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Home » Intramuros Guide: What to Do in the Historic ‘Walled City?’

Intramuros Guide: What to Do in the Historic ‘Walled City?’

Spanish colonial structures along the banks of Pasig River

This article, ‘Intramuros Guide: What to Do in the ‘Walled City?,’ enumerates the best things to do in the city inside the wall.

Introduction

I’ve always wanted to travel to Madrid and other cities in Europe for their rich cultural legacy and impressive architectural marvels. But traveling to Europe requires a visa and highly expensive travel costs, which poses exceedingly difficult for someone with a third-world passport.

The Philippine islands was discovered in 1521 by a Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Thereafter, since 1565, the archipelago has been a colony of Spain for over three centuries, leaving behind enduring Spanish influences.

Numerous settlements were established during the Spanish colonial rule, notably Intramuros in Manila. The fortified walled city with a range of Spanish architectures built in its entirety then served as the seat of government, economy, religion, military, and education.

Since leaving my home province to work in Manila, I have made numerous visits to the old district. Even now, I remain impressed as I walk through the historic streets and alleyways that bear witness to Intramuros’ illustrious past.

A great deal of Spanish colonial buildings had lost their allure while a good number had been rehabilitated. As such, restored buildings were turned into museums, restaurants, cafés, hotels, etc.

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What to Do in Intramuros?

Intramuros is the second-smallest district of Manila, which spans approximately 0.67 square kilometers. Despite its slightly compact size, the historic fortified walled city offers a plethora of daytime and nightfall leisure pursuits. Here is a well-thought-out Intramuros guide for the 14 best things to do in Manila’s old district: 

Discover Baluarte de San Diego

The Baluarte de San Diego, located in the  southwest edge of Intramuros, is a fortified structure constructed in 1586 and 1587 that resembles an ace of spade. It functioned as a barrier to keep off intruders. Since then, the old walls has undergone multiple rehabilitations brought about by a string of occurrences, such as world wars and natural disasters.

Besides a historical landmark, Baluarte de San Diego is used as events place. It is open to the public daily between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. While the last admission is at 4:00 p.m.

An entry to Baluarte de San Diego requires a minimal fee of PHP 75.00 or USD 1.28 and a reduced rate of PHP 50.00 or USD 0.86.

Walk Down General Luna Street

The streets of Intramuros are arranged in grid-like patterns, making them accessible and easy to navigate. Walking through cobblestone and brick-paved streets while gazing at old colonial houses seems like stepping back in time.

At nightfall, Intramuros becomes quaint and romantic as well-lit streets and alleys, especially General Luna, afford captivating street vistas.

Drop in at Casa Manila

The Casa Manila, or ‘Manila House,’ is a living history museum that recreates the way of life of a wealthy Filipino family during the latter years of Spanish colonization. This overly decorated colonial house, or ‘bahay na bato’ features valuable objects, such as old furniture, artworks, etc.

Casa Manila is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. up until 6:00 p.m. The regular admission rate to Casa Manila is PHP 75.00 or USD 1.28. While a discounted rate of PHP 50.00 or USD 0.86 applies.

Dine-in at Spanish-Theme Restos

Besides its collection of historical attractions, Intramuros hosts numerous Spanish-inspired restaurants, notably Ristorante delle Mitre, Ilustrado, and Barbara’s. These upmarket dining places serve a wide variety of Filipino and Spanish dishes that go well with their elegant interiors and cozy atmosphere. Additionally, cultural acts are held to enhance their patron’s dining experience.

See San Agustin Church

Erected in 1607, the San Agustin Church is the oldest stone church in the Philippines. Though some churches in Intramuros were destroyed in the Battle of Manila during the Second World War, it has withstood the world’s worst warfare.

The Augustinian Church houses a museum and a burial place in which the remains of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, a Spanish navigator who built Intramuros, are kept intact. This well-preserved Baroque architecture, together with three other stone churches in the country, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

San Agustin Church is open daily from 8:00 a.m. up until 5:00 p.m. Additionally, visitors can gain access to its museum from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Although admission to San Agustin Church is free, the museum requires a fee of PHP 200.00 or USD 3.43 and a discounted rate of PHP 160.00 or USD 2.74.

Hop into Museo de Intramuros

The Museo de Intramuros, which opened its doors in 2018, houses a wealth of religious objects, including photographs, paintings, and statues. This ecclesiastical museum sits in the heavily destroyed San Ignacio Church, from which several of the religious pieces on exhibit were taken.

Museo de Intramuros is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Admission to Museo de Intramuros requires a minimal fee of PHP 75.00 or USD 1.28. While the discounted rate is PHP 50.00 or USD 0.86.

Delve into Centro de Turismo

Centro de Turismo Intramuros, located next to Museo de Intramuros, is a recently added attraction in the ‘Walled City.’ The museum, which launched in 2024, features interactive journeys into the historic wall’s past, present, and future. In addition to its thousands of antique collections-primary religious objects-on display, the facility has event area for creative purposes.

The Museum opens from Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. While entry fee to Centro de Turismo Intramuros is PHP 75.00 or USD 1.28 and a discounted rate of PHP 50.00 or USD 0.86.

Visit Manila Cathedral

Beyond doubt, religion is the most notable legacy of more than 300 years of Spanish occupation in the Philippines. Catholicism was introduced among Filipinos; as such, Catholic churches were erected across the country, of which several sit in Intramuros.

Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, or simply Manila Cathedral, remains the foremost Catholic church in the Philippines. Since its completion in 1571, it has undergone reconstructions brought about by catastrophes and world wars.

Besides being a revered worship place, the Neo-Romanesque Revival architecture also served as a major tourist attraction due to its historical significance and impressive design. The Manila Cathedral is open daily from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Explore Fort Santiago

The Spanish conquistador, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, led the construction of the Fort Santiago, located adjacent to Pasig River, in 1571. Fort Santiago is named after the patron saint of Spain, Saint James the Apostle. The ancient stronghold served as a defensive wall against the aggressors and the main entrepot of spice trade between Manila and the western continent.

Additionally, Fort Santiago functioned as a military installation for British, American, and Japanese colonists. It has then turned into an urban park with Rizal Shrine as its main draw. The memorial holds some of the well-preserved relics of Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero.

Daily public access to Fort Santiago is from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and up until 8:30 p.m. on weekends. It stays open to the visiting public until 10:00 p.m. if the reservation is made online. The regular admission rate to Fort Santiago is PHP 75.00 or USD 1.28, while the discounted rate is PHP 50.00 or USD 0.86.

Intramuros Guide Reminder: Discounted admission rates to several museums and attractions apply to seniors ages 60 years old and above. Additionally, persons with impairments, minors, currently enrolled students, and government employees are all eligible for a discounted rate. As such, present valid identifications before entry.

Grab Some Souvenirs

Souvenirs are substantial reminders that enable you to recollect travel-related moments long after you have gone home. Thus, bring with you something that helps you recall the old walls of Manila.

Manila Canvas, Silahis Art and Artifacts Inc., The Papier Tole Shop, and Tesoros are souvenir shops in Intramuros. They offer handcrafted items, ranging from apparel, antiques, artworks, home decor, and more.

Ride Conventional Vehicles

Intramuros is walkable as attractions and sights are closely packed. However, a tour inside the old-world ‘Walled City’ enhances the sightseeing experience using the old-fashioned and more sustainable transportation methods.

Visitors to Intramuros can catch a ‘kalesa,’ or a horse-drawn carriage, or rent a vintage streetcar known as ‘tranvia.’ Otherwise, pedal a bamboo-framed bicycle, or ‘bambike,’ around Intramuros’ stone-paved streets.

Wear Traditional Dresses

Donning the Philippines’ traditional attires, the ‘Barong’ for men and ‘Baro at Saya’ for women, constitutes a sense of pride and devotion to one’s roots. Dressing up like Maria Clara and Crisostomo Ibarra in such a historic setting like Intramuros makes one feel as though they are fully immersed in the Spanish colonial past.

Lounge in Cafés

Are you a coffeeholic? Intramuros is also home to a good number of coffee houses installed in restored colonial buildings, like Belfry Café, Café Intramuros, San Agustin Café, and others.

The La Cathedral Café, on the other hand, is arguably the most well-known Spanish-inspired coffee shop in Intramuros for its recognizably distinct setting on a rooftop terrace. This cozy corner along Cabildo Street affords photogenic views of Manila Cathedral, especially on a well-lit night.

Stay in a Colonial House

In an attempt to revitalize Intramuros, many Spanish colonial buildings were renovated into museums, eateries, cafes, and even hotels. Thus, a trip to Manila’s old walls would not be complete without staying in a colonial house.

There are several accommodation options in Intramuros, like White Knight Hotel. In addition, admire and spend the night in the timeless contemporary 4-star Bayleaf Intramuros Hotel, which reflect a sense of the Spanish colonial lifestyle.

Intramuros Guide Tip: Are you looking for a more convenient way to get around the old walls of Manila? Grab your Intramuros Pass or schedule a guided Bambike Tour or a Walking Tour instead.

Final Thoughts

Intramuros’ Spanish colonial architecture might not be as grandiose as those found in European cities, like Madrid. The historic ‘Walled City’ of Manila, however, is arguably one of the most beautiful glimpse of Europe in the Orient.

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About the Author

J. Sac is the author of the “Intramuros Guide: What to Do in the Historic ‘Walled City?’ He is also the founder of Traveledictorian – a travel blog that publishes well-crafted travel content.

His passion for writing, photography, and travel fueled him to explore Asia and the rest of the world. He also plans to undertake humanitarian work in his travels. Read his inspiring story and follow him on social media!

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