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Explore Intramuros: Introduction to Philippine History

4.989 reviewsFort Santiago

  • 3 hours
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • Guided in English
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

The classic Manila sightseeing tour begins in Intramuros, the historic walled city that was the heart of the Philippines for over 300 years. Known as one of the top things to do in Manila, Intramuros offers a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s colonial past and how history shaped the Philippines today. On this Intramuros walking tour, you’ll explore centuries-old landmarks such as Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and Casa Manila, each revealing stories of Spanish rule, American influence, and wartime resilience. Cobblestone streets, ancestral homes, and leafy courtyards make the city feel like an open-air museum. This Manila city tour is perfect for first-time travelers or returning visitors, an Intramuros tour is a must-have experience on any Manila travel itinerary.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Bottled water
  • English Speaking Guide
  • All Entrance Fees

What's not

  • Gratuities
  • Private transportation

Itinerary

  1. We'll see the oldest stone church in the entire country and the only survivor of the bombing of Manila during WW2.

    10 min

  2. The Museum beside the Church, here we learn more about the Spanish Galleon Trade that spanned the whole world. We shall also learn about the Catholic Church and see the various artifacts through the centuries.

    30 minAdmission included

  3. A turn of the 19th century house, we will see firsthand a recreation of what homes of the upper crust of society looked like in old Manila.

    30 minAdmission included

  4. A monument to remember the innocent casualties of WW2. Here, we learn a bit more about the Philippines and its role in the second great war.

    10 min

  5. The seat of the Catholic Church in the Philippines.

    10 min

  6. The old Spanish military fort. Here, we learn more about one of the Philippine's heroes and the movement for independence from Spain.

    30 minAdmission included

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

4.9

  • 585
  • 41
  • 32
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  • 11

Ratings come from 89 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

  • 5Amazing Day in Intramuros

    We had the most amazing day learning about the Philippines’ rich history in Intramuros! Our guide, Pat, was absolutely incredible. His knowledge was unbelievable — he knew the history behind the walls, trees, rocks, monuments, and even the history of other countries connected to the Philippines. He was truly like a walking history book! We couldn’t have asked for a better guide. As people visiting the Philippines for the first time, Pat brought the history of your beautiful country to life for us. We walked away feeling like we had gained a much deeper understanding and appreciation of the Philippines and its incredible history. Thank you so much, Pat, for sharing your knowledge, stories and passion with us. You made our day in Intramuros unforgettable! 🇵🇭❤️

    latad2017via Tripadvisor

  • 5Pat really knew what he...

    Pat really knew what he was talking about, and you could tell he had done all the needed research. He answered our in-person and text message questions promptly, the tour was a very good pace (not too fast/slow), checked in on us frequently and even met us halfway because we had taken a wrong turn and got lost on the way to the meeting point. Really appreciate the very engaging and funny guided tour of Intramuros.

    Jennifer_Yvia Viator

  • 5Interesting adventure of Intramuros

    Pat was an awesome tour guide. He was very knowledgeable, answered my questions & had a god sense of humor. I highly recommend this tour especially with Pat!

    P1151XUkimjvia Tripadvisor

  • 5Thanks, Pat!

    Pat was a fantastic guide! I learned so many interesting facts about the country, and he was also able to answer some random questions that I had about the Philippines.Highly recommend!

    DayTrip299492via Tripadvisor

  • 5Great Intramuros tour

    What an excellent tour of Intramuros. I Took my family of teens and tweens on this tour and we all really enjoyed it. Something for everyone on the tour and no complaining from the children!

    GAVIN_Hvia Viator

  • 5Cinco Estrellas. 5 *

    Pat was very knowledgeable and professional. He had prepared ahead and was in control. Everything was perfectly choreographed, I could not be happier.

    Inspire21660999007via Tripadvisor

Know before you go

Meeting point
Meet up is at the lobby of the San Agustin Museum. This is located at the right side near the main entrance of the San Agustin Church. This is located inside Intramuros.
Pickup
Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group size
Up to 15 travellers
Operated by
Explore Manila Tours
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How it compares in Manila

  • Its from-price is 69% below the median of the 179 experiences we list in Manila.
  • It is shorter than most of them.
  • By number of reviews it ranks 8 of 179.
  • The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Manila

Manila is the capital of the Philippines, a dense bayside city of Spanish colonial walls, old churches, jeepneys and the historic Chinatown of Binondo.

Manila stretches along the eastern shore of Manila Bay, at the mouth of the Pasig River. Intramuros, the walled city built by the Spanish from 1571, is the historic heart, with cobbled streets, the cathedral and the stone church of San Agustín, the country's oldest stone church and a World Heritage site. Fort Santiago, at the river mouth, is where the national hero José Rizal was held before his execution in 1896.

Top-ranked sights in Manila: Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church and Museum, Intramuros.

See all 179 experiences in Manila

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