Tamsui near Taipei is a historic port and riverside city located at the end of the Xinyi – Tamsui Metro line. Its scenic setting, numerous food stalls and restaurants plus easy access from Taipei make it a popular day-trip for local families and couples.
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Easily combined with a boat over to the water to beautiful Bali, Tamsui has seen much change over the centuries with many European and Japanese influences. There are several grand old buildings to explore from Santa Domingo Fort to the Tamsui Customs Officers’ Residence.
From waterside walks to Fisherman’s Wharf and Tamsui Old Street full of traditional Taiwanese food and snacks, there are many things to enjoy in Tamsui.
So take the Metro from Taipei to Tamsui and try some famous local dishes like fish ball noodles and castella cake – here is our guide to Tamsui in Taipei New City, Taiwan.
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How to get to Tamsui by public transport
Tamsui is easily reachable via the Taipei Metro red line (the Tamsui-Xinyi line).
You can travel from Taipei to Tamsui direct from Taipei Main Station, Zhongshan station, Chiang-Kai Shek Memorial Hall station, Dongmen station and Da’an Park station.
From Taipei Main Station to Tamsui station, it is around a 40 minute journey on the Metro.
From Tamsui, you can also get the 5 minute ferry over to Bali across the Tamsui river.
Taiwanderers Tip
Grab a Taiwan EasyCard as a convenient way to use buses and public transport in Taipei and across Taiwan. They can be easily topped up at stations and convenience stores.
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You might like – 30 cute and cool Taiwan EasyCard and iPass designs >
Recommended Tamsui Taipei accommodation and hotels
Budget ($)
Hotelday Tamsui
Just across the water, the 3* Hotelday Tamsui is a 15 minute walk from Fisherman’s Wharf and an easy way to see Bali by night and enjoy Tamsui’s night-time delights. Check rates and availability on booking.com and agoda.com
Luxury ($$$)
Fullon Hotel Tamsui Fishermen’s Wharf
Five star hotel shaped like an ocean-liner located in Danshui Fisherman’s Wharf. Facilities include an outdoor pool, spa, 3 restaurants and a revolving tower offering 360-degree views. Check rates and availability on booking.com and agoda.com
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The history of Tamsui
Tamsui (Dan-Shui) used to be one of the most important ports in all of Taiwan and was bigger than Taipei itself.
Given all the different foreign settlements here over the years (Spanish, Dutch, British and Japanese), the architecture and historical buildings in Tamsui are quite an array of different styles.
If you visit, you must go further than Tamsui Old Street and the tourist trappings near the MRT to explore these grand buildings and former residences.
The Spanish settled in Tamsui in the 1620s and established the Santo Domingo mission in the area, to try and colonise the area and secure shipping routes.
Fort San Domingo, the red-walled building you can see today was built in 1646 by the Dutch and later taken over by the British, and used as Consulate buildings.
Japanese rule of Tamsui from the mid 1890s 1o 1945 and it subsequently became a charming fishing town. Once the MRT Xinyi-Tamsui line opened in 1997, Tamsui boomed again and it is now a popular day-trip or weekend getaway for Taipei residents.
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Things to do in Tamsui, Taipei
1. Tamsui Old Street
A hotchpotch of shops, restaurants and gift shops, Tamsui Old Street is the main shopping and eating area of Tamsui (well, apart from City Plaza Mall next to the station).
It is mix of modern food-stalls and traditional Taiwanese restaurants, selling everything from wobbly castella cakes (always the biggest line in Tamsui Old Street) through to fish ball noodles and a-gei tofu.
The name ‘Tamsui Old Street’ conjures up historic and beautiful buildings but it isn’t quite that – mainly lots of businesses along a main street plus several side-alleys which are a bit more characterful.
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2. Tamsui MRT Park
The first place you’ll likely see as you head out of the Tamsui MRT station towards the water, this park is a nice spot to get a first glimpse of the epic Tamsui River and get your bearings – there are various food stalls along the edge if you fancy a picnic.
Best of all, everytime we’ve returned to Taipei from Tamsui in the afternoons, there have always been local dance groups and singers performing in Tamsui MRT Park, often receiving rapturous applause from the locals – very cute to see and enjoy.
If you want to cycle along the Tamsui Promenade and explore much further down river, bicycle hire is also available in this park.
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3. Fort San Domingo
Originally built in the late 1620’s by the Spanish, the original fort was knocked down by the Dutch in the 1640s – its red brick exterior and gorgeous grounds (complete with cannons!) and wonderful waterside views make this one of the top things to do in Tamsui.
As part of your entry ticket, you can visit several rooms in the main building, left as they were by the British when they took over the site in the 1860s – the terrace section is spectacular and you can see why so many were attracted to the vantage point here on the hillside.
Weirdly, as well as the preserved rooms and gardens, there are also some rather kitsch attractions like a teddy bear soldier doll – hmmmm. Toilets, a cafe and museum are onsite too.
Buy a discounted combo ticket to gain entry to Fort San Domingo, Hobe Fort and Tamsui Customs Officer’s Residence with Get Your Guide or Klook.
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4. Take the ferry to Bali
We’re not encouraging you to leave Tamsui straight away, but one of the ways to see Tamsui from the river is to get the 5 minute ferry from Tamsui Wharf over to Bali – Tamsui to Bali boat fares in 2024 cost NT$40 one way.
Bali is a historic port area famous for its coastal trail and cycle path, amazing waterside views plus Bali Old Street.
Popular with local families at the weekends, Bali is blessed with beautiful beach views and seaside vistas. There are family attractions to enjoy like a popcorn factory or remote controlled children’s cars.
From traditional temples to tourist selfie spots, fossils to food courts, check out our guide to Bali in Taipei here with more photos >
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5. Tamsui River walkway and esplanade
The best way to get a feel for Tamsui as you first arrive is to continue past Tamsui MRT Park and walk along the wooden boardwalks and esplanade looking out towards Bali across the river.
This is a great place to people-watch, from local fisherman ignoring the ‘no fishing’ signs to Tamsui musicians busking in the midday sun. This route will also take you all the way to Tamsui Custom’s Wharf via the pretty fishing ports, cafes and old bridges.
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6. Fishermans Wharf and Lover’s Bridge
For scenic walks and one of Taipei’s best sunsets, head to Fisherman’s Wharf, the second major port in the area, lined with dozens of fishing boats.
Fisherman’s Wharf has lots of cute cafes and eating areas, with seafood specials plus enjoy panoramic views from Lover’s Bridge.
To get to Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf, take a ferry from Tamsui Wharf or the bus from Tamsui MRT Station. Alternatively, if you want to go at the start or end of your Tamsui itinerary, alight at the MRT Hongshulin station and transfer to the blue coastal line to Fisherman’s Wharf.
Tamsui to Fisherman’s Wharf by boat costs NT$90 one way.
Feeling flush? See Tamsui from a sailboat >
7. Tada Eikichi Former Residence
Free to visit, the Former Residence of Tada Eikichi was home to Tamsui’s Township Head and was originally the site of a school-owned farm of the Xui-Hai Academy during the Qing Dynasty.
Tada bought the land in the 1930s and built his own dream home looking out towards the river, in a tranquil garden setting. The Japanese style residence is simple and understated and now a listed monument, having been restored in 2015.
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8. Tamsui Castella Cake
See the massive queue in Tamsui along the main shopping street? That’ll likely be hungry tourists lining up to buy the famous (and super wobbly) castella cake.
Castella cakes are popular across the world especially in Japan but what makes the Tamsui Castelle cakes so unique is how big they are and their use of cheese – yes, we are talking COLOSSAL cheese castella cakes in Tamsui; but don’t worry, you can buy individual slices too.
Two of the best known cake shops are directly across the road from each other – the Yuanwei Traditional Castella Cake Shop (緣味古早味現烤蛋糕) at 135 Zhongzheng Road and the Original Cake shop at 238 Zhongzhen Road.
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9. Aletheia University / Oxford College
Aletheia University (as ‘Oxford College’) was established in 1882 and has European style campus grounds, bedecked with trees, beautifully manicured lawns and even a turtle / koi carp pond in the center – it kind of feels like being in an English garden.
Aletheia University was founded by Dr. George Leslie Mackay, a Canadian missionary, named it Oxford College as a thank you for all the donations received by generous benefactors in Oxford County in Ontario, Canada.
Thousands of student study here every year and non-students are allowed to explore the grounds freely. Also a quick mention of the Hi-Life convenience store in the middle of the campus which is handy if you are need of a soft drink after all that walking (although we felt so old in there, watching all the young students eating their ready meals).
Try this – Tamsui Tours with Get Your Guide and Viator
10. Tamsui Custom Wharf and Immersive Exhibition
One of the quieter areas in Tamsui, the Custom Wharf used to be the key trading post for the area and was established in 1862, administered by both the Qing Dynasty and the Japanese before being returned to the ROC – it was designated a special historic site in 2000.
Inside the warehouse, there is an immersive 3D exhibition which is free (but it is no ‘Teamlabs’)! The ladies who welcomed us were lovely, encouraging us to see the show and interact with the lights.
The esplanade here is pleasant to walk along looking out to the coast and there is a lovely old bridge too.
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11. Tamsui Customs Officers’ Residence AKA The ‘White Little White House’
Built in 1870, the ‘Little White House was opened during the Qing Dynasty as a customs office, with colonial architecture, several grand meeting rooms plus an opulent dining room to host local dignitaries and overseas exporters.
The gardens here are magical and on our last visit, there was even some live music performed on the lawns – it is a popular wedding photo spot for local couples.
Tamsui Customs Officers’ Residence reopened in late August 2024 after six months of restoration work.
Book your tickets here with Get Your Guide >
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12. Hobe Fort / Huwei Fort
Close to Santo Domingo Fort, Tamsui’s Hobe Fort (also known as Huwei Fort) was completed in 1888, designed by a German engineer and is now open as a museum.
It still has its original battlements and although it never saw war, there are lots of cannons and guns on display, some of which are HUGE.
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13. Ice cream
One of the n-’icest’ things to do in Tamsui, Taipei, you can head to one of several jumbo ice-cream stalls along the Tamsui Wharf riverside.
These super-cold sweet treats ‘tower’ above any other desserts you’ll find here (literally – they are massive).
Taipei is famous for these big ice creams and these are no different, but they are much more enjoyable with the port views here.
Various combinations of flavors are available like vanilla, matcha and chocolate but remember to eat them quickly on hot days.
Tamsui also has several traditional Taiwanese peanut ice-cream rolls served with fresh coriander. This might be our favorite dessert in Tamsui.
Another great spot to eat ice cream is at Corner Cone (map). They have some very creative ice cream cones!
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14. Love Lane
We’re mentioning Tamsui’s Love Lane mainly because we’d seen others recommend it but we wouldn’t class it as a ‘top thing to do in Tamsui’.
Free to visit and located in a quiet residential area just up from Tamsui Old Street, it is a hilly side-street with a couple of colorful murals and some small street art installations along steps – it’s OK but we like it more than ‘love’ it.
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15. Tamsui Starbucks Riverside Shop
OK, we know encouraging you to go to Starbucks whilst in a beautiful setting in Tamsui is sacrilege but hear us out…
This is one of the best Taiwan Starbucks as the view from the upstairs seating area is incredible, looking out over the water.
There is a downstairs terrace on the boardwalk as well – the coffee isn’t bad either (the ice lattes on a hot summer’s day with these views takes some beating).
Incidentally, if you’d rather support local cafes and coffee-shops, there are a few around Tamsui Wharf / harbor with nice views too.
And yep, special Taiwan Starbucks mugs are available for any Starbucks mugs collectors.
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16. Fish Balls and A-Gei
Tamsui food is never in short supply but one of the local dishes you must try is fish-ball soup .
Two of the best Tamsui fish ball soup stalls are located in the same side alley, called Old Shop Tamsui Fish Ball (map) and Good Fortune Tamsui Fish Balls (map) (both are along the alley found at 135 Zhongzheng Road).
Most fish ball noodle soup dishes cost around the NT$40 to $50 mark so it is an affordable and tasty Tamsui food – portion sizes are small so you could share two or three between you.
This is also a great alley to try Tamsui’s famous A-gei / ageh dish, which is fried tofu, stuffed with cooked glass noodles, and sealed with surimi (fish paste) – expect to pay around NT$55 per portion.
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17. Tamsui Temples
There are several shrines to visit in Tamsui, including Tamsui Longshan Temple, Qingshui Temple (pictured below) and Fiyou temple.
Whilst they aren’t on say the scale of the bigger temples in Taipei like Longshan temple or Songshan Ciyou temple by Raohe Night Market, these are peaceful places to visit, plus see locals worship – there are smaller shrines along the Tamsui Wharf esplanade too.
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Our final thing to do in Tamsui, Taiwan
18. Tamsui City Plaza
After a long day of walking and exploring, you may want a little bit of retail therapy or a choice of air conditioned restaurants.
City Plaza is Tamsui’s biggest and main mall, with 10 floors of shopping and services – it is chock full of fashion and clothing stores like NET and UNIQLO, gift shops, arcades plus loads of chain restaurants.
We went here to visit Kura Sushi, a Japanese conveyor belt restaurant that has hundreds of stores in Japan and is expanding quickly into Taiwan.
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