Listen to the podcast version of this article!
More than just a place to stay, our hotel is a living building where old-world charm and modern creativity coexist. Nestled quietly in Tainan’s city center, it’s like an open book waiting to be read. Just outside, the familiar alleyway scenery awaits. Turn from Zhongyi Road into the famous Snail Alley (蝸牛巷), and you’ll discover a handful of spots with artistic flair, perfect air conditioning, and delightful iced drinks. We call them our “Tainan Summer Cool-Down Stations“—oases of refreshing calm amid the heat.
1. QINUAN-Lab (奇暖咖啡風味研究所)
Tucked away on a corner of Snail Alley, this cozy and experimental coffee shop is a brand co-founded by a professional coffee evaluator and a tea artisan. They blend their expertise to create a variety of inventive coffee flavors, taking your taste buds on a journey of their own.
Our Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask the owner for a recommendation. From rich and robust to light and fresh, every cup is a small summer adventure.
2. Serendipity (不經意的美好)
Embraced by the atmosphere of an old house, this cafe feels like a moment frozen in time with its nostalgic wooden windows and soft, warm lighting. They serve hearty, comforting burgers and brunch, creating an atmosphere that invites you to linger all afternoon.
Walking in here is like stepping into a fond memory of a Tainan afternoon—gentle, relaxed, and unexpectedly beautiful. It’s easy to fall in love.
3. Mizu Kura (水倉試驗所)
This old-house cafe, hidden deep in the alley, preserves the building’s history and nostalgic materials, making it a serene sanctuary from the heat. Both the coffee and tea are meticulously sourced, and the space is quiet and comfortable—perfect for travelers seeking a brief escape from the crowds and the sun.
Recommended Time: Between 2 PM and 4 PM. Pair a hot tea or a cold-brew coffee with the quiet ambiance and let your mind cool down too.
4. Shiang Jang Dessert (囂張飲食部)
With its industrial-style decor, Shiang Jang offers a different vibe within Snail Alley. The desserts here are particularly outstanding, with the tiramisu being a must-try signature item. Their pour-over coffee is both professional and approachable.
The space is bright, stylish, and a favorite among travelers who love to take photos. Feeling the summer heat? Come here, order a cool dessert, and spend the afternoon in “shiang jang” (flauntingly) good style.
Your Basecamp for a Cool Summer: Return to 3 Door Hotel
After a tour of Snail Alley, a refreshing coffee, and a sweet dessert, the perfect ending is returning to a hotel that offers both peace and aesthetic pleasure. At that moment, 3 Door Hotel is your ultimate summer sanctuary.
3 Door Hotel transforms a century-old house into a living space for travelers. It not only boasts an architectural aesthetic full of stories but is also an award-winning design hotel in Tainan. Here, you can read, create, or simply do nothing at all, enjoying a cool afternoon breeze that is all your own.