If you’re in Manila and want to do something that feels historic, aesthetic, and not just malls + traffic, you need to hit Intramuros. But there will still be traffic (this is still Manila).
Intramuros is basically the old walled city where you can pretend you’re in a period drama for a few hours while still sweating like it’s your full-time job because well… you’re still in the Philippines. It’s walkable, photogenic, and packed with pretty cool spots. You’ll also likely see a bunch of students/youngin’s just hanging out during their breaks taking photos and stuff.
IS IT WALKABLE?
Yes. Very. But also wear comfy shoes because the streets are a bit uneven and your ankles do not need extra challenges.
WHEN SHOULD I GO?
Go early if you hate crowds and being cooked alive by the sun. If you want the more vibey golden hour pictures, late afternoon works too (but more people because us Filipinos hate the sun but love taking pictures).
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Light clothes, comfy shoes, and bring water.
ROUGH BUDGET BREAKDOWN:
Intramuros is honestly pretty budget-friendly compared to a lot of tourist stuff.
- Fort Santiago: ₱75
- Casa Manila: ₱75
- Snacks / drinks / transport depend on your life choices
TIPS:
- Bring cash because not everywhere is card-friendly.
- Take breaks. Intramuros looks cute on Instagram but it’s still hot and you still have a human body.
- Don’t rush it. The vibe is strolling, not speed-running history.
First stop: Luneta Park (Rizal Park)
Before you go full “Spanish colonial era,” start at Luneta Park. It’s a super easy way to ease into the day — stroll, take a breather, people-watch, enjoy the music and get your steps in.
Luneta Park Eats:
Dirty Ice Cream
One of my FAVORITES! Always has me reminiscing my days as a college student at the University of Santo Tomas enjoying ice cream sandwiches behind the main building. Possible culture shock– but in the Philippines our ice cream sandwiches are in literal bread. And yes, it is fire.
Papa Kape (and their resident cafe cat Luna girl🐾)
If you need a caffeine reset before diving into Intramuros, go to Papa Kape. We grabbed coffee here and met their resident cafe cat, Luna, who was fully acting like she owns the place (as she should because she is the prettiest girl ever). This is the perfect little break if you want something cute + local-feeling before you go back to walking.
I had the iced buko americano which may have been one of the most uniquely Filipino drinks I’ve had in my life with a gorgeous combination of espresso + coconut water + macapuno + nata de coco while my boyfriend ordered the mango cream coffee (mine was better).
Things to see at Luneta Park:
- Rizal Monument – centerpiece of the park and a tribute to the national hero
- Chinese/Japanese Gardens – self explanatory, but manage your expectations because they’re pretty small
- National Museum Complex – rent a paddle boat and glide across the waters, or just enjoy the view from the surrounding benches! You’ll typically see a lot of families hanging around here
- A lot of stray cats
The important question: How do I get to Intramuros from Luneta?
Literally just walk there. It’s not that far.
The Famed Walled City: Intramuros
How can I get around?
- Walk
- Bambike – you can check out their website for guided tour options on their eco-friendly bamboo bikes
- Rent a kalesa or horse-drawn carriage! They have an hourly flat rate of ₱1,000 per hour. If you don’t take too many stops, you can see all the popular tourist spots in under an hour.
- Tricycle/pedicab – you can probably haggle on the prices, but the sheer amount of tricycle/pedicab drivers by the Intramuros entrance was pretty overwhelming so we did not want to entertain any of them.
Things to see in Intramuros
1) Fort Santiago
This is the big one. A historic fort with lots of walking paths, old stone walls, and “wow… Manila has seen some things” energy.
Hours + fees:
- Mon–Fri: 8 AM–10 PM (last entry 8 PM)
- Sat–Sun: 6 AM–10 PM (last entry 8:30 PM)
- ₱75 regular / ₱50 discounted
Tip: Go earlier if you want it to feel peaceful and not like a field trip.
2) San Agustin Church (UNESCO World Heritage)
If you only go into one church in Intramuros, make it this one. It’s one of the Baroque Churches of the Philippines on UNESCO’s list, and it’s the kind of place where you walk in and automatically lower your voice like, “ok wow.”
Note: this is also a wedding hotspot so if there is an ongoing wedding ceremony please be respectful.
3) Casa Manila (for the “colonial mansion” vibe)
Casa Manila is basically a living museum showing what a fancy home looked like back then. If you like old interiors, wood details, and “let me take pics of everything” energy — you’ll enjoy this.
Hours + fees:
- Closed Mondays
- Tue–Sun: 9 AM–6 PM
- ₱75 regular / ₱50 discounted
4) Baluarte de San Diego (ruins + gardens + a quiet break)
This is the chill spot when you’re tired of walking and want something quieter. Ruins, greenery, and a “hidden gem-ish” vibe.
Intramuros Eats:
1. Ilustrado
This is where we ate. I’d consider it to be a “treat yourself” option in Intramuros—Filipino-Spanish vibes, feels a little fancy, and it’s very “date night / visitors are in town.” Personally, I think it’s gentrified Filipino food x Spanish. If you’re after authentic Filipino food, you’d get a better bang for your buck elsewhere. Food was still enjoyable!
Estimated spend: ₱700–₱1,200+ per person.
2. Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant
A well-known Intramuros pick for that whole “dinner experience” thing. If I were to come back (and had the appetite), I’d try this spot out for sure!
Estimated spend: ₱1,500+ per person
3. Ristorante delle Mitre
Iconic for the “bishop-themed” menu + cozy old-school interior. Solid choice when you want a sit-down meal that isn’t trying too hard.
Estimated spend: ₱200–₱500 per person (they’ve promoted combo meals starting around ₱198, so you can definitely keep this affordable).
4. La Cathedral Cafe
Cute café stop behind Manila Cathedral that great for coffee + a quick meal + taking photos like you’re in Europe (for like five minutes).
Estimated spend: ₱250–₱500 per person
5. Patio de Conchita
More casual, good for budget-friendly Filipino food when you just want to eat and keep it moving.
Estimated spend: ₱150–₱350 per person
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