Intramuros
Intramuros is Latin for “within the walls,” and it is the historic walled city of Manila during the Spanish Colonial Period.
Intramuros is the historic centre and oldest district of Manila, and it’s most famous structure is its nearly 3-mile long circuit of massive stone walls and fortifications that almost completely surrounds the entire district. Intramuros was synonymous with Manila – or the country’s capital from the city’s foundation in 1571 up to the end of Spanish colonial rule in 1898. It served as the capital of the Spanish East Indies and Spain’s most distant imperial possession. It became home to stone palaces, churches, monasteries, convents, schools, and fine courtyard houses – although most of these were destroyed during the fierce Battle of Manila between American, Filipino, and Japanese forces in 1945. In spite of these, tourists can still visit the city’s ancient gates, walls, and key landmarks including major churches and old government buildings.
Location
Intramuros is located in Bonifacio Drive and Padre Burgos Streets in Manila, Luzon.
Opening Days and Hours
Intramuros is open 24 hours a day, daily.
Entry Fee and Bookings
You can freely access Intramuros. The attraction is also included in several Manila tours that cost from USD 40 to USD 100.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Intramuros is via taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Grab, which are widely available in Metro Manila (this includes Quezon City and nearby cities such as Makati, Taguig/Fort Bonifacio, and Pasay).
Suggested For
- Backpackers/solo travelers
- Couples
- Group of friends
- Families
Time to Spend
You can explore Intramuros in 1 to 2 hours.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Intramuros is during the mid-afternoon to early evening when the temperatures are generally cooler.
Activities
- Visit Intramuros’ walls, gates, and fortifications: Postigo del Palacio, Puerta de Santa Lucia, Baluartillo de San
- Jose and Reducto de San Pedro, and Baluarte de San Diego
- Visit plazas, monuments, and public buildings: Plaza de Roma, Ayuntamiento, Palacio del Gobernador, and Plaza Moriones
- Visit Churches: Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church
- Visit Museums: Bahay Tsinoy, Casa Manila, Light and Sound Museum
- Visit ruins: Intendencia (Anduana), San Ignacio Church
- Shop for souvenirs and even native art at: Mananzan Handicrafts, The Silahis Centre
Food
Intramuros has a number of restaurants that offer various cuisines at different price points. Some must-trys are:
- Ilustrado
- Barbara’s
- 9 Spoons
- Ristorante delle Mitre
- Coco Bango Café and Restaurant
- Andria’s Taste
Nearby Attractions
- Planetarium
- Rizal Park
- Fort Santiago
- Bambike Ecotours Intramuros
- Manila Bay
- National Museum
- Museo Pambata
- National Art Gallery
Stay
Accommodations near Intramuros include a number of hotels and inns, such as the Bayview Park Hotel Manila, Casa Bacobo Hotel, Hotel H2O, and Manila Hotel. Prices range from USD 34 to USD 120 per night.
Good to Know
You can opt to book Intramuros walking tours to learn more about the different sites and landmarks.