Shilin Night Market Taipei
Taiwan's largest night market, offering a vibrant mix of iconic street food, diverse shopping, and lively entertainment.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Market comes alive after dark
Shilin Night Market Taipei
Best Time
Market comes alive after dark
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Taiwan's largest night market, offering a vibrant mix of iconic street food, diverse shopping, and lively entertainment.
"A must-visit for the lively atmosphere and vibrant local vibes, but it’s quite challenging to find halal food options here."
🎯 Bring Cash!
Most vendors are cash-only. Carry enough NTD for food and souvenirs.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
XXL Fried Chicken
Various stalls, notably Hot Star
Massive, crispy, and juicy fried chicken cutlets that are a must-try street food experience.
Sausage Wrapped in Sticky Rice
Various stalls, notably 'Little Sausage Wrapped in Big Sausage'
A savory and sweet combination of Taiwanese sausage encased in a chewy sticky rice sausage.
Stinky Tofu
Various stalls
An iconic Taiwanese street food with a pungent aroma but surprisingly mild, crispy exterior and soft interior.
Pepper Pork Buns
Raohe Night Market (nearby alternative)
A popular, flavorful bun with a peppery pork filling, often found at nearby markets like Raohe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Go with an Empty Stomach!
Navigate the Chaos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Cash!
Most vendors are cash-only. Carry enough NTD for food and souvenirs.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so wear comfy shoes!
📱 Use Google Maps
Navigate the bustling market with ease using your phone's GPS.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Grab fresh fruit juices or teas to beat the heat and humidity.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Cash!
Most vendors are cash-only. Carry enough NTD for food and souvenirs.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so wear comfy shoes!
📱 Use Google Maps
Navigate the bustling market with ease using your phone's GPS.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Grab fresh fruit juices or teas to beat the heat and humidity.
🛍️ Shop for Souvenirs
Beyond food, find unique clothing, accessories, and trinkets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Shilin Night Market is celebrated for its vast array of delicious and affordable street food, vibrant atmosphere, and extensive shopping options, making it a must-visit for many. However, some find it overly crowded, difficult to navigate, and occasionally overrated compared to other night markets, with limited halal choices. +1
"Well well well Shilin Night Market has got to be some of the best street food in all of Taipei. And what a place this is for my favourite activity of all, eating. So big, so much diverse, great food, wonderful vibe. Of course, super cheap as well, like all the best great street food. Delicious Hujiaobing, skewers, Xiaolongbao, noodles and lots more. The temple in the middle is a great addition. The fresh fruit juices and teas are simply a must-have: they're so fresh and good. Wrap it all up with an XXL spicy fried chicken for only 95元 ($4.75AUD)!"
Henry Shannon
"Shilin Night Market is a must visit for the lively atmosphere and vibrant local vibes, but it’s quite challenging to find halal food options here. Most stalls serve non halal items, though a few offer basic snacks like egg based pancakes, flour snacks or simple shrimp dishes. For strict halal eaters, it’s best not to rely on this market for meals.
That said, it’s still worth visiting to soak in the energy, shop for souvenirs and maybe try the famous Taiwanese fried chicken (if you’re okay with being no pork no lard). Great place for browsing, people watching, and picking up affordable gifts just not ideal for dining if you’re keeping halal."
Athirah Azizan
"Crowded place, with lot of things to see and experience. Do not forget to taste the local food ( some of them very stinky like "stinky tofu", only for the brave ones.)
Do not miss the underground food court or the fruit and vegetable part. Interesting experience"
Norbert Mudry
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the MRT Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) to Jiantan Station. Shilin Night Market is a short walk from the station.
Yes, the closest MRT station is Jiantan Station. Some sources also mention Shilin Station, but Jiantan is generally considered more convenient for the main market area.
Yes, taxis are readily available in Taipei. Just tell your driver 'Shilin Night Market' (Shi Lin Ye Shi). Be aware of potential traffic during peak hours.
Numerous bus routes serve the area around Shilin Night Market. You can check local bus schedules or use a navigation app for the best route from your location.
It's about a 20-30 minute MRT ride from Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (Red Line) to Jiantan Station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Shilin Night Market is a public space and does not require an entrance ticket. You only pay for the food and items you purchase.
The market generally opens in the late afternoon, around 4 PM, and stays open until midnight or later. Specific stall hours may vary.
Yes, Shilin Night Market is open daily, including weekdays and weekends. However, it can be more crowded on weekends.
No, the entire market is free to enter. You'll only be spending money on the delicious food and shopping items.
There's no need to book anything in advance as it's a walk-in market. Just show up and enjoy the experience!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Don't miss the XXL fried chicken, Taiwanese sausage wrapped in sticky rice, stinky tofu, pepper pork buns, oyster omelets, and fresh fruit juices. +1
Finding strictly halal food can be challenging as many stalls use pork or lard. Some basic snacks like egg pancakes or shrimp dishes might be suitable, but it's best to inquire.
Food prices are very affordable, with many dishes costing between $1-$5 USD. You can enjoy a full meal for around $10-$15 USD.
Yes, you can find options like King Oyster mushrooms, sweet potato fries, and various fruit-based desserts and drinks.
Stinky tofu is available at many stalls. Look for stalls with long lines of locals, as this often indicates a popular and delicious option.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant atmosphere, colorful food displays, and bustling crowds. The main thoroughfares and food stalls offer great photo opportunities.
Generally, it's acceptable to take photos of food and vendors, but it's always polite to ask for permission if you're focusing on a specific person.
A versatile camera with good low-light performance is ideal. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for capturing the vibrant scenes.
Look out for the giant fried chicken, unique food presentations, and the lively street performers or arcade games for interesting shots. +1
Visit during the evening when the market lights are on, creating a magical ambiance. However, be prepared for crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The arcade games and claw machines can also provide entertainment for children. 💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond food, you can also find budget-friendly souvenirs and clothing. It's an excellent way to eat well and experience local culture without breaking the bank. 🍜 Food Enthusiasts
+1 Don't be afraid to try more adventurous options like stinky tofu. Follow the local crowds for the best finds and consider exploring nearby markets like Raohe for even more culinary delights. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Foodie's Guide to Shilin Night Market
that's crispy on the outside and juicy within, to the unique Taiwanese sausage wrapped in sticky rice, your taste buds will be on a journey. Don't shy away from the infamous stinky tofu – its pungent aroma belies a surprisingly delicious flavor and crispy texture. Other must-tries include oyster omelets, pepper pork buns (often found at nearby Raohe Market Beyond the main dishes, explore the sweet treats and refreshing drinks. Freshly squeezed fruit juices and milk teas are a perfect way to cool down. For dessert, consider shaved ice or unique pastries. Many visitors recommend simply following the longest lines of locals, as this is often a good indicator of the most popular and tasty stalls.
While Shilin is a food lover's dream, some travelers find it can be a bit overwhelming or even overrated compared to smaller, more specialized night markets.
Navigating the Bustle: Tips for First-Timers
To make the most of your visit, consider going on a weekday evening to potentially avoid the peak weekend crowds.
Have your phone charged and use a navigation app like Google Maps to help you find specific stalls or your way back to the MRT station. Beyond the Food: Shopping and Entertainment
It's a great place to pick up affordable gifts or simply browse the eclectic mix of goods. Beyond shopping, the market often features arcade games and claw machines, adding an element of entertainment, especially for younger visitors or families.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit