Where to shop in Taipei: 10 best markets & malls

This article first appeared on Skyscanner’s Where to shop in Taipei: 10 best markets & malls .

Taiwan is well known for Taipei 101 and the night markets that dot the cityscape. But the sheer number of great shopping spots here make it difficult to determine exactly where to go.

Fret not: on your next vacation, just make sure to include some (if not all) of these markets and malls on our Skyscanner list of best shopping spots in Taipei.

1. Shilin Night Market

Photo: Chan Brothers Travel

This is THE biggest night market in the city. No trip to Taipei is complete without walking around this maze of small streets and alleys that pack tons of stalls and stands of tasty food, goods and entertainment.

They start setting up their stalls around 4pm, but the best time to be there is between 9pm and midnight, so head there after filling up your tummies!

Address: No. 101, Jihe Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111

Website: Shilin Night Market

How to get to Shilin Night Market: Jiantan MRT Station

2. Wu Fen Pu

Hands down the best place in the city for insane deals on crazy apparel and accessories, Wu Fen Pu contains hundreds of wholesale clothing shops, and you can literally find anything here - from shiny blue tights to leather belts, clothes for mom, dad, your newborn and even your puppy.

It is a shopping heaven! Try to avoid Mondays as the retailers are too busy stocking up their supplies, but Tuesdays might be the best time to get the latest goods.

Address: Yongji Street, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110

How to get to Wu Fen Pu: Song Shan MRT Station

3. Xi Men Ding

Photo: Transasia Airways

The "Harajuku" of Taipei, Xi Men Ding (or Ximending) has loads of clothing shops and well, anything else you can possibly think of, especially for the youngsters! There are bars, street snacks, and even a performing arts theatre.

There is also a tattoo-alley there for those who want to get a tatt, and a large IMAX theatre. For the younger set, this is the trendy place to be for some Taiwan shopping action.

Address: Shi-men Ting, Taipei City, Taiwan 108

How to get to Xi Men Ding: Xi Men MRT Station

4. East Metro Mall

This is a gigantic mall all underground between Zhongxiao Fuxing station to Zhongxiao Dunhua station. You might find shopping here can be cheaper than some night markets.

Think cheap but comfy shoes. Think street performers. Think boutiques. Think adorable knick-knacks. Its location next to 2 MRT stations makes it extremely easy to get to as well.

Address: No. 77, Section 1, Zhongxiao East Rd., Da-an Dist, Taipei City, Taiwan 106

How to get to East Metro Mall: Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT Station or Zhongxiao Donghua MRT Station.

5. Guanghua Market

The largest electronics and computer shopping centre in Taiwan, Guanghua market consists of a main six-story building, but also encompasses a lot of spillover stalls in the surrounding alleyways.

This mind-boggling array of electronics is electronic heaven for the tech heads in your life and if you can't find it here, it probably doesn't exist. Remember, prices are negotiable, so be sure to shop around, and if you don't like the price they quote you, haggle it down.

Address: No. 8, Section 3, Civic Blvd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

How to get to Guanghua Market: Zhongxiao Xinsheng MRT Station

6. Eslite Xin Yi

Photo: Eslite Corporation

For those who love all things printed, Eslite is the place to go. This 24-hour bookstore is located in the heart of the city, in the Xin Yi area near Taipei 101. With a collection of over a million books, this massive 8-storey store is the biggest in the country.

Within this mega bookstore you'll find a Japanese bookstore, arts bookstore, a children's bookstore and children's discovery museum, a theme restaurant for speeches and activities. You can even find a basement level offering lots of food!

Address: No. 11, Songgao Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110

Website: Eslite

How to get to Eslite: Zhongxiao Dunhua MRT Station

7. Taipei Handicraft Promotion Center

This non-profit, government-affiliated centre -with an array of handicrafts on display from around the country- is a one-stop shopping spot for everyone you have to give some souvenirs to, be it family, friends or colleagues.

English-speaking staff are on hand to answer any questions to help you with gift ideas, of which you'll find many beautifully crafted products on the four floors of this building. The prices are actually some of the most reasonable too!

Address: No. 1, Xuzhou Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100

Website: Taipei Handicraft Promotion Center

How to get to Taipei Handicraft Promotion Center: NTU Hospital MRT Station

8. Longshan Temple Underground Shopping Bazaar

This massive and ancient temple, also hosts a giant underground shopping bazaar, and is a great place for picking up the traditional knick-knacks you won't find elsewhere.

Accessible through the MRT station of the same name, the market also plays host to a number of fortune tellers, who will be more than happy to give you a glimpse of your future life.

Address: No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10853

How to get to Longshan Temple Underground Shopping Bazaar: Longshan Temple MRT Station

9. Taipei 101

Photo: Transasia Airways

This Taipei landmark and tourist attraction is among the world's biggest super-tall skyscrapers. It dominates the skyline and also provides shoppers with a convenient place for a spree.

Inside are many of the world's top luxury brands, such as Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior, to name but two. The fourth floor is home to a familiar sight, Singapore's own Page One bookstore. For eating, the food courts downstairs have some excellent grub on offer, and the Starbucks on the 35th floor offers some amazing views of the city below.

Address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Taipei City, Taiwan 110

How to get to Taipei 101: Taipei 101 MRT Station

10. Core Pacific Living Mall

Also known as Living Mall, Core Pacific is one of Taipei's most famous shopping centres. Built at the turn of this century, its landmark design sets it apart from the other malls in the city. Inside is a wide variety of shops catering to shoppers of various income levels, so you won't die of shock at the price tags - you'll definitely be able to find something cute and affordable here!

Address: No. 138, Section 4, Bade Rd, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105

How to get to Core Pacific Living Mall: Nanjing Sanmin MRT Station