Intramuros Tour Guide: 10 Places

That Will Let You Travel Back in

Time
You'll never regret discovering the
timeless beauty of the Walled City.

Known as the “Walled City,” Intramuros is a place rich in history and culture.
With its cobbled streets and preserved architecture dated hundreds of years
ago, it will have you second-guessing whether you are still in the Philippines or
not. That is why many foreigners and locals never miss an Intramuros
tour when in the city. 

In between the walls of Intramuros is the mark that 300 years of Spanish rule
have left in the form of grand churches and colonial houses. While you can just
wander the streets on your own, the best way to get a deeper understanding of
the country’s history is with a historic Intramuros walking tour. 
Top 10 Amazing Spots to Visit for Your
Intramuros Tour
Intramuros is a beautiful place every traveler must visit. Here are some of the
best Intramuros tourist spots to check out:

1. Fort Santiago – The place in Intramuros where Dr. Jose Rizal was
imprisoned before his execution
2. Manila Cathedral – This Intramuros Manila tourist spot is the first
cathedral in the Philippines
3. San Agustin Church – The oldest church in the Philippines
4. Casa Manila – An IG-worthy Intramuros Manila attraction
5. Silahis Center – An Intramuros Manila attraction where Filipinos’ creativity
is showcased
6. Baluarte De San Diego – It used to be a drowning chamber during the
Spanish era
7. Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant – An Intramuros restaurant that serves
authentic Filipino food
8. Light and Sound Museum – Where you can learn music and Intramuros
history
9. Museo de Intramuros – The best place to discover the Intramuros history
10. Bahay Tsinoy – Features life-sized dioramas of Chinese traders,
goldsmiths, and more

What’s inside this blog?

 Intramuros Tourism Guidelines 2021 | COVID-19 Updates
 Top 10 Amazing Spots to Visit for Your Intramuros Tour
 Best Time to Visit
 How to Go to Intramuros
 Sample Itinerary: Intramuros Manila Trip
 Travel Tips for those Visiting Intramuros
 Frequently Asked Questions About Intramuros Tourist Spot

In this  Intramuros guide, we will tell you the top famous and offbeat
spots that will definitely give you chills and make your heart skip a
beat!
Intramuros Tourism Guidelines 2021 | COVID-
19 Updates
As of April 12, 2021, Intramuros is under Modified Enhanced Community
Quarantine (MECQ). Before you visit the Walled City in the Philippines, make
sure to check the latest updates to avoid hassles. 

 Intramuros is open 24 hours but only authorized persons outside their

residence (APOR) and workers will be allowed to access Intramuros
during curfew hours (8pm-5am).
 Gates in Intramuros will only be passable to residents and constituents
with quarantine pass, to APOR with activities/business in Intramuros, to
those accessing essential goods or services, and to workers permitted
inside Intramuros.
 Quarantine Pass, ID, or authorization shall be required when entering the
Intramuros gates.
 Al fresco dining is allowed at 50% capacity, diagonal seating
arrangements or with acrylic dividers.

For more Intramuros Manila travel updates, visit Intramuros

Administration’s Facebook Page. 

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

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

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.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season | December to May
Like other destinations in the country, Intramuros is best visited during the dry
season when it’s sunny. This is so you can explore the attractions and learn
more about the Intramuros history without any distractions.

Holiday Season | September to December 

The holiday season in the Philippines is among the most fun in the world
because as you know, the Philippines celebrate the longest Christmas in the
world. To have an amazing experience, you wouldn’t regret visiting Intramuros
during the holiday season where the roads at night are bright and lively carols
and locals are everywhere.
How to go to Intramuros

If you’re asking how to go to Intramuros, we got you covered! Intramuros

location is very easy to access given the many transportation options available.
To get to Intramuros, you can either take the LRT-1 (light-rail transit) or the
jeepney going in.

When choosing the LRT-1, alight at the Central Terminal Station, then walk five
minutes to Manila City Hall. From there, walk to the pedestrian underpass that
takes you across Padre de Burgos Street. Immediately upon exiting the
underpass, you’ll see Victoria Street, which curves right through the Intramuros
walls.

The easiest way on how to go to Intramuros is by taxi or Grab; however, it’s

pricier than commuting.
When inside Intramuros, it will be easy to explore it as most of the sights are
within a 10- to 15-minute walk away. You can do an Intramuros tour by riding a
horse carriage, pedicab, walking, or bamboo bike Intramuros. 

Intramuros is truly a one-of-a-kind place that every traveler must visit in the
Philippines. Not only it boasts stunning attractions that are definitely captivating
but it also bridges as to the past that allows us to discover what it’s like to live
in the Philippines hundreds of years ago.

Sample Itinerary: Intramuros Manila Trip

08:00am – Fort Santiago
08:30am – Baluarte De San Diego
09:00am – Manila Cathedral
09:30am – San Agustin Church
10:00am – Casa Manila
11:00am – Silahis Center
12:00pm – Lunch at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant
01:00pm – Light and Sound Museum
02:00pm – Museo de Intramuros
03:00 pm Bahay Tsinoy

Travel Tips for those Visiting Intramuros

1. Don’t wear too many flashy things that attract the eyes or snatchers such
as expensive jewelry.
2. Always mind your belongings especially when you’re taking photos of the
attractions.
3. Check for weather updates before exploring the Intramuros location.
4. Always allot time allowance for every destination you’re visiting.
5. Wear sunscreen!
6. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Some roads in Intramuros are
cobblestone so it might be challenging to walk on high heels.
7. Bond with the locals. They are kind!
8. Have fun!

Make sure to book hotels near Intramuros at www.zenrooms.com to enjoy high-

quality accommodation at a very affordable price! You’ll definitely have a
comfortable and hassle-free stay after your Intramuros tour when you choose

ZEN Rooms!