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Intramuros
NeighbourhoodsHistoric Walking Areas
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Intramuros, "The Walled City," is the oldest district in Manila. This is what remains of the fortified city, which was the seat of power during Spanish Colonial times (1521-1898).
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Nitro Cars
    Sydney, Australia30 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Intramuros, Manila. The city within a city.
    Step back in time to the old walled city - a city within a city. Established during Spanish colonial times 1571 till the American (1898) and Japanese occupation of World War II. Upon arriving you will be doing a lot of walking best to avoid the rainy (June - Oct) and hot seasons (April, May) November to February is probably the best weather to be site seeing. Lots to see like historical buildings, churches, plazas, Manila Cathedral, Rizal shrine, museums and the fortifications of Fort Santiago.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 11 December 2023
  • SingaporeGirl
    Singapore, Singapore519 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The 'must' of every Manila visit - Intramuros
    For anyone visiting Manila, this has to be your first stop. No other place combines the history, the background, the mood of the city as much as Intramuros, once the 'walled city' relegated to the Spanish from the 1500s on through Manila's liberation by American troops who drove their tanks into the gates of Fort Santiago during the second World War. Do not hesitate in hiring one of the guides who will greet you upon arrival; these guides are superb. They know their history and the stories that make Intramuros come alive. We thought we'd spend an hour and spent nearly three.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 15 December 2023
  • Dan L
    Bunbury, Australia8,789 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Relic of Spanish era Colonialism
    Visited with our shore excursion group. Fascinating historical area dating to 1571 when the fortified walled area was founded by Miguel López de Legazpi, Spanish conquistador. Our tour included some of the main attractions, San Agustin Church & Museum, Fort Santiago and Casa Manila Museum. There is so much to see within these ancient walls, a couple of days would be justified in order to understand and appreciate these historical fortifications and their role where once was a Muslim kingdom.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 December 2023
  • San L
    Singapore, Singapore109 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Appreciate the history of Manila
    Intense Filipino History. Worth getting a guide and spending the few hours walking though the surrounds, the dungeons, the old Fort Santiago, the ground, the Spanish barracks, the American barracks, and the incredible history of Manila, and the Philippines. Learning and not forgetting the history and atrocities of the Japanese Occupation. And finally, enjoying a horse carriage ride around the old city walled perimeter.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 22 December 2023
  • CeciliaLozada
    52 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lots of History
    My mom and dad were teenagers during the Japanese occupation. There’s a lot of sad history but it should be kept alive so it’s not relived or forgotten. We didn’t book a tour, but once we arrived, there are plenty of motor bikes offering tours. Be careful on creating a time frame because they will continue the tour and then charge more for their service. Carl, our driver, was great until it came to that point. We still paid and gave him a tip but warned him not to do this to future travelers. Overall, Intramuros is worth a tour. Afterwards, nearby, is the Manila Chinatown, also worth a visit.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 7 January 2024
  • Dong
    Basay, Philippines38 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Intramuros, An absolute must visit when in Manila
    Wow! An absolute must if you are visiting Manila. A chance to view some of the historical architecture that has influenced buildings, life and culture in the Philippines. We can all have an opinion on the fairness of history, but this living town allows one to walk where those influences started 400+ years ago. The buildings are great, they city wall is amazing and the church leaves one feeling quite insignificant given it's splendor and history. Top marks Manila.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 13 January 2024
  • lucsky
    Sydney, Australia400 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    OK but not great
    it's not bad but you will find better Spanish cultural heritage in lots of other towns or countries. If you have a few hours to kill why not visit a museum or a church. No guide required. It's reasonably clean and safe unlike the rest of Manila Ermita or Malate which is filthy
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 28 February 2024
  • Ben F
    Bloomington, Indiana1,820 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Historic Fortified Neighborhood with Endless Construction
    I strolled Intramuros for an hour or two (on a 100 degree day, mind you), and the sights I saw were quite interesting and unique. The cathedral in particular was beautiful. I enjoyed people-watching and watching locals live their lives. However, the construction…every corner I turned, workers were digging up the road. I understand they’re trying to preserve and improve things, but from this one experience at an objective point of view, I really disliked the roadwork. Driving my electric wheelchair on the streets to begin with, already stressful as is, was made nearly impossible with construction part of the equation. There also weren’t many places to go in (at least that seemed open to visitors) and not many places to eat that weren’t blocked off. I got a bit lost and confused at times when trying to find my way around, which is often part of the fun, but Manila as a city in general did not impress me. Subjectively. Perhaps experience Intramuros for just an hour en route to something else (e.g. Fort Santiago). I may return once construction season dies down.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 11 March 2024
  • Raven
    County Mayo, Ireland138 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely area… ruined by constant harassment
    This is a lovely part of Manila however I did not feel safe as a woman alone walking around. I am well traveled having been to regions which are known for harassing tourists this was the worst I have experienced. Even bet Tunisia and Morocco and Egypt. The moment I hopped out of taxi someone ran up to me offering a tour and this continued throughout my whole time there. The area itself is lovely some great architecture and could be turned into a proper money maker if tourists weren’t being harassed. I wanted to eat lunch in the area but ended up going back to hotel so I could have some peace and quiet.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 8 June 2024
  • Alan Howell
    11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had a blast
    Walking through the historic streets of Intramuros felt like stepping back in time, with the ancient walls and beautiful architecture making it feel really authentic. Fort Santiago was fascinating too, with its well-preserved structures and stunning views of the city and the river. Our guide was fantastic, full of interesting stories and insights that made the whole tour come alive. It was a perfect way to dive into Manila's rich history and culture, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city for the first time.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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kariprosey
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Couples
March 12th,2020 was a planned trip to Intramural. The trip was prepared well by the hire car owner. The tour guide was awesome giving every little details of the amazing history of the Intramural. We were taken into the dungeon, the mini museum. Later in the day a horse ride around the Intramural City. A trip worth taken. We recommend any visitors to put Intramural in their site seeing list whenever visiting Manila.
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Pinoy Viajero
Luzon, Philippines25 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
You cannot say that you have really been in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, if you have not been to Intramuros.

According to historical records, the walled city of Manila or Intramuros was built strategically between Manila Bay and south of Pasig River, and covers a grid that stretches to about 600 by 600 yards. Its purpose is to serve as base for the government, as well as the military, and residence of the richest and most powerful families during the Spanish era.

History says that the construction of the walls of Intramuros began as early as 1590 during the administration of Governor General Santiago De Vera, and was executed by a Jesuit Priest named Antonio Sedeno.

In 1951, Intramuros was declared a historical monument, and Fort Santiago, a national shrine.

Today, the walled city is home to several educational institutions, churches, and monuments.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jennifer Mendoza
14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Friends
It was very beautiful at night. You can't see trash anymore compared to our previous visit. It's now very clean and I guess a lot of people who visit here aside from us knows how to handle their trash. Well, just like the old times, you can see a lot of people here specifically students since there are many universities located inside this walled city. Will definitely come back.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

itravel
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
Some of the places were fine but the scamming made it NOT worth it at all. We had a 14 hr layover in Manila (2 young women) and decided why not go see something and check off another country (from what we heard it was no more dangerous than any other city). Saw all the forums about Intramuros and thought why not. As soon as we got out the cab at the church we were bombarded by pedicab drivers that would not take no for an answer and followed us up to the church and followed us when we got out. As we soon realized things were farther apart than anticipated we told the man who cut his price from 350 to 200 php fine and took the ride. It started off good but was longer than expected and he was full of compliments(some inappropriate) and buttering us up. We weren’t buying it but kept the smile on our faces. He eventually pulls out his price sheet and what a magic trick. Different paper FOR SURE, way different price. What was 200 for a ride with no time limit became each per half hour. We argued and he just stared at us. It was him (the guide) and another man was driving the bike. Being two young girls we thought it best to pay and flee and not find out what happens when you refuse. Guy repeatedly told us his name was Sam but as he was full of sh—!, I doubt that was true. Everytime we got into the pedicab he put his hand on the bar as a “reminder to not bump our head.” I suspect it was to keep us from noticing the two different papers taped to the top of the cab. So frustrating because we know better. 🙄 Cherry on top, during our Taxi ride back to the airport, we got caught in traffic at the same red light 5 rounds. Halfway through a homeless looking man walked by swinging a gun. We were terrified because we were stuck bumper to bumper. Thankfully he kept walking and didn’t look our way but even our cab driver looked concerned and inched up as much as he could as the man walked past. So yea it’s a hard no and a never going back.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

bklynbubba
Brooklyn, NY406 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Before visiting Intramuros the first thing you have to realize is that the place was almost totally destroyed during the Battle of Manila at the end of WWII. The Japanese dug in, refusing to surrender or declare Manila an open city (as the Americans had done four years earlier) so the Americans bombed the crap out of them and consequently most of Intramuros was destroyed. San Agustin Church was the only building left partially standing. Whether that was a miracle or not is still being debated. What was once referred to as 'The Pearl of the Orient' was gone forever. Efforts have been made to restore some buildings, the cathedral has been rebuilt, and San Ignacio church is being rebuilt as a cultural center.The walls are intact, and there are a few museums and restaurants scattered about, as well as the San Agustin church and convent. Like their other southeast Asian neighbors, the Filipinos have no great affection for their colonial dominated past. However Intramuros could become a symbol of so much more, if proper development and even some reconstruction is carried out. A fair comparison can be made to Kota in Jakarta. I'm certainly not advocating turning the place into a disnified version of what it once was. But it can become the living heart of the city it once was. There is still lots to see and do here. A walk around the walls is an unforgettable experience, as is gazing across the Pasig River from Fort Santiago. There is also an excellent bookstore in the Silahis Center. And people do still live here, so the place is far from dead. If you are interested in Philippine history this is a good place to learn more. I've visited several times and learn something new with each visit. More needs to be done to return Intramuros to the the cultural and historical center it should be. Come early in the day, walk around, maybe do one or two of the museums and churches, then have lunch, and continue your tour in the afternoon, maybe ending with a walk around the walls. And don't forget that view over the river from Fort Santiago. You won't be disappointed, and may even start thinking about history, and cities, and people, and wars, and................
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TravelAdventureGurus
Bethesda, MD334 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Business
If youbgave a day or less in Manila and don’t know what to do- the least you can see is this. The buildings are not that impressive but it still nice- the history is very interesting. I especially liked how lively everything was- these are not ruins that only tourists visit, but a fun and vibrant part of the city where locals live, work and relax.
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Aaqarsh Aiyyar
Chennai (Madras), India2,430 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Solo
Once the seat of the colonial spanish rule, the "walled City" or intramuros offers a touch of an historical setting in a modern city. The architectural designs are amazing. One can see a lot of statues of the spanish Kings and queens. The Manila cathedral and the Fort Santiago are attractions in the Intramuros. Travel could be through the Intramuros battery operated vehicles. This is a must-visit site, if you are in Manila city.
Written 26 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Makoto
Saitama, Japan52 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2019
Intramuros, Manila’s walled city, has preserved a lot of its architecture: the cathedrals, colonial buildings, cobbled streets. It’s a great stroll. There were also places where you can buy souvenirs.

Intramuros covers a large area. It also is home to several universities. There were illegal settlers around the area. Once they’re relocated, Intramuros would be a better place to visit.
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sarah_nz31
Leichhardt, Australia277 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Solo
I was not aware that it was Holy Week / Maundy Thursday when I visited. Many buildings / attractions were closed. I would strongly advise to research any holidays / events that might result in closures in advance.

For some reason I assumed it would be much like the Medina in Fes, Morocco, being a walled city. Intramuros was quite different - I found it relatively dirty and unkempt.

There is some printed information at each point of note on signs, but for the best experience I would recommend hiring a guide, which I did not do.
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Soymoosemom
Oakville, Canada427 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Family
First time visiting Intramuros with family. We took the museum tour which was a bit long to be in the dark, but very educational on the Spanish impact on Philippine history. We took the calesa (horse drawn carriage) around the old town, stopping by the Manila Cathedral. Amazing to see buildings and walls that are hundreds of years old. Really special place to visit if you are in Manila.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Intramuros, Manila

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