Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago, a UNESCO-declared heritage site tourist attraction, is one of the most historically significant places in Manila.

Fort Santiago was originally built as a stronghold against pirates and marauders that plague the new city of Manila during the Spanish era – as evidenced by the place’s long stretch of high walls and strategically arranged architecture. Stepping into Fort Santiago is like stepping into its rich history – its archaic beauty still has the marks of war, and its walls tell a story of Japanese oppression. One can note that Fort Santiago holds a certain stillness, despite it being located near the busy streets of Manila.

Location

Fort Santiago is located at Sta. Clara St., Intramuros, Manila.

Opening Days and Hours

The fort is open daily from 08:00 to 18:00.

Entry Fee and Booking

Entrance fee costs PHP 65 for adults (USD 1.2) and PHP 50 (USD 1) for children.

How to Get There

Fort Santiago is readily accessible through taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Grab, which are widely available around Metro Manila.

Suggested For

Solo travelers/backpackers
Couples
Groups
Families

Time to Spend

Stay for at least an hour around Fort Santiago to fully enjoy the sights. You can opt to stay longer if you want to enjoy a picnic around Rizal Shrine.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Manila is famous for its scorching heat so it is best to go there during the early morning (08:00 to 10:00) or late afternoon (15:00 to 18:00).

Activities

Carlos Celdran’s “Walk This Way” Guided Tour: By schedule. Check his website for details.
Bambike Ecotours: Opens Daily, 2-hour bike tours that are available from 09:00 to 18:00.
Horse-drawn carriages or kalesa rides

Food

A variety of restaurants are available around Fort Santiago. Some of the popular choices are:

Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant
Ristorante dille Mitre
Patio de Conchita
Max’s Restaurant
Figaro

Nearby Attractions

San Agustin Church
San Agustin Museum
Rizal Shrine

Stay

Hotels and pensions like The Bayleaf Intramuros, Ramada Manila Central, The Manila Hotel, and Bluelane Hotel are located near Fort Santiago. Rates range from USD 25 to 200 a night.