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Must-See Attractions You Can’t Miss in Your Intramuros Manila Tour
Wondering where to go in Intramuros? Check this out!
By: Patricia Marie Prado | August 23, 2018
There are many hidden gems and stories one can discover inside Intramuros’ walls.
Intramuros fascinates visitors with its moss-covered walls and stone floors that hold stories from days past. But this historic place is more than the charming buildings and ruins that have stood the test of time; there are also well-preserved and maintained spots in Intramuros that are worth a second look!
If you’re planning on revisiting this place or giving your friends an Intramuros Manila tour, brush up on its many features first! Learn what to do or where to go in Intramuros. Check out these spots!
1. Fort Santiago
Address: General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila
Enter Fort Santiago’s gates and discover its well-preserved beauty.
Images: Left, @xxlaika; Right, @yu_ting_tsai
One of the most famous sites in Intramuros is probably Fort Santiago. Before you start your tour of the Walled City, pause to admire Fort Santiago’s gates. They bear the royal seal of Spain and a depiction of St. James crushing Muslims, an image well beloved by the Spaniards.
Inside, the Intramuros Administration (IA) invested to preserve and beautify the property. Walk through well-manicured grass, granite-tiled walkways, and preserved gems like the Raja Sulayman Mural and Rizal Shrine. You can also visit the newly opened museums including Destileria Limtuaco Museum and Museo de Intramuros for an educational walk through Intramuros’ past.
2. Baluarte de San Diego
Address: Sta. Lucia St, Intramuros, Manila
Who knew these circles served an important purpose?!
Image: @jeepjepers
You might have already come across this structure before, but do you know what it’s called? Baluarte de San Diego is a bastion, or curtain walls in a semi-circular structure, depicting the shape of ace of spades. It was built in the 16th century by Jesuit Antonio Sedeño to serve as a protection from various invaders.
Aside from admiring the beauty of the orillions or the semi-circular structures of the bastion, you can also roam around and appreciate Baluarte de San Diego’s moss-covered walls, beautiful ruins, and lush garden.
3. Plaza de Roma
Address: Andrés Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila
Plaza de Roma with Manila Cathedral in the background
Image: @ditald
You might have already walked at Plaza de Roma a thousand times and failed to recognize it. Located in the heart of Intramuros, it is the main square of the Walled City and is surrounded by iconic landmarks like the San Agustin Church and the Manila Cathedral.
Plaza de Roma, during its heyday, was the center of entertainment where public events and even bullfights were held. It was later turned into a charming square. Another notable structure in the area is the monument of King Charles IV. The said king was honored after bringing the first batch of smallpox vaccine in the country.
4. Aduana Building
Address: Magallanes Dr., Intramuros, Manila
Don’t just pass by this architectural beauty on your next Intramuros walk.
Image: @sefmontajes
Intramuros is known as a haven for architecture lovers, and one establishment worth visiting is the Aduana Building, also known as The Intendencia. First built in 1829, the two-story building, which is most known for its Neo-Classical architecture, used to attract various merchants. After being destroyed by an earthquake, it was later rebuilt and became the house of various government agencies, including the Civil Administration Office (Intendencia General de Hacienda), hence the name Intendencia.
After surviving the Second World War, many plans were made to restore the Aduana Building but no progress has been made ever since. You can still appreciate the building’s façade and detailed gates, or try to get its eerie vibe when you visit.
5. Club Intramuros Golf Course
Address: Bonifacio Drive, Intramuros, Manila
More than concrete walls, this beauty can also be found inside Intramuros.
Image: kevin_arquita
Intramuros is known for its ruins, but who knew a gorgeous golf course exists inside these walls? Established in 1907, Club Intramuros Golf Course is among the oldest courses in the city with a total of 18 holes, par 66, and 4,326 yards. The course is open to the public, but it’s recommended to schedule your golf time as many play here, too.
One of the club’s main highlight is its night golf: the club also opens at night for busy golfers who prefer to do it after office hours. Aside from that, it’s also a beautiful photoshoot location that glows beautifully against the Manila lights.
6. Bahay Tsinoy
Address: 32 Anda corner Cabildo St., Intramuros Manila
Entrance fees: PhP100 for adults, PhP60 for students
If a bit of Chinese blood runs through your veins, a stop at Bahay ng Tsinoy is a must.
Images: Left, @rowellmelendrez; Right, @_angelodx
Spanish and Japanese influences abound within the walls of Intramuros, but there’s also a place here that is dedicated to our Chinese brothers and sisters. Bahay ng Tsinoy opened in 1999 to give light to the rich history that had existed between the Chinese and the Filipinos even before various colonizers conquered the country.
Here you can learn about the early contact between the Chinese and the Filipinos, their role during the colonial years, and even the modern leaders of the country who came from Chinese descent. There are also various displays and dioramas depicting the early life of the Chinese people in the Philippines.
7. Bagumbayan Light and Sound Museum
Address: Victoria St, Intramuros, Manila
Entrance fees: PhP120 for discounted; PhP150 for regular
Learn something new about Rizal in a modern, entertaining way at Bagumabayan Light and Sound Museum.
Image: @meowingbutterfly
Not everything is old and worn out in Intramuros. They have also incorporated modern technology in their premises to attract the younger generation, and one of these contemporary additions is the Bagumbayan Light and Sound Museum.
It’s a one-hour show that uses lights, sounds, and various visual effects to tell the life of National Hero Jose Rizal, from his birth up to his execution in Bagumbayan, now Luneta Park. It’s a great way to learn history through a modern and entertaining way. The museum only allows 10 persons per visit, so you can either form a group of 10 or pay for 10 people to enter.
8. Silahis Center
Address: 744 Calle Real del Palacio (Gen. Luna), Intramuros, Manila
Take a piece of Intramuros with you at Silahis Center.
Image: @silahiscenter_ph
Another hidden gem worth visiting is the Silahis Center. The souvenir store was first established in 1966 with a purpose of not only selling various native handicrafts but also promoting the colorful heritage of the Philippines through their products. Unlike other souvenir shops, Silahis Center will also give you that museum vibe as their products are beautifully displayed and promoted in various parts of the three-story stone house.
Inside Silahis Center you’ll find various handicrafts, oriental ceramics and textiles, as well as books about our country’s ornate history.
Intramuros has more to offer than just cobble-stone floors and walls and guards dressed in guardia civil (Spanish guards) uniforms. Let us know in the comments section which of these spots you’ll visit on your next Intramuros trip.
About Patricia Marie Prado
Patricia came from the field of business and accounting but is now pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She is a self-confessed introvert and is passionate about reading, travelling, writing, movies, coffee and God. When she's not writing, she loves discovering new coffee shops/cafe and doing TV-series marathons.
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