Opening Hours Shilin Night Market 2025 Complete Guide
Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) is open daily from 4:00 PM to midnight, making it one of Taiwan's most accessible night markets for international visitors. The market operates 365 days a year, including holidays and weekends, ensuring you can always experience authentic Taiwanese street food culture during your visit to Taipei.
Current Operating Hours (Updated 2025)
Daily Schedule: 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM (midnight)
Peak Hours: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (expect larger crowds)
Optimal Visit Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (good selection, fewer crowds)
Late Night: 10:00 PM - midnight (quieter atmosphere, some stalls may close early)
Underground Food Court - Reopened April 2025
The famous underground food court, which was closed for major renovations from late 2022, has officially reopened in April 2025 with a completely new layout and improved facilities. This climate-controlled food hall operates during the same hours as the main market and features organized seating areas and modern restroom facilities.
Individual stall hours may vary slightly, with some food vendors opening as early as 3:30 PM to prepare fresh ingredients, while others may stay open past midnight if business is strong. The market attracts approximately 15,000-20,000 visitors daily, making it Taiwan's largest and most popular night market destination.
Seasonal Variations and Tips
Summer months (June-August): The market can become quite warm and humid during peak evening hours. Many visitors prefer arriving closer to 7:00 PM when temperatures become more comfortable for outdoor dining and shopping.
Winter months (December-February): Cooler weather makes afternoon visits more pleasant, and the market tends to be less crowded before 6:00 PM, making it an ideal time for photography and leisurely exploration.
Avoiding Crowds - Local Insider Tips
While Shilin Night Market is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, visitors seeking a more relaxed experience should avoid the peak hours between 6:00-8:00 PM, especially on weekends and holidays. The area around Cixian Temple (慈諴宮) becomes particularly packed during these times, as this historic temple serves as the heart of the night market.
The golden hour just before sunset provides excellent lighting for photography while still offering the full night market experience. Modern LED lighting throughout the market ensures visibility is never an issue, with vendors using bright displays to showcase their culinary specialties and merchandise.
Transportation and Arrival Planning
Plan to arrive at Jiantan MRT Station (淡水信義線) about 15 minutes before you want to start exploring, as the walk from Exit 1 to the main market area takes approximately 5-7 minutes. During peak hours, the station and walking paths can become crowded with both locals and international tourists.
Pro tip: If you're planning to visit other Taipei attractions the same day, Shilin Night Market pairs perfectly with afternoon visits to the nearby National Palace Museum or Shilin Official Residence, both easily accessible via the same MRT line.