Photo: Unsplash
Cover Photo: Unsplash

Taipei is home to a host of night markets that offer an eclectic mix of food, drinks and traditional souvenir stalls

Nestled within the bustling streets of Taiwan’s capital city is an array of lively night markets.

Coming alive as the sun sets, these night markets see locals and visitors gathering to indulge in an array of mouthwatering street food, shop for unique gifts and immerse themselves in Taiwanese culture. These markets are known for its bustling atmosphere—from the chattering crowd to the enticing aromas of various stalls. 

Whether you are a food enthusiast, a shopping aficionado or just looking to soak in the atmosphere, Taipei’s night markets are something you wouldn’t want to miss. Here are some to get you started. 

Don’t miss: A food lover’s guide to Taipei

1. Huaxi Street Night Market

Also known as Snake Alley—as the market once sold snake meat and wine—Huaxi Night Market is a bustling market with stalls offering Chinese herbal food, crafts and gourmet snacks. While you’re here, don’t miss out on trying Tainan Danzai noodles, a Taiwanese delicacy featuring perfectly cooked noodles and meat bathed in an aromatic broth. 

2. Gongguan Night Market

Conveniently located Gongguan metro station is the Gongguan Night Market, one of the city’s biggest night markets in the South district. Open all year round, this market puts the spotlight on traditional Taiwanese delicacies including pig’s blood cake, milk tea and butter sauce crab. As the market is situated in Taipei’s business district and close to the National Taiwan University, the market is also typically frequented by locals. 

While you’re here, don’t forget to explore the Gongguan neighbourhood too as the market is located close to various bars and nightlife options. 

3. Shida Night Market

While Shida Night Market is smaller than the more popular markets such as Shilin, Raohe and Ximending, it’s still packed with a wide array of stalls. As it’s located near the National Taiwan Normal University, the market also seems to attract more of the younger crowd. 

Within the market, find trendy retail shops and a selection of eateries. Some must-try dishes here include Shi Yun’s crisp deep-fried chicken, Hsu Ji’s pork stuffed dumplings, and Niu Lao Da’s beef noodle soup. 

After exploring the aisles, walk along the trendy neighbourhood and find rock bars, hip cafes and trendy retail shops. 

4. Shilin Night Market

Could we really have a list of the most vibrant night markets in Taipei without talking about Shilin Night Market, one of the most famous ones around? 

This popular night market is split into two sections; the first is occupied mostly by food vendors, while the second offers non-food-related items. The market also has cinemas, video arcades, and karaoke bars in the area.

Tatler Tip:

Crowds tend to peak between 8pm to 11pm, so try to time your visit to avoid the crowds.

5. Raohe Night Market

The Raohe Street Night Market, located in the Songshan District in Taipei, is slightly smaller but no less vibrant than the others on our list. You can also discover a section with folk art and precious stones if you are looking for more traditional items. 

Tatler Tip:

To get here by Metro Taipei, alight at Songshan Station and take exit five.

6. Linjiang Street Night Market

Located in the residential area of Da-an District, Linjiang St. Night Market has over 200 stalls that sell a wide variety of snacks and late-night bites. The market stays open till midnight and offers up meals such as ganban noodles, oyster omelettes, barbecued sausages and peanut powdered pigs blood rice cakes.

7. Ningxia Night Market

Located by the Datong District traffic circle, Ningxia Night Market is known for its amazing food and shopping. There are over 200 stalls at this market—and you need to be strategic when planning a trip there. Some popular stalls that you can’t miss include Fang Jia Shredded Chicken on the Rice, which won the Michelin Guide Taipei 2019 Bib Gourmand award; and Lai Ji Oyster Omelet, which draws long queues nightly. 

8. Nanjichang Night Market

Nanjichang Night Market is one of those markets that is mostly frequented by locals, thanks in part to its affordable prices. As of 2019, Nanjichang Night Market had a total of four recommended dishes on the Michelin Bib Gourmand List. This is more than in any market in Taipei, which makes it well worth the visit. These stalls include Sung Ching Taiwanese Burrito, an unnamed Oven Clay Roll stall, A Nan Sesame Oil Chicken and Stinky Tofu Boss.


This story was first published on September 7, 2022, and updated on June 9, 2023

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