A simple strategy to improve the performance of a TiO2 nanotube film by use of metal nanoparticles is presented in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Metal nanoparticles modified TiO2 nanotubes through a simple soaking method. An excellent enhancement in the optical property has been observed from the TiO2 nanotube film modified with Ag nanoparticles, which is owing to the surface plasmon resonance. The plasmon effects of Ag, together with the straight pathway and porous structure of TiO2 nanotubes have been used to significantly enhance the photo-electric performance of DSSCs. The efficiency of the DSSCs increased significantly from 3.89 to 5.18%, together with corresponding enhancements in current density from 12.30 to 12.55 mA/cm2, open circuit voltage from 0.66 to 0.71 V, respectively.