[TAIWAN] TAIPEI - Ximending and Raohe Street Night Market

08:00 Travel Bunny 0 Comments

Our adventure in Taiwan began bright and early with a morning flight, landing us at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) in the afternoon. The most efficient way to get into the city? The Taoyuan Airport MRT, which zipped us directly to the heart of the city: Taipei Main Station (TMS). We dropped off our luggage at our Airbnb apartment near TMS before heading to our first stop, Ximending.

The vibrant Ximending district is where you go to see what’s trending in fashion, grab a world-famous flour-rice noodle, and soak in the vibrant, inclusive spirit of modern Taiwan. 

Getting there: Take the MRT to Ximen Station 

The Red House is a stunning 1908 octagonal building that now houses local designer boutiques.

No trip to Ximending is complete without walking across the Rainbow Six. This iconic rainbow-painted crosswalk right outside MRT Exit 6 is the ultimate selfie spot.

Don’t forget to try the award-winning beef noodles at Lao Shandong Homemade noodles (老山东牛肉面) in Ximending.

While Ximending is for shopping and "vibes," Raohe Street Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市) is strictly for our stomach. It’s one of the oldest night markets in the city and has a more traditional, "classic Taiwan" feel. Guarded by the glowing, ornate eaves of the Ciyou Temple, this single, 600-meter stretch of road is a gauntlet of Michelin-recommended street food. From the crackle of charcoal-baked pepper buns to the aromatic haze of medicinal rib soups, Raohe is where Taipei’s culinary heritage remains stubbornly, deliciously alive.

Getting there: Take the Green Line MRT from Ximen Station to the end of the line (Songshan Station) 

It started pouring when we reached Songshan Ciyou Temple (松山慈祐宫). We waited till the rain began easing off before we started our food adventure in the night market. 

The pepper buns near the entrance is a must-try. Expect a line, but it moves fast. The buns are charred in a clay oven and burst with peppery pork juice. 

We tried snacks such as BBQ chicken chop and churros at the night market

This marked our first night in Taipei.