Explore the 8 most famous night markets in Taiwan and dive into their lively atmosphere, where you can indulge in street food and shop for trendy items at unbeatable prices.

Taiwan's Night Markets are a distinctive urban culture of the island. It's no exaggeration to say that the quickest way to experience Taiwan's culture and cuisine is through its night markets. Immerse yourself in the bustling, vibrant atmosphere and enjoy shopping while sampling unique street food. As you wander through the alleys of the market, you'll quickly discover that Taiwan is more fascinating than you might think!

Introduction to Taiwan's Night Markets

The tradition of night markets has been a staple in China for hundreds of years. It's where merchants gather to trade goods such as fabrics and handmade crafts. If you've ever watched historical films, you'll recognize the busy stalls and crowds of people in the night market.

As time has passed, Taiwan's night markets have evolved into modern shopping districts, vibrant and colorful. Today, the Taiwanese continue to preserve and develop the tradition of night markets that has lasted for centuries. A highlight of Taiwan's night markets is their variety, featuring areas such as food, goods, culture, and entertainment.

Night markets are an essential cultural beauty when it comes to Taiwan (Image source: Collected)

Each region reflects its own distinct culture and cuisine, which is why you'll find that the night markets in Taipei differ from those in Taichung, Tainan, or Kaohsiung.

Taiwan's night markets typically open every day from 6:00 PM until late into the night, often till dawn or midnight. Beyond tourist spots, night markets are among the most visited destinations in Taiwan. In fact, these markets are considered a street food paradise, gathering a wide array of Taiwan's most famous dishes.

Best Time to Visit a Night Market During the Day

According to Taiwan travel tips, it's recommended to visit the night markets in Taiwan between 6:30 PM and 10:00 PM. This is the most lively and bustling time, with a large crowd gathering. However, due to the small size of the markets, this can lead to a cramped and overwhelming experience.

If you simply want to explore the night market at a quieter time, it's better to go later than the hours mentioned above. On the other hand, if you're looking for a vibrant and lively atmosphere, this is the perfect time to go.

What is the best way to get to the night markets in Taiwan?

This is a common question for many travelers visiting the night markets in Taiwan for the first time. You can take a bus or the subway, and then walk to the night market. If you're not familiar with Chinese, it's recommended to use a ride-hailing app for a smoother journey.

Top 8 Famous Night Markets in Taiwan You Should Visit

Each city offers a unique local cultural experience. If you're visiting Taipei, Tainan, or Kaohsiung, be sure to check out the following famous night markets:

Night Markets in Taipei

A few rounds through Taipei's night markets, and you may just forget your way home. These night markets in Taiwan offer a feast of delicious specialties, ranging from grilled foods and seafood to some daring dishes. Not to mention, there are incredible bargains on fashionable items, waiting for shoppers to snap them up.

1. Shilin Night Market - Taipei's Food Paradise

If you're in Taipei, you can't miss the 500 stalls at the Shilin Night Market. This market offers everything from clothes and accessories to home goods and electronics. Even more, Shilin is home to the renowned Night Market Food Court, where visitors can indulge in unique traditional dishes like stinky tofu, xiao long bao, oyster omelettes, beef noodles, and more.

Shilin Night Market is the largest in Taipei, a must-visit at least once (Image source: Collected)

• Shilin Night Market Address: No. 101, Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City.

• Operating Hours: From 5:00 PM to 1:00 or 2:00 AM.

• How to Get to Shilin Night Market: Take bus numbers 15, 16, 17, 18, or 19 to the Yang Ming Theater stop. Alternatively, take the Danshui Line of the MRT to Jinatan Station.

2. Huaxi Night Market

Unlike the modern architecture of Shilin Night Market, Huaxi Night Market in Taiwan showcases traditional Chinese cultural elements. Upon entering the main gate, you'll be awestruck by its vibrant red color and the striking high-pitched roof. The surrounding area is adorned with numerous bright red lanterns, creating an ambiance of classic, solemn Chinese culture.

At Huaxi Night Market, visitors have the chance to try dishes made with snake, such as snake wine, snake blood, snake soup, and eel noodles. Though these dishes may seem unsettling to some, they are known for their health benefits and nutritional value.

• Address: 108 Huaxi Road, Wahua District, Taipei City, Taiwan.

• Opening Hours: From 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM.

• Directions to Huaxi Night Market: Take the Bannan Line of the MRT to the Longshan Temple Station.

3. Ximending Night Market (Ximen Ding)

If you're looking for a taste of Japanese culture in the heart of Taipei, head over to Ximending Night Market! Originally built as a pedestrian street during the Japanese colonial era, the architecture here reflects distinct elements of Japanese design.

According to locals, Ximending is the most affordable market in Taiwan, offering a wide range of incredibly cheap goods. In addition to that, you'll find a variety of traditional Taipei dishes like steamed duck, roasted duck, and stews. Particularly popular among young people, the bubble milk tea at Ximending is a must-try for its irresistible flavor.

The lively and bustling atmosphere of Ximending Night Market every evening (Image source: Collected)

• Tourist Location: Xining South Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan.

• Directions to Ximending Night Market: Take the MRT to Ximen Station and exit from gate number 6.

4. Raohe Night Market

Raohe Night Market is the oldest night market in Taipei. Its charm lies in its nostalgic atmosphere, offering a glimpse of the past. While not as expansive as other night markets, Raohe still offers a wide range of exciting experiences. Notably, the food here is incredibly diverse and delicious, making it irresistible for any visitor.

Tainan Night Markets 

After exploring the night markets in Taipei, continue your journey south to discover the famous night markets of Tainan. What makes Tainan's night markets special is their strong street food culture. Notably, during the weekends, these markets focus solely on food and drinks, offering a more concentrated experience compared to other markets.

5. Huayuan Night Market (Hua Yuan)

Tainan may not have many night markets, but the Huayuan Night Market stands as the largest in the city. Despite its smaller number compared to other cities, it boasts nearly 400 stalls selling a wide variety of goods. The most notable are food stalls, household goods, and fashion items.

The Huayuan Night Market is bustling with 'people coming and going' every evening (Image source: Collected)

In addition, the Taiwan Night Market in Huayuan has expanded its entertainment areas to attract more tourists. For this reason, locals jokingly call it 'the Huayuan Night Market is like a city of snacks.' Once you step into the market, street food vendors are easily found at every corner. Huayuan Night Market is also the birthplace of the famous 'coffin bread,' a nostalgic dish from the past.

• Location: No. 533, Section 3, Haian Road, North District, Tainan, Taiwan

• How to get to Huayuan Night Market: Take a taxi or bus route 210 from Tainan Railway Station.

• Operating hours: From 5:00 PM to midnight on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Night Markets in Kaohsiung

It would be a mistake to miss the bustling night markets of Kaohsiung when seeking to experience Taiwan Night Markets. Kaohsiung's night markets are home to a variety of unique and unusual foods that every tourist would want to explore.

6. Liuhe Night Market

For those wanting to try Taiwan's most famous specialties, a visit to Liuhe Night Market is a must. This night market is located on Liuhe Street, which stretches over 300 meters. The market offers a lively atmosphere with booming music and vibrant colored lights.

Despite being only 300 meters long, Liuhe Night Market still attracts many tourists (Image source: Collected)

If you ever get the chance to visit Liuhe Night Market in Taiwan, make sure to try a food tour! This market is especially famous for its stinky tofu, a unique dish with a flavor and aroma unlike anything you can find elsewhere.

7. Ruifeng Night Market

Ruifeng Night Market feels like a world cuisine kitchen, featuring dishes from all around the globe. With over 1000 food stalls, this Taiwan Night Market offers everything from traditional Chinese delicacies to European-style dishes. Additionally, it attracts many visitors with its unique and exciting entertainment and game stalls.

Taichung Night Markets

Taichung Night Market is a popular shopping haven, cherished by both the local residents and university students.

8. Feng Jia Night Market (Fengjia)

Feng Jia Night Market, also known as Taiwan's Feng Jia Night Market, is not only an ideal tourist attraction but also a top food and shopping destination for the people of Taichung.

Initially a small market created in 1963 to meet the needs of the local community, Feng Jia Night Market has now grown into a bustling hub, attracting numerous food enthusiasts eager to explore Taiwan's culinary scene.

Upon arriving here, many visitors are left in awe by the hundreds of mouth-watering street food offerings. Some of the must-try local delicacies include oyster omelets, spicy duck head, sweet taro soup, and grilled sweet potatoes.

Feng Jia Night Market is renowned for its variety of delicious local specialties that are quintessentially Taichung in style (Source: Collected images)

• Feng Jia Night Market Location: West District, Taichung City.

• How to get there: Since the night market is near Feng Jia University, it’s quite easy to reach. Just take bus routes 25, 33, or 35 to arrive at the market.

• Opening hours: From 7:00 PM to 1:00 or 2:00 AM.

Essential Tips for Visiting Taiwan’s Night Markets

Before heading to Taiwan's night markets, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Since the markets tend to be crowded, avoid wearing elaborate or cumbersome outfits that may be difficult to move in. Instead, opt for simple, comfortable clothing to ensure ease of movement.

• Some night markets have very few restrooms available. Therefore, it's recommended to use the restroom before entering or make use of restrooms at nearby subway stations.

• The busier the stall, the better the food. Keep this in mind when choosing where to eat!

• Try small portions of each dish to sample a variety of foods.

• Bargaining is generally not appreciated at Taiwan's night markets, especially when it comes to food items.

• Be sure to take good care of your personal belongings before entering the night market, as you never know when someone might attempt to snatch them.

• After eating, dispose of your trash properly. Do not litter, as it negatively affects the urban beauty.

The above provides all the detailed information about Taiwan's night markets. I hope these insights will help you have a fulfilling culinary and shopping adventure. From this, you'll discover new, exciting destinations and satisfy your hunger while traveling. What are you waiting for? Contact the hotline 028 3827 0404 to book a full Taiwan tour with Mytour and enjoy fantastic promotions.