Taipei is not just a paradise for foodies, it’s also a paradise for shopaholics. If you are going to Taipei soon and are unsure of where to shop, here are 10 recommended locations for your shopping pleasure.
Eslite Xin Yi
If you are a bookworm, Eslite Xin Yi could probably be paradise. This department store opened in 2006 and became Taiwan’s largest multi-level bookstore. Eslite Xin Yi carries a wide selection of books of different genres and subjects. They even offer English books. In fact, they hold one of the largest number of English books in Taiwan.
For those who would like to read in the mall, there are designated spaces for customers to read books. Other than books, Eslite Xin Yi has everything ranging from restaurants to apparel which is a great tactic to keep customers inside the building. As the mall usually closes only at midnight, it’s a great location for bookworms to read without disturbance.
Address: No. 11號, Songgao Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
Ximending
Known as the Harajuku of Taiwan, Ximending is the hottest gathering point for the youths of Taipei. The district is home to a huge variety of fashion stores, restaurants, clubs and bars.
Even though it’s one of the more popular locations in Taipei, there is not much going on during the day. Even so, a great spot to visit during the day would be the Ximending Red House. The Red House is filled with clothing made by students that aspires to be clothing designers. To support the students, visitors are encouraged to purchase the works from the students. Another location to visit during the day is the Cinema Street that is full of movie posters with graffiti on the walls!
The best timing to head to Ximending would be 10-11pm where clothing, accessories and food vendors will be setting up their stalls.
Recommendation: A popular food stall in Ximending would be Ah Zong Mee Sua! They generally have long queues but it doesn’t take a long wait! A must try when you are in the vicinity.
Address: Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108
Taipei City Mall
Only a short walk away from Ximending, The Taipei City Mall is a unique 800m long underground mall. The mall is well known to anime fanatics as one third of the mall is full of figurines and gaming products. There is also a maid cafe located within the Taipei City Mall. It is recommended to check out all stores before purchasing a product as there may be multiple stores selling the same products with different price points.
Be sure to check out the live performances that are for charitable causes if you are visiting on the weekends. Even though they may not be professional artists, the quality of their performances will not disappoint.
Address: B1 100號, Section 1, Shimin Boulevard, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Miramar Entertainment Park
Considered to be one of Taipei’s largest shopping malls in Taipei, Miramar Entertainment Park is known for its 70m tall rooftop Ferris Wheel and IMAX theatre. It currently holds the title of having the eighteenth largest Ferris wheel in the world. Furthermore, attractions and rides are scattered throughout the mall. Since their establishment, Miramar Entertainment Park has become a landmark of Taipei.
The mall premiers new Hollywood movies and local Taiwanese movies in their IMAX theatre. Customers can choose between the IMAX 3D theatres or IMAX theatres.
Integrating technology, art and amusement, Miramar Entertainment park has become one of the more popular locations in Taipei for tourists and couples.
Address: No. 20號, Jingye 3rd Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491
Taipei 101 Mall
A luxury mall that offers branded brands. The Taipei 101 Mall offers high-end shopping experiences for their visitors. This classy mall can be found in the lower floors of the iconic Taipei 101 and it’s ranked as one of the top places to shop in Asia.
If you are going to shop in Taipei 101 Mall, don’t miss the chance to visit Taipei 101 to admire the beautiful skyline. Taipei 101 is modelled after a bamboo stalk and has 5 floors as their observatory. It’s one of the tallest buildings in the world. Purchase the tickets at the fifth floor of Taipei 101 Mall and experience the record-breaking elevators that will take you to the observatory in a matter of seconds.
Address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Taipei City, Taiwan
Dihua Market
On normal days, Dihua Market is just a 800m quiet street. But during the Chinese New Years, Dihua Market buzzes with life with bright red hanging lanterns throughout the street. Located in the Datong district of Taipei City, the old town market is the most popular grocery market to shop at during Chinese New Year. The competition for sales is intense as vendors yell out their products to gain the attention of visitors. Some even give out free samples.
Built in 1850s, the Dihua Market was a traditional center for chinese herbs, medicines, dried goods, fabrics and tea as its located near the Dadaocheng port. Hence, being known as one of the oldest streets in Taipei. However, it has turned into a market place in the 1996s, selling dried goods, snacks, crops, wooden crafts and Chinese New Year products.
Address: Sec. 1, Dihua St., Datong District, Taipei City
Tianmu Creative Market
Only operating for 3 days per week in the evening, the Tianmu Creative Market sells second hand goods and crafts. Tianmu Creative Market can be considered as a hybrid of a flea market and a creative market. There are people selling items that are laid out on a mat and small booths that have a parasol protecting the vendors and their goods.
As the stalls require registration at the Tianmu Marketplace Development Association, visitors can expect to encounter different stalls when they visit. If you do not like crowds but like to experience a creative market like the locals, local art culture, Tianmu Creative Market will be perfect for you.
Address: Tianmu West Road and Section 7, Zhongshan N Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
ATT 4 FUN
Similarly to the Miramar Entertainment Park, ATT 4 FUN can be considered to be an entertainment park that has a great rooftop view. Located at the heart of Xinyi District, ATT 4 FUN incorporates state of the art technology such as holograms. The mall has also themed the whole of their fourth floor in an Alice in Wonderland theme.
Visitors can find familiar stores such as Muji and Gap. There are also different cuisines from various countries offered on the fifth floor of the mall. If you are planning to visit ATT 4 FUN, be sure to visit the nearby Eslite bookstore (largest bookstore in Taiwan) and Taipei 101.
Address: No. 12號, Songshou Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan 110
Mitsui Outlet Park
If you are flying back soon and still have some time to spare, visit the Mitsui Outlet Park for last minute shopping in Taipei! Located near the airport, this spacious indoor-outdoor shopping complex is one of the best places to get branded goods. There are many well-known international outlet stores in the outlet park
The outlet park is complete with various well-known international sporting goods, branded goods and dessert stores. There is also a large food court and a supermarket in the indoor shopping sections. A Vieshow Theatre is also in the compounds for entertainment if visitors are tired from all the shopping.
Address: No.356, Sec. 1, Wenhua 3rd Rd., Linkou Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan
With so many locations to visit and shop in, Taipei is indeed a shopping paradise. If you can, do let us know your most interesting, weirdest or most unique experience while shopping in Taipei!
