Information about Intramuros

Intramuros

The walled city of Intramuros in the Philippine capital city of Manila was the seat of political power when the Philippines was a Spanish colony. Today it's one of the top Manila tourist spots. Protected by bastions, moats, cannons, and bulwarks, the wall encloses an area of about 64 hectares. Within are the Spanish elite's stately homes, churches, monasteries, cobbled plazas, and schools, including the original University of Santo Tomas. 

Fort Santiago was the citadel of Intramuros, situated nearest to Manila Bay. Formerly the palisade fort of Rajah Sulayman, the sultan of Manila, the fort facilitated Galleon trade with Acapulco across the Pacific Ocean for more than 200 years. Most noteworthy, Jose Rizal was imprisoned here until his execution in 1896.

From its establishment in 1571, Intramuros withstood attacks from Chinese pirates and Dutch forces, as well as the British, American, and Japanese occupations. It finally yielded on the closing days of World War II, when the Japanese Imperial Army made their last stand against Allied Forces and Filipino guerillas in the Battle of Manila. All of Intramuros' buildings were destroyed, save for the San Agustin Church.

A Complex of Historical Landmarks

In 1951, Intramuros and Fort Santiago were designated National Historical Landmarks, and particularly the walls as National Cultural Treasures.  Faithful restoration of damaged areas followed swiftly.

Intramuros today is a rich mix of well-managed parks, colonial-style boutique hotels, and heritage landmarks. These include the Manila Cathedral (the episcopal see of the Archbishop of Manila), Baluarte de San Diego, Plaza San Luis, and Palacio del Gobernador (the COMELEC and HDMF/Pagibig offices).

The free guided map by the Visitors Center is especially helpful for a walking tour, pointing out various areas and artifacts with a story to share. Or you can ride a kalesa, the traditional horse-drawn carriage, or rent an Intramuros bamboo bike to get around. Some can take you as far out as Binondo, the world's oldest Chinatown.

Most of the existing fortifications are accessible to tourists. In such sections, walking along the top of the walls is allowed, lending sweeping views of the surrounding streets and golf course.

How to Get There

The walled city of Intramuros is nestled right at the heart of Manila, along major thoroughfares and close to many important government and commercial establishments, making it very accessible to anyone who wishes to visit.

For international and local tourists coming from outside the capital, flights to Manila will land at any of the four terminals of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which are all situated in the nearby cities of Pasay and Paranaque. From the airport, several Manila transfers or land transport options will take visitors to Intramuros. You can also book Intramuros tours that include hotel transfers for a hassle-free trip. 

Riding a taxi or booking a car service through apps are the most convenient options since they go straight to Intramuros. Fares are relatively affordable, however, the heavily-congested Metro Manila traffic will test your patience and pockets, as spending more time on the road will increase the final fare, so do have an allowance for any surges.

Public trains are also available, with many stations dotted around the metro, and are much more affordable to use. However, expect many transfers and some walking since the different train routes are not necessarily connected with each other. If you wish to do this, ride the Light Rail Transit 1 (LRT 1), alight at the Central Terminal Station, and walk to the pedestrian underpass that takes you across Padre Burgos Street. Once you exit the underpass, you will then see Victoria Street, which is connected to Intramuros. 

Jeepneys, the most popular form of transportation in the country, are also an option to reach Intramuros. But for first-timers in the city, the different route signages may be confusing, so it is best to stick with booking guided Intramuros tours with transfers, riding a taxi or car service, for a more convenient travel to Intramuros.

Best Time to Visit

Intramuros is accessible any time of the year. But walking or biking around are the best ways to explore the historical landmark, so it is recommended to visit during the dry months of December until May, which sees very little chance of rain. However, summer months in the country can get intensely hot, so best to show up with an umbrella and by wearing comfortable clothing and headgear. Many attractions within Intramuros, including century-old Churches, forts, and Filipino restaurants, are roofed or housed in buildings so visitors can still enjoy being there during the rainy months of June to October.

If you plan to take many pictures, which you probably will, given the magnificent structures and wonderful scenery in Intramuros, it is best to visit during the daytime. But going at night also has its advantages, the well-lit buildings and churches give the entire area a nostalgic charm, and there are also lesser crowds during this time.