How To Spend A Day in Tamsui: Old Street | Historical Architectures | Fisherman’s Wharf （淡水）
Tamsui is at the northern tip of Taiwan, where the Tamsui River flows into the sea. Thanks to its unique location, it became one of the first areas in Taiwan to be developed as a trading hub by foreign powers.
Today, Tamsui is known for its history, scenic waterfront views, and delicious street food. Whether you’re into history, food, or just want to find a peaceful spot to watch the sunset, it’s a great place for a day trip.
In this article, I’ll share a brief history of Tamsui, how to get there, what to do, and what to eat.
Keep reading!
Tamsui’s History And Colonial Influence
Originally home to the Indigenous Ketagalan people, Tamsui developed into a significant trading hub due to its strategic geographic location.
In 1626, the Spanish established a settlement and built Fort San Domingo (紅毛城) in Tamsui to control trade in the region. However, they were driven out by the Dutch in 1642, who ruled the area for another 20 years before losing it to China.
Under the Chinese Qing Dynasty, Tamsui flourished as a major trading port, exporting goods like tea and camphor to international markets.
During the Japanese colonial era (1895–1945), Tamsui’s importance declined as the Japanese focused on expanding Keelung Port (基隆港) nearby.
You will easily spot Tamsui’s colonial influence in its historical architecture and landmarks, which I will discuss later.
Getting To Tamsui By MRT
Take the Tamsui-Xinyi Line (Red Line) to the Tamsui Station (淡水站 R28), which is the last stop on the line. To give you an idea of how long it takes to get there, the ride from Taipei Main Station takes about 40 minutes.
Most of the main attractions are within walking distance of the Tamsui MRT station. Few can be reached by a short bus/cab/uber ride or even a ferry ride. I will explain later in the post.
Must-See Attractions in Tamsui
Exit Tamsui MRT Station, turn right, and you are on your way to your first main attraction: the famous Tamsui Old Street.
1. Tamsui Old Street (淡水老街）
Tamsui Old Street is divided into two sides: the outer side features the scenic Golden Anchor Walkway (金色水岸步道) along the Tamsui River, while the inner side is a traditional old street.
To fully experience the area’s charm, you can explore one side and then return to the other, enjoying both the riverside views and the lively street scene.
The bustling shops lining the street include traditional pastry shops and grocery stores, food stalls and restaurants, as well as stores selling souvenirs and trendy clothing.
In the evening, you can enjoy the stunning view of the sunset sinking into the sea from the Golden Anchor Walkway.
As you walk along the old street, you will see a variety of food and snacks. The following are the must-try foods:
Must-Try Foods On Old Street
- A-gei (阿給）
- Fish balls （魚丸）
- Fried fish crackers (魚酥）
- Traditional baked cake (古早味蛋糕）
- And many more!
Over the years, I’ve tried many food stalls and restaurants along Tamsui Old Street. I’ve also watched shows and read articles about the best foods to try here. You’ll also notice that many shops display photos of celebrities eating there to show how popular they are.
In my opinion, the food business here is so competitive that all the shops must be good to survive. So, don’t stress over finding “the best” spot—just be adventurous, try the dishes that catch your eye, and enjoy the experience!
2. Fort San Domingo (紅毛城）
The fort was originally built by the Spanish in 1644 and later used by the Dutch and the British. Today, it’s a museum that showcases artifacts from the colonial era and tells the story of Tamsui’s role in international trade.
You will take in the panoramic views of the Tamsui River and the surrounding area from the fort’s hilltop location.
Admission is NT$80 per person, which includes same-day access to Fort San Domingo, the Little White House, and the Hobe Fort.
Here is the link to see the place on Google Maps.
3. Little White House (小白宮）
When Tamsui was an important trading port in the 1800s, many colonial-style buildings were built at that time, and the Tamsui Customs Officer’s Residence (also called the Little White House) is one of the most famous.
Admission is NT$80 per person, which includes same-day access to Fort San Domingo, the Little White House, and the Hobe Fort.
Here is the link to see the place on Google Maps.
4. Tamsui Longshan Temple (淡水龍山寺）
See it on Google Maps.
Located in the alleys of Tamsui Old Street, Tamsui Longshan Temple is one of the oldest and most important temples in Taiwan.
Built in 1858, it’s dedicated to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, and serves as a place of worship for locals. The temple was originally larger, with a big courtyard and garden, but today it stands in a narrow, traditional style that still shows its historical charm.
Take a moment to notice the beautiful carvings. One of the most famous plaques inside tells the story of how Guanyin is said to have protected the people of Tamsui during a war in 1884.
5. Tamsui Presbyterian Church （淡水長老教會）
Most Taiwanese people know the name “Mackay” from Taiwan’s well-known Mackay Hospitals (馬階醫院）. Dr. Mackay was a Canadian missionary, doctor, and educator who is best known for his significant contributions to Taiwan during the late 19th century.
This church was the very first building Dr. Mackay started his missionary journey when he arrived in Tamsui in 1872. He was one of the first foreigners to provide medical services and education to local people, and his work helped introduce modern medicine and Western-style education to Taiwan.
6. Former residence of Tada Eikichi (多田榮吉故居)
About 400m from the church, halfway up the hill on the opposite side of Wenhua Road, you will see this Japanese-style house. ( See it on Google Maps).
多田榮吉 (Tada Eikichi) was a prominent businessman and local official in Tamsui during the Japanese colonial period. Influenced by his family’s legacy, he dedicated his life to social welfare and public service, making him stand out as one of the few entrepreneurs of his time who focused on serving the community.
The house is open to the public for free. It’s got a great view of the Tamsui River and is a great spot to take photos.
7. Fisherman’s Wharf (淡水漁人碼頭）
This is one of the best places in Taiwan to watch the sunset. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky transforms into a canvas of orange, pink, and purple hues, creating a breathtaking view over the water.
I watched the sunset on a summer evening in 2022 with my son and my mom. It was so beautiful —the photo I took really didn’t do it justice!
As night falls, the white surface of the bridge shines under the lights and becomes even more colorful and vibrant. It’s one of the must-see nighttime views in Tamsui.
After the night falls, you can cross Lover’s Bridge and enter the tourist fishing market, where you can select fresh catch and have it cooked by the vendors. Or you can eat at one of the riverside cafes on the wooden boardwalk along the dock.
Please keep in mind that the Fisherman’s Wharf is about 4km from the Tamsui MRT station or 3km from Fort San Domingo. You might want to grab a cab or take a bus if it is too much of a walk.
If you visit on a weekend, another option is to take a ferry from Tamsui Wharf (see its location on Google Maps). While I haven’t personally tried it, I imagine it would be a wonderful way to enjoy the scenic views from the water.
Want to spend a night in Tamsui? The nearby 5-star Fullon Hotel is a great choice (see it on Google Maps)
Final Thoughts
Tamsui offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that makes it a perfect day trip for anyone visiting Taipei.
Whether you’re strolling through the lively Old Street, trying the local snacks, or exploring the temples and historical sites, Tamsui invites you to step back in time and enjoy its charm.
I hope this article is helpful to you!
