Start with a classic Taiwanese breakfast at Fu Hang Soy Milk-try the savory soy milk, crispy youtiao and a sesame flatbread to fuel the morning walk.
Stroll along Tamsui Old Street, sampling street snacks like A-gei and iron eggs while browsing souvenir shops and local crafts.
Visit Fort San Domingo for a guided/self-guided tour of the historic red-brick castle and terraces with views back toward the river and Binhai Road.
Walk over to the nearby Little White House (Eagle Museum) or the waterfront promenade for photos, followed by coffee and pastries at Cafe 85C or a local riverside café.
Grab a light early lunch at A-Gei Shop or sample fresh seafood at Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf stalls before transitioning into your afternoon plans.
Wander the quieter lanes off Tamsui Old Street and pop into Heping Old Street Tea House for a relaxing Taiwanese oolong tea and light snacks to recharge after your early lunch.
Catch the local bus or a short taxi to Tamsui Lover's Bridge area and explore the landscaped paths, stopping for photos of the river views and boats.
Head to Tamsui Customs Wharf and join a short river cruise (or a ferry to Bali) for a different perspective of the waterfront and a gentle breeze on the water.
Return to shore and visit Tamsui Old Street Market stalls you may have missed-try mango shaved ice at Shuiqi Bao or a local pastry at a family-run bakery.
Climb up the tree-lined path to the historic Tamsui Church area and explore nearby colonial-era lanes, stopping at Fort San Domingo's lookout points if you want another quick scenic glance without a long visit.
Make your way back toward the riverside and reserve a spot at Tamsui Riverside Park for a relaxed pre-sunset stroll and people-watching with street food vendors nearby.
Grab an early riverside snack-try a grilled squid skewer from a stall on Tamsui Old Street or a cup of peanut ice cream roll-then settle in to watch the sun lower over the Tamsui River.
As the sky deepens, walk along the waterfront to the classic sunset viewpoint near Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf and Lover's Bridge, enjoying the colors and local musicians.
Enjoy a seafood-focused dinner at Tamsui Seafood Restaurant or sample grilled seafood at the riverside stalls near Tamsui Old Street, pairing dishes with a cold local beer while watching lights come on along the water.
Take a leisurely post-dinner walk toward Tamsui Train Station area and stop for dessert at A-Gei dessert stalls or try a famous local sweet like sugar cane juice and fried mochi.
Catch live street performances and browse evening stalls back along Tamsui Old Street, picking up souvenirs or tasting late-night snacks such as deep-fried scallion pancakes from a popular vendor.
Pause at Tamsui Riverside Park or a quiet bench near the water for a relaxed riverside atmosphere; sip a warm tea from Heping Old Street Tea House if you want to wind down before heading back.
If you're staying late, hop on a short taxi or MRT from Tamsui MRT Station and enjoy a peaceful night view of the river while returning to your accommodation.