Night markets are the soul of Taipei, and Shilin is the largest and most famous of them. Every evening, from about 17:00 to midnight, the streets around the Yangming Theatre and Cixian Temple fill with stalls, and the market building has a food court packed with vendors. The menu is a tour of Taiwanese street food: oyster omelettes, stir-fried cuttlefish, pepper buns, scallion pancakes, sausage wrapped in sticky rice, spare ribs in herbal soup, shaved ice, and the giant fried chicken cutlet that is bigger than your face. Stinky tofu is the rite of passage. Between bites there are carnival games, clothes, accessories and phone gadgets, with some bargaining in the shops. It is crowded, loud and touristy, but for a first night in Taipei it is hard to beat.
How it works: there is no entry fee; you pay stall by stall. Take the red MRT line to Jiantan station, the closest stop, or Shilin station. Most stalls take cash only, so bring small notes, though some accept mobile payment and EasyCard. Stalls open from late afternoon and most run until around midnight.
What to expect: weekends are packed, and the famous stalls have long queues. Seating is limited, so many dishes are eaten standing. The market is sprawling, and some lanes are more about shopping than eating. If you want a calmer, more local feel, Raohe Street night market in Songshan is a compact alternative.
Making the most of it: come on a weekday evening, share dishes so you can try more, and start with the food court before exploring the lanes. Combine it with a visit to the National Palace Museum or Beitou during the day, both on the same side of the city.
What to expect
The experience
A free-to-enter evening street market with food stalls, a food court, games and shops.
Best time
Weekday evenings from about 18:00, before the late crowds.
How long
Two to three hours of grazing.
Tips
Bring small cash notes, share dishes and be ready to eat standing up.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Street-food lovers on their first night in Taipei.
- Families
- Games, shaved ice and fried snacks keep children happy.
- Couples
- Graze and share your way through a dozen dishes.
- Pair with
- The National Palace Museum or Beitou earlier in the day.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
What are Shilin Night Market’s opening hours?+
It runs daily from about 17:00 to midnight.
Which MRT station is closest?+
Jiantan station on the red line, with Shilin station a little further away.
Do the stalls take cards?+
Most are cash only, so bring small notes.
What should I eat at Shilin?+
Oyster omelettes, the giant fried chicken cutlet, pepper buns, stinky tofu and shaved ice.
Is there a quieter alternative?+
Raohe Street night market in Songshan is smaller and more compact.
