Sample tasty local delights, enjoy a relaxing traditional massage and shop for bargains in this renowned night market in the heart of Taipei.

Order a steaming bowl of noodle soup at one of the Shilin Night Market’s many traditional foods stands. Sing your heart out in a karaoke bar or enjoy hunting for clothes, electronic goods and more at the retail stands. Make sure you spend a good amount of time people-watching too, as this is one of Taipei’s busiest and most famous markets.

The Shilin Night Market dates back to the 19th century when it was established by Japanese traders who sold groceries from small brick stalls. Now comprising of close to 1,000 stalls and selling everything from ultra-modern electronics to rare antiques, it has become a major attraction for locals and visitors alike.

The market is split into two distinct areas. If you’re looking for goods and merchandise head to the stalls located around the Yangming Theatre and the Chi Ching Temple on Danan Road. Spend a couple of hours browsing and haggling for bargains. You’ll find everything from children’s toys to kitchenware packed into the market’s numerous stalls.

If all that shopping makes you hungry then make your way to the food court. Over 500 stalls selling all types of traditional Chinese food are packed beneath the roof where the old Shilin Market stood. Try a cup of tea jelly or cure what ails you with a plate of ribs strewed in traditional Chinese medicine. Other delights include giant Shilin sausages, oyster omelettes and numerous tofu dishes. Unwind with a beer in a bar or even with a song in a karaoke booth.

Make sure you get in a good dose of people-watching too, as this is where the locals come to shop, eat and hang out. The busiest time is when the office workers head home in the early evening.

Leave at least a couple of hours for a good look around the Shilin Night Market. It is located on Dadong Road and is open every evening. Entrance is free and the market is served by regular bus and MRT trains.