Skip to content
Intramuros, Manila

Half day tour of Intramuros

Intramuros, located along the southern bank of the Pasig River, was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century and is the oldest district of the city of Manila.

Its name is Spanish for 'within the walls', reflecting its setting within the thick, high city walls and moats that once protected it from invasions. During the Spanish colonial period, Intramuros was considered to be Manila itself and was the seat of government, with districts beyond the walls referred to as the 'extramuros' ('outside the walls'). The city was heavily damaged during World War II when there was a battle to recapture the city from the Japanese, and reconstruction of the walls began in 1951, with the city declared a National Historic Monument.

The tour today will include a wander through the cobbled streets within the walls, as well as a visit to Casa Manila, a reproduction of a 19th century house that features Oriental and European decor alongside Philippine antique furniture; San Agustin Church, the country's oldest stone church, and other nearby points of interest. There is also the option to ride a calesa (horse-drawn carriage) from Fort Santiago to the interior of Intramuros.

Speak to someone
who's been there
Audley Travel specialist Alex

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Philippines specialists

Other experiences in Manila

These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.

  • Day trip to Corregidor
    One mile barracks, Corregidor

    Day trip to Corregidor

    Day trip to Corregidor

    This fascinating offshore island fortress, 40 kilometres west of Manila, is a treasure trove of information for history buffs.

    View details
  • Full day tour to Taal Lake & Taal Volcano
    Taal volcano

    Full day tour to Taal Lake & Taal Volcano

    Full day tour to Taal Lake & Taal Volcano

    Taal Volcano and Taal Lake lie approximately 70 kilometres south of Manila. Once you reach the shore of the lake you will board an outrigger boat for the 30-minute trip across the lake to Taal Volcano Island, from where you'll trek uphill through the hardened black lava to the crater rim.

    View details
  • Half day bamboo bike tour of Manila
    Bamboo bike, Intramuros

    Half day bamboo bike tour of Manila

    Half day bamboo bike tour of Manila

    This is a unique way of getting to know about old Manila's history. You will ride through the streets on bamboo bikes, hand-made by village folk who make up Gawad Kalinga — a non-profit organisation whose mission is to end poverty in the Philippines.

    View details
  • Manila City Tour
    Modern buildings, Manila

    Manila City Tour

    Manila City Tour

    Highlights of the tour include Rizal Park, named after the national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, and Intramuros (walled city) where you can see the remains of the Spanish conquistadores. You also go along the old cobbled streets to visit San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country.

    View details

Experience it for yourself

You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.