Huaxi Street Night Market — Local services in Taipei

Huaxi Street Night Market, nestled in Taipei’s Wanhua District, offers a distinctive experience unlike the bustling crowds of Shilin or Raohe. Known as Taiwan’s oldest night market, Huaxi has a rich, layered history that’s reflected in its quieter atmosphere and traditional charm. Walking under the iconic red lanterns and through the covered arcade, you’ll find a blend of the old and new—from massage parlors and herbal medicine shops to vendors serving classic Taiwanese street eats.

The food is a key highlight. Adventurous eaters can try specialties like snake soup and turtle jelly, while more mainstream favorites like braised pork rice, oyster vermicelli, and stinky tofu are just as satisfying. The grilled seafood, particularly the squid and eel, is fresh and flavorful. Prices are reasonable, and the vendors are generally friendly and willing to explain unfamiliar dishes.

Unlike the louder, more commercialized markets, Huaxi feels more intimate and grounded in local culture. It’s especially enjoyable for travelers interested in a more relaxed, authentic night market experience. While it may not offer the flashiest stalls or the latest viral snacks, Huaxi makes up for it with depth, tradition, and a unique ambiance. It’s a quiet gem that rewards those willing to slow down and explore it on...

At two blocks in length, Huaxi is immediately adjacent to Guangzhou/Meng Xia Night Markets and the South gate marks the threshold between the marketplaces. Huaxi Street is a fully covered market and is comprised of about 50% restaurants and the other 50% are vendors and shops, with the predominant industry being massages. The character of this market is very different from other night markets like Guangzhou, Shilin or Raoha, in that Huaxi feels more like a pedestrian strip mall than the others and more oriented for local families or older customers, looking for normal dining options, rather than the dating scene at Ximending or the tourism found at Shilin. The styling of this strip mall is relatively dated, indicating it has been here in it's current form for quite some time and probably the original marketplace in the area with Guangzhou expanding afterwards. Worth the visit? Combo Huaxi with Guangzhou/Meng Xia markets, with a trip from...

Huaxi Street Night Market also known as Snake Alley, is one of Taipei’s oldest night markets. Established in the 1950s, the market was once famous for its exotic offerings, including snake meat and traditional Chinese tonics, which earned it the nickname “Snake Alley.” The snake performances and exotic dishes have faded over the years. Today, Huaxi Street Night Market consists of two main sections: one with simple food stalls serving Taiwanese snacks, and the other lined with massage parlors and beauty salons. The arched roof, traditional lanterns, and tiled walkway add to the market’s old-school charm.

Although the market is officially open until midnight, the food section was almost entirely closed by around 10:00 PM during our visit. If you want to try the food, it’s best to come earlier in...