Intramuros Walking Tour by Don't Skip Manila | Shore Excursion

Manila , Philippines

Intramuros Walking Tour by Don't Skip Manila | Shore Excursion

Active

(15 reviews)

4h - 5h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This is a half-day historical tour of Intramuros, the walled city of Manila. Our tour is in storytelling format that talks about the important events that shaped the Philippines.

If you only have half-a-day to spend and wanted to hear story more than the fast-paced picture-taking city tours, this is the tour for you and your group. This is a history-and-culture-anchored tour that involves part walking, horse-back riding (when there are more than 4 tourists) and museum visits.

We curated this tour to tell more than 400 years of history in less than 4 hours.

Available options

Intramuros Walking Tour by Don't Skip Manila | Shore Excursion

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Museum and Entrance Fees

Horse-drawn Carriage Ride (if more than 4 tourists)

All Fees and Taxes

Air-conditioned vehicle

Tour Guide Services

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

This is the premier central park of Manila dedicated to one of the Philippines' National Hero who was executed in the area in 1896.

Stop 2

It is a citadel first built by Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi for the new established city of Manila in the Philippines. The defense fortress is part of the structures of the walled city of Manila referred to as Intramuros. We will visit the dungeons and river fortifications.

Stop 3

The Rizal Shrine is a museum dedicated to the lifework of José Rizal. The museum is located in the building where Rizal spent his final night and hid his famous poem Mi último adiós (My Last Farewell) in an oil lamp. The shrine is home to various memorabilia such as the shells he collected in Dapitan, books, manuscripts and artwork.

It is the first cathedral of Philippines and basilica located in Intramuros. It is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, a title for the Blessed Virgin Mary, the principal patroness of the country.

Stop 5 Pass by

Intramuros is also called the Walled City, and at the time of the Spanish Colonial Period was synonymous to the City of Manila. It was the seat of government and political power when the Philippines was a component realm of the Spanish Empire. It was also the center of religion, education and economy. The standard way of life in Intramuros became the standard way of life throughout the Philippines. The Manila Galleons which sailed the Pacific for 250 years, carried goods to and from Intramuros (Manila) and Acapulco, Mexico.

You will go around the walls of the city in a horse-drawn carriage ride. (The horse-carriage ride is when the total guest exceeds four.)

Stop 6 Pass by

San Agustin Church was one of four Philippine churches constructed during the Spanish colonial period to be designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, under the collective title Baroque Churches of the Philippines.

Stop 7

Casa Manila is a museum in Intramuros depicting colonial lifestyle during Spanish colonization of the Philippines. Casa Manila is a copy of an 1850s San Nicolas House that was once located in Calle Jaboneros.

What's not included

Personal souvenir

Personal snacks

Gratuities (Optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

FIL EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

Note:
1. Please confirm your port of call terminal (Pier 15 or Pier 13)
2. Our team will contact you before the tour to give you the details of approximate pick-up time.
3. Your tour guide will be in the hotel lobby with a "Don't Skip Manila" ID Card.

About Manila

Manila, the vibrant capital of the Philippines, is a dynamic blend of historic charm and modern urban life. Known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and diverse culinary scene, it offers a unique experience for every traveler.

Top Attractions

Intramuros

The historic walled city of Manila, Intramuros is a must-visit for its Spanish colonial architecture and rich history.

Historical Half to full day Free to PHP 500

Rizal Park (Luneta Park)

A historic urban park dedicated to the national hero Jose Rizal, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to PHP 50

Manila Ocean Park

A marine-themed park offering a variety of attractions, including an underwater world, marine exhibits, and interactive experiences.

Entertainment Half to full day PHP 500-1,500

Binondo

The world's oldest Chinatown, Binondo is a vibrant district known for its Chinese-Filipino heritage, delicious food, and historic sites.

Cultural Half to full day Free to PHP 500

National Museum of Fine Arts

A museum showcasing the finest examples of Filipino art, from the colonial period to contemporary works.

Museum 1-2 hours PHP 50

Must-Try Local Dishes

Adobo

A savory dish made with chicken or pork marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and other spices, then braised until tender.

Main Dish Can be made vegetarian or vegan by substituting meat with tofu or mushrooms.

Sisig

A sizzling dish made with chopped pork face, ears, and other parts, seasoned with calamansi, chili peppers, and onions.

Appetizer Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Halo-Halo

A popular Filipino dessert made with shaved ice, sweet beans, jellies, fruits, and topped with leche flan, ube halaya, and ice cream.

Dessert Can be made vegetarian or vegan by omitting dairy-based toppings.

Lechon

A whole roasted pig, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, often served during special occasions and festivals.

Main Dish Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Popular Activities

Canyoneering at Pagsanjan Falls Ziplining at Subic Bay Island hopping in Batangas Picnicking in Tagaytay Swimming at Laiya Beach Dining at Greenbelt Chapel Exploring Intramuros Visiting Binondo Chinatown

Best Time to Visit

December to February

This is the coolest and driest time of the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

22°C to 32°C 72°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Filipino (Tagalog), English
Widely spoken: English, Chinese (Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese), Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Philippine Peso (PHP)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Manila is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime, such as pickpocketing and scams, can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of strangers approaching you, especially in crowded areas
• Keep your valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services

Getting there

By air

Ninoy Aquino International Airport • 7 km from city center

By train

PNR Manila Station

By bus

Taft Avenue Terminal, Cubao Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Iconic and affordable, but can be crowded and slow.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Intramuros Binondo Makati Malate Quezon City

Day trips

Corregidor Island

46 km from Manila • Full day

A historic island fortress that played a significant role in World War II, offering a glimpse into the Philippines' wartime past.

Pagsanjan Falls

100 km from Manila • Full day

A stunning waterfall located in the province of Laguna, offering a picturesque and refreshing escape from the city.

Tagaytay

55 km from Manila • Half to full day

A popular weekend destination known for its cool climate, stunning views of the Taal Volcano, and a variety of dining and accommodation options.

Festivals

Sinulog Festival • Third Sunday of January Pistahan ng Pulilan • Last Sunday of April Ligaya sa Kalinga Festival • June 20-25

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Tagalog, such as 'kumusta' (hello) and 'salamat' (thank you), to show respect and appreciation for the local culture
Carry small denominations of PHP for convenience, as some establishments may not have change for large bills
Use app-based transportation services, such as Grab, for safer and more convenient travel, especially at night
Be patient and understanding, as the pace of life in the Philippines can be slower than in some Western countries
Try local delicacies and street food, but be cautious and choose vendors with high turnover and good hygiene practices