aipei truly comes alive after dark — and there’s no better way to experience its electric energy than by wandering through its world-famous night markets. From sizzling street food to lively alleyways lined with neon, Taipei’s night markets are a sensory overload in the best way possible.
If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan’s capital, here are 5 of the best night markets in Taipei, complete with MRT access info and food highlights — plus a luxury hotel to wind down in style.
1. Shilin Night Market – The Icon
📍 MRT Station: Jiantan Station (Red Line)
🍽️ Must-Try Food: Giant fried chicken cutlets, oyster omelets, stinky tofu
Arguably the most famous night market in all of Taiwan, Shilin Night Market is a massive labyrinth of street food stalls, carnival-style games, and endless shops. It’s where locals and tourists alike come to snack on oversized crispy chicken, sip bubble tea, and test their skills at claw machines.
Tip: Start your food journey with a juicy chicken steak, then cool off with a shaved ice dessert. Just follow the crowd from Jiantan MRT — you can’t miss it.
2. Raohe Street Night Market – Local Flavor Meets Heritage
📍 MRT Station: Songshan Station (Green Line, Exit 5)
🍽️ Must-Try Food: Black pepper pork buns, Taiwanese sausage, grilled squid
Raohe Market stretches along a single 600-meter-long street right beside the historic Ciyou Temple. The star here is the black pepper pork bun, baked in a traditional clay oven — flaky on the outside, juicy on the inside. You’ll also find a wide array of grilled meats, soups, and herbal snacks.
It’s the perfect mix of food, culture, and photography-worthy backdrops.
3. Ningxia Night Market – Small, Authentic, and Delicious
📍 MRT Station: Zhongshan Station (Red Line)
🍽️ Must-Try Food: Braised pork rice (lu rou fan), deep-fried taro balls, peanut ice cream roll
This narrow alleyway is packed with soul and flavor. Ningxia Night Market is beloved by locals for its focus on traditional Taiwanese snacks. You’ll see people elbow-to-elbow on small stools, digging into steaming bowls of local delicacies.
If you’re looking for a less touristy vibe, this one is a hidden gem worth exploring.
4. Huaxi Street Night Market (Snake Alley) – For the Adventurous
📍 MRT Station: Longshan Temple Station (Blue Line)
🍽️ Must-Try Food: Snake soup, eel noodles, herbal stews
This is Taipei’s oldest night market, once infamous for its snake dishes and medicinal shops. Today, it’s more laid-back but still offers exotic eats — plus foot massage parlors and glowing red lanterns that give it a nostalgic atmosphere.
A short walk from Longshan Temple, this market is ideal for adventurous eaters and cultural explorers.
5. Ximending Night Market – Youth Culture Central
📍 MRT Station: Ximen Station
🍽️ Must-Try Food: Bubble tea, hot-star fried chicken, grilled mochi
Though not a night market in the traditional sense, Ximending is a buzzing pedestrian area full of street food, shops, anime cafés, and performers. Think of it as Taipei’s version of Harajuku in Tokyo — a hub of style, creativity, and food.
Come here for people-watching, quirky fashion, and late-night snacks.
🏨 Where to Stay: Regent Taipei Hotel
After a full evening of eating and exploring, unwind at one of Taipei’s top 5-star hotels — Regent Taipei. Located just minutes away from the city’s top attractions, this luxury hotel offers:
- 🌐 A famous international buffet with fresh seafood, pastries, and Taiwanese dishes
- 🏊 A stunning open-air rooftop pool with city views
- 🛍️ Direct access to Regent Galleria, a high-end shopping mall featuring Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and other luxury brands
- 🛏️ Spacious rooms and world-class service
Whether you’re a foodie, culture lover, or night owl, Regent Taipei is the perfect place to recharge after your nighttime adventures.
✈️ Getting Around Taipei: Easy with the MRT
Taipei’s MRT system is fast, clean, and tourist-friendly. All five night markets mentioned are just steps away from MRT stations, making it easy to explore multiple locations in one night. Tip: Get an EasyCard at any MRT station for tap-and-go convenience across trains and buses.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Taipei’s night markets are more than just food stops — they’re a cultural experience, a social gathering, and a sensory adventure all rolled into one. Whether you’re trying stinky tofu for the first time or enjoying high-end retail therapy at Regent Galleria, there’s something in Taipei for everyone.
Hungry yet?
