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.
With history and heritage combined, Intramuros is a significant historical site you would certainly want to include in your next visit to Manila or the Philippines.
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.
World Travel Awards’ recognition for Philippines
Indeed, whether it’s a natural or a man-made attraction, the Philippines’ surely know how to impress and captivate the world with its beauty.
Intramuros Meaning
Intramuros is a Latin word which literally translates to “within the walls”.
Measuring 3 kilometers long and 6 meters high, its massive strong walls were built to protect the area from intruders. It is a significant historical site that served as the center of government, religion, economy, education and power during the Spanish colonial era. For this reason, it is also called “walled city” and was then considered the oldest district of Manila.
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 Tour
It will take a full day to tour around the walled city. There are many sites and landmarks to see in the area offering a great opportunity to discover Philippines’ history and see imprints of our glorious past in old structures.
Intramuros Virtual Tour Video by Department of Tourism
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.
Facts about the 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.
Sky Deck
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.
Recent Comments