Taiwan, Taipei, Shilin night market

Getty Images/AWL Images RM

Shilin Night Market

Top choice


Taipei's most famous night market is hugely popular with travellers – and many young locals – who come to enjoy the carnival of street-side snacking, shopping and games. In 2011, the government moved much of the action inside a covered market: the food vendors were relegated to the basement, while clothing, toys and games were given ground level, diluting all the fun. However, there are still lanes and lanes full of food stalls outside, and they retain the original buzz.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Cixian Temple

0.17 MILES

Dedicated to the worship of Matsu, this 1927 reconstruction of the original 1864 design sits at ground central for Shilin Night Market. It's worth a visit…

2. Shilin Official Residence

0.54 MILES

For 26 years, this two-storey mansion and its elaborate Chinese- and western-style gardens were part of the official residence of Chiang Kai-shek and his…

3. National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine

0.7 MILES

This large shrine marks the memory of almost 400,000 soldiers who died for Taiwan (mostly within China). The bulky complex, built in 1969, is typical of…

4. Taipei Astronomical Museum

0.76 MILES

This children's museum houses four floors of constellations, ancient astronomy, space science and observatories. Although fun, there is a dearth of…

6. Fine Arts Museum

1.01 MILES

Constructed in the 1980s, this airy, four-storey box of marble, glass and concrete showcases contemporary art, with a particular focus on Taiwanese…

7. Taipei Expo Park

1.04 MILES

This expansive park covers three linked-up sections – stroll around or take a YouBike. It has a lively food court called Maji Square, and Eco Ark (a giant…

8. Lin Antai Historic House

1.07 MILES

This Fujian-style 30-room house, Taipei's oldest residential building, was first erected between 1783 and 1787, near what is now Dunhua S Rd. As was…