Ximending Taipei
Taipei's vibrant pedestrian district, a hub for youth culture, shopping, street food, and entertainment.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, vibrant atmosphere
Ximending Taipei
Best Time
Fewer crowds, vibrant atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Taipei's vibrant pedestrian district, a hub for youth culture, shopping, street food, and entertainment.
"Ximending is Taipei's energetic hub, a pedestrian-friendly district buzzing with street food, shopping, and entertainment."
🎯 Wear Comfy Shoes!
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the bustling streets of Ximending. :athletic_shoe:
🍜 Must-Try Ay-Chung Mian Xian
Don't miss this popular spot for delicious rice flour noodles, a local favorite. :ramen:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Red House
Chengzhong Street
An iconic octagonal landmark, now a cultural and creative hub with shops and exhibitions.
Ximending Night Market
Various streets
A foodie paradise offering endless street food options, from savory snacks to sweet treats.
Pop Mart Store
Ximending
Discover collectible blind box toys and unique merchandise in this popular themed store.
Street Art & Performances
Ximending Pedestrian Area
Immerse yourself in the district's lively atmosphere with street performers and vibrant murals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Buzz: Ximending's Vibrant Energy
Navigating Ximending's Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wear Comfy Shoes!
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the bustling streets of Ximending. :athletic_shoe:
🍜 Must-Try Ay-Chung Mian Xian
Don't miss this popular spot for delicious rice flour noodles, a local favorite. :ramen:
🛍️ Souvenir Hunting
The Red House and surrounding shops offer unique gifts and souvenirs. :gift:
📱 Use Google Maps
Essential for navigating the maze-like streets and finding hidden gems. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wear Comfy Shoes!
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the bustling streets of Ximending. :athletic_shoe:
🍜 Must-Try Ay-Chung Mian Xian
Don't miss this popular spot for delicious rice flour noodles, a local favorite. :ramen:
🛍️ Souvenir Hunting
The Red House and surrounding shops offer unique gifts and souvenirs. :gift:
📱 Use Google Maps
Essential for navigating the maze-like streets and finding hidden gems. :world_map:
💰 Budget-Friendly Eats
Explore the underground food courts for affordable and tasty local dishes. :moneywithwings:
🎶 Enjoy Street Performances
Ximending comes alive with talented street artists and musicians, especially on weekends. :microphone:
💡 Avoid Xing Fu Tang Boba
Some travelers found this popular boba chain to be overpriced and not worth the hype. :x:
🏨 Great Hotel Location
Consider hotels near Ximen MRT for easy access to transport and attractions. :bed:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ximending is a vibrant and energetic district, celebrated for its lively atmosphere, extensive shopping, and diverse street food scene. Visitors often praise its convenience as a base for exploring Taipei and its abundance of entertainment options. However, some find it overwhelmingly crowded and note that certain shops can be overpriced or of lower quality.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus directly from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei Main Station or Ximending. The journey takes approximately 50-60 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Airport MRT to Taipei Main Station and then transfer to the MRT Bannan Line (Blue Line) to Ximen Station.
Ximending is easily accessible from Taipei Main Station via the MRT Bannan Line (Blue Line). It's just one stop away. You can also take a short taxi ride or enjoy a longer walk if you prefer.
Yes, Ximending is very well-connected by public transport. Ximen Station is a major MRT hub, making it easy to reach from anywhere in Taipei.
Yes, there's a direct bus (number 965) from Ximending to Jiufen, making it a convenient option for a day trip.
Taking the MRT, it typically takes about 20-30 minutes to travel from Taipei 101 to Ximending. You'll likely need to transfer lines.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ximending itself is a public district and does not have an entrance fee. However, individual attractions within Ximending, such as museums or specific shops, may have their own admission costs.
Ximending is a lively district that is always open, with shops and restaurants typically operating from late morning until late at night. The night market is most active in the evenings.
For most of Ximending's attractions, like street food stalls and general shopping areas, no advance booking is needed. However, for specific events or popular themed stores like Pop Mart, it's advisable to check their individual booking policies.
Absolutely! Exploring the vibrant streets, enjoying street performances, window shopping, and soaking in the atmosphere are all free. The Red House also offers free entry to its public areas.
To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting on weekday mornings or early afternoons. Evenings and weekends are significantly busier.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
Ximending offers a wide variety of shops, including trendy fashion boutiques, shoe stores (like Adidas and Nike), souvenir shops, cosmetics stores (like Cosmed), and unique novelty stores.
Ruyi Taiwan is a highly recommended award-winning pastry shop in Ximending specializing in Taiwanese desserts like pineapple cake and sun cakes.
Some travelers find that many clothing stores in Ximending can be low quality and overpriced, with some appearing to be cheap streetwear brands. However, there are still some good finds, and major brands like Adidas and Nike have stores there.
The Red House is a great place to start for unique handcrafted goods and souvenirs. Exploring the smaller side streets might also reveal hidden artisan shops.
While some anime and manga stores have moved or closed, the Wan Nian building in Ximending still houses several gunpla and anime merchandise stores.
🍽️ 🍜 Food & Dining
Must-tries include Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodles, Popcorn Chicken King, and various skewers. Don't miss out on local favorites like potato balls and sweet treats.
Lao Shandong Beef Noodles is a highly recommended spot for authentic Taiwanese beef noodles in Ximending. Other popular options include Fuhong and Jianhong. +1
Some travelers suggest avoiding Xing Fu Tang, finding it to be a tourist trap with a mediocre taste and high price.
Yes, Ximending has several restaurants with over 30 years of history, including traditional noodle shops, beef noodle restaurants, and dessert places like Yang Ji Ice Shop.
The underground food court in the Wan Nian building offers local and nicely priced food and beverages. Ay-Chung Mian Xian is also a popular and affordable choice.
📸 📸 Photography & Attractions
The Red House, Rainbow Road, and the vibrant street art offer great photo opportunities. The bustling night market at night also provides a dynamic backdrop.
The Red House, built in 1908, was originally a public bathhouse and is now a landmark housing shops, exhibition spaces, and a performance venue. It's a symbol of Ximending's history and cultural evolution.
The Taipei Museum of Contemporary Art is nearby. While Dihua Street and Bao'an Temple are mentioned, they are not in close proximity to Ximending.
The Rainbow Road is a colorful, pedestrian-friendly street art installation that's popular for photos. It's often found near the Red House area.
Consider exploring the underground food court in Wan Nian building for a more local feel, or rent a Youbike and ride to the riverside park for a peaceful escape from the crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the crowds can be intense, visiting during weekday mornings or early afternoons can make the experience more manageable. The Red House offers a slightly calmer environment with shops and exhibitions that might interest older children. Consider a visit to the nearby Taipei Museum of Contemporary Art for a cultural outing. Remember to keep a close eye on children in crowded areas and utilize comfortable walking shoes for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
For shopping, while some stores can be pricey, you can find affordable clothing and souvenirs by exploring different shops and looking for sales. Renting a Youbike and cycling to the riverside park offers a free and scenic activity away from the main crowds.
couples
Consider catching a street performance or enjoying a themed cafe experience. For a more relaxed evening, explore some of the district's many restaurants, from traditional Taiwanese eateries to international cuisine. The lively nightlife and endless entertainment options ensure a fun and memorable experience for couples exploring Taipei.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Ximending: A Shopper's Paradise
While the abundance of stores is a major draw, some visitors note that clothing quality can vary, and prices might be higher than expected for certain items. However, with a keen eye, you can discover great deals, especially at multi-brand stores like ABC Mart or during sale periods. For those seeking specific items like T-shirts or shoes, it's worth exploring different areas within Ximending to compare options.
Beyond clothing and shoes, Ximending is also a treasure trove for unique souvenirs. The Red House is a particularly good spot for handcrafted goods and local artisan products. If you're looking for Taiwanese delicacies to bring home, shops like Ruyi Taiwan offer award-winning pineapple cakes and sun cakes, making for delicious and thoughtful gifts.
A Culinary Adventure in Ximending
Beyond the iconic noodles, you'll find everything from crispy popcorn chicken and grilled skewers to sweet potato balls and unique desserts. For those seeking more substantial meals, Ximending boasts several long-standing restaurants that have been serving locals for decades. Lao Shandong Beef Noodles is a highly recommended establishment for its traditional flavors, and other beef noodle shops like Fuhong and Jianhong are also popular choices.
While many street food stalls are tourist-friendly, some travelers advise caution with certain popular chains, like Xing Fu Tang, which has been described as a tourist trap. For budget-conscious travelers, the underground food court in the Wan Nian building offers a more local and affordable dining experience.
Ximending: The Heartbeat of Taipei's Youth Culture
The district is a visual feast, characterized by its bright neon signs, bustling crowds, and a constant stream of street performers showcasing their talents. From musicians and dancers to magicians, there's always something to catch your eye. This lively ambiance makes Ximending a fantastic place to simply wander, people-watch, and soak in the local vibe.
Ximending also hosts unique attractions like the Pop Mart store, a haven for collectors of blind box toys, and the iconic Red House, a historic building that now serves as a hub for arts, culture, and creative retail. The district's energetic spirit and diverse offerings make it a quintessential Taipei experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit