By Fathima Rukaiya,

Night markets are the beating heart of local culture, alive with sizzling food stalls, colorful souvenirs, and the chatter of locals and travelers. From Asia’s street food capitals to creative community markets, here are seven of the world’s best night markets to visit in 2025.

1. Shilin Night Market — Taipei, Taiwan

Located near Jiantan MRT Station, Shilin Night Market is Taipei’s largest and most famous night market. It opens around 5:00 p.m. and peaks between 7:00 and 10:00 p.m.

What to Eat and Buy:
The market is well-known for its enormous fried chicken cutlets, pepper buns, oyster omelets, and infamously stinking tofu. Grab a bowl of Taiwanese beef noodle soup or braised pork rice for something lighter. Desserts like traditional boba milk tea or shaved ice topped with fruit and syrup are not to be missed.

For shopping, Shilin offers a mix of trendy Korean and Japanese-style fashion, shoes, handbags, accessories, and plenty of souvenir shops selling pineapple cakes and local snacks.

Price:

• Snacks: NT$25 – 80 (about US$0.80 – 2.50)
• Main courses: NT$50 – 120 (about US$1.60 – 4.00)
• Drinks and desserts: NT$40 – 120 (about US$1.25 – 4.00)

Go early in the evening to avoid heavy crowds and visit the underground food court for air-conditioned comfort.

2. Temple Street Night Market — Hong Kong

Set in the bustling Kowloon district, Temple Street Night Market is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic evening attractions. The neon lights, opera music, and scent of street food create an irresistible energy that perfectly captures the spirit of the city.

What to Eat and Buy:

Sample the specialties of Hong Kong, such as stinky tofu, egg waffles, curry fish balls, and claypot rice. Locals also enjoy drinking herbal teas and fresh fruit juices. In addition to food, the market offers plenty of bargains for those looking for deals. You may purchase fashion accessories, watches, phone devices, souvenirs, and even fortune tellers who are open late to give readings.

Prices:

• Snacks on the street: HK$8 – 30 (about $1 – 4)
• Claypot rice, for example, costs HK$45 – 85 (about US$5 – 11)
• A shopping and dining – inclusive night out costs HK$150 – 400 per person

Bring cash and be ready to bargain. For the best atmosphere, arrive after 8 p.m. when the street performers and food stalls are in full swing.

3. Jemaa el-Fna — Marrakech, Morocco

In the heart of Marrakech’s old Medina lies Jemaa el-Fna, one of the world’s most captivating night markets. As evening falls, the square transforms into a glowing maze of food stalls, snake charmers, musicians, and spice vendors.

What to Eat and Buy:
Local delicacies include snail soup, merguez sausages, grilled sardines, tagines, and couscous dishes. Freshly squeezed orange juice, Moroccan pancakes, and sweet pastries are must – tries. Surrounding stalls offer handmade leather goods, lanterns, carpets, ceramics, and vibrant spices.

Prices:

• Snacks: 20 – 40 MAD (about US$2 – 4)
• Main meals: 30 – 80 MAD (about US$3 – 8)
• Fresh juice: 20 MAD (around US$2)

Bargaining is part of the experience, especially when shopping for crafts. Stick to busier food stalls for fresher meals and better hygiene.

4. Phuket Night Markets — Phuket, Thailand

With its vibrant markets, such as Patong’s Malin Plaza and OTOP Market and Old Phuket Town’s Sunday Walking Street, Phuket’s tropical charm lasts long into the night.

Pad Thai, fried rice, grilled shrimp, tropical fruit, and coconut pancakes are just a few of the Thai classics that are available. Additionally, the marketplaces are crowded with merchants offering handmade jewelry, beachwear, souvenirs, and vibrant swimwear.

Prices:

• Thai street food items: 60 – 100 THB (about $1.80 – 3.00 USD).

• Plates of fresh seafood: THB 200 – 350 (about US $6 – 10)

Snacks cost THB 10 – 25 each, while beverages and smoothies cost THB 35 – 70 (about US$1 – 2).

Old Phuket Town or Kata’s smaller markets provide better deals; the marketplaces close to Patong Beach are usually more expensive.

5. Chiang Rai Night Market — Chiang Rai, Thailand

Compared to Bangkok or Phuket, Chiang Rai’s night markets are more relaxed and smaller, giving off a genuine local atmosphere. The two main attractions are Sunday Sankhong Street and Saturday Night Market.

What to Eat and Buy:
Savor grilled meats, noodles, sweets, and specialties from northern Thailand. Handmade souvenirs, pottery, scarves, and traditional hill-tribe crafts are also available.

Prices:

• Meals: 40 – 80 THB (about $1.20 – 2.50 USD)

• Snacks: THB 10 – 25 (about $0.30 – 0.80 USD)

• Clothing and crafts: THB 120 – 600 (about US$3.50 – 17)

Make plans to stay late and take in the vibe at Chiang Rai’s markets, which are well known for their live music and traditional dance performances.

6. Bangkok Train Markets — Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok’s famous “Train Markets,” such as Talad Rot Fai Ratchada and Srinakarin, are a mix of food, shopping, and nightlife. These open-air markets feature vintage vibes and endless photo opportunities.

What to Eat and Buy:
Expect Thai Street food like grilled pork skewers, mango sticky rice, pad Thai, and fried quail eggs. The shopping scene is unbeatable; vintage clothes, quirky home décor, antiques, and handmade goods line every aisle.

Prices:

• Snacks: THB 10 – 30 (about US$0.30 – 1)
• Meals: THB 50 – 100 (about US$1.50 – 3)
• Clothing & home goods: THB 100 – 400 (about US$3 – 12)

Weekends are the liveliest, and evening hours after 7:00 p.m. are ideal for exploring both food and shopping areas.

7. Queens Night Market — New York City, USA

Meadows Corona Park is a lively festival of street cuisine from around the world. Open on Saturday evenings from spring to fall, it draws both New Yorkers and visitors seeking reasonably priced, genuine international cuisine.

What to Eat and Buy:
From Cambodian noodles and Ukrainian dumplings to Haitian griot and Peruvian empanadas, vendors have it all. In addition to food, you can purchase locally produced crafts, jewelry, and little artwork.

Prices:

• Food prices range from $5 to $6 per item (limit per stall).

• Depending on the vendor, crafts and souvenirs range from $5 to $20 USD.

Despite inflation, everything is still reasonable because the market has a “fair pricing” principle. Since some stalls might not take cards, bring cash.

These are some of the most famous night markets where you can try exquisite, unique, and diverse varieties of food at reasonable prices. I hope this article helps you discover the best spots to explore; Enjoy!