Day Trips from Taipei: Why You Should Spend a Day in Tamsui
Come for the river views, stay for the iron eggs.
So you’ve landed in Taipei, sampled night markets, seen Taipei 101, and wondered why convenience stores are this good. Ready for something different—but still super easy to reach?
Say hello to Tamsui (淡水), a charming waterfront district at the northern tip of Taipei City. It’s got history, scenery, street food, and one of the best sunsets in Taiwan.
Even better? It’s just a 40-minute MRT ride away.
🚇 How to get to Tamsui from Taipei
Getting there is a breeze. Just hop on the Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi Line) of the Taipei MRT and ride it all the way to the final stop: Tamsui Station. No transfers. The trip takes about 40–45 minutes, and costs less than NT$50 (about $1.50 USD).
Pro tip: Go early so you have time to explore and catch the sunset before heading back.
🛍️ Start at Tamsui Old Street
Right outside the station, the fun begins. Tamsui Old Street (淡水老街) runs along the river and is packed with quirky shops, local snacks, and a relaxed holiday vibe. It’s the perfect place to walk, snack, and soak in the atmosphere.
🍢 What to eat:
A-Gei (阿給): stuffed tofu with noodles and fish paste, served hot and saucy
Iron Eggs (鐵蛋): soy-marinated eggs, chewy and super flavorful
Fishball soup (魚丸湯): light, bouncy, and iconic in Tamsui
Plum juice: sweet, tangy, refreshing—yes, please
You’ll also find lots of stalls selling fried squid, grilled sausages, and sweet potato balls. Bring your appetite.
🏰 Next: Forts, churches & colonial vibes
Tamsui has some serious history. Back in the day, this was a major international port, so you’ll find architecture with Spanish, Dutch, and British influences.
📍 Don’t miss:
Fort San Domingo (紅毛城): Built by the Spanish in the 1600s, this red-brick fort has killer views of the river and Bali (the town, not the island)
Oxford College & Aletheia University: Gorgeous Western-style buildings on peaceful hills
Tamsui Presbyterian Church: Historic and charming, right near the fort
This part of Tamsui feels a world away from Taipei’s high-rises.
🌉 Chase the sunset at Fisherman’s Wharf
When the afternoon light starts turning golden, take Bus Red-26 or a short taxi ride to Fisherman’s Wharf (漁人碼頭)—a wide open boardwalk with a view.
The main star here is Lover’s Bridge, a sleek white pedestrian bridge that lights up at night and makes the perfect backdrop for photos. Stay to watch the sun set over the water, casting pink and orange across the sky.
Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.
🍴 Dinner by the water (or more street food)
You can dine riverside at one of the seafood restaurants near the wharf, or head back to Tamsui Old Street for round two of snacks. Either way, try:
Grilled squid on a stick
Oyster omelets (蚵仔煎)
Fried mushrooms or stinky tofu (if you dare)
Mango shaved ice – a must if the weather’s hot
🛍️ Grab souvenirs before heading back
Tamsui is known for iron eggs, but you’ll also find local sweets, pineapple cakes, and little handcrafted goods. Most shops near the station stay open till 9–10PM, so there’s no rush.
🎒 Back to Taipei, full and happy
Catch the MRT back to Taipei at your own pace. Trains come every few minutes, and most travelers find themselves smiling at how easy this day trip turned out to be.
💡 Why Tamsui?
t’s the perfect combo: close, affordable, scenic, and packed with local character. For travelers looking to see a different side of Taipei—more riverside chill, less city noise—Tamsui delivers.
So if your feet are itching after a few days in the capital, grab your EasyCard, hop on the red line, and head to the water.