Taipei is a shopper’s dream. There are literally dozens of shopping districts here, offering everything from cosmetics to condoms. You truly can buy just about anything in the Taiwanese capital.

First, if you’re looking for a bargain and a lot of variety, hit the Shihlin Night Market, a busy mix of food, entertainment and shopping. Locals say you can buy just about anything here, but in a somewhat flea market atmosphere. That is, there might be several vendors selling the same thing, so check around for the best price and maybe offer a better price if the first doesn’t suit you. Your shopkeepers just might haggle!

If you want to explore an Asian department store, visit a Daiso department store. Based in Japan, there are several outlets in Taipei. This store offers well-priced gift, stationery, kitchen and cosmetics items at discounted prices.

Japanese department stores are common in the city of Taipei, many of which are accessible by subway. Shin Kong Mitsukoshi has a huge store above Taipei Main Station, while Pacific Sogo is above Zhongxiao Fuxing Station.

Taipei is famous for its underground shopping malls offering all manner of merchandise and food and beverage. These malls are often linked to metro stations and enjoy brisk business. The largest and most famous underground shopping mall stretches from Taipei Main Station to Zhongshan station.

If a deal isn’t so much your desire, but a first-class shopping experience, head for the Asiaworld Shopping Center, a chic, high-end shopping destination that’s a favorite with locals and tourists.

Whenever you travel, shopping is best at local stores, but if you want to feel like you’re back home, Taipei boasts several stores that will make you feel like you’re at the local mall. There Esprit, Timberland and Burt’s Bees stores, to name a few.  For international brands and high end shops, head for the Taipei 101 Building (Nearest metro station: Taipei City Hall) which is home to a huge shopping mall on its lower levels.

If you are petite and can fit Asian garment sizes, you may wish to check out  Wu-fen-pu wholesale garment market, which is 10-15 minutes' walk from Hou-shan-pai subway station. Wu-fen-pu is a huge cluster of shops selling trendy clothes at ex factory prices. Those who like shopping at the Pratunam wholesale garment market in Bangkok should check out Wu-fen-pu.

Bookstores

If you can read in Chinese and love to read, Taipei is heaven. The biggest chain is Eslite, and they've just opened their new flagship in Xinyi district. English books are available as well but most are at import prices. There's also a large food court, cinema and several dining outlets in the complex, as well as hip stores such as the Japanese baggage brand Porter and a neat florist. The bookstore is open 24 hours.

It's right next toTaipei 101 (currently the world's tallest building) and a good way to get there is by MRT. Alight at Taipei City Hall station, and take the complimentary Taipei 101 shuttle bus there.