 50,000 (~USD 1,550). Price does not include breakfast. Rooms come with free WiFi and are non-smoking.
For more hotel deals CLICK HERE.
FOOD
There is a wealth of dining options available near the venue offering a wide variety of cuisines ranging from American BBQ to Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and Korean, with some Western-style pubs and take aways also an option depending on your preference. Some of the standouts in the area include:
Address: SongJiang Rd, 116號2樓, Zhongshan District
Google Ranking: 4.1 stars
Those looking for baked goodies should check out the BeGood bakery, which is located on the second floor of Hanju Hotel a 10-minute walk from the Asia Poker Arena. In addition to the onsite bakery, they also offer salads, soups, rice and noodle dishes, and several set menu options. Open seven days a week 7am-10:30pm.
Yang Shin Vegetarian Restaurant
Address: No. 128號, SongJiang Rd, Zhongshan District
Google Ranking: 4.3 stars
A fusion of Western culinary concepts, Japanese culinary skills, Chinese culinary techniques, and local Taiwanese ingredients, Yang Shin offers a modern take on vegetarian cuisine and dim sums. Located a 10-minute walk from the CTP Asia Poker Arena and a 15-minute taxi ride from the CML (Chinese Mahjong League 華人麻將競技聯盟).
Address: No. 31號, Lane 8, Section 3, Bade Rd, Songshan District
Google Ranking: 4.6 stars
A popular Spanish restaurant located a 5-minute walk from CML offering a selection of tapas, cold cuts, soups, salads and vegetarian-friendly options in addition to classic dishes like seafood paella. Open 5pm-11pm Tuesday to Friday and 10:30am-2pm & 5pm-11pm Saturday to Sunday.
Address: No. 102號, DunHua N Rd, Songshan District
Google Ranking: 4.2 stars
A craft beer microbrewery and restaurant offering a great selection of beers and western food options such as BBQ ribs, tacos, pizza, and pasta. Located a 5-minute drive or a 10-minute walk from CML and open seven-days a week, 11am-10pm.
Address: Shilin District, Section 7, Zhongshan N Rd, 57號2樓
Google Ranking: 4.8 stars
A British owned food delivery service specialising in sausages and pies. They also have a walk-in restaurant located a 25-minute drive from APA offering classics like bangers and mash, and a top notch full English breakfast. They also serve beer. Open seven-days a week, 9am-8pm.
COFFEE
Address: 104 ChangAn East Rd Section 2
Google Ranking: 4.9 stars
A local coffee shop offering food and drinks, open 7:30am-5:30pm Monday-Saturday. Located a short five-minute walk from the CTP Asia Poker Arena.
Address: No. 30號, Section 3, Bade Rd
Google Ranking: 4.2 stars
Japanese franchise Komeda's Coffee is located a one-minute walk from the CML 華人麻將競技聯盟 venue. Open 7am to 9pm Tuesday to Sunday, Mondays 11am to 9pm.
ENTERTAINMENT
Of course, the highlight of the entertainment on offer during the festival will be the APT Players Party on Thursday, October 3. There are also a wealth of nightspots and bars in Taipei worth checking out and we’ve compiled a short list of the highlights:
Raohe Street Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市)
Address: Raohe St, Songshan District
Google Ranking: 4.3 stars
No trip to Taipei would be complete without checking out one of the city’s famous night markets where you can sample snacks, drinks, and an eclectic selection of local cuisine. Located just to the south of the Rainbow Bridge on the banks of the Keelung River, the Raohe Street Night Market is one of Taipei’s best-known night markets. It’s free and runs 5pm-11pm seven days a week.
Address: 48th Floor, Nanshan, 17 Songzhi Road, Xinyi District
Google Ranking: 4.5 stars
Located on the 48th floor of Taipei’s second-tallest building, CÉ LA VI is one of the city’s top-rated rooftop bars. Boasting panoramic views of the iconic Taipei 101 building, this popular nightspot is divided into three spaces: Sky Bistro, Skybar, and Lounge. Opening hours for Sky Bistro are 12pm-10pm Tuesday to Sunday. Skybar and Lounge are open Tuesday to Sunday 9pm-2:30am.
Address: 166 Fuxing North Road, Zhongshan District
Google Ranking: 4.1 stars
A popular sports bar open seven days a week with a weekly live sports schedule. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 5pm to 1am (Thursday to 4am, Friday to 2am) Saturday & Sunday 5pm to 2am (Sunday to 1am). Taipei Salsa night is popular on Tuesdays, but it’s the legendary Brass Monkey Taipei Ladies Night on Thursdays that pulls in the crowds.
Address: No. 1號, Yumen St, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491
Google Ranking: 4.0 stars
Triangle is a popular bar/club that has a loyal following for its Freaky Fridays which come with no cover charge. The music is hip hop club hits and house, and doors open from 11pm-4am. Saturdays are Latin night with a TWD 200 cover charge before 12am and TWD 300 after 12am, both including a drink.
TOURS & ACTIVITIES
Organiser: Travel as Local
Explore the vibrant city of Taipei with this guided tour. Visit the famous National Palace Museum, Dadaochen Visitor Centre, Lungshan Temple, and Zhongzheng Memorial Hall; four of the city’s major tourist attractions. The tour starts at 9am and takes around 8 hours, including hotel pick-up, the cost of a driver and tickets for the National Park Museum. Does not include food. TWD 2,500 (~USD 80) per person.
Organiser: Travel as Local
A full day trip taking in the breath-taking sights of the Yehliu Geo Park, Jiufen Old Street, PingXi Old Street, and Shifen Old Street. The tour starts at 9am and takes around 10 hours, including hotel pick-up, the cost of a driver and tickets for Yehliu Geo Park. Does not include food. TWD 2,800 (~USD 90) per person.
Dongshan River Water Park/Tangwei Hot Spring Park Tour
Organiser: Travel as Local
A full day trip soaking up some culture at the Lanyang Museum, before scoping out the Lodong Forestry Culture Park, the Dongshan River Water Park, and the Tangweigou Hot Spring Park. The tour starts at 9am and takes around 10 hours, including hotel pick-up, the cost of a driver and tickets for the Lanyang Museum. Does not include food. TWD 3,200 (~USD 99) per person.
For more tour options CLICK HERE.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Of course, the main reason to come to Taipei at the end of September is the APT Taipei Classic 2024. Festival Highlights include:
- APT Main Event (TWD 65M/~USD 2M GTD): Sep 29-Oct 5 – TWD 50K/~USD 1,530 buy-in
- APT National Cup (TWD 10M/~USD 311K GTD): Sep 27-28 – TWD 10K/~USD 300 buy-in
- Mystery Bounty Hunter – Sponsored by Natural8 (TWD 10M/~USD 308K GTD): Sep 28-29 – TWD 15K/~USD $460 buy-in
- APT Super High Roller (TWD 11M/~USD 339K GTD): Sep 28-29 – TWD 300K/~USD 9,200 buy-in
- Sunday Super Stack (TWD 4M/~USD 122K GTD): Sep 29 – TWD 25K/~USD 770 buy-in
- Superstar Challenge: Sep 30-Oct 1 – TWD 800K/~USD 24.5K buy-in
- Zodiac Classic – Sponsored by Natural8 (TWD 20M/~USD 613K GTD): Oct 3-4 – TWD 80K/~USD 2,455 buy-in
- Baby Superstar: Oct 4 – TWD 150K/~USD 4,600 buy-in
- Double Stack (TWD 7M/~USD 214K GTD): Oct 4-5 – TWD 20K/~USD 615 buy-in
- APT High Roller (TWD 11M/~USD 339K GTD): Oct 5-6 – TWD 110K/~USD 3,375 buy-in
- Mini Main Event (TWD 6M/~USD 184K GTD): Oct 5-6 – TWD 22K/~USD 675 buy-in
- Micro Main Event (TWD 3M/~USD 92K GTD): Oct 6-7 – TWD 11K/~USD 340 buy-in
- The Closer (TWD 1M/~USD 30K GTD): Oct 7 – TWD 10K/~USD 300 buy-in
For further information, please contact press@APT.Poker