Taipei's main shopping districts are Simending, Jhongsiao and Sinyi. Theme streets such as the jade markets and computer lane found at Guanghua Commercial Plaza make shopping for one item convenient.

Living Mall, 138, BaDe Road, Section 4, is known as the largest shopping mall in Asia (and the Living Hell by locals as its easy to get lost), but the largest shopping and leisure extravaganza is in Taipei 101 Mall, 45, ShihFu Road. Here international designers from Armani to Louis Vuitton rub shoulders.

A well-managed mall for designer labels, good restaurants and a cinema is Breeze Center, 39, FuSing South Road, Section 1. Dihua Street, the oldest and largest trading area, is the best day market for atmosphere, although Chinese Handicraft Mart, 1, Syujhou Road, is a one stop shop for inexpensive traditional items. Japan's Mitsukoshi department store, 19 Sung Kao Road, covers three blocks and, remarkably, occupies 12 buildings.

Across the road, Eslite Bookstore, 11 Sung Kao Road, covers six floors of books (many in English) intermingled with a host of brands from around the globe. There's a cafe on the second floor. Eslite is open 24 hours.

Most other shops are open daily 1000-2200.