Taipei has dozens of night markets, and first-time visitors usually end up choosing between three: Shilin, Raohe and Ningxia. They all serve classic Taiwanese street food after dark, but each has a different personality. Here is how to choose.
Shilin Night Market: the big one
Shilin is the largest and best-known night market in the city. It has two parts: a basement food hall inside the market building, and a maze of surrounding streets with clothing, games and more food stalls. Most vendors open between 4 and 5 PM, and the busiest hours are roughly 7 to 10 PM.
Best for: first-timers who want the full spectacle, variety of food and shopping in one place. Keep in mind: it is the most crowded of the three, especially on weekends.
Raohe Street Night Market: the easy one
Raohe runs along a single pedestrian street beside Ciyou Temple in Songshan District, so it is hard to get lost: walk one side, then come back along the other. It is famous for black pepper buns baked in a clay oven, and you will also find herbal pork rib soup, oyster vermicelli and stinky tofu. It opens daily from about 5 PM to midnight.
Best for: food-focused visitors who want an easy, well-organised walk. Keep in mind: the best-known stalls can have long lines at peak times.
Ningxia Night Market: the foodie's pick
Ningxia is smaller and more locally oriented than Shilin, centred on a compact street of eateries in Datong District, and parts of it are covered. It is a relaxed choice if you want to graze through traditional Taiwanese snacks rather than shop, and it works well with children. Hours are roughly 5 PM to 11:30 PM.
Best for: eating your way through lots of small dishes in a short walk. Keep in mind: there is much less shopping than at Shilin.
Quick comparison
| Shilin | Raohe | Ningxia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Largest | Medium, one street | Compact |
| Opens | ~4 PM | ~5 PM | ~5 PM |
| Focus | Food and shopping | Food | Food |
| Crowds | Heaviest | Busy | Moderate |
Our advice
If you only have one night, go to Shilin for the full experience. If you have two, add Raohe for pepper buns or Ningxia for a lower-key food crawl. Bring cash for smaller stalls and arrive hungry.
Browse all of these in our directory: Shilin Night Market, Raohe Night Market and Ningxia Night Market. Want more of the city? See Linjiang Street Night Market and Nanjichang Night Market.