A beginner’s guide to Taipei’s best night markets for authentic Taiwanese street fare, vintage thrifting, retro carnival games & more

by Jermina

There’s nothing more satisfying than visiting a bazaar or food fest in Singapore to enjoy some local street fare. The only gripe that I have is that these events usually last during festive periods and you have to wait quite a bit till the next one. 

Having said that, I can see why Taiwan has become a popular travel destination over the years since they have tons of permanent night markets. Asides from indulging in street food, you can shop for clothes, watch live entertainment, play carnival games, and so much more. 

So, save this guide for your next trip as we share about the best 20 night markets in Taipei that you must visit including local favourites and hidden gems that have street fare at wallet-friendly prices.

1. Shilin Night Market

Taipei night markets
Photo: @kitayasuaki2002/instagram

Being one of the largest and oldest night markets in Taipei, Shilin Night Market is popular amongst tourists and locals alike. 

It’s a must-visit market with a good mix of hearty street food, desserts, and snacks like Hot-Star’s Fried Chicken — you definitely can’t skip this. 

Photo: yummy.yet/instagram

Besides that, you’ll also find trendy clothes and vintage accessories, household decor, carnival games, and quirky souvenirs — it’s no wonder that this night market has become a go-to spot for most tourists. 

📍No. 101, Jihe Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
🕐 4pm–12am (Daily)
🚆 Jiantan MRT Station

2. Raohe Street Night Market

Taipei night markets
Photo: @feedsbyjess/instagram

Another cult favourite has to be Raohe Street Night Market which boasts over four hundred food stalls and restaurants (some of which sell Michelin-recommended street food!)

This includes the Fuzhou Pepper Buns which comprises a peppery and juicy minced pork filling in between soft buns.

Taipei night markets
Photo: @the.rumkitchen/instagram

Alternatively, Ming Peng Xia Gang’s Stinky Tofu boasts crispy skin and a tender, soft interior. 

Since you’re already in the area, visit Songshan Ciyou Temple and immerse yourself in the rich and vibrant Taiwanese culture. 

📍 Raohe St, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
🕐 5pm–11pm (Daily)
🚆 Songshan MRT Station

3. Ningxia Night Market

Taipei night markets
Photo: 哈利不是波特/google images

With over one hundred F&B stalls available, Ningxia Night Market is a foodie heaven that has popular Taiwanese street delicacies. 

Just like how Singapore has its own national dish (I’d say it’s chicken rice, obviously), Taiwan is famous for its braised pork rice

Photo: @_ct.tpe/instagram

Niu Mama’s Lu Rou Fan boasts a comforting bowl of sweet, melt-in-your-mouth soy-braised pork belly over fluffy white rice. 

Otherwise, Fang Chia’s Shredded Chicken carries a lighter and cleaner profile that’s equally flavourful.

📍 103, Taiwan, Taipei City, Datong District, Ningxia Rd, 58號2樓
🕐 5pm–1am (Daily)
🚆 Shuanglian MRT Station

4. Gongguan Night Market

Photo: @tailang1992/instagram

Located near National Taiwan University, Gongguan Night Market attracts many local students because of its pocket-friendly street grub.

Photo: Aym Insure/google images

Regardless of whether you want a quick bite at Lan Jia Traditional Taiwanese Snack or have a proper sit-down meal at Emi Szechuan Restaurant, there are many varieties of cuisines to choose from. 

This is one of the night markets in Taipei that has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of casual bars such as James Joyce Irish Bar to grab a drink after munching on street fare. 

📍 Ln 90, Section 4, Roosevelt Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
🕐 3pm–11.45pm (Daily)
🚆 Gongguan MRT Station

5. Shida Night Market

Photo: 盧泥/google images

Alternatively, Shida Night Market is well-known for its affordable, trendy fashion because it is situated near the National Taiwan Normal University where many students reside. 

Although it is a relatively smaller night market than the others in Taipei, this is still worth checking out if you’re rushing for time or want to escape from the bustling crowd. 

📍 Lane 39, Shida Rd, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
🕐 4pm–11pm (Mon to Fri), 4pm–12am (Sat & Sun)
🚆 Taipower Building MRT Station

6. Jingmei Night Market

Photo: @patswalkoflife/instagram

The students in Taipei sure have it lucky as there are so many night markets just around the corner — perfect for an after-school snack. 

Located ten minutes away from Shih Hsin University, Jingmei Night Market has many authentic and local Taiwanese fare. 

Photo: Pearl Liu/google images

Take your time to explore as there are many hidden gems tucked away like Chi You Teppanyaki or Jingmei Tofu Pudding

If you have a sweet tooth, look forward to DIY-ing your very own dessert bowl with colourful jelly toppings like taro balls, peanuts, red beans, and sweet potatoes. 

📍 Jingmei St, Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 116
🕐 5pm–1am (Daily)
🚆 JingMei MRT Station

7. Liaoning Night Market

Taipei night markets
Photo: 福慶張/google images

Liaoning Night Market is dominated by countless traditional eateries featuring old-favourites like Heavenly Scent Tofu and Danzai Noodles

The latter is extremely well-loved amongst office workers because of the pork-shrimp broth and QQ wheat noodles that are topped with a savoury bolognese-like sauce.

📍 Liaoning St, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 104
🕐 4pm–9pm (Daily)
🚆 Nanjing Fuxing MRT Station

8. Huaxi Street Night Market

Taipei night markets
Photo: @binchenchina/instagram

Do you consider yourself an adventurous eater? 

If so, you must visit Huaxi Street Night Market — otherwise known as “Snake Alley” — has a myriad of exotic and unique snacks that incorporate snake meat (yes you heard that right)

Taipei night markets
Photo: @gudetravels/instagram

Think snake soup, wine, cooked dishes, and even medicine. 

Unlike most night markets in Taiwan, this sheltered market is completely indoors so you don’t have to worry about any rain showers or blistering sun that may ruin your day.

📍 Huaxi St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108 
🕐 4pm–12am (Daily)
🚆 Longshan Temple MRT Station

9. Xichang Night Market

Photo: kate chen/google images

Just a stone’s throw away from the previous market, Xichang Night Market is easier to navigate as the food and apparel are separated into two streets. 

Head to Guangzhou Street if you want to get home decor, vintage fashion pieces or quirky knick knacks. 

Besides that, Xichang Street has a plethora of Taiwanese snacks including dumplings, glutinous rice, and fresh fruits.

📍 No. 247, Xichang St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
🕐 4pm–11.30pm (Mon to Fri), 4pm–12am (Sat & Sun)
🚆 Longshan Temple MRT Station

10. Guangzhou Street Night Market

Photo: @kennycheng63/instagram

Nestled in between Wuzhou Street and Huanhe South Road, Guangzhou Street Night Market is considered smaller compared to the other night markets near Longshan Temple. 

However, it still has a decent number of street vendors that serve traditional local delicacies. 

Photo: Bernice的隨手筆記/google images

Indulge in scallion pancakes or traditional Taiwanese pastries before washing it down with an ice cold papaya milk. 

If you’re travelling with the little ones or family, there are carnival games or retro arcade machines at every corner for a fun-filled night.

📍 Guangzhou St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
🕐 4pm–12am (Daily)
🚆 Longshan Temple MRT Station

11. Wuzhou Street Night Market

Photo: kevin_GoogleAccount/google images

However, if you’re looking to escape from the crowd, Wuzhou Street Night Market is near Longshan Temple with fewer tourists around. 

This underrated night market has a plethora of delicious traditional dishes like Milkfish Stew (boiled with Chinese medicinal herbs)

Otherwise, you can never go wrong with the classic Bubble Waffles in flavours like cheese or chocolate.

📍 No. 164號, Wuzhou St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
🕐 6pm–12am (Daily)
🚆 Longshan Temple MRT Station

12. Tonghua (Linjiang) Night Market

Photo: Kok Wui Teo/google images

Attention, lok lok lovers!

Head over to Tonghua (Linjiang) Night Market where you’ll find over two hundred F&B stalls for people who want to spend the evening indulging in popular Taiwanese food. 

Contrary to its name, Caramel Maple Skewers serves a wide variety of meat and veggie skewers including pork belly, sausages, fishcakes, and chicken skin.

Photo: @willemijn.jpg/instagram

Don’t forget to get yourself a basket of Xiao Long Bao or Shijia Baobao. Think of the latter as a “Taiwanese hamburger” which comprises a thick slice of pork belly sandwiched in between steamed buns, garnished with cilantro and peanut powder (yums).

📍 Linjiang St, Da’an District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106
🕐 6pm–12am (Daily)
🚆 Xinyi Anhe MRT Station 

13. Lehua Night Market

Taipei night markets
Photo: elle Chang/google images

Night markets can often get very hectic and crowded, but Lehua Night Market makes it more convenient to stroll through with the food stands situated at the end of Yongping Road whilst the apparel and electronics are in the middle of the market.

Photo: Carolina Zeng/google images

Get the popular freshly fried Swordfish Skewers stuffed with sliced boiled eggs and fishcake (visit earlier as the lines tend to form pretty quickly!)

Choose to have ‘em with your choice of salt and pepper, soy sauce, Thai chutney or mustard.

📍Yongping Rd, Yonghe District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 234
🕐 4pm—12am (Daily)
🚆  Dingxi MRT Station 

14. Nanjichang Night Market

Taipei night markets
Photo: 波霸烏龍瑪奇朵/google images

Formerly known as Taipei Nanji Airport, Nanjichang Night Market is one of the hidden night markets in Taiwan with affordable street grub like the renowned Taiwanese Changhua Meatballs

Photo: Nai Cheng/google images

For those who are unfamiliar with the dish, it’s a unique combination of pork and bamboo filling coated in a gelatinous, sticky rice layer served with sweet and sour sauce. 

Even though the market closes at midnight, this stall is only open in the afternoon so you should head down earlier to prevent disappointment! 

📍 Lane 307, Section 2, Zhonghua Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
🕐 5pm–12am (Daily)
🚆 Xiaonanmen MRT Station

15. Ximending Night Market

Taipei night markets
Photo: kiattiphong udomtanateera/google images

Personally, if I were to travel to Taipei, I’d live in Ximending simply because it has everything that you’d need. There are plenty of accommodations like Tomorrow Hotel near the train station.

Photo: 幸福堂西門町全球旗艦店/google images

Best yet, Ximending Night Market — the ultimate food and shopping destination with entertaining street performances — is just two minutes away. 

After all, you can’t go to Taiwan (the land of bubble tea) and not get Xin Fu Tang’s Brown Sugar Bubble Tea, am I right?

📍 No. 127, Hanzhong St, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
🕐 5pm–10pm (Daily)
🚆 Ximen MRT Station

16. Yansan Night Market

Taipei night markets
Photo: 藤木/google images

Yansan Night Market is considered as one of the smaller scale night markets in Taipei and thus, doesn’t have as many tourists around. 

Nevertheless, it is still worth paying a visit if you’re around the downtown area and looking for a taste of nostalgic old-school eats

Photo: 阿欉大橋頭肉粽/google images

It has a number of affordable and authentic Taiwanese foods that aren’t commonly found in other night markets including Swordfish Hsinchu Rice Noodles and Da Qiao Tou Glutinous Rice Cake

The latter serves rice dumplings stuffed with lean meat, chestnut, mushrooms, and salted duck egg — comfort food for many locals. 

📍 Section 3, Yanping N Rd, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103
🕐 6pm–12am (Daily)
🚆 Daqiaotou MRT Station 

17. Sanhe Night Market

Photo: 米卡滋/google images

Although Sanhe Night Market isn’t as big as Shilin or Raohe Night Market, it still has a decent number of Taiwanese fare, clothing, electronics and merchandise to browse through. 

More importantly, it is only five minutes away from the metro station so it’s extremely convenient to visit with plenty of sit-down options. 

Consider paying a visit here if you want to grab a quick bite without having to squeeze with the crowd. 

📍 Zhongyang N Rd, Sanchong District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 241
🕐 5pm–12am (Daily)
🚆 Taipei Bridge MRT Station

18. Banqiao Nanya Night Market

Photo: 王小虎/google images

Looking for a family-friendly night market?

Banqiao Nanya Night Market has a huge range of carnival games that you can easily spend your time playing at. 

With games like ring toss, pop-the-balloon, pinball, and many attractive plushies to be won, the little ones are sure to be entertained for the entire night.

Photo: Nana/google images

Afterwards, head over to Wang’s Delicious Sesame Oil Chicken for a hearty and comforting bowl of chicken soup. 

It is jam-packed with nourishing ingredients and tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken leg with a side of sesame oil noodles.

📍 No. 87, Nanya E Rd, Banqiao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan 220
🕐 5pm–12am (Daily)
🚆 Fuzhong MRT Station

19. Liouhe Tourist Night Market

Photo: 미와/google images

Liouhe Tourist Night Market is the oldest and most popular night markets in Taipei, Kaohsiung with over two hundred food vendors that spans over two streets. 

You’ll find a decent variety of cuisines like seafood congee, large steamed prawns or sausage with sticky rice. It also closes relatively later than the other night markets for you to get your late-night supper fix

📍 Liuhe 2nd Rd, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 800 
🕐 5pm–2am (Daily)
🚆 Formosa Boulevard MRT Station 

20. Keelung Miaokou Night Market

Taipei night markets
Photo: Alfred Gatson III/google images 

Most of us would probably plan a day trip to visit the Studio Ghibli-inspired teahouse in Jiufen

When you’re done sightseeing, Keelung Miaokou Night Market is just a few minutes away. Since it is a popular night market, we’d advise to visit earlier to avoid the crowd.

Photo: SeaWeed Lee/google images

If you’re a seafood lover, you should definitely check out this market. They have tons of seafood delicacies including Crispy Deep Fried Crab, Tempura Fried Fish Paste, Thick Crab Soup, and Zhen Ji Unagi (braised eel in fragrant savoury-sweet broth)

📍200, Taiwan, Keelung City, Ren’ai District
🕐 12pm–12am (Mon to Sat), 8am–12am (Sun)

With so many food options to explore, we’re practically spoiled for choice! 

Which night market in Taipei will you be visiting during your next holiday? 

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