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7 Best Night Markets in Taipei - Where To Go & What To Eat

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If there's one thing I would tell every first-time visitor to Taipei, it's to not skip the night markets. After exploring much of Asia I still think the night markets I visited in Taipei are some of the best and most authentic ones.

I absolutely love exploring food markets whenever I travel, but Taipei's night markets quickly became some of my favourites in Asia. Some are huge and packed with tourists, while others are smaller neighbourhood markets where you'll mostly find locals grabbing dinner.

The difficult part isn't finding a good night market, it's deciding which one to visit first. Or if you're short on time, which one to prioritise.

This guide covers the best night markets in Taipei, what each one is known for, the foods you shouldn't miss, and which market I recommend.

If you also want to know more about the top things to do in Taipei, I have a separate guide for that here.

Which Taipei Night Market Should You Visit?

Raohe night market

Out of all the night markets I visited in Taipei, Raohe was easily my favorite.

The market stretches along a single street, making it incredibly easy to explore without feeling overwhelmed. Unlike some of Taipei's larger markets, you won't spend half your evening trying to figure out where to go next. Instead, you simply follow the crowds while stopping whenever something catches your eye, which happens every few steps.

What I loved most was the atmosphere. It felt lively without feeling chaotic, and there seemed to be a nice balance between locals and visitors.

Another thing that makes Raohe unique is its location next to Ciyou Temple. So before entering the market, spend a few minutes exploring the beautifully decorated temple.

woman selling food at a local night market in taipei, taiwan
Taipei Night market

Shilin night market

Shilin is undoubtedly Taipei's most famous night market. It's enormous.

In fact, it feels more like an entire neighbourhood dedicated to food, shopping, games, and entertainment than a traditional market and it's easy to spend an entire evening here.

Beyond the food stalls, you'll find clothing stores, beauty products, souvenir shops, claw machines, and arcades. It’s a bit more touristy, but still great fun. Even if you've already eaten dinner, it's still worth wandering around simply to soak up the atmosphere.

If you're feeling adventurous, I’ve heard this is the best place to try Taiwans famous stinky tofu. I personally didn’t, but you might want to.

chinese letters on a sign in taipei, taiwan
Taipei Night market
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Ningxia night market

Unlike Shilin, you won't find endless souvenir stores or clothing stalls here. Ningxia Night Market is entirely dedicated to eating rather than shopping.

Because of that, Ningxia has developed a reputation as one of Taipei's best markets for traditional Taiwanese dishes. Many of the stalls have been run by the same families for decades, with recipes passed down through generations. So you’re pretty guaranteed to get a good meal here.

You'll see plenty of locals stopping by after work for dinner, which is always a good sign and it gives the market a wonderfully authentic feel.

If your main goal is trying the best Taiwanese food rather than shopping, Ningxia would probably be my first recommendation. It's smaller than Shilin, easier to navigate, and every stall seems to specialise in doing one thing exceptionally well.

people wandering around the night market in taipei, taiwan
Taipei Night market

Linjiang street night market

If you're looking for a night market that feels a little more local, head to Linjiang Street Night Market, or often called Tonghua Night Market.

Compared to Shilin and Raohe, it's much smaller, but that's exactly what makes it so enjoyable. So if you've already visited the bigger markets or simply want somewhere with a more authentic neighborhoud feel, Linjiang is an excellent choice.

I always think smaller markets are less intimidating if it's your first time trying street food, and Linjiang is a great example. You can take your time, chat with vendors, and discover plenty of hidden gems without feeling rushed.

It's also conveniently located close to Taipei 101, making it easy to combine the two in one evening.

Activities
Want to make the most of your trip to Taipei?

Browse the highest-rated tours and experiences here.

street vendors at the night market in taipei, taiwan
Taipei Night market

Huaxi street night market

Huaxi Street Night Market is unlike any of the other night markets in Taipei and was once famous for its snake restaurants and exotic dishes. While the market has changed considerably over the years, it still has a fascinating atmosphere and remains one of Taipei's oldest night markets.

Even if you have no interest in trying the more adventurous foods, it's still well worth visiting. The food was a bit too adventures for me, but it was still great fun to just wander around and see all the various dishes.

Another advantage to Huaxi Night Market is its location. It’s not far from the Longshan Temple, which I highly recommend visiting. So it’s easy to pair the two with a visit to the temple in the afternoon and walk over to the market for dinner or just exploration.

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Nanjichang night market

I personally never made it here, but I’ve heard so many great things about it that I wanted to add it here anyways.

Unlike some of Taipei's better-known markets, this one remains relatively under the radar for international visitors. That means shorter queues, lower prices, and a much more local atmosphere. From what I hear it’s one of the best places in the city for food lovers and those looking for a less touristy spot.

people wandering around the night market in taipei, taiwan
Taipei Night market

Gongguan night market

Located near Taiwan University, Gongguan night market has a noticeably younger atmosphere than many of Taipei's other markets. You’ll find students filling the streets most evenings, creating a lively but relaxed vibe that's perfect if you're looking for great food without the biggest tourist crowds.

Prices also tend to be slightly lower than in some of the city's more famous markets, making this an excellent choice for budget travellers.

You'll also find plenty of dessert shops and cafés nearby if you're looking to continue your food adventure after the market.

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What is the Best Area to Stay in Taipei?

For most travellers, staying around Taipei Main Station or Ximending is a great choice, especially if it’s your first visit to Taiwan. Both areas are well connected by public transport, making it easy to explore Taipei’s main attractions, visit the famous night markets, and take day trips outside the city.

However, Taipei has several other neighbourhoods worth considering, depending on what kind of trip you have in mind. Zhongshan is a great option if you prefer stylish cafés, independent shops and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere, while Da’an offers leafy streets, local restaurants and a more residential feel.

Below you’ll see my three favourite hotels that I recommend checking out first. This is my personal favourite, and I highly recommend staying there if you want a practical and fun stay in Taipei.

CitizenM Taipei North gate
CitizenM Taipei North gate

If you're looking for a stylish hotel without spending a fortune, this is an excellent choice. It was within walking distance of Ximending, Taipei Main Station, and several MRT stops, making it incredibly easy to get around. Everything is controlled through an iPad, which gave the hotel a fun, modern feel.

Check prices and availability

Hotel Resonance
Hotel Resonance

Hotel Resonance is one of the best-rated hotels in the city. The rooms are spacious by Taipei standards, beautifully designed, and the location is fantastic for exploring both the historic sights and modern districts. It's an ideal option for couples looking for a comfortable stay without paying luxury prices.

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Humble House
Humble House

This is one of Xinyi's best-rated hotels and combines contemporary design with a fantastic location. The rooftop swimming pool overlooking the Taipei skyline is a highlight, and it's within walking distance of Taipei 101, shopping malls, and some of the city's best restaurants.

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Map of the Best Hotels in Taipei

Below you'll find a map where I've pinned my favourite hotels in Taipei to make it easier for you to navigate when you're looking for where you want to base yourself.

Which Night Market in Taipei Is Best?

If you're wondering which night market you should prioritize, here's a quick guide based on your travel style.

Best for first-timers: Raohe Night Market

The biggest and most famous: Shilin Night Market

The best traditional Taiwanese food: Ningxia Night Market

A more local experience: Linjiang Night Market

Historic atmosphere: Huaxi Street Night Market

Hidden foodie gem: Nanjichang Night Market

Budget friendly street food: Dongguan Night Market

Personally, if I only had one evening in Taipei, I'd head straight to Raohe Night Market.

It strikes the perfect balance between incredible food, a lively atmosphere, and a manageable size. I never felt overwhelmed, and almost every stall tempted me to stop.

If you have two or three evenings in Taipei, I'd recommend visiting Raohe, Ningxia, and Shilin. Together, they offer three very different experiences and showcase just how diverse Taipei's night market culture really is.

Activities
Short on time in Taipei?

This guided tour takes you to all the highlight in the city in one fully packed day.

How to Get to Taipei's Night Markets

One of the things I loved most about Taipei is how easy it is to get around. The MRT is clean, affordable, punctual, and incredibly simple to use, even if it's your first time visiting Taiwan.

Every major night market in this guide is easily accessible by public transport, so there's no need to worry about taxis or renting a car.

MRT stations for each night market

What to Budget for Taipei's Night Markets

One of the best things about eating at Taipei's night markets is that it's incredibly affordable. Most snacks cost between NT$50–150 (roughly US$1.50–5), so it's easy to sample lots of different dishes without spending a fortune.

Here's a rough idea of what you can expect:

Best Time to Visit Taipei's Night Markets

I usually arrived around 6:30 pm, which turned out to be almost perfect. The market was already lively, but it hadn't yet reached its busiest period.

By 8 pm, the crowds had grown considerably. So if you prefer a quieter experience, try visiting shortly after the market opens.

red door in taipei, taiwan
Taipei Night market

Final Thoughts: Best Night Markets in Taipei

If there's one experience that truly captures the spirit of Taipei, it's spending an evening wandering through one of its incredible night markets. They're noisy, colourful, chaotic in the best possible way, and packed with some of the best food you'll find anywhere in Taiwan.

So if you're planning a trip to Taiwan, make sure you leave room in your itinerary to explore different night markets every evening. Trust me, you'll leave with a full belly, happy memories, and probably a long list of foods you'll be craving long after you've returned home.

If you also need more help planning your trip, you can check out my guides on where to stay and how to plan your weekend itinerary.

Plan Your Trip to Taipei

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Taipei. To make planning even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

Hotels
Hotels
Flights
Currency
Activities
Activities
Sim Card
Insurance

Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.

By using these links you help me continue to create free travel guides like this one.

Thank you for supporting Travels with Ingrid!

If you have any questions about travel in Taiwan, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media.

I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid

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