Tamsui and Bali day trip

The quiet bank across the river: hire a bike by the pier and ride the riverside path, with Tamsui on the far side of the water.

Bali Left Bank is the quiet side of the Tamsui River, ten minutes by ferry from Tamsui. A riverside cycle path runs past the ferry pier, a short old street of snack stalls and seafood restaurants, and on to the Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology, with long views back across the water to Tamsui.

Worth knowing. Cross on a weekday afternoon, when the path is quiet and there is no queue for the ferry. At weekends, hire your bike early, before the rental stands and snack stalls get busy.

The riverside street of snack stalls and old shopfronts, busiest in the late afternoon.

Tamsui Old Street in Taipei is a lively riverside hub featuring colonial-era architecture and bustling market stalls. Known for its local specialties, the area offers treats like A-Gei and iron eggs.

Worth knowing. Seek out the small alley near Fuyou Temple where local vendors offer unique handmade crafts not found in the main street.

Built by the Spanish in 1628, rebuilt by the Dutch, and the British consulate for over a century, with the red-brick consul's residence beside it.

Built in 1629 by the Spanish and later fortified by the Dutch, Fort San Domingo in Taipei stands as a symbol of colonial influence. Visitors are greeted by its fiery red facade and can explore rooms filled with artifacts from different eras. History enthusiasts will relish the stories embedded in its walls, providing a tangible connection to Taiwan's past.

Worth knowing. Many overlook the scenic views of the Tamsui River from the terrace at the back.

Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM | Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Walk out on Lover's Bridge as the sun drops into the river mouth, then eat seafood by the harbour.

Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf, transformed at the turn of the millennium, features the striking Lover's Bridge, a pedestrian cable-stayed bridge finished in 2003. Visit in the evening for local seafood at the bustling market and watch the lights of the bridge reflect on the water.

Worth knowing. Visit during sunset for the best views and photo opportunities.