Shilin Night Market (Taipei) FAQs In 2024

What is Shilin Night Market?

Shilin Night Market is one of the largest, most popular night markets in Taipei, Taiwan. It is known for a wide variety of street food, clothing, and accessories stalls, as well as arcades and other entertainment options. It's a must-visit destination for tourists looking for an authentic Taiwanese shopping and dining experience.

Shilin Night Market is located in the Shilin District of Taipei, Taiwan. The main area of the market is near the Jiantan MRT station, not Shilin MRT station as one might assume from the name of the night market.

Shilin Night Market generally opens in the late afternoon, around 4:00 PM, and stays open until around 1:00 AM. Some food stalls may open a bit earlier, and the market is open every day of the week.

Shilin Night Market offers a plethora of Taiwanese street food including famous snacks like stinky tofu, oyster omelets, beef noodle soup, bubble tea, fried chicken cutlets, and various types of grilled seafood. There are also many stalls serving sweets and desserts like shaved ice and traditional pastries.

Some must-try foods at the Shilin Night Market include the hot sausage wrapped in sticky rice sausage (?????), fried bao bing (scallion pancakes), stinky tofu, pearl milk tea (bubble tea), and the various seafood options available.

Yes, vegetarians can find suitable dining options at Shilin Night Market, including dishes like tofu-based snacks, sweet potato balls, vegetable skewers, and fruit juices. However, options may be more limited compared to the variety of meat-based snacks.

Absolutely. Apart from the food stalls, Shilin Night Market hosts a wide range of shops and stalls that sell clothes, accessories, electronics, household items, toys, and souvenirs. The selection is vast and often very affordable.

While Mandarin Chinese is the predominant language, many vendors at Shilin Night Market speak some English due to the high number of tourists who visit. However, it is not guaranteed, so having a translation app or a basic understanding of Mandarin phrases may be helpful.

Most transactions at Shilin Night Market are conducted in cash. Some of the larger stores and established eateries might accept credit cards, but it's best to have cash on hand for small purchases and street food vending stalls.

The best way to get to Shilin Night Market is by taking the Taipei MRT (metro) to Jiantan Station on the Red Line. Once you exit the station, the night market is a short walk away. It's well-signposted and often crowded, so it's easy to locate.

In general, be mindful of the crowds and try to keep the flow of traffic moving by staying to the right when walking. It is also customary to pay and receive items with both hands as a sign of respect. Lastly, bargaining is common at non-food stalls, but do it politely and with a smile.

Yes, Shilin Night Market is family-friendly and offers attractions that appeal to all ages, including carnival games and toy stalls. Nevertheless, it can get very crowded, so it is wise to keep a close watch on children at all times.

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