As the third-largest city in Taiwan, Kaohsiung is known for its historical temples, contemporary art centres and outdoor art installations. But the city is also known for vibrant night markets and there are many and they are scattered all over Kaohsiung.
And if you have limited time in the city, I highly suggest visiting these three Kaohsiung night markets because of their accessibility, variety of food and atmosphere. After all, a trip to Taiwan wouldn’t be the same if you haven’t tried the food at a local night market!
Keep reading and learn how you can see the best night markets in Kaohsiung!
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What you need to know before you visit Kaohsiung Night Markets
Before you travel to Kaohsiung, take a look at my post on everything you need to know before going to Taiwan. I included a lot of travel information, including how to get around Taiwan and other travel tips. And learn more about the city and all the wonderful things to do in Kaohsiung City before you start planning your itinerary.
Here are few additional tips for visiting some of the best night markets in Kaohsiung:
- Kaohsiung is a relatively big city. It would be easier to see different parts of the city by taking public transportation including Kaohsiung MRT (KMRT)
- Use EasyCard or iPass for public transportation in Kaohsiung. They are both rechargeable smartcard where you can take public transportation including train, bus, and etc.
- Bring cash with you! Vendors at Kaoshiung night markets only accept cash
- Don’t be afraid of the language barrier! If there is something you want to try, go for it! Taiwanese people are very helpful and friendly.
3 Best Night Markets in Kaohsiung City
There are numerous night markets in Kaohsiung, but the three night markets I am highlighting in this post are all very unique in their own right and are worth visiting. Plus, the variety of Taiwanese food is some of the best I’ve seen throughout my travels in Taiwan.
I included a link to the Google Map location for each one so you can easily find the night markets while you are in Kaohsiung.
So without further ado, here are my top 3 favourite Kaohsiung Night Markets:
- Ruifeng Night Market (瑞豐夜市)
- Liuhe Night Market (六合夜市)
- Ziquang Night Market (自強夜市)
1. Ruifeng Night Market (瑞豐夜市)
As the biggest and most famous night market in Kaohsiung, Ruifeng Night Market (or Rueifong Night Market) certainly does not disappoint. The large outdoor night market has been around for over 20 years and is popular with students (there is a high school nearby), office workers and tourists.
This Kaohsiung night market has over 300 food stalls in a dedicated area in the north end of the city. Vendors sell all types of Taiwanese snacks like scallion pancake, stinky tofu, bubble tea and etc. Most food stalls sell takeaway food while other vendors make noodle soup and hotpot and they have their own dining area.
Moreover, Ruifeng market has a toys and games area like the ones you would find at a carnival. Games like ring toss, shooting balloons and so many more. Not every night market has a games area but the one at Ruifeng is particulary busy as the market is frequented with young locals.
I really like Ruifeng night market because of its bustling vibe (sometimes, too bustling! The weekend is packed with people!) Plus, you can eat, shop and play games all in the same place. What can be better?
Address: 804 Yucheng Road, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City (see map) | Hours: 4:00 pm to 12:00 am (Closed Mondays & Wednesdays)
How to get there: Take KMRT to Kaohsiung Arena Station (R14) on Gangshan South Line/red line, take Exit 1 and walk 3 minutes west on Yucheng Road
2. Liuhe Night Market (六合夜市)
Liuhe Night Market is one of the best night markets in Kaohsiung as it is centrally located, accessible by public transportation and pedestrian-friendly. Plus, there are many excellent accommodations in the area which makes visiting the night market even easier.
The market dates back to 1940’s which makes Liuhe night market one of the oldest night markets in Kaohsiung. The night market is also known as Liuhe Tourist Night Market, is very popular with tourists. Even though the prices tend to be higher (but still really cheap), the open-air market is worth visiting.
Moreover, the market has over 100 food stalls lining both sides of Liuhe 2nd Road. Some vendors have their own seating but others are food carts. But if there are a few tables and chairs along the middle of the road if you need to sit down and eat. Tourists can sample many types of Taiwanese food including fresh seafood, oyster omelette, dumplings, and fried chicken.
There is one particular food vendor that is worth mentioning. Zheng’s Old Brand Papaya milk (鄭老牌木瓜牛奶) (see map) has been around since 1965 and they make fresh fruit juices. They are famous for their papaya milkshake, a super popular in Taiwan. They can also make all kinds of fruit drinks including watermelon milkshake, pineapple juice, mango juice, and so much more.
I opted for something different and tried the strawberry milkshake – it tasted so delicious! And it was so refreshing (and healthy) especially after eating so much fried chicken!
Address: Liuhe 2nd Road (between Zili 2nd Rd and Zhongshan 1st Rd), Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City (see map) | Hours: 5:00 pm to 2:00 am
How to get there: Take KMRT to Formosa Boulevard Station (R10) on Gangshan South Line/red line, take Exit 11 and you will arrive at the east end of the night market
3. Ziquang Night Market (自強夜市)
As much as I love all the popular night markets, I like to go off the beaten path and find something that only the locals know about. And I discovered Ziquang Night Market or sometimes it is referred as Linya Night Market (苓雅市場).
The night market comes alive when the sun goes down. Food vendors set up their food carts along Linya 2nd Rd, in front of the existing shops, while scooters continue to zoom through the street. Yes, pedestrian and motorcycles share the same road, so be careful where you walk.
Ziquang Night Market is popular with locals. The food at the night market is excellent and is cheaper than other night markets. If you want to eat what locals eat, then you must visit this underrated night market. And in my opinion, this is the best night market in Kaohsiung.
There are many vendors selling typical Taiwanese food including stinky tofu, scallion pancakes, oyster omelettes and so much more.
I went to Ziquang Market few times and one night I got fried chicken and steamed dumplings (see above). I can’t remember the exact locations but there are multiple food vendors selling dumplings and fried chicken.
When I was at Ziquang night market, I saw a long queue at 南豐魯肉飯 (see map) (they don’t seem to have an English name so I am including a link to the location). And I quickly peeked in the restaurant and noticed they sell one of my favourite Taiwanese dishes: lurou fan (魯肉飯) which is braised pork with rice.
Along with the classic dish, the restaurant also serves minced pork rice and meatball soup.
They also have a takeout counter where I saw the long queue. Even though I don’t speak any Mandarin, I was able to get myself a delicious boxed dinner to bring back to my hotel. It was tasty and very inexpensive!
One of the most famous food vendor is the one above, which is across the street from the braised pork rice. They only sell one thing and it’s what everyone wants when they visit Ziquang Night Market.
The vendor sells Chinese white sugar cake (白糖粿) and the name of the food vendor is 老牌白糖粿 (see map). It is a fried dough made with rice flour and sugar. Seems like all the locals know this is a good place so I followed the queue and got a piece of white sugar cake myself. It tastes mildly sweet and has a mochi texture. If there is only one thing you want to try at Ziquang market, this is it!
Address: Lingya 2nd Rd (between Chenggong 1st Rd and XX), Lingya District, Kaohsiung City (see map) | Hours: 4:00 pm to 2:30 am
How to get there: Take KMRT to Sanduo Shopping District Station (R8) on Gangshan South Line/red line, take Exit 7, and walk 12 minutes (north on Zhongshan 2nd Rd, turn left on Lingya 2nd Rd)
Are you including these Kaohsiung night markets in your itinerary?
And there you have it – my three favourite night markets in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Ruifeng Night Market is the biggest and the most popular. Liuhe Night Market is the most accessible and touristy. And Ziquang Night Market is a hidden gem that only locals know about.
So which Kaohsiung night market will you visit? Let me know in the comments. Or if you have been to other night markets in Kaohsiung that are worthwhile, let me know too!
Thank you for reading my Kaohsiung night markets post
You might also like these other posts on solo travel in Taiwan:
Introduction to Taiwan
- Things to know before visiting Taiwan
- How and where to buy a Taiwan prepaid SIM card
- How to spend 3 weeks in Taiwan
- 22 must-eat food in Taiwan
- Top 10 must-try Taiwan 7-11 Food
Travel guide posts
- Things to do alone in Hualien Taiwan
- Kenting Travel Guide: things to do
- Things to do in Tainan as a solo traveller
- 17 Best things to do in Chiayi Taiwan
- How to travel from Chiayi to Alishan
- Alishan 2-day solo itinerary
- What to do in Sun Moon Lake: 2-day itinerary
- Sun Moon Inn: hotel review
Taichung posts
- 23 Best things to do alone in Taichung
- Taichung 1-day itinerary
- Where to stay in Taichung for solo travellers
- Miyahara Taichung: best ice cream and food souvenirs
- Taichung Second Market
- Top 3 Taichung Night Markets
Kaohsiung posts
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