[Post-Edit Note: All pictures and written content in this post was originally created in 2019, unless otherwise credited.]
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There are few more evocative experiences than shopping in Taipei. From the bargain hunting troughs of 五分埔 Wu Fen Pu to the peak of luxury shopping at Taiwan 101, it seems like when you’re in this city, when it comes to shopping, all you need to do is think, and there it’ll be.
It is, after all, an enthralling land with more than a hundred night markets going on each night – just within the confines of this city itself. Which shouldn’t come as a surprise then how many just end up curtailing their shopping experiences only to what they can stumble upon after dark because; indeed, sometimes, it feels like that is the only way we can squeeze something as secondary as shopping onto the plan.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. In Taipei, shopping should not be something left to claw for your attention along with food and drink like an afterthought on an idle Tuesday morning. It is a holistic, round-the-clock adventure that deserves its own fair share of space on the itinerary, one that requires you to have a multi-personality of some sort because truthfully speaking, what attracts you to one place might not necessarily be the same thing that tugs your heart to the other. It’s one of the main reasons why the city remains such a great draw to shopaholics alike even after all this time: it is after all, in every sense, a true shoppers’ powerhouse that few others can lay claim to fame on.
西门町 Ximending: For the Experiential Tourist
Taiwan’s most famous district is a decadent display of lights and sounds and endless food & shopping options that comes to life from as early as 11am; transcending from unlicensed roadside pushcarts and hawkers straight into the domain of Michelin-starred masters and established brand boutiques.
It’s truly one of the most experiential shopping areas in the world, a rowdy celebration of all things local and delicious; and after dark, the place comes into its own as a complex yet captivating metropolis to wander, with so many things to see, do and eat at every turn. Perhaps for this very reason it often finds itself dubbed the ‘Shinjuku of Taiwan‘, inevitably crowning it as the beating heart of the city complete with a cornucopic clash of tastes and cultures to match.
Getting There: Drop at Ximen MRT Station on the Blue/Green Line and take Exit 6 which leads you straight into the heart of Ximending when you’re out.
Fujin Street: For the Indie Wanderer
The perfect marriage of contemporary Taiwanese flair and a touch of indie spirit, Fujin Street is a quiet residential area just off the Songshan Airport precinct, packed to the rafters with old and new coffee shops, quaint little boutiques, and eclectic restaurants that will sweep you off your feet.
If there’s one word that resonates here, it’s artsy; so expect nothing but the loveliest finest details like botanics and minimalist hues and carefully curated collections fit for indie nobility. The vibe here is so sophisticated and its attention to detail so harmonious, it’s deserving of every indie cliche you can throw at it.
Getting There: Drop at Songshan Airport MRT Station on the Brown Line and – there is no better way to say thing but, use Google Maps as your guiding star from thereon.
五分埔 Wu Fen Pu: For the Outlet Shopper
This indulgent yet surprisingly fresh shopping district is allegedly the place to head to if you’re looking for clothes at wholesale prices. Aisles upon aisles of ‘outlet shops’ form the outdoor labyrinth that is known as 五分埔Wu Fen Pu, and if you’re the kind of strategic shopper who often feel compelled to take on such atmospheres in a systematic and organized fashion, be prepared to knock at least 2 hours off your itinerary because that is exactly how much time (at minimum) it’ll take to cover every nook and cranny of this space. The best time to head over is late afternoon – Raohe Night Market is a stone’s throw away, and stands as a delightful closing to a fruitful shopping day.
Getting There: Drop at Songshan MRT Station on the Green Line and take Exit 3 (signs available at station).
師大夜市 Shi Da Night Market: For the Millennial
Of all the things that Shi Da is most misunderstood for, perhaps the most recurring is that it is just another night market. It really isn’t.
Set in one of the trendier neighbourhoods in Taipei, Shi Da is right smack in the middle of a University town; which, as one can predict, bears all the true markings of a student hangout. It’s laidback yet edgy, bustling yet quaint; a microcosm of millennial life with its very own chill mix of local labels, street wear, vintage fashion, and eats that somehow stand out from the rest. Of course, its very name stereotypes Shi Da to the plaque of usual night market legends, but it is, nevertheless, its bold deviation from the norm that wins plaudits with the masses; who often relish in its clever balance of street and sophistication that is simple and abstract all at once.
Getting There: Drop at Taipower Building MRT Station on the Green Line and take Exit 3. It takes about 10-20 minutes to get there by foot (depending on each which end of the market you want to kick things off at), so once again, I urge a reliable consultation with the one and only Google Maps.
Xinyi Shopping District: For the Upscale Seeker
The Xinyi District is most commonly known as the stretch of development between Xinyi Road and Zhongxiao East Road, and consists of the following shopping heavyweights: ATT4fun, the flagship Eslite bookstore, Neo19, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Breeze, and of course, the legendary Taipei 101.
It’s Taipei at its most urban – an answer to New York’s Times Square, even; promising you an endless plethora of high-end shopping and world-class dining that drips decadently with panache and flair. Even if refined excess isn’t your thing, this quarter is worth dipping your toes in – after all, it is home to the tallest skyscraper in the whole of Taiwan, a building spoken with reverence within architectural circles for perfectly good reason that you will learn (and marvel in) when you’re there. Standing at 101 floors high, Taiwan 101 boasts a record-breaking lift journey that can take you from bottom to top in a whopping 37 seconds, causing this otherwise non-descript experience to be dubbed as ‘life-changing’ by many.
Getting There: Drop at Taipei 101 MRT Station on the Red Line and take Exit 4. All aforementioned malls are located in a cluster within walking distance of each other.
Enjoy Taipei. I know I did.
Comments
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shaf.finah
Tell me about it, I don’t go a week without fantasizing about their night markets and street food 🤤
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Ummi | Ummi Goes Where?
I love Taipei for its food, nature, and people. Unfortunately, the only shopping I did there was at the night market for a phone charger because I forgot to bring one. Will keep this for my future reference though.
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shaf.finah
I think shopping was such a by-the-way for me when I was in Taipei – I spent 90% of my time stuffing my face and gulping down boba tea! 😅😅
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Coni
I’m not much of a shopper, but I like to get one special piece from the places I visit, so I’m always in the look for artsy places with handcrafted goods made by a local. Fujin street seems like the perfect place for me! 🙂
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shaf.finah
Fujin Street definitely sounds about right for you, I think you’d love the indie spirit there!
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shaf.finah
Take me with you! 😂
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Umiko
I like Fujin Street the best since I like eating. Hehe… Of course I wouldn’t skip Ximending, too.
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shaf.finah
You’d basically love the whole of Taipei if you love eating 😅 But yes, Ximending is an absolute MUST!
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Krista
Loved reading about the different shopping areas in Taipei! I would probably like to check out all of them to be honest – they look so cool!
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shaf.finah
They are! I honestly don’t remember doing anything else in Taipei but visiting night markets and stuffing my face with an endless amount of YUMS! 🤤
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shaf.finah
hahahaha thank you babe! and it’s a good time now too – all you’ll need is a negative PCR test i think!
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Bea
I’m not much of a shopper unless I am abroad, and then I love browsing. Loved reading this, made me feel like I was travelling again!
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shaf.finah
thank you Bea and OMG i’m the same! i absolutely hate shopping when im back home but when overseas, i can spend HOURS on shopping streets – even when i end up buying nothing! 😅
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shaf.finah
thanks babe! 🥰
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shaf.finah
OMG EVERY. DAY. I was the worst, i had like at least 2 cups a day! 😅
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Emma
I LOVE your pics! I can’t believe I never had the chance to visit Taipei during my many years in Singapore 🙁 It looks so nice !
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shaf.finah
aww man… but it’s never too late! even though it’s very city-ish too, i truly loved taipei because it just felt so much more chill than Singapore! Hope you get to go one day! ❤️
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Erica
Thanks for explaining how each shopping area is so unique from the others, it will be helpful for planning a trip!
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shaf.finah
thank you Erica, that means alot to me! 💐
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Kate
I’ve never been to Taipei, but I would love to visit! Fujin Street sounds like a place I would love to go shopping, I love the sound of little boutiques and cute restaurants!
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shaf.finah
i loved Fujin Street so much too! I felt like I was in an oriental Wes Anderson movie – it was the best!
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shaf.finah
that’s great! 🥰
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Mikaela Musa
This reminds me of Myeongdong in Seoul! This city is vibrant and looks fun, too. I’ll make sure to add this on my itinerary once I visit Taipei.
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shaf.finah
i’ve never been to Myeongdong but i imagine it’s probably just as lively – you’ll probably love taipei too! 😍
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MagicandBliss
What an amazing list! The SHI DA night market looks like my cup of tea 😀
Great read!-
shaf.finah
shida was lovely, i imagine you’ll have a ball there! ❤️
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Jamie Sharpe
I only got a chance to stop through Taipei last time, this is a big reminder that I need to plan a trip back!