Tamsui - New Taipei, Taiwan
Since I’m leaving Taiwan tomorrow, I planned to have a relaxed day. In the morning, I spent time with a Camino friend in Taichung before taking the train back to Taipei to meet another Camino friend. As I hadn’t visited Tamsui before, she suggested we explore the riverside, Old Street, and Fisherman’s Wharf.
She grew up in the area, so she introduced me to local food, shops, and sights. As we walked, the sun set behind cloudy skies, with only a soft orange glow breaking through in the distance.
We strolled from Tamsui Station all the way to Fisherman’s Wharf, then took the bus back. After dinner nearby, we parted ways. I grabbed my backpack from the station locker and caught the train toward the airport, where I’ll stay overnight for my early flight. Ending my trip with friends I had met on the Camino was a perfect farewell to Taiwan.
History & Background
Tamsui (淡水) is a historic riverside town in northern Taiwan, at the mouth of the Tamsui River. It was an important port during the Qing dynasty and later a trading hub under Dutch and Spanish influence. Today, Tamsui preserves its cultural heritage through streets lined with colonial-era buildings, traditional markets, temples, and scenic waterfront areas. Fisherman’s Wharf and the Old Street are popular attractions showcasing local cuisine, arts, and views of the river estuary and sunsets.
Getting There
From Taipei Main Station, take the Tamsui-Xinyi (Red) Line to Tamsui Station. The journey takes about 40 minutes. From the station, you can walk along Old Street and continue to the Fisherman’s Wharf (about 4 km), or take a local bus or ferry.
Route Overview
Distance: 6.1 km (Tamsui Station → Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf)
Total elevation gain: 21 m
Duration: 1 hr 26 min (with breaks 3 hr)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Train: Taipei Station → Tamsui Station — NT$50
Bus: Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf → Tamsui Station — NT$15
Food: NT$141
