Intramuros
Intramuros
4
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
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Plan your visit
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
875 within 3 miles
Attractions
309 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Sarah_nz31Leichhardt, Australia280 contributionsBeware of public holidaysI 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.Visited April 2023Traveled soloWritten April 10, 2023
- KarlusiaWarsaw, Poland935 contributionsGreat placeThe historic Intramuros houses objects from Spanish times, such as Fort Santiago with a large, stone gate and national hero museum José Rizala. In the richly decorated Manilian cathedral, you can admire bronze and stained glass, and in the museum at the church of St. Augustine - works of art and figures on religious themes. The Casa Manila Museum is filled with furniture and works of art from the time of the Spanish colony. Horse carriages called Palesa glide on the cobbled streets.Visited April 2023Written April 13, 2023
- Eve L KellyAdelaide, Australia10 contributionsAmazing Spanish heritageIntramuros is probably the most tourist asset that Manila has, aside from shopping malls. Going around its streets and churches you can imagine how live was during the Spanish empire period. I truly recommend to visit intramuros when staying in ManilaVisited March 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 24, 2023
- BigBlock13Brisbane, Australia30 contributionsGreat touristy spot.Very beautiful spot in Manila, with lots of historical buildings and history to explore. Everywhere you look is something to see. Downside can be the number of kids flocking to the tourists hoping for a monetary handout.Visited April 2023Written June 4, 2023
- roaming_kiwi58Christchurch, New Zealand2,827 contributionsVery interesting historical area of ManilaIntramuros is the historic old walled city part of Manila. The original fortifications were mainly built by the Spanish. Much of the area was flattened during World War II, and has been later rebuilt. It is an interesting part of Manila to investigate. We walked here from where our cruise ship docked at the port of Manila. Spent a couple of hours wandering the streets of the Intramuros. If you go into Fort Santiago there is an entrance fee, but the rest of the area is free of charge. You can of course make donations in the churches. Definitely the number one place to visit when in Manila.Visited March 2023Written July 1, 2023
- Marikrisvi SQuezon City, Philippines112 contributionsWeekly Sales TrainingWas assingend to do Sales Training with this company. As their office is near San Agustin Church and other places to see. My last time in Intramuros is when we had this field trip in Elemntary.But to see again that im working i think i have to say that i appreciate the view that gives you the old historic vibe. If your a foreigner and have to chance to visit this place. You should defintitly. Also the restos here are so good.Visited August 2023Traveled on businessWritten August 15, 2023
- Nana BoakyeWillingboro, New Jersey3 contributionsMy TakeIt was ok. I think if I had a tour guide I would have enjoyed better. The holding cell was looking like a slave cell. I think they called it the dungeon. But it was a great to know a little history of the Philippines.Visited August 2023Traveled soloWritten August 26, 2023
- Czar EmmanuelManila, Philippines6,268 contributionsOld walled city of ManilaIntramuros (literally, "within the walls") is the historic center of Manila. It is surrounded by thick stone walls and a vast golf course. Inside you can visit what is left of Manila after it was destroyed by the Japanese during World War 2. You can walk its cobble stoned streets and visit Fort Santiago, the Manila Cathedral, the San Agustin Church, etc. There are also lovely restaurants and souvenir shops. You may also want to try the "calesa" (horse-drawn carriage) that would take you around Intramuros up to nearby Rizal Park, but it's a bit pricey. 😉Visited August 2023Traveled with friendsWritten August 27, 2023
- Nitro CarsSydney, Australia15 contributionsIntramuros, 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 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 11, 2023
- SingaporeGirlSingapore, Singapore522 contributionsThe 'must' of every Manila visit - IntramurosFor 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 2023Traveled with friendsWritten December 15, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
3,608 reviews
Excellent
1,227
Very good
1,557
Average
654
Poor
115
Terrible
55
itravel
1 contribution
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 January 19, 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, NY430 contributions
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 January 11, 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, MD345 contributions
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 February 24, 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), India2,454 contributions
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 March 26, 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, Japan53 contributions
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.
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 March 5, 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, Australia280 contributions
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.
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 April 10, 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, Canada356 contributions
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 February 11, 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.
Peter M
Melbourne, Australia1,301 contributions
Sep 2022
This was excellent to see but the man who charged a lot in horse and then wanted more was not so good. We saw more ourselves and the Rizal Museum, the church and al the laces were great to see It is a walled area within Manila. Fort Santiago was the best though and I got scratched arms going down to the jails! The whole area is 100s of years old and dates from the Spanish time
Construction of the Spanish walled city began under the orders of the Spanish imperial government in the late 1500s to protect the city from foreign invasions,
Construction of the Spanish walled city began under the orders of the Spanish imperial government in the late 1500s to protect the city from foreign invasions,
Written January 17, 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.
Czar Emmanuel
Manila, Philippines6,268 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Intramuros (literally, "within the walls") is the historic center of Manila. It is surrounded by thick stone walls and a vast golf course. Inside you can visit what is left of Manila after it was destroyed by the Japanese during World War 2. You can walk its cobble stoned streets and visit Fort Santiago, the Manila Cathedral, the San Agustin Church, etc. There are also lovely restaurants and souvenir shops. You may also want to try the "calesa" (horse-drawn carriage) that would take you around Intramuros up to nearby Rizal Park, but it's a bit pricey. 😉
Written August 28, 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.
Sri Babbai Sri ... a
San Diego, CA23 contributions
May 2022
Not much to see. They bi cycle tricycle was uncomfortable and a bit of a tourist trap. It is really too fart to walk so if there is something you specifically want to see. I would skip most of it. The best part to me was the churches. One had been built and rebuilt on the same location seven times. I asked to go up to the second level but nobody there could tell me to whom I would address that question. Not much help from the guy in charge and he seemed to only say "closed". Overall it has some interesting sites but don't go on a hot day. The pictures are about as good as the real thing except for the churches. I would go to those again. There seems to be no way to avoid the drivers who are relentless and prices are negotiable. I advise walking away several times before agreeing on a price. I got my little tour for 180 pesos.
Written July 28, 2022
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.
Mauro C
6 contributions
You need a guide to visit intramuros or you can go alone??
pbjohn
902 contributions
If you’re fond of walking around & if you have a couple of hours to spare & not in a hurry, you can definitely go there alone— prepare ahead of time by researching the must visit places (Manila Cathedral, San Agustin, Casa Manila, Fort Santiago, Rizal Park etc.) Have fun!!
walker2311
Baltimore, MD1 contribution
Is there a map and directions for a self guided tour of old Manila from the cruise port?
Wendy12045
Melbourne, Australia98 contributions
I believe you can ask any taxi driver. Mainly the push bike ones. They are everywhere in intramuros and all have maps they are great to go with as they are not expensive and are a wealth of information. It was one of my favourite things I did and takes between an hour and 3 depending on how many of the places you visit
Hope that helps a bit
Wendy
tiger1492
Brookfield, CT41 contributions
How do you get to Intramuros from the harbor where cruise ships dock. It seems all tours start at hotels, so being at the pier means figuring out how to get there on our own. thanks for help.
DavidGunn1
Edmonton, Canada581 contributions
Hi, Intramuros would be a fairly easy walk from the cruise ship docks. It might take about 30 minutes. The easiest route might be to walk to the main cathedral and fort area. They are on the edge of the Intramuros.
easterntreker
Halifax, Canada3,500 contributions
Hi David
Thanks for your reviews? Does it feel safe in this area of Manila? Appreciate your advice.
Anita
DavidGunn1
Edmonton, Canada581 contributions
Intramuros seemed to be quite safe.
Rino S
21 contributions
I would like to visit the museum. Any tips?
MichaellArvin
3 contributions
You can visit 3 museum near intramuros, 1st is rizal house museum inside the fort santiago, 2nd is in luneta in front of rajah sulayman and 3rd is at the opposite side of 2nd museum. I hope it will help you
Lochfield
Geelong, Australia35 contributions
I remember seeing a great write up about a guide who took walking tours of Intramuros. He apparently is very clever and very funny and makes it an experience to remember. If anyone knows who I am talking about would appreciate help. Thanks
JahWarriorL
Manila, Philippines25 contributions
His name is Carlos Celdran. You may check some of his Tours on FB or visit When in Manila Blog :)
shuyen2017
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia3 contributions
Hello everyone. I'll be traveling to Manila tomorrow but with the recent incident in Resorts World, we're thinking to cancel the trip.
May I know what the condition is like in Manila City now? I'll be staying in Mandaluyong. Thanks
Martyddr
Manila, Philippines64 contributions
It is generally safe. The incident at Resorts World was a robbery according to offica reports from police and Resorts World Management. Don't forget to register with your embassy for easy contact in case of any untoward incidents sonthey may contact you. Enjoy your stay in Manila!
shuyen2017
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia3 contributions
Hello everyone. With the recent clashes in Mindanao, is it advisable to cancel my trip to Manila next week? What is the condition like in Manil now? Thanks a lot
dean s
2 contributions
Manila is so different from Mindanao they might as well be different countries. The martial law has been declared only in Mindanao. The region has been dealing with terrorists and communist insurgents for decades but apart from the infrequent, one-off incident, the violence doesn't make it that far North.
Don't go to Mindanao. Most Filipinos I speak to are too afraid to go there themselves. Staying safe in Manila is pretty easy. Don't walk around slums - especially at night time - avoid public transport, and avoid flashing around your wealth. The city is as safe as you make it. If you stay in the center of Makati or BGC, it feels like any other city on the planet.
Some other tips
Use Grab or Uber instead of taxis
Don't walk around with earphones in
Watch your bag
Ignore the random people that pester you at the airport
All in all, Manila looks a lot more dangerous than it is. The majority of Filipinos are friendly welcoming people, but like anywhere on the planet there are a few sour grapes. The most dangerous thing you can do in the country is get into a car. 32 people dies a day on the roads. Compared to these odds. I think your chances of getting blown up or abducted are pretty slim.
Ruiza A
Seattle, WA2 contributions
How much is the average cost for a Calesa ride in Intramuros? (I think it's 250pesos to 500pesos a person I heard)
vsm7745
Canberra, Australia1 contribution
I took a guide who had a pedal powered trike. He was great and he took my girlfriend and I around and stopped regularly to explain what we were looking at and also the history. In total he took about 2.5 hours to show us everything including a tour of the fort. We had agreed on a price of 350 pesos, but I was so happy with his services that I gave him a very generous tip. I must have made his day when I gave him 1000 pesos and told him to take the rest of the day off. People might criticize me for giving so much, but these people work very hard for almost no income and he more than eared the money in my opinion.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingIntramuros, Manila
Frequently Asked Questions about Intramuros
- Hotels near Intramuros:
- (0.00 mi) Hotel Sogo Edsa Caloocan
- (0.15 mi) Bahay Ni Juan Seaman's Dormitory
- (0.18 mi) Bahay Ng Marino
- (0.66 mi) Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central
- (0.55 mi) Red Planet Manila Binondo
- Restaurants near Intramuros:
- (0.14 mi) Batala Bar
- (0.14 mi) Hungry Juan ERMITA
- (0.18 mi) Bacolod Chicken House
- (0.21 mi) Manila Canvas
- (0.32 mi) Barbara's Heritage Restaurant
- Attractions near Intramuros:
- (0.10 mi) The Manila Collectible Co.
- (0.12 mi) Club Intramuros Golf Course
- (0.18 mi) Manila Cathedral
- (0.25 mi) Manila For A Day Tours
- (0.13 mi) Palacio del Gobernador