While researching Taipei, Taiwan, prior to our recent visit, we learned from a number of sources that we should make a point to visit a night market.
Night markets are were locals and some tourists head for street food, entertainment, shopping and socializing. Within Taipei, you will find at least nine different night markets (this article provides details and directions to each of them.)
We chose to visit the Raohe Street Night Market, the oldest night market in Taipei. It’s located on a single pedestrian-only street that stretches between two colorful, ornate gates.
Our taxi driver dropped us off at the eastern end of Raohe Street near the Ciyou Temple, which is dedicated to the Black Face Matsu Goddess.
The multi-story Ciyou Temple was constructed in 1753.
If you are traveling to the Raohe Night Market by MRT, the closest station is Yongchun MRT, on the Blue (#5) Line. From the Youngchun Station, you head out of Exit 5 and turn left on Songshan Road, walking about 10 minutes until you see the distinctive Ciyou Temple.
We visited Raohe Night Market on a Saturday evening, and the street was packed side-to-side with people eating, shopping and having a good time. We slowly made our way through the crowd, stopping about half way through for a cold beer to cool off. This market is known for pepper cakes, pork rib herb stew, spicy stinky tofu and steamed buns, but it was too crowded and too hot for us to want to eat food. Next time, we’d try to visit during a week night.
Just a couple of blocks away, we stumbled upon the Rainbow Bridge over the Keelung River, a scenic spot for an evening stroll.
One other night market that we wanted to visit is the famous Miaokou Night Market in the port city of Keelung, a brief train ride from Taipei. It’s said to have the best seafood and people watching, and of course, it’s the night market Anthony Bourdain visited on The Layover in Taipei.
We did not make it to Keelung or the Miaokou Night Market, but since Keelung is the cruise port for Taipei, perhaps we will visit in the future via a cruise ship.
Which is your favorite night market in Taipei?
Check out these other posts on Taiwan:
- A Cheers Bar in Taipei, Taiwan
- A Peek Inside Suite 829 at the Taipei Marriott Hotel
- A Peek Inside Room 1824 at the Taipei Marriott
- A Look Around the Taipei Marriott Hotel in Taiwan
- Flying 1st Class on an United Airlines Award Ticket from Kansas City To Taipei
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