Top 10 Taipei night markets. If you’re anything like me, food is one of the main reasons to travel. And when it comes to food, Taipei never disappoints. Everyone has heard about Shilin Night Market, but after traveling to Taipei multiple times, I’ve discovered that the real magic happens when you explore beyond the obvious spots.
In this post, I’ll share my personal picks for Taipei’s top 10 night markets, each with its own vibe, specialty dishes, and insider tips — plus the closest MRT station and nearby attractions so you can plan a full evening out.
1. Raohe Street Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市)
📍 Closest MRT: Songshan Station, Green Line (Exit 5)
Raohe is one of Taipei’s oldest and most atmospheric night markets. It runs in a straight line, making it easy to wander without getting lost.
Must-try foods I loved:
Black pepper pork buns (胡椒餅) baked in clay ovens at the market entrance.
Stinky tofu — crispy outside, soft inside.
Herbal pork rib soup.
✨ Nearby attractions:
Songshan Ciyou Temple — right at the market entrance.
Rainbow Bridge — great for night photos over the river.
Wufenpu Garment Wholesale Area — bargain shopping district nearby.
👉 Tip: Go early (around 5:30–6:00pm) before it gets packed.
2. Ningxia Night Market (寧夏夜市)
📍 Closest MRT: Zhongshan Station, Red Line (Exit 1)
This one feels like the locals’ choice. It’s smaller than Shilin but famous for traditional Taiwanese snacks.
Favorites I tried:
Oyster omelet (蚵仔煎).
Peanut ice cream roll with cilantro.
Fried taro balls.
✨ Nearby attractions:
Dihua Street — historic shops and tea houses.
Xiahai City God Temple — popular for matchmaking prayers.
Taipei Fine Arts Museum — quick ride away if you’re into art.
👉 Tip: Perfect for food photography since vendors display their snacks beautifully.
3. Shilin Night Market (士林夜市)
📍 Closest MRT: Jiantan Station, Red Line (Exit 1)
Yes, it’s touristy, but you can’t skip it on your first trip. Shilin is the largest and most famous night market in Taipei.
What I enjoyed most:
Giant fried chicken cutlet.
Bubble tea at one of the original shops.
Hot-Star fried chicken.
✨ Nearby attractions:
Shilin Residence — Chiang Kai-shek’s former home.
National Palace Museum — world-famous Chinese art collection.
Yangmingshan National Park — hot springs and hikes (best daytime activity).
👉 Tip: Skip the first food stalls you see — wander deeper for better quality.
4. Huaxi Street Night Market (華西街夜市 / Snake Alley)
📍 Closest MRT: Longshan Temple Station, Blue Line (Exit 1)
This one is quirky and historic, once known for snake dishes. Today, it’s about traditional eats and late-night dining.
Top picks I tried:
Danzai noodles (擔仔麵).
Steamed pork rib rice.
Herbal soups.
✨ Nearby attractions:
Longshan Temple — beautifully lit in the evening.
Bopiliao Historic Block — restored old street with exhibitions.
Herb Alley — narrow lane selling traditional remedies.
👉 Tip: Combine with a temple visit before dinner.
5. Tonghua Night Market (通化街夜市 / 臨江街觀光夜市)
📍 Closest MRT: Xinyi Anhe Station, Red Line (Exit 4)
This is a great option if you’re staying near Taipei 101. It’s more low-key and filled with locals.
What I loved here:
Pan-fried buns (水煎包).
Grilled squid skewers.
Mango shaved ice.
✨ Nearby attractions:
Taipei 101 — 10-min walk for skyline views.
Elephant Mountain — quick hike for sunset.
Eslite Bookstore (Dunnan) — iconic late-night bookstore.
👉 Tip: Great for avoiding tourist crowds — prices are friendlier too.
6. Yansan Night Market (延三夜市)
📍 Closest MRT: Daqiaotou Station, Orange Line (Exit 1)
Yansan feels like a step back in time — old-school Taipei vibes.
Don’t miss:
Sausage with sticky rice bun (大腸包小腸).
Soy-braised meats.
Taiwanese-style tempura (甜不辣).
✨ Nearby attractions:
Dadaocheng Wharf — riverside sunsets.
Confucius Temple — peaceful and ornate.
Bao’an Temple — nearby Taoist temple.
👉 Tip: Best to go earlier — vendors sell out fast.
7. Gongguan Night Market (公館夜市)
📍 Closest MRT: Gongguan Station, Green Line (Exit 4)
Located near NTU, this market has a youthful vibe and student-friendly prices.
Favorites when I visited:
Fresh fruit juice.
Banh mi sandwiches.
Popcorn chicken.
✨ Nearby attractions:
National Taiwan University (NTU) campus stroll.
Treasure Hill Artist Village — quirky art community.
Bitan Scenic Area (one stop south at Xindian).
👉 Tip: Cash only, portions are big and cheap.
8. Ximending Night Market (西門町夜市)
📍 Closest MRT: Ximen Station, Blue/Green Lines (Exit 6)
Technically more shopping district than market, but at night it transforms.
Fun eats I enjoyed:
Taiwanese crêpes.
Bubble tea galore.
Japanese-style fusion snacks.
✨ Nearby attractions:
Red House Theater — historic hub with indie shops.
Street art alleys — great for photos.
Cinema Street — Taipei’s movie hub.
👉 Tip: Go for both food + shopping.
9. Nanjichang Night Market (南機場夜市)
📍 Closest MRT: Xiaonanmen Station, Green Line (Exit 3), then taxi/bus
Off the beaten path but worth it for authentic eats.
Best bites I found:
Braised pork rice (滷肉飯).
Pan-fried dumplings.
Savory sticky rice cakes.
✨ Nearby attractions:
Taipei Botanical Garden — lotus ponds and greenery.
Youth Park — local families gather here.
National History Museum (check for reopening status).
👉 Tip: Fewer tourists, prices lower.
10. Shida Night Market (師大夜市)
📍 Closest MRT: Taipower Building Station, Green Line (Exit 3)
Located near Shida University, it blends food and boutique shopping.
Good eats I tried:
Bubble milk tea.
Sweet potato balls.
Japanese fried snacks.
✨ Nearby attractions:
Shida University campus vibes.
Taipei Water Museum — small heritage site.
Guting Riverside Park — cycling and evening walks.
👉 Tip: Perfect if you want food + shopping together.
My Final Thoughts on Taipei’s Night Markets
After wandering through Taipei’s many night markets, I’ve realized each has its own personality:
Shilin is for first-timers.
Ningxia and Raohe are best for authentic snacks.
Tonghua and Shida offer a local neighborhood vibe.
Nanjichang is the hidden gem.
Traveler tip: Pair each night market with a nearby attraction. That way you get the best of Taipei’s food + culture in one evening.
💡 Pro tip for planning: Grab an EasyCard for hassle-free MRT rides. Almost every market + attraction combo is within subway reach.
