Taipei Shopping Tour (Self Guided), Taipei

Among the many things Taipei is famous for, shopping is undoubtedly one of the main. The fashion-conscious and business-oriented Taiwanese capital is rightfully regarded to be a shopper’s paradise in East Asia, comparable to the likes of Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. The variety of markets, boutique stores, shopping districts and, of course, first-class malls here is truly impressive and enough to make the most discerning shopaholics shop till they drop.

Keeping up with the latest vogue is a full-time job in Taipei. Those keen to learn the tricks of the trade, should head to Ximending. This traffic-free shopping and entertainment area, otherwise known as Ximending Youth Shopping District – for being flooded with young hipsters and teenagers, is ideal for that. You can start your spree at the Wan Nian Commercial Building and Shinjuku Plaza. And if there's an owl in you waiting to be satisfied, consider Ximending Night Market where you can both, shop for trendy items and taste authentic local food in a safe atmosphere.

Due to its highly dense population and lack of space, Taipei also has many underground markets and transit malls. One such place is called Taipei City Mall. Divided into three sections, it has hundreds of shops to choose from, the bulk of which specialize in clothing, electronics and food. The wares on sale are generally on the budget end of the scale. For fans of anime, there's also plenty of specialist stores catering to this passion.

It would certainly be a pity to leave Taipei without having explored the local shopping scene in its entirety. To find your way around the city's top – in terms of price range and variety – shopping locations, check out this self-guided walking tour of Taipei and perhaps get yourself something truly original to reflect your visit!