Night markets aren’t just about food—they’re immersive cultural experiences. These bustling hubs bring together community, cuisine, and atmosphere under open skies and buzzing lights. From sizzling skewers to regional specialties you won’t find in restaurants, night markets offer an unmatched taste of local life. Below are 10 of the best night markets around the world, each worth the detour (and the appetite).

1. Shilin Night Market – Taipei, Taiwan
   Arguably one of Asia’s most famous food destinations, Shilin Night Market is a maze of flavors. Stalls serve up classics like oyster omelets, stinky tofu, and flame-grilled steak cubes. Don’t forget to try bubble tea where it all began.
2. Marrakech Night Market – Djemaa el-Fna, Morocco
   At sunset, Djemaa el-Fna transforms into a hypnotic blend of storytellers, smoke, and spices. Sample grilled lamb, snail soup, and sweet mint tea while navigating one of North Africa’s most iconic cultural crossroads.
3. Temple Street Night Market – Hong Kong
   Located in Kowloon, Temple Street offers street food alongside fortune-telling, trinkets, and Cantonese opera performances. Must-try dishes include clay pot rice, curry fishballs, and deep-fried squid.
4. Nishiki Market – Kyoto, Japan
   Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” Nishiki Market blends tradition and taste. While open during the day, the later hours are ideal for sampling yakitori, matcha sweets, and sashimi skewers among centuries-old shops.
5. Rot Fai Market Ratchada – Bangkok, Thailand
   This vintage-themed night market near Thailand Cultural Centre MRT is known for its trendy vibe. Expect grilled seafood, spicy papaya salad, and Thai milk tea alongside retro clothing and vinyl records.
6. Richmond Night Market – British Columbia, Canada
   Held seasonally just outside Vancouver, this massive market highlights the diversity of Asian cuisine in North America. From Korean fried chicken to Japanese takoyaki, it’s a global food tour in one spot.
7. Raohe Street Night Market – Taipei, Taiwan
   Smaller than Shilin but packed with charm, Raohe is perfect for black pepper buns, herbal soups, and pork rib stews. It’s also one of the oldest night markets in Taipei, located near the scenic Songshan Ciyou Temple.
8. Gwangjang Market – Seoul, South Korea
   Come hungry for bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), gimbap, and live octopus. Gwangjang mixes traditional Korean flavors with a lively, down-to-earth atmosphere. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
9. Bến Thành Night Market – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
   After sundown, this central market lights up with vendors selling pho, bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancakes), and fresh sugarcane juice. It’s a great place for souvenirs as well as street eats.
10. Chatuchak Friday Night Market – Bangkok, Thailand
    While Chatuchak is known for its daytime crowds, the Friday night version is less chaotic and more food-focused. You’ll find grilled meats, iced desserts, and unique Thai snacks with fewer lines and cooler temperatures.

Maximizing Your Night Market Budget
Visiting night markets regularly can add up—but not if you use cashback tools to your advantage. Cashback apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta can help you save when buying travel essentials or dining gift cards in advance. Whether you’re picking up travel supplies from a retailer like Walmart or booking flights, smart spending tools give you more room to indulge in extra skewers, sweets, or second rounds.

If you’re planning to explore any of these markets, consider budgeting for snacks using apps that reward your everyday purchases—and let the savings fuel your next food adventure.