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Walking Tour of Intramuros

This is where Manila was Born

Michael Runkel / Getty Images

For hundreds of years, the walled city of Intramuros was Manila : the nerve center of the Spanish occupation in the Philippines , home to several thousand Spanish colonists, their families, and their Filipino servants.

Intramuros was erected on the ruins of a Malay settlement at the mouth of the Pasig River. Its strategic location attracted the attention of the conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, who took over the area in 1571 and proclaimed it as the Philippine colony's new capital.

For 400 years, Intramuros was the center of Spanish political, religious, and military power in the region. (Read about churches in the Philippines .) The walled city suffered grievously through World War II; only San Agustin Church was left standing by war's end.

In the 1980s, the government led a major restoration effort that reconstructed Intramuros to its present state. Today, Intramuros is a prominent tourist spot where visitors can experience Spanish-era Manila through the walled city's churches, restaurants, and museums.

Beginning Your Intramuros Walking Tour

Begin at the Intramuros Visitors' Center at the restored Baluartillo de San Francisco Javier in Fort Santiago ( Google Maps ). This is an ideal jumping-off point for many walking tours through Intramuros, or independent visits to Intramuros' top sights .

At the Center, you can pick up brochures on the places you plan to see or find out about scheduled cultural events in the Walled City.

Fort Santiago is easily accessible via taxi, jeepney, or LRT (the Central Terminal Station is the closest stop). Read about Manila's commuter rail system for more details. 

The tour will take about two hours and involves a fair amount of walking. We recommend you avoid walking in the middle of the day; limit your trips to before 9am, or after 4pm to avoid sunstroke or sunburn .

To fully enjoy your trip, you'll need:

• a carry bag for souvenirs
• comfortable shoes
• bottled water

First Stop: Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago ( Google Maps ) was built by Spanish conquistadors in 1571, replacing the destroyed fortress belonging to the last datu (king) of pre-Hispanic Manila.

Over the years, Fort Santiago served as a fortress against marauding Chinese pirates, a prison for Spanish-era political prisoners, and a Japanese torture chamber in World War II. American bombs deployed during the Battle for Manila almost succeeded in destroying the Fort altogether.

A postwar government initiative helped restore Fort Santiago and clean its bad juju away. Today, Fort Santiago is a relaxing place to visit and an enlightening portal into the Philippines' colonial past. It contains a peaceful park, battlements overlooking the Pasig River, and a memorial museum to the Philippines' national hero Jose Rizal.

For more information, read our overview of Fort Santiago in the Philippines .

Next Stop: Manila Cathedral

Exit the main gate of Fort Santiago and make a five- to ten-minute walk southeast down General Luna Street, past the Plaza Moriones and the Palacio del Gobernador. The Cathedral will be visible to your left.

The Manila Cathedral (Cabildo cor. Beaterio Streets, Intramuros; Google Maps ) is the ecclesiastical seat of the Archdiocese of Manila. In Spanish colonial times, this was the seat of the Spanish Archbishop of Manila, who had jurisdiction over the entire archipelago .

This structure is actually the sixth church to occupy the site. The first one, built in 1581, was razed to the ground two years after it was built. The present structure was completed in 1958.

The Cathedral's crypts serve as a final resting place for former Archbishops of Manila, just as the crypts of St. Peter's in the Vatican do for the bodies of former Popes. Among those interred in the Cathedral's crypts is Jaime Cardinal Sin, one of the ringleaders of the 1986 Edsa Revolution that ousted the dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Next Stop: Walls of Intramuros/Puerta de Santa Lucia

A further five-minute walk down General Luna Street in the same direction; after two blocks, turn right and walk down Calle Real until you reach Puerta de Sta. Lucia.

Facing the former Malecon Drive (now Bonifacio Drive), Puerta de Santa Lucia ( Google Maps ) is one of several gates passing through the Intramuros walls. First built in 1603, Puerta de Santa Lucia (when open) leads out to Malecon, once a waterfront promenade before reclamation transformed the shores in front of the walls into the present-day Port Area.

Passersby get a close-up look at the thick stone walls and moats that skirt Intramuros' borders, as the walls can actually be climbed for a commanding view of the streets within Intramuros and the golf course beyond the wall.

During Manila's colonial heyday, no one could enter Intramuros but the Spanish, their servants, and mestizos (half-Spanish Filipinos). Outside Manila lived Filipinos and Chinese merchants. The latter were forced to live in a ghetto that was conveniently located within range of Intramuros' cannons, in case the Chinese revolted against Spanish rule.

Next Stop: San Agustin Church and Museum

Go back up Calle Real, turn right on Gen. Luna Street and enter the parking lot of San Agustin Church immediately on your right.

The San Agustin Church (Calles Gen Luna and Real, Intramuros; Google Maps ) is the first European stone church designed along Spanish lines in Manila. It has 14 side chapels, hand-carved hardwood pews dating back to the 17th century, an 18th-century pipe organ, and a beautiful trompe l'oeil ceiling. Beside the church is a small museum featuring Spanish-era vestments, furniture, and religious artwork.

Along with three other ancient Philippine churches, San Agustin Church was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

Its walls have stood as a mute witness to Philippine history. Three Spanish conquistadors are buried here. In its vestry, Spanish and American commanders discussed the city's terms of surrender during the Spanish-American War. Japanese soldiers massacred 140 people on the premises during World War II, as the American troops approached Intramuros.

For the bloody details, read our overview of San Agustin Church .

Next and Final Stop: Casa Manila

Go back the way you came, through the parking lot—cross the street to get to the Plaza San Luis Complex.

Plaza San Luis (Calle Real del Palacio, Intramuros; Google Maps ) was a pet project of Imelda Marcos (she of the 7,000 shoes): its centerpiece is Casa Manila , a reconstruction of a Spanish colonial home of the 19th century. (The whole structure itself dates back only to 1981.)

Each room in Casa Manila is decorated in period style, complete with antique furniture, fixtures, and artwork.

Beyond Casa Manila, the Plaza San Luis Complex contains several other stops that will hold any tourist's interest: the White Knight Intramuros budget hotel; Puesto Manila , a creative hub and cafe; Barbara's, a Filipino restaurant; and Bambike Ecotours , which takes guests on tours of top Manila stops using bamboo bikes.

Related Articles

More related articles.

Intramuros: Travel Guide to the Historical Walled City of Manila

by Leslie | Dec 16, 2020 | Blog

Get a sense of what the old  Manila was like during the Spanish colonial era – witness timeless beauty with its cobblestone streets, well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, rustic mansions, Baroque churches and horse-drawn carriages (calesa). You’ll also be delighted to meet security personnel dressed like Guardia Civils (Spanish-era civil guards) in many parts of Intramuros.

2020’s World’s Leading Tourist Attraction  | Source: DOT

Intramuros, Philippines: World’s Leading Tourist Attraction

Intramuros has quickly emerged as one of the top tourist attractions not only in the Philippines but of the world.

Declared as this year’s “ World’s Leading Tourist Attraction ”, Intramuros bested  15 other world-renowned attractions including the Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal of India, Acropolis of Greece, Machu Picchu of Peru and Burj Khalifa of Dubai among others.

Moreover, the Philippines was also recognized as the World’s Leading Dive Destination  in the  recently concluded 27th World Travel Awards.

Baluarte de San Diego in Intramuros | Photo by: imwaltersy | Shutterstock Photo ID: 1803568756

Intramuros Location

It is located in the bustling city of Metro Manila. It sits beside the national landmark, Rizal Park or Luneta Park and is just a few blocks away from the National Museum of the Philippines.

This historical site also puts you at the center of places like hotels, shopping malls, restaurants, religious sites and prominent schools in the country.

Intramuros Manila Map

From daytime to night-time, Intramuros offers classic charm which evokes feelings of patriotic admiration. You have 3 ways to tour the area:

Walking Tour

A walking tour can be self-organized or a guided tour.

Bamboo Bike Tour

Go on a historical, ecological and one-of-a-kind bamboo bike (also known as “bambike”) tour where you will be accompanied by a local guide to pedal and tour around its cobblestone streets.

Bamboo Bikes | Photo by: imwaltersy | Shutterstock Photo ID: 1387314050

Intramuros Night Tour

When the sun is gone, Intramuros transforms into a whole new dimension as lights illuminate old streets and structures creating a fancy, European, romantic vibe all over the place.

Intramuros Entrance Fee

There is no entrance fee to enter Intramuros, however, the sites found inside like the Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, Rizal Shrine, etc, charge a minimal entrance fee of Php 50 (child) to Php 75 (adult).

Intramuros Opening Hours

Intramuros is open from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Although some sites like museums are only open at certain hours.

Intramuros Tour Guide

It is possible to tour the area on your own, however, it’s always a better tour experience when accompanied by a tour guide. In case you need one, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

The bits and pieces of what you will see will become more meaningful when you have a knowledgeable tour guide narrating its story.

Attractions in Intramuros and Tourist Spots

There are many historical sites to see inside the walled city which are managed by Intramuros Administration (IA) . Pace, time and choices of sites to visit are of course flexible and according to your liking. Here is a guide list to some of its most famous sites:

Fort Santiago

It is one of the oldest and most fortresses in the country and was declared as a National Historical Landmark in 1951.

The main gate of Fort Santiago in Intramuros | Photo: Jorge Láscar | License: CC BY 2.0 | short

Rizal Shrine

It is a museum to honor the life of the great national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. The museum stands at the exact location where Rizal spent his final moments before he was executed on December 30, 1896 at the nearby Luneta Park.

Church of San Agustin

San Agustin Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Spanish Baroque-style church is the oldest standing stone church in the country which was completed in 1607. 

It is noteworthy that the first Spanish Governor-General of the Philippines Miguel López de Legazpi was actually buried in this church.

Church of San Agustin | Photo: Jun Acullador | License: CC BY-ND 2.0 | short

Manila Cathedral

The Manila Cathedral is the first cathedral in the Philippines.

It is the only one elevated to the rank of a Basilica by the Pope’s own initiative. His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, now a canonized Saint, raised the Manila Cathedral to the dignity of a Basilica (motu proprio) on April 27, 1981. As the Premier Church, Premier Cathedral and Premier Basilica, the Manila Cathedral-Basilica is the “Mother of all Churches, Cathedrals and Basilicas in the Philippines”.

The Manila Cathedral | Photo: Jorge Láscar | License: CC BY 2.0 | short

Museo de Intramuros

Museo de Intramuros exhibits treasured antiques and artifacts that pays homage to the story of evangelization in the Philippines from the perspective of Filipinos.

Casa Manila Museum

Casa Manila or Manila House is a lifestyle museum that offers glimpses of the life of upper class families (known as Ilustrados) who once lived there during the Spanish era. Discover aesthetic heritage through house decors, furnitures, artworks and artifacts found at the Casa.

Casa Manila Museum | Photo: Roberto Verzo | License: CC BY 2.0 | short

These are just a few of the important sights found at Intramuros.

There’s a lot more to explore. For instance, Palacio del Gobernador, Ayuntamiento de Manila, Bahay Tsinoy, Plaza Roma, Baluarte de San Diego and more.

Restaurants Intramuros

Barbara’s heritage restaurant.

Barbara’s is Spanish-Filipino inspired restaurant that serves lunch and dinner buffets with a 45-minute Cultural Show at night time. There’s no better place to dine than at Barbara’s. It is a must-try experience while at the walled city.

It is a premier restaurant located at the rooftop of Bayleaf Hotel which offers an unobstructed, 360-degree view of the city including the famous Manila sunset.

Hotel Near Intramuros

The bayleaf intramuros.

Bayleaf is conveniently located at the heart of the walled city of Intramuros. Its ideal location allows you easy access to the iconic site. They offer tastefully designed rooms and first-class restaurants, including the Sky Deck.

Rizal Park Hotel Manila

Considered as one of the most iconic boutique hotels in the country, Rizal Park Hotel’ s interiors and architecture are impressive, allowing you to fully immerse in the Filipino-colonial ambience.

Looking for an Intramuros Manila Tour?

Intramuros is a treasured attraction you certainly would want to include in your itinerary. This tour can be easily integrated in your Manila Tour and is available all year round.

Tour using a horse-drawn carriage (also known as Calesa)

If you like, we can customize an authentic Intramuros Tour or Manila Tour for you. Feel free to contact  us or leave us a comment and we will be delighted to pick up your inquiry/request.

Go on a nostalgia trip and discover the “walled city” of Intramuros – the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction.

Another excellent destination for a historical tour is Cebu City. Find out more on this blog .

Philippines’ Leading Tour Operator Nominee

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Time to Explore the Old Manila – INTRAMUROS DIY Tour

Intramuros: Where To Go And What To Do In Old Manila

We have been working in Manila ever since we graduated from college. Even so, we never really got the chance to explore what is known to be the home to the city’s historical landmarks built during the Spanish era. Guilty as charged, we didn’t find time to do so… not UNTIL NOW!

Intramuros is the Latin word that means “inside the walls” thus, calling it the “ Walled City ” located in the city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. This was built in the late 16th century to protect the city from foreign invasions. This is a great place to revisit Manila’s rich history and see centuries-old establishments.

If you are looking for an Intramuros day trip itinerary, we got you covered. I’ll be sharing with you how we explored this place and how much we spent.

Intramuros Itinerary

How to go to intramuros.

Take the LRT-1 going to Central Terminal Station. From here you have 3 Options:

• Walk five minutes to Manila City Hall. From here, a pedestrian underpass takes you across Padre de Burgos Street. Immediately upon exiting the underpass, you’ll see Victoria Street, which curves right through the walls. ( Pros : cheaper way – Cons : can really be hot during day time and it will take you 10-15 minutes)
• Hail a Taxi – Outside the station, you can take a taxi. It should not cost you more than Php 200. Before going inside a taxi make sure you make it clear to the driver that you want the metered price otherwise there’s a possibility they will overcharge you especially if you are a foreigner.
• Take a Grab – Download the GRAB APP then book your ride to Intramuros. We tried booking a grab from Central Terminal Station going to San Agustin Church in Intramuros and the price is Php 178.
• Pedicabs – This is the option we took. They are bicycles with side compartments or motorized rickshaws. Similar to Thailand’s Tuk-tuk. Each trip costs about 50 Philippine pesos. (negotiable).

How to tour around Intramuros?

Information on the internet can be overwhelming. Before going, we really don’t know where to start. We didn’t have a final itinerary when we got there. I asked the pedicab driver to drop us off at San Agustin Church because I thought that was the best way to start. Here are the available options by the way.

• Ride from one historical monument to another on the Electric Chariot with your knowledgeable tour guide. The Budget Tour (30 minutes) costs Php 300 and the Grand Intramuros Tour (1 hour) costs Php 900.

2. Hop on a bamboo bike – Bambike . A guided tour costs Php 999. You can also rent a bike on-site for Php 200 per hour. They are located in Casa Manila just in front of San Agustin Church.

3. Calesa  is a great way to experience touring in a horse-drawn carriage. Calesa accommodates 1 to 3 passengers on a 30-minute guided tour of Intramuros. The cost is Php 1,000. If you will take this option, you need to go to Manila Cathedral first. That is where you can find rental Calesa.

4 Pedicabs  offers guided tours as well. It costs Php 350 for 30 minutes tour, for locals it’s Php 150 per 30 minutes. They have this laminated white paper where they have pictures of the historical places they will tour you. If you will take this option you can find them outside Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, or Fort Santiago.

12:30PM – San Agustin Church

We explore Intramuros’ DIY style. When we got out of Central LRT station, the original plan was to walk going to Intramuros but it was 12 noon that time. The sun is up and it’s so humid that’s why we tried to check how much will it cost us to book a grab – and it costs Php 178. We tried to look for a taxi but there were others who were in line waiting. Finally, we decided to take a pedicab. At first, they were charging us more than the price if we took a grab so we declined. They are very persistent and a little scary honestly. But when we said we would just take a grab one of them lowered it to Php 50.

San Agustin Church is the oldest stone church in the country. This church survived wars and natural calamities before it was hailed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a museum inside with its precious collection of Spanish artifacts, statues, church ornaments, and paintings. They are open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

01:00 PM – Casa Manila

Just in front of San Agustin Church is the Casa Manila or “ Manila House ”. It is a living museum that features the lifestyle of an affluent Filipino family during the late Spanish colonial period.

The first thing we noticed is the Bambike rental headquarters outside Casa Manila.

On the other side of it is Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant.

As we walked inside, we saw souvenir shops, a cafe, and another restaurant. There is a passage on the left side that leads us to this fountain. The entrance fee to Casa Manila Museum is PHP 75 . They are open from Tuesday to Sunday only. Operating Hours are from 09:00 am – 06:00 pm.

01:30 PM – Baluarte de San Diego

From Casa Manila, we took a pedicab going to Baluarte de San Diego. The fare is Php 50 each. Then, we paid the entrance fee which costs Php 75 each.

The Baluarte de San Diego also known as Nuestra Señora de Guia (Our Guidance Lady) is one of the oldest forts inside Intramuros. This spade-shaped bulwark which used to be a circular watch tower was built in the late 16th century primarily to defend against the invasion of this area.

Today, the fort has become a popular tourist spot. They built a garden around the fort that features shaded walkways, fountains, old cannons, and structures from the preceding century. 

02:00 PM – Fort Santiago

We took another pedicab outside Baluarte de San Diego going to Fort Santiago. The fare is Php 50 each. Then, we paid the entrance fee which costs Php 75 each.

I honestly thought Fort Santiago and Intramuros were the same. But they are not. Fort Santiago is the oldest Spanish bastion in the Philippines situated inside the walled city of Intramuros . It became the headquarters for the armies of several foreign powers in Philippine history, including the Spanish, the British, the Americans, and the Japanese. This is also where Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippines National Hero was detained here for 56 days. Then made his final walk from Fort Santiago to Bagumbayan.

It is interesting to see how it used to be and how much they were able to preserve up to this day.

There’s so much history in this place. There are also dungeons here – the Fort Santiago dungeons where the US Army discovered 600 decomposing corpses inside. During World War II, the Japanese used dungeons as a prison and torture chambers for high-value prisoners. During the Battle of Manila, in their haste to destroy Intramuros, the Japanese sealed off the dungeon, leaving the hundreds trapped inside to suffocate.

We crawled into this narrow passageway. This tiny entrance leads us into the inner chambers of Fort Santiago Dungeon. I remember asking the guard if there was someone inside already because I don’t want to go there with just me and my sister. What a relief to see a group of students inside.

Right beside the entrance to the dungeon, we noticed a white cross marking the mass grave of the 600 victims pulled out from the dungeon.

There are also a lot of areas to chill and have a picnic. There are shops inside and a cafe but my favorite is the area in front of the river.

03:00 PM – Manila Cathedral

From Fort Santiago, we walked for 3 minutes going to Manila Cathedral. In front of it is Plaza Roma.

03:15 PM – Late lunch/Snack at La Cathedral Cafe

Finally, to finish our Intramuros day trip we dine at La Cathedral Cafe. It’s time to reward ourselves after a long walk. We ordered Kare-Karea, Korean Barbeque, Carbonara, and two frappes.

This restaurant is known for its proximity to Manila Cathedral giving its customers a nice view while they dine in. Their foods are a bit pricey. If you are on a budget, just order a frappe it costs less than Php 200.

Intramuros Day Tour Expenses:

So there you have it! It’s time to plan your Intramuros trip soon!

WHAT TO BRING IN INTRAMUROS?

Prepare for your trip with our must-have travel essentials.

You may also check our MANILA, PHILIPPINES TRAVEL GUIDE: Everything You Need to Know . Also, I would really appreciate it if you subscribe to our YouTube channel below:

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Our Itinerary and Travel Guide to Intramuros and Binondo in Manila, Philippines

Travelling to Intramuros is a great way to appreciate the rich history of the Philippines . Intramuros was built 300 years ago by Spaniards when the Philippines was still a colony of Spain. It is the original Manila enclosed within the walls. While my friends and I are Filipinos, we’re glad that we hired a personal tour guide as it made our trip more convenient and informative. Otherwise, our trip will be merely sightseeing.

We started our trip at Fort Santiago . Entrance fee is Php 75.00 per head . Fort Santiago is the defense fortress of Intramuros and was used as a storage for gun powders and jail for prisoners. Jose Rizal, the Philippines national hero, was imprisoned here before he was executed. Normally, Fort Santiago can be explored less than 1 hour but it took us approximately 2 hours to explore it because our tour guide gave us lots of interesting stories. I felt like going back in the past. Lol!

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Inside the Fort Santiago is also Rizal Shrine , a museum displaying different memorabilia related to Jose Rizal.

After Fort Santiago, we went to Plaza de Roma and Manila Cathedral. During the Spanish times, the plaza was considered as the center of the city where public events are held. Now, a statue of King Charles IV of Spain can be seen in the middle of the plaza in honor of him sending the first smallpox vaccine to the Philippines.

The Manila Cathedral is the premier church and the first cathedral of the Philippines. It was rebuilt multiple times after suffering from different natural disasters and being a victim of war. Note that you need to take off your hats before going inside the church as a sign of respect.

After Manila Cathedral, we went to San Agustin Church . It is the only church in Intramuros which survived World War II. Interestingly, at the entrance of the church are Foo dogs or Chinese guardian lions. According to our tour guide, the church was built by Chinese laborers which are the reason why certain features of the church show Chinese influences.

Part of the San Agustin Church is the San Agustin Museum where different artistic works of historical and cultural significance can be seen. Entrance fee is Php 200.00 per head . The museum is perfect for those who enjoys arts and/or other historical artifacts but can be boring for those looking for more active experiences.

My friend, Kisse, who loves going to churches had a good time here. We have to wait for her most of the times because she stays too long in one place before moving to the next room. Lol! Note that the museum closes during lunchtime at 12 PM – 1 PM.

And to complete our trip, we also visited Casa Manila just across San Agustin Church. Entrance fee is Php 75.00 per head . Casa Manila is a museum depicting the lifestyle of the rich Filipino families in the past.

Although exhausted from the hot weather, we enjoyed traveling to Intramuros. To maximize our day, we also did a Binondo Food Trip after our Intramuros Tour. We had our lunch at Binondo, the World’s Oldest Chinatown, just across Intramuros.

If you’re planning to visit Intramuros, here is a copy of our itinerary for your reference:

8:30 AM – Meetup at Fort Santiago / Start of Intramuros Tour 10:30 AM – Plaza Roma 10:40 AM – Manila Cathedral 11:00 AM – San Agustin Church & Museum 12:00 AM – Casa Manila 12:30 PM – End of Intramuros Tour / To Binondo

After our Intramuros Tour, my friend and I decided to have a Binondo Food Trip as Binondo is just across Intramuros. Binondo is the World’s Oldest Chinatown. It was granted by the Spanish government, when the Philippines was still a colony of Spain, as a permanent settlement to the Chinese immigrants who converted to Catholicism.

We’re all hungry by this time (it was around 1PM already) so we had our lunch first at Quik Snack . Located along the narrow street of Carvajal, Quik Snack is a bit difficult to find. Luckily, we have a tour guide to navigate for us. The humble restaurant serves affordable home-cooked Chinese meals with huge servings.

For appetizer, we had their Fresh Lumpia and Lumpia Quitos . Lumpia Quitos is almost similar in taste to Fresh Lumpia but it’s serve on a bite size crusty wrapper and is more juicy.

My favorite orders at Quick Snack are Amah’s Kiampong and the Indonesian Tauhu . The kiampong tastes authentic and the tofu is flavorful. They’re almost a perfect match. By the way, Amah is a Chinese term for grandmother on the father side.

On the other hand, my friends really enjoyed the spicy Sate Beef Noodles . But beware of its serving size as its really huge. One order of it can be good for like around 5 persons.

After eating lunch, we walked our way to Binondo Church to digest all the food we ate. Lol! The pagoda-like belfry of the Binondo church is an evidence of the Chinese influences to the Catholic church.

After visiting Binondo Church, we resumed our food trip and went to Dong Bei Dumplings . Dong Bei Dumplings served northern-style Chinese handmade dumplings. We were lucky to witness how the Kuchay Dumplings are made in action.

We also passed by to an altar where you can see how the different religions merged at Binondo. The altar is presented with a cross in the middle but you can use incense sticks to pray.

Our walk lead us to Po Chuan Tin Bakery , a traditional bakery which serves traditional hopia.

We also tried Shanghai Fried Siopao and it’s really good. The bottom part of its siopao is fried hence the name.

The long walk and the hot weather has made us thirsty. Fortunately, just on time, we reached the Sugarcane Vendor where we had a cold and sweet Sugarcane Juice . The juice is made from real sugarcane.

Since it’s almost time for an afternoon snack break, we ended our trip at Wai Ying Fastfood where we had some dim sums. Dim sum is a Chinese term for a snack.

While we have a list of target shops/restaurants to try at Binondo, we didn’t really have a fixed itinerary for our food trip as we just went along the flow with our tour guide.

Here’s a picture of our tour guide, Ms. Chit. Aside from being a Department of Tourism accredited tour guide, I learned that she is also a college professor. You can contact her through these numbers 09195854187/09228577027.

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13 thoughts on “ Our Itinerary and Travel Guide to Intramuros and Binondo in Manila, Philippines ”

Thanks for the guide! These places serve a lot of cultural value for us Filipinos so it’s nice to go around and visit them every once in a while.

I have two visitors from the USA and would like to avail of the Intramuros and Binondo tours on 4 March 2020. In view of this, may I get your package and payment arrangements, please.

Thank you and hope to receive your response soonest. Chona

Nice one! May I know how did you guys went around the intramuros? I mean, is the tour guide include transport? Thank you.

This itinerary sounds perfect for my kids, 20 & 17, who will be traveling to Manila on their own later this year. How do I get in touch with this tour guide & how much did you pay for the tour you did with her? Eager to hear from you! Anna

Great itinerary. Very interested. My friends and I want to go on this tour. There are four of us, maybe more, around January 14, 2020. Can you give me how much this tour costs, with a good guide, of course! Thanks!

Hi there, do they provide tour guide upon registering in Fort Bonifacio? Or is there a tour guide readily available? We have a teammate from Costa Rica and have business trip here. After her 5-day training, she want’s to have a city our in Intramuros tomorrow. We are not prepared for this, hope there is readily available guide.

Interesting! Can you give us details of your guide for both tours and approximate costs?

Thankyou very much,

Jan McKeogh

Hi. Thank you for this very helpful write up! May I know the contact number of your tour guide? I plan to bring some friends to a tour of Intramuros next month. Thank you.

Hi! May we know how much was the tour guide fee, plus Ms. Chit’s contact number? Thanks!

how do i contact the owner of this blog? I tried the contact us link, but it doesn’t work

you can contact at [email protected]

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• DESTINATIONS

Intramuros tour

Visit manila.

available everyday!

INTRAMUROS MANILA CITY TOURS 2023-2024

INTRAMUROS HIGHLIGHTS

BINONDO FOOD TOUR

FORT SANTIAGO AND BEYOND

INTRAMUROS + RIZAL PARK + NATIONAL MUSEUM

INTRAMUROS WITH PICK-UP SERVICE

MANILA CITY TOUR

Top five places in manila you should not miss.

An insider's guide on how to get the best from your visit

Top 5 things to do in manila.

ATTRACTIONS MAP

When is the best time to visit? During the dry season from October to Mid-June. It is also possible to explore the city during rainy season but do not forget to bring your umbrella. How long does it take? For the whole day it takes around 6 to 7 hours. This is the minimum time you should spend to visit the main attractions. Now if you prefer a half-day we can also arrange it and we suggest scheduling it on the morning. For those who are in a rush we also have the express options, two hours only where you will have a glimpse of one of the districts of the capital of the Philippines. Do we have to walk? Yes definitely. Especially in Intramuros. It is a pleasant (and the best) way to discover this part of the town. If we take the package with transfer where is the pick up? At your place or hotel, anywhere in Metro Manila. Is it safe? Yes, like most cities in South East Asia, you will enjoy a better level of safety compared to North American or Europeans capitals. Is the itinerary fixed? It is fully customizable depending on what you want to see and how much time you have. Why should I take a guided tour, why not visit the city by myself? Well our capital is one of these towns that do not showcase easily its beauty. If you are not very familiar with the town you will probably end up getting lost, missing most of the interesting places or visiting its monuments without understanding why they have been built.

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• Manila Old City Tour

Our Manila city tour (Old and New) offers a great opportunity for tourists to explore and discover the other side of the capital that most people don’t get to see. For those of you who only have a single day to spend in the city, this is the most recommended tour to take in Manila to get a quick yet insightful glimpse into the rich layers of Filipino culture and history. It offers an opportunity for tourists to explore and discover the hidden gems that most people don’t get to see.

The city tour spans around 4 hours, allowing you to easily integrate it into your daily program of activities. You can choose between a morning or afternoon departure. For those who want to delve deeper into Manila’s heritage, it can also be combined with other tour add-ons such as the Baseco slums tour and a visit to the National Museum. Inquire Now About This Tour The old city of Manila is also called Intramuros, and is the focal point of this tour. The other locations we take you to compliment it very well, as they highlight the contrast the city offers between different cultures and eras. But still, Intramuros is the most impressive and unique place to visit in the city.

The focal point of the tour is the old city of Manila, also known as Intramuros. It is a captivating place that truly embodies the city’s history and culture. As you wander through its ancient walls, you’ll be transported back in time to the Spanish colonial era. Intramuros showcases magnificent architecture, well-preserved structures, and charming cobblestone streets, giving you a sense of Manila’s past.

The tour doesn’t stop at Intramuros alone. It takes you to other notable locations that complement the experience, highlighting the contrast between different cultures and eras. The diversity of Manila is truly showcased through these destinations. However, Intramuros remains the most impressive and unique place in the city.

For those who only plan to spend a single night in Manila before heading out to the islands, this tour is a must. It provides a holistic experience, enabling you to quickly grasp the essence of Manila. Moreover, it enhances the rest of your trip by equipping you with local cultural knowledge. This different perspective will allow you to see things in the islands with a deeper understanding.

The tour’s basic itinerary includes a visit to famous landmarks such as Fort Santiago, which served as a defensive fortress during the Spanish era. You will also explore Casa Manila, a colonial-style house that replicates the grandeur of the past. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to see San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture and rich history.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself further, several add-ons like a visit to Chinatown. A sensory overload awaits as you explore the bustling streets, indulging in mouthwatering street food and marveling at the colorful pagodas or the National Museum can be included at no extra cost, making the tour longer and more comprehensive.

No matter how you wish to experience Manila, our team of experts is here to help you plan the best tour possible. Contact us today and embark on a captivating journey through the old and new, unraveling the secrets of this vibrant city.

What to do?

The tour starts at the historical Rizal Park otherwise known as Luneta Park. This is where the Philippine’s national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was executed by the Spaniards. Then, you will continue to the walled city of Intramuros where most of the city’s historical landmarks and 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located. The old city tour includes stops at Casa Manila, San Agustin church, Fort Santiago, Plaza de Roma and Manila Cathedral.

After lunch, the tour continues on towards the busiest spot in the city – Makati business district and then drive into the gated community of Forbes Park. For some peace and quiet, the tour to the American cemetery and memorial will be perfect. The tour will then end with a drive along Roxas Boulevard to see the reclaimed area of Bay city and the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex.

This is the basic tour combining the old and new parts of the city. Below, you can find information on the famous landmarks visited during it. Also, we'll describe the common locations tourists choose to add to this itinerary, most of which come with no extra cost at all.

Rizal Park is an iconic park located at the heart of Manila. It spans over 60 hectares of ponds, open lawns, paved walkways, ornamental gardens, wooded areas and numerous monuments of Filipino heroes. It is historically significant because it is the spot where Dr. Jose Rizal, a national hero, was executed.

The highlight of this visit is the Rizal monument where the body of the national hero was laid to rest. It is constantly guarded by two sentries in full regalia and fronted by a 46m flagpole. There is a lagoon in the middle of the park lined with the busts of the beloved Filipino heroes. Do not miss the open-air auditorium, the chess plaza, Manila orchidarium, the drinking fountain (shipped directly from Heidelberg Germany where Rizal studied), ornamental gardens, Lapu-lapu statue and a 3D relief map of the Philippines.

Old City Landmarks

While there are many different places of interest in Intramuros, some are really a must-see. If you take the shorter itinerary, it's recommended to limit yourself to just a few locations so that you can have enough time to explore each. Here are the ones we feel should always be included in your tour of the old city:

1. Casa Manila

A replica of a Spanish colonial house perfectly showing the opulent lifestyle of the aristocrats in the 19th century. Former First Lady Imelda Marcos had it restored to showcase the creative design and architecture of the late Spanish period. All throughout, the features are grand and the antique furniture are simply stunning.

2. Fort Santiago

The premier attraction in Intramuros, Fort Santiago is the oldest Hispanic stone fortress in the country. Within it, you will find an old dungeon, theater, lovely manicured gardens, fountains and plazas, arched gate and lily ponds. It was where Dr. Jose Rizal was incarcerated before his execution and where he wrote his “Last Farewell”. The Rizal shrine can be found here as well as the Rizaliana furniture hall which houses all the furniture of the Rizal family.

3. San Agustin Church

During WWII. The whole of Intramuros was destroyed and most of it were left in ruins apart from one building, the church of San Agustin. For some miraculous reason, the church remained intact and it is now the oldest church in the Philippines (built between 1587 and 1606). Declared by UNESCO to be one of the World Heritage Sites, San Agustin Church is a very significant historical and cultural landmark.

4.Plaza de Roma

Among the numerous monuments found in Intramuros, Plaza de Roma is the most well-maintained. Considered to be the center of Intramuros, it is right across Manila Cathedral. Here, stands the statue of Charles IV of Spain which was erected in 1824 in honor to him for having sent the first batch of smallpox vaccines, saving hundreds of lives during the outbreak.

5.Manila Cathedral

Manila Cathedral was re-built 8 times. It was previously destroyed by an earthquake, bomb explosion, fire, or flood. The present church sport a Neo-Romanesque façade complete with pineapple finials, bronze doors, byzantine motifs and other popular artistic ornamentations. It has a dominant Marian theme which is not surprising because it is primarily built as a tribute to the Immaculate Conception. The design is an interesting mixture of modern, revival and renaissance.

Other interesting spots during the tour

Manila American Cemetery:

The resting place of 17,206 soldiers who gave their life during WWII, Manila American Cemetery is a peaceful and poignant place for those looking for some peace and quiet. The massive plot is perfectly manicured and lined with white crosses that provide a beautiful contrast against the verdant grounds. There are also open galleries with descriptions and murals of some of the most significant battles.

Cultural Centre of the Philippines:

Built solely for the purpose of preserving the rich Filipino arts and culture, CCP or the Cultural Centre of the Philippines is grand and imposing especially inside. There is a huge chandelier at the main entrance, 6 performance venues, 6 exhibit halls and 2 satellite venues. CCP is the place where the most talented dream to showcase their art. It was built for 3 years (1966-69) by former President Ferdinand Marcos.

Add-ons for customized Manila City Tour

National Museum of the Filipino People

Home to the remains of the earliest Philippine inhabitant, the Tabon Man (lived around 24000 BC), this museum consists of a varied and vast collection of artifacts and other valuable antique items. One big section of the museum was dedicated to the Spanish Galleon San Diego that sank off the coast of Luzon in 1600. The section showcase the wreck and the salvaged items like jewels, coins, barnacle-encrusted swords, and porcelain plates and pottery. Other treasures worth noting are: pre-Hispanic musical instruments, artifacts and indigenous textiles.

Chinatown and the Chinese Cemetery

Binondo, the world's oldest Chinatown district, is just a walking distance from the old city. Combining both gives you the perfect demonstration of how the Philippines became a melting pot for colonial and Asiatic influences that created a unique culture and personality. Chinatown is also a great place to eat your lunch at, so don't hesitate telling the guide you rather have it there.

Compared to the American cemetery, the Chinese cemetery gives off a residential suburb feels where Manila’s wealthy Chinese citizens were buried. Modern conveniences still follow the dead to the afterlife as evident in their mausoleums equipped with chandeliers, hot and cold running water, air-conditioning, flushing toilets and even a kitchen.

How Does This Tour Fit Into Your Itinerary?

While this tour can certainly be integrated into a larger Manila tour package , all you need is half a day to complete at least the basic itinerary detailed above. If you arrive back early from the islands and your international flight is late at night you can even squeeze this your on your last day before heading home.

That said, we highly recommend taking the old city tour at the beginning of your trip. It will really enhance your whole vacation. For example, visiting the National Museum before heading to the Banaue Rice Terraces will completely transform the experience, as you'll come equipped with deep insights of the country's indigenous tribal culture and history. Similarly, WW2 buffs would appreciate the stops at both the American cemetery and Intramuros.

While there are many other fantastic tours to take in and out of Manila , if you only have a single day to spare, this is the one you should book. Although undoubtedly stunning, you can see volcanoes and waterfalls while staying on any of the many beautiful islands later on during your vacation. Manila provides the best opportunity for a more culture oriented tour, and is perfect for both families, couples and even solo travelers.

Shared Intramuros Night Walking Tour to Historical Manila Spots with Guide

Description

Go on a night escapade at the Walled City of Intramuros in Manila on this Intramuros night walking tour. This Intramuros walking tour will take you to one of the most important sites in the Philippine capital, which is perfect if you want to know the story behind the Battle of Manila. This tour is inclusive of a DOT-accredited tour guide, entrance fees, and a disposable raincoat (if it rains). Please note that this tour will go into graphic detail about the atrocities that happened during the war.

You'll meet your tour guide in the late afternoon in the San Agustin Church Parking Lot, which is inside Intramuros . You’ll then start your Intramuros night tour by visiting Casa Manila first. One of Metro Manila's most significant historical museums is Casa Manila. The two-story museum houses works of art, ceramics, books, and furnishings from the Spanish era that depict colonial life.

You’ll then make your way toward the old site of the Philippine Constabulary Academy . Also known as the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) , the official training academy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Next on the Intramuros night walking tour itinerary is a monument called Memorare-Manila 1945, which was erected in honor of the unarmed civilians who died during the Battle of Manila.

You’ll continue your Intramuros tour at night by going to Fort Santiago , a historic fortress. Miguel López de Legazpi, a Spanish conquistador, built Fort Santiago in 1571 to serve as a defense for Manila, which had just been established at the time. During your tour, you’ll also visit nearby attractions in Fort Santiago such as the American Barracks , an old Spanish barracks that serves as protection for the American forces, and the Dungeon, which are prison cells used in World War II.

Discover the Walled City of Intramuros Manila at night with this walking tour. Check the availability by choosing a date.

Attractions

What to bring

Good to know.

Tour Information: This shared tour is available daily.

Meet-up Information: Guide to the Philippines will send tour reminders at least (1) day before the tour date through your registered email address. Make sure to have the electronic copy of your confirmed tour voucher ready. On the day of the tour, your assigned Tour Guide will meet you at San Agustin (parking lot) in Intramuros at least thirty (30) minutes prior to start of the tour. Strictly no latecomers or tour reservation might be forfeited. To arrange for a private hotel pick-up and drop-off, please email [email protected]. Additional transportation fees apply.

Tour Proper: Please be reminded also to dress appropriately. Be mindful of your personal belongings during the tour.

Children Friendly: Yes!

Pet Friendly: Yes!

Senior Citizen/PWD Friendly: Yes. However, please be advised that this tour includes mostly walking tours and may not be suitable for PWDs or individuals with existing cardiovascular ailments.

Cancellation Policy: The operator may cancel the activity in case of force majeure or unforeseen circumstances like weather conditions. In this case, you will be given the option to reschedule or request a full refund. Schedule cancellation requests must be made 48 hours before your original subject to approval. No shows are not entitled to reschedule and refund.

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