There are over 500 Nightmarkets in Taiwan. Common throughout Asia, Nightmarkets are mostly unknown in the West. They are interesting places to visit; there's plenty to eat and see. Local residents will often spread out a blanket or set up a table to sell almost anything (you can also watch them pack up their stuff and scatter when the police arrive). There are a handful in the greater Taipei area that are definately worth visiting.
NIGHTMARKETS
Snake Alley
Nothing says 'tourist trap' louder than this night market located next to Lungshan temple. Once a rather seedy part of Taipei (back when prostitution was legal), it has been 'spruced up' for foreign tourist and has lost much of whatever charm it once had. The ubiquitous food stalls and clothing stores can be found here (and everywhere else in the city), as well as booths that sell snake meat and blood mixed with Chinese liquor. The snake handlers play to the crowds but discourage photography. Overrated, but if you are in the area (take the MRT) it might be worth visiting, if only for the sake of saying you were there.
Raohe Nightmarket
The Raohe Nightmarket is another large market place with plenty of food stalls and some specialty stores that offer unique cultural items. More out-of-the-way, but still worth visiting. Ask the Taipei Hostel manager which bus to take to reach this nightmarket.
Shida Nightmarket
The Shida area is home to Taiwan Normal University, where most foreigners go to study the Chinese language. A number of bars and western restaurants have sprung up serve the foreign community. A large nightmarket has also grown over the years
Ningxia Nightmarket
The Ningxia nightmarket currently has 67 vendors and has been divided into two sections. The northern portion contains the food and beverages stalls while the southern section houses the consumer goods. The nightmarket has greatly benefitted from a recent investment by the city government totalling NT$ 31 million ti renovate this popular attraction.
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