DIY Walking Tour in the Walled City of Intramuros: Top 8 Attractions to Visit

Contributed by The Wandering Roomies

Intramuros Map which I got from the Internet.

Intramuros, also known as the ‘Walled City’, is a place rich in history. Based from the meaning of the name itself, ‘within the walls’, one can assume that the place is built with strong stone walls which surround and fortify the district.

There are several ways to see Intramuros – there are scheduled historical walking tours offered, pedicab drivers or kalesa tours are also an option, or like us, you can just wing it and walk it.

So where did we go? 

1. Fort Santiago

Address: 1002 Intramuros, Manila, Metro Manila
Schedule: Daily, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entrance Fee: PHP 75 for Adults; PHP 50 Students (with ID)
Contact: (02) 525 2000

Raya says: I enjoyed strolling here. Paula and I also came up with ideas to entertain ourselves such as – dance in the theater or do a temple run version along the walls. There were also several museums inside which centers around Rizal’s life and works.

Paula says: A perfect date spot or for leisure strolling. We saw different people walking too — father & son, lovers, friends and foreigners. There are so many things to see around and I learned a lot about Rizal. 

2. Plaza Roma: Manila Cathedral and Palacio de Gobernador

Raya says: I don’t know if we were allowed inside the Palacio de Gobernador, I think not. But the Manila Cathedral was big and beautiful. It was my first time there so Paula said I should make a wish.

Paula says: The Manila Cathedral is a common stop for me during Visita Iglesia, but it was different with Raya. I made a quiet prayer and enjoyed looking through paintings submitted by people.

3. Bahay Tsinoy

Address: 32 Anda St, Intramuros, Manila, Metro Manila
Schedule: Tuesday to Sunday, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Entrance Fee: PHP 100 for Adults, PHP 60 Students (with ID)
Contact: (02) 527 6083
Website: http://www.bahaytsinoy.org

Raya says: Being the kid (at heart) that I am, I was easily amazed by the life sized mannequins which gave a glimpse of the life before. The Kuya guards were really nice; being a duo with one having poor sense of direction and the other with no sense of direction at all (that’s me), the kuyas gave us tips on where we can go next! They were really nice too when we came back and asked for help because Paula left her phone.

Paula says: I was taken with the displays and mannequins as well! I agree, the personnel were really helpful and I thank them for helping me get my phone. 

4. Casa Manila

Address: Plaza Luis Complex, General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, Metro Manila
Schedule: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entrance Fee: PHP 75 for Adults, PHP 50 Students (with ID)
Contact: (02) 527 3135

Raya says: This place was memorable for me because of our shenanigans. Although picture taking wasn’t allowed inside the museum, with no distractions, we were able to appreciate the place more – enough to give our minds an idea about how it was like to live before and re-enact it a little bit. 

Paula says: I enjoyed playing around and role-playing with Raya in the museum and within the premises of the area. Next time I’d like to try riding the bamboo bicycles as well!

Also read: Family Outing Ideas In and Around Manila Under PHP 1,000

5. Silahis

Address: 744 Calle Real del Palacio, General Luna St., Intramuros 1002, Manila, Metro Manila
Schedule: Daily, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Entrance Fee: N/A (It’s a Souvenir Shop)
Contact: (02) 527-2111
Website: http://www.silahis.com

Raya says: This place is a winner for me – it’s a place that emphasizes the Filipino’s creativity. Various products made from wood, shells and other native materials are available along with antiques, artifacts and other Filipino artworks. I bought cute wooden refrigerator magnets as a ‘pasalubong’ for my mom. The gallery in the fourth floor, which features artworks by Filipino artists, is truly a must see.

Paula says: I bought myself a pair of wooden chopsticks! The store is definitely a must-go-to place because it’s full of so much beautiful arts and crafts. The galleries are also very interesting to look at. We spent so much time scrutinizing each and every art that we liked!

6. San Diego Gardens and Baluarte De San Diego

Address: Sta. Lucia St, Intramuros, Manila, Metro Manila
Schedule: Daily, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entrance Fee: PHP 75 for Adults, PHP 50 Students (with ID)

Also read: Visit if You Dare: 8 Real Haunted Places in Manila

Raya says: This place was really pretty – the only problem we had was the heat of the sun. We were tired and hungry when we went here so we rested in the shade for a while. It was peaceful. We were also able to take pictures, have fun and admire the place.

Paula says: If only I had more courage, I would have dangled my legs on the wall or stand on one leg! Sadly, I was too hungry and the sun was too hot, but the ruins were beautiful nonetheless!

7. Bagumbayan Light and Sound Museum

Address: Victoria St. cor. Sta. Lucia St., Intramuros, Manila, Metro Manila
Schedule: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am (Start of First Show), 6:00 pm (Last Show)
Entrance Fee: PHP 100* per person (For Group of 10)
Contact: (02) 524-2827

Raya says: We were lucky that we were able to see this. We went there unannounced and discovered that you should at least go there with the minimum of 10 people – or else, you’ll pay a premium price. Luckily, the attendant said they will have a class who will visit and we could just join that group. What a lucky duo we are! The place was really nice and informative. I really like the life-size displays. Too bad we couldn’t take pictures.

Paula says: This was a good way to make me listen to a history lesson all throughout! The set-ups and effects were really well made and it was interesting how they were able to fit all of the things inside a small-looking building. 

8. San Agustin Church and Museum

Address: General Luna St, Manila, Metro Manila
Schedule: Daily, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Entrance Fee: PHP 100 Adults, PHP 80 Students (with ID)
Contact: (02) 527 4060

Also read: 18 Picturesque Churches and Chapels in the Philippines

Raya says: This place was huge and beautiful – Paula and I kept thinking that it was like we were in Hogwarts! Hahaha! Must see! It would definitely take you back in time.

Paula says: Now this is a place that I could go back to anytime! It was so full of displays and the place itself is already a marvellous sight. 

**Got most of the details on the internet. If there are corrections, just say so!

These are the places we’ve been to when we had our two-day walking trip around Intramuros. But these aren’t the only places you could go to! There’s so much to see in Intramuros, and if you know any other places to visit, please share them.

Always wondering where to wander next,

Paula and Raya

Also read: 9 Fun Things to Do in Metro Manila on Your Very First Visit