While searching for the best day trips from Taipei for my Taiwan trip, I found that places like Jiufen and Yehliu Geopark consistently came up as top recommendations. I never saw Tamsui mentioned despite how easy it is to reach this beautiful little town using the regular MRT.
I was walking back to my hostel in Ximending when a Taiwanese guy randomly appeared in front of me, “You! Go out with me, please!”. Those words came as a bit of shock to my system but this courageous act sounded like a fun adventure. Of course, I would say yes. “Tomorrow. 11 am. Taipei Main Station. I’ll find you,” he added.
That’s how I ended up in Tamsui. With historic forts, little cafes, traditional Taiwanese street food, and a romantic location along the coast, this is the best day trip you should do while traveling in Taiwan.
All About Tamsui
Tamsui, which means “freshwater” in Chinese, is a hidden gem in Asia that offers historic walks, a thriving Taiwanese food scene, and a romantic sunset view.
The coastal district, located in New Taipei City, is less than an hour by public transportation from the capital city Taipei. They have a distinct history and architecture, with influences from previous occupations of Spanish, Dutch, British, and Japanese from the 17th to 20th century.
Summary of A Perfect Day Trip
The Old Street is the first area you’ll see after getting off the MRT station. This is a popular hub for the local street food scene such as the iconic Taiwanese boba tea, giant fried squid, fish balls, ice cream, and many other unique local eats.
A few minutes walk from Old Street, you’ll find well-kept historical forts such as Fort San Domingo and the Hobe Fort for a taste of the district’s past and history.
For a perfect curtain call for your day trip, there are two sunset spots all well known. One is back at Old Street, the area along the river promenade where you can listen to street performances and see local painters do their art as the day ends. Lastly, there’s the Fisherman’s Wharf, a quieter spot for watching the sun dip along the popular Lover’s Bridge.
Tamsui Weather
We visited this beautiful coastal district in July 2023, right in the middle of Taiwan’s summer season (June to August). Taiwanese summers are hot and very humid. During this time, restaurants are packed with customers and most do not have air conditioning.
Although I was already wearing the tiniest of clothes, the humidity was high and made things feel even warmer. The occasional sea breeze along the riverside made it a little more bearable.
- Spring (March to May) – Mild, breezy, and fresh. You can see Cherry blossoms in early March.
- Summer (June to August) – Hot and humid
- Autumn (September to November) – Warm, dry, and comfortable
- Winter (December to February) – Chilly, damp, and foggy
How to Go to Tamsui?
The main MRT line goes to Tamsui, making this charming little town easily accessible.
From Taipei Main Station, take the red line called “Tamsui Xinyi Line” in Platform 1. The journey covers 18 stops and will take 43 minutes. The fare is 50 NTD (less than $2 or 87 pesos) one way.
The first train from Taipei Main Station to Tamsui Station departs at 6:00 AM while the last train from Tamsui Station back to the city departs at 12:00 AM (midnight).
How to Go to Tamsui from Ximending?
If you’re staying in Ximending, take the Blue Line (Bannan Line) from Ximen Station and ride one stop eastbound to Taipei Main Station. It only takes about 2 minutes.
From there, transfer to the Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) at Platform 1, and head northbound for 18 stops to Tamsui Station. The total journey takes around 50 minutes.
The first train from Ximen departs at 6:00 AM, while the last train from Tamsui leaves around 12:00 AM (midnight).
Places to Visit + What to Do?
I always find it best to arrive early in the morning if you want to do a full-day tour. There are a lot of spots to check out, beginning the journey by the river, located right across the exit of the MRT station.
The popular spots are reachable on foot and I would advise you to walk especially when the weather is nice. You can also rent a bike to reach farther areas while enjoying the soft breeze of the coast.
Tamsui River
The Tamsui River is the first area you’ll see after exiting the train station. You can take the Tamsui to Bali ferry to get to the other side for only 23 NTD each way ($0.71 or 40 pesos).
We skipped going to Bali and decided to focus on exploring one area for the day. There are a lot of interesting places to see and it would be exhausting if we went to the other side for such a short day trip.
Tamsui Fort San Domingo
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Closed on: Mondays and public holidays
General Admission: 80 NTD ($2.46 or 140 pesos)
Fort San Domingo
From the MRT Station, you can take a 19-minute walk to reach one of the main attractions in the district, Fort San Domingo. This is a huge complex located at the top of a small hill. You will do a short hike going to the top of about 10 minutes but nothing to worry about – it will be an easy walk.
Going to Fort San Domingo is like being transported outside of Taiwan. The fort is made of red stones and Spanish influence is easily noticeable. This is despite the fort going on massive renovation under the British consulate in 1867.
Fort San Domingo offers visitors a relief from the agonizing heat and humidity of the coast during summer days. You can easily spend two hours going around the fort itself and nearby buildings such as Oxford College and the British Consulate, located within the same area.
Inside the attractions are well-preserved rooms, arranged how previous occupants have left them. This trip will feel like a trip down memory lane — transporting you back in time and giving a glimpse of the version of Tamsui that once existed.
Well-preserved interiors of Fort San Domingo
The Hobe Fort
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Closed on: Mondays and public holidays
General Admission: FREE
After Fort San Domingo, take a 15-minute walk to visit another historic landmark, the Hobe Fort. This place is as a military fort built in 1886 to protect Taiwan’s northern coast during the Qing Dynasty. You’ll find historic tunnels, old cannons, and cell-like rooms used for ammunition storage.
The Hobe Fort is quiet and less touristy than Fort San Domingo. This makes it the best place for taking quiet walks under the cover of huge trees that surround the area. You can spend 30 minutes to 1 hour to see the entire place, with enough time to sit in the corner and relax.
Inside the The Hobe Fort Tunnel
Starbucks Tamsui Cloud Gate Shop
After the fort, you can take a break from exploring and get a refreshing drink at a nearby Starbucks cafe. I am not a huge fan of the brand, but Starbucks Tamsui Cloud Gate Shop, located six minutes by foot from The Hobe Fort, is worth visiting for its unique vibe. The place reminds me of a greenhouse, surrounded by nature and tucked away in a quiet, secluded neighborhood.
Best Sunset Spot: Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf
To end the day, you can go back the same way you came to enjoy the sunset at the Tamsui River promenade. However, if you want a quieter sunset spot to bid the day goodbye, you should go the Fisherman’s Wharf. This is a 33-minute walk from the greenhouse Starbucks. You can take the back road for a view of rice fields and the rural side of New Taipei City.
Sunset at Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf is something else. In the summer, the sky turns gold and pink as the sun dips behind the Lover’s Bridge, casting reflections on the water. It’s the kind of quiet beauty that makes you pause and think either to grab your camera or simply be there and enjoy this romantic moment.
Before you know it, the day has ended – but your tour has not! At night, the Lover’s Bridge Tamsui is lit up with beautiful pastel lights. It was named “Lover’s Bridge” because it opened on Valentine’s Day in 2003 — cute, right?
Tamsui Old Street
After your romantic sunset experience, it’s time to go back to Tamsui Old Street on a 55-minute walk. If you’re exhausted, take the R26 (red bus), departing from the Fisherman’s Wharf to Tamsui Station. The travel time is 18 minutes and the fare is 15 NTD ($0.46 or 26 pesos).
At night, Old Street shifts from calm and laid-back to vibrant and festive. Street food stalls, candy shops, and milk tea booths come alive and the entire street transforms into a bustling Tamsui night market.
The area is packed with tourists, glowing lights, and free food samples. You’ll find yourself in a full-on sensory experience — a memorable experience for your Taiwan trip!
Tamsui Best Food: What and Where to Eat?
The district is a melting pot for traditional Taiwanese street food at affordable prices. Here are must-try street food while strolling around the Old Street:
- Ah-gei (阿給): Glass noodles in tofu skin with sweet sauce
- Iron Eggs (鐵蛋): Chewy sauce–braised eggs
- Fish ball soup
- Fried squid
- Taiwanese sausages on a stick
- Mochi ice cream
- Sweet potato balls
- Taiwanese boba tea
There are line after line of stalls with sellers luring you to try their products. Local’s tip? Don’t go into these places! Go to simple-looking stalls where there are obviously a lot of local customers without a hard-sell vendor. Most of these do not have air conditioning and have very little space. But believe me when I say, the food is GOOD and prices are AFFORDABLE.
Where to Stay in Tamsui?
A day trip around Tamsui is enough to visit a handful of gems. However, if you want to stay longer than a day, there are a lot of hotels in Tamsui – from budget to lux – where you can stay for the night.
Best for Budget: Hotel Leisure Tamsui
Hotel Leisure Tamsui is a modern hotel conveniently located at the heart of the main tourist district. It’s a 10-minute walk from Tamsui MRT Station, accessible after getting off the train station. Nearby attractions include Tamsui Old Street, Fort San Domingo, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
Google Maps rating: 4.3 / 5 (957 reviews)
Star rating: 4-star hotel
Average room price: 2300 pesos/night ($40)
Contact: +886226257333
Website: Click here
Best View: Fullon Hotel Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf
Photo by Fullon Hotel Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf
Fullon Hotel Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf is next to the Lover’s Bridge, giving you a beautiful view of the coast. You’ll stay in a cruise ship-like building which feels like you’re on vacation somewhere far from the city. In reality, you’re just an MRT ride away from Taipei.
Google Maps rating: 4.4 / 5 (10,471 reviews)
Star rating: 5-star hotel
Average room price: 7600 pesos/night ($135)
Contact: +886226287777
Website: Click here
Is Tamsui Worth Visiting?
Tamsui is the best day trip you can take from Taipei. I will even go as far considering this district as one of the hidden gems in Asia due to peaceful and romantic vibe. Due to accessibility via the regular MRT, Tamsui is also a perfect getaway when you want to escape the city noise without going too far.
Tamsui has a lot to offer! Honestly, it’s best to visit only a handful of places if you’re only doing a day trip to make the most out of every spot.
