7 Best Night Markets to Visit in Taipei

1 Shilin Night Market

If you only have 1 day, I’d highly recommend you visit the Shilin Night Market. It’s probably the biggest one in Taipei and has the biggest variety of food I could find.

Shilin Night Market is a place to be if you’re a foodie. Established in 1899 during Japanese rule, this historic marketplace has been preserving Taiwan’s complex cultural roots for decades.

Interestingly, the Shilin Night Market originally catered to a lot of military personnel back in the day but now is the hottest spot for foodies whether locals or visitors! What I found really good about the market was how hygienic it was! Plus the aroma of all the street food stalls is making me salivate as I type this! Below are some of my favourite spots 😍

Here’s the IG reel I made from the epic night!

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2 Raohe Night Market

Raohe Night Market was established in 1987 making it one of the newer establishments of Taipei’s night markets. However, you cannot miss this spot as it might be one of the most vibrant foodie scenes in Taipei! Raohe Night Market has everything from food to souvenir shops to carnival games.

Iconic Songshan Ciyou Temple

The Ciyou temple traces back to the Qing Dynasty. Built over 250 years ago, this beautiful temple was a place where fishermen came to pray for safe voyages. You’ll be mesmerized by the intricate architecture and vibrant statues of deities that’s all over the roof of the temple. This temple was particularly dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea.

I didn’t get the chance to go since it was night time already but I think you should make your way there and explore around the inside if you can. I am amazed at how this place has stood the testament of Taiwan’s maritime history and symbolises the level of devotion of its people.

If you do plan to go in, please be respectful and quietly look around. Sacred places like this shouldn’t be bombarded by tourists and its our responsibility to be considerate of local cultures!

Taiwanese Temple Etiquette

1. Shoes – Check if you’re required to take your shoes off.
2. Do not point at anything.
3. Wear respectful clothing.
4. Check if photography is forbidden (in most famous temples its not but its always good to check).
5. Step over the wooden/metal door sill. Do not step on it.
6. Use the door with the dragon symbol to enter.
7. Use the door with the tiger symbol to exit.
8. Try to visit in a clockwise direction.

Rainbow Bridge

If you’re full from all that food, take a walk along the Keelung River Promenade and the Rainbow Bridge!

The Rainbow Bridge is an architectural gem spanning over the Keelung River. Illuminated by an assortment of colours at night, the bridge is aptly named. Despite being meters away from the Raohe Market, this promenade area is drastically quiet and calming. It’s perfect for a night’s walk.

3 Ximending

Ximending is a dynamic and youthful area where you’ll be met with a myriad of hip shops, food and people. This cool district can be compared to Japan’s Shibuya or Hong Kong’s Mong Kok area. You’ll see an ample amount of neon lights, interesting and eclectic boutiques and the youth. I found it quite fun to visit it for an hour and a half. I was able to grab a bubble tea and take in the sights.

Rainbow Crossing

The entrance of Ximending is where you’ll find the iconic Rainbow Crossing. I just love how the city has so many rainbow motifs everywhere! I took a photo with my best friend here and I saw people doing TikTok videos here. I even saw a man showing off his pet rabbits 😂

4 Ningxia Night Market

Ningxia Night Market is a hidden gem nestled in the Datong District. Dating back to the Qing Dynasty, the market has evolved over the years to keep up with the times. However, the quality of food has not been compromised. You can find both savoury and sweet treats in the little bustling lanes. Spanning about 300 metres, this market is one of the smaller ones.

If you’re looking for some traditional-style foods such as stinky tofu and oyster omelettes, you’ll be quite happy to be here. You can also buy traditional Chinese-style snacks here which people usually buy during Chinese New Year.

5 Shida Night Market

Shida Night Market is in a university neighbourhood which makes it a really popular spot for a lot of students.

Along with the huge number of street food, you can also get cheap clothing here! Shida is bustling with the fashion community and you’ll often see a lot of young shop owners trying to establish themselves.

6 Huaxi Street Night Market (Snake Alley)

Huaxi Street Night Market might be the most eclectic spot you visit during your trip! Very commonly known as Snake Alley, this unique area offers the most exotic foods that Taipei has to offer. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the snake soup or snake gallbladder wine!

Apart from its daring food choices, Snake Alley is surrounded by traditional Chinese architecture and sizzling food stalls. If you do end up going, let me know how it was!

7 Tonghua Night Market (Linjiang Night Market)

Tonghua Night Market is located in the Da’an District. It is a spot very popular with locals. It is quite a bit smaller than Shilin and Raohe Night Markets but you can visit if it’s closer to your hotel!

Of course, this night market also boasts amazing street foods and is surrounded by neon lights.

8 Conclusion

Taipei’s night markets are world-renowned. When I visited the city, I made sure to reserve my evenings to visit some of these must-visit ones. My favourite by far is of course Shilin Night Market. If you ever go to Taipei, remember to hit these spots which will help you embrace what Taipei has to offer.

Do you have a favourite night market? Let me know in the comments below!