Intramuros in Manila

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Intramuros is the old walled city at the heart of Manila. It was built by the Spanish from the late 1500s, beside the Pasig River and Manila Bay. Today it is a quiet area of stone walls, gardens, museums and cafés, very different from the busy streets around it. It is the best place in Manila to see the city's past in one walk.

The walls

Thick stone walls surround Intramuros for several kilometres. You can walk along the top of large parts of them, with views over the old city, the golf course below and the modern towers beyond. Grassy areas and old gates line the route. Walking the walls is free in many places, and it is best early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when it is cooler. Parts of the walls have little shade, so bring water and a hat.

Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago sits at the north end of Intramuros, beside the river. Today it is a park with gardens, lawns, old stone gates and river views. There is an entry fee. Inside, a small museum tells the story of José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, who was held here before his death in 1896. Brass footsteps in the ground mark his final walk. The fort's gardens are a calm place to rest during a long day of sightseeing.

Streets, houses and museums

The streets of Intramuros are lined with rebuilt old houses, small museums and government buildings. Casa Manila is a museum in the style of a rich family's home from the Spanish era, with old furniture and a central courtyard. Old churches stand in the area too, and you can look inside, but there is much more to see on the streets. Many buildings were rebuilt in the past few decades. Some streets have bamboo bike tours and horse carriages for visitors.

Cafés and bikes

Intramuros has several cafés and restaurants in old buildings, serving Filipino food and coffee. They are good places to cool down. Bamboo bicycle tours are a popular way to see the walled city in about two hours, with a guide explaining the history. You can also rent a bike or take a pedicab. Horse-drawn carriages, called kalesa, offer rides too. Agree on the price before you start any ride, because some drivers ask high prices from visitors. Shops near the main gates also sell drinks and snacks.

Intramuros at a glance

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