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7 Shopping Districts in Taipei: Best Markets and Shopping Malls

If shopping’s your main reason for traveling to Taipei, you’re on the right track. Taiwan’s capital is made for the shopaholics, as each district brims with so many places to shop– from flea markets to high-end shopping malls, vintage hubs, department stores, and sidestreet boutique stalls. Now, ready your shopping bags and hard cash because we’re going shopping–here’s your ultimate guide to Taipei’s shopping districts!

 

Ximending District

via Travel Taipei

The vibe is youthful at Ximending Shopping District, where most shops cater to the younger generation. It’s where you can shop on-trend fashion items, beauty and skincare products, quaint knick-knacks, and art items. Expect much walking here as you meander through each street for more hubs. Best to come here during nighttime when it gets more vibrant, perfect for food-hopping and more shopping. 

 

 

Red House Theater

via Travel Taipei

This iconic landmark in Ximending built in 1908 acts as the focal point of the Ximending shopping district. Now restored, you’ll find some merchants selling handmade jewelry, Taiwanese crafts,  souvenir items, and other locally made products. Many restaurants and shops also surround the building for your convenience.

 

 

Wan Nian Building

via Wikimedia Commons

This old-time shopping mall has been around since the 1970s. It’s more popular as a toy store, where you can shop stuffed toys, anime figures, arcade games, comic books, manga merchandise, and lots of stuff for kids and teens. In the basement area, you’ll find hidden food gems that serve traditional Taiwanese cuisine at affordable prices.

 

Shilin District

Shilin District is a tourist magnet. It is home to Taipei’s most popular attractions like the Taipei Palace Museum, Shilin Night Market, and the Taipei Children’s Amusement Park, among others. If you’re here to shop, here’s where to go:

Shilin Night Market

via Wikimedia Commons

Shilin Market is your go-to destination to sample Taiwanese street food. It’s the biggest and most popular night market in Taiwan, so expect throngs of people shopping and eating especially during weekends. Aside from trying out exotic food, you can also buy souvenirs, Taiwanese snacks, bargain items, and even fashion clothes, and accessories. 

 

 

Shidong Market

via Wikimedia Commons

Shidong is not your ordinary wet market. First of all, it’s air-conditioned and spacious, unlike traditional markets that are too crowded and noisy. It’s also the reason why it’s also called the “five-star market.” What you can buy here are fresh and organic produce, flowers, and the usual meat, seafood, and fruits. Feeling hungry? Grab a bite at their Japanese and Chinese food stalls that sell tasty dishes at affordable prices.

Location: No. 100, Shidong Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan

 

 

Xinyi District

The financial district of Taipei is also known to be a prime shopping destination in the city. It’s where you’ll find high-end malls, international cuisine restaurants, and other upscale establishments. 

 

Taipei 101

via KKDay supplier

This seven-floor high-end mall is where you can source luxury goods when shopping in Taipei. Taipei 101 Shopping Mall is on the lower floors of the skyscraper. You’ll find here mostly high-end fashion brands such as Chanel, Cartier, Gucci, Louis Vuttion, and Bvlgari, among others. 

 

Jade Market

via Travel Taipei

This market is famous for selling jade, a type of gemstone. It’s where you can buy accessories such as bracelets, jewelry, statues, pendants, pottery, ceramics, charms, and antique figurines. It’s also near the Jianguo Flower Market known for selling plants, seeds, gardening tools, and gardening needs. 

 

Zhongzheng District

Zhongzheng is best known for electronics and specialty stores. You’ll find here shopping malls and multi-story establishments perfect for the techies. Here are some of them:

Guanghua Digital Plaza 

via Wikimedia Commons

You get multiple levels of stores selling computer accessories, phone accessories, audio and video equipment, and even video games in this mall. It’s a one-stop shop for all kinds of computer parts and hard-to-find items you wouldn’t find elsewhere. It’s worth a visit if you’re looking for anything tech-related!

Location: No. 8, Section 3, Civic Blvd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan

 

Taipei Main Station Underground Mall (Taipei City Mall)

via WIkimedia Commons

Got a shopping budget? Head to Taipei City Mall and you’ll still be able to fill all your shopping bags with cheap goods and great finds. Divided into four sections, this mile-long underground mall offers fashion, electronics, food, and novelty items for everyone to explore. Shop souvenirs, affordable clothes, accessories, and toys, or even eat at budget-friendly food stalls here.

Location: Shimin Blvd., Section 1,Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan

 

Camera Street

via Travel Taipei

This aisle of stores literally sells everything camera-related. Known as Camera Street, it’s the shopping paradise for photography enthusiasts as they can score good deals on vintage, secondhand, or brand-new cameras, lenses, film cameras, accessories, and more. It’s well worth a visit if you’re a hobbyist!

Location: Section 1, Hankou St., Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan

 

Da’an District

Da’an is more popular for foodies, but there are several spots that shopaholics go here for. Come to Da’an for food, history, culture, and a bit of shopping!

 

Yongkang Street 

via Travel Taipei

Come to Yongkang Street hungry to sample all the best local and international food you can try here like the famous Yongkang beef noodles or xiao long bao. But if you’re here to fill your shopping bags, there are small stores that sell Taiwanese souvenirs and snacks, stationery shops, local soap stores, and tea shops. 

 

 

Songshan District

From Western-style malls to night markets, you’re going to love what Songshan District has to offer. Take a look at all the shopping areas you’d want to visit in this charming district of Taipei!

 

Breeze Center

via Wikimedia Commons

Breeze Center is recognized as the first American-style shopping mall in Taipei. You get 12 floors of shopping stalls here from midrange to upscale international brands. Apart from the stores, Breeze has its own food court and cinema. 

 

Raohe Street Night Market

via Travel Taipei

Another foodie haven you shouldn’t miss is Raohe Night Market. It’s a hub for locals and foreigners who want budget-friendly food to satisfy their cravings. If you’re eyeing to try Taiwan’s most popular dishes, do it here. Bring cash and try the famous boba tea, stinky tofu, black pepper bun, and grilled squid.

 

 

Nanxi District

Nanxi is your pop culture destination in Taipei. It’s home to many boutique shops that celebrate the art, fashion, and cafe culture of the country. Nanxi provides a blend of the traditional and modern shopping culture of Taipei, so it should also be your must-visit!

 

Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Mall

via Mitsukoshi Mall

You could find everything you need in this mall–from clothing, accessories, gadgets, luxury items, toys, and food. This huge department store also houses several international brands and souvenir shops. Since it’s a Japanese mall, expect some Japanese goods that you can shop here!

 

 

Looking for more places to see in Taipei? Check out more attractions on KKDay!

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