Places to visit in Intramuros

Given the many astounding places to visit in Intramuros, it could take us a day to
list them down so we will just give you our top picks for an easy guide!

1. Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago Intramuros is the oldest Hispanic stone fortress in the Philippines,
making it a notable Intramuros tourist spot. There are kalesa or carriages, old
dungeons, an old theater, and gardens surrounding Fort Santiago Intramuros to
keep your eyes and ears busy as you take in all the history. The good news here is,
the government has opened its dungeons for the public so visitors can explore the
dungeons that were used as storage vaults and powder magazines of the Baluarte
de Santa Barbara, a stone structure constructed in 1592. During World War II, the
dungeons were used by Japanese troops to imprison resistance fighters and political
prisoners. Make sure to not miss this when you’re in Intramuros.

2. Manila Cathedral

The Manila Cathedral in Intramuros is the Premier Church of the Philippines as it

was the first-ever cathedral in the country. This Intramuros tourist spot we see
today is not the original structure. Actually, the cathedral has been through a lot
but stands still. It has been a witness to a history that is worthy to tell to every
generation— from ups and downs to wars and love stories. The Manila Cathedral is
surely one of the best places to visit in Manila.

3. San Agustin Church

Another must-visit place in Intramuros is the San Agustin Church. It is the oldest
stone church in the Philippines and the only church which is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site in Manila. You’ll be amazed at the masterpiece painted on its ceilings.
Built in 1595, San Agustin Manila, officially known as the Church of the Immaculate
Conception of San Agustin, makes a great Intramuros tourist spot. It exhibits
remarkable features such as retablos (altars) of high Baroque style and wall
buttresses separating cripto collateral chapels. What makes it unique is its ceiling
paintings in the tromp l’oeil style. It is also the only church that is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site in Manila. And one amazing fact to know about San Agustin Church is
that the Philippines’ first governor-general, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, is buried
there. To know more about San Agustin Church’s history, read this blog.

4. Casa Manila
Ever wondered how the rich lived during the Spanish era in the Philippines? Go to
Casa Manila and you’ll find out. The main attraction of this Intramuros tourist spot
is a fully-furnished home-turned-museum that shows how Filipinos lived during the
colonial era. While every corner is beautiful and Instagrammable, visitors are not
allowed to take photos. When inside, walk only on the carpeted areas so that you
do not damage the wooden floors. Of all the luxurious furniture in Casa Manila, the
most notable are the toilets. Apparently, in the old days, toilets were built in twos
or more to allow people to sit beside each other and chat while they did their
business. Casa Manila also shows how beautiful Intramuros at night is. This spot is
also one of the most romantic destinations in Intramuros.

5. Silahis Center

Make sure to also include Silahis in your Intramuros tour! It is a place that
emphasizes the Filipino’s creativity showcased through various products made from
wood, shells, and other native materials that you can buy as souvenirs. There are
also antiques, artifacts, and other Filipino artworks available in the store. So if you
fancy antiques, drop by at this Intramuros tourist spot.

6. Baluarte De San Diego

Another attraction that shows the beautiful facade of the Intramuros Philippines is
Baluarte de San Diego. This used to be a drowning chamber during the Spanish era.
It was built and designed by the Jesuit priest Antonio Sedeno in the late 1580s. Its
main feature is the circular dungeon called Fort Nuestra Señora de Guia. Today,
Baluarte de San Diego is surrounded by beautiful gardens, adorned with lush
plants, pathways, fountains, and an attractive pergola that will remind you of
fantasy land. That is why it has become a popular place for weddings, family
parties, and other special occasions.

7. Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant

Intramuros Manila never disappoints our history and sightseeing cravings but other
than these, it’s also a good place to find the top restaurants in Manila. One of these
is Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant Intramuros. If you’re looking for authentic Filipino
food to add to your historical day trip, Barbara’s is the perfect place to go to. Try all
of the dishes from their grand buffet, while enjoying cultural dance performances.
Plus, Barbara’s is a perfect place for a romantic date that will give you the best vibe
of Intramuros at night.

8. Light and Sound Museum

Unlike other museums in and out of Intramuros Manila that cater to hundreds of
visitors at the same time, only groups of 10 people are allowed into the
Bagumbayan Light and Sound Museum. For someone who loves history or just
fancy adding knowledge, this Intramuros attraction is perfect. Its one-hour show
about the story of Jose Rizal from his early life to his execution, which combines
different visual effects, soundtracks, and other technologies is a perfect treat for
you.

9. Museo de Intramuros

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

If you want to indulge in more history about Intramuros, make sure to visit Museo
de Intramuros that was built to share more about the Walled City’s past. It houses
about 500 religious artifacts found in old churches near and around the Walled City
in the Philippines. It is located in two important reconstructions inside the walled
city: the San Ignacio Church and Convent and the Mission House of the Society of
Jesus.

10. Bahay Tsinoy

Photo source: Wikimedia Commons

It’s not just the Spanish that had great influences in the Philippines but also the
Chinese have had a rich history. In Bahay Tsinoy located in the Walled City in the
Philippines a.k.a. Intramuros, you can see the life-sized dioramas of Chinese
traders, goldsmiths, and more. The most interesting masterpiece in the museum is
a sari-sari store that played an important role in the lives of early Chinese settlers
in the Philippines.