Private Half-Day Shore Excursion Old Manila

Manila , Philippines

Private Half-Day Shore Excursion Old Manila

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About this experience

Explore Old Manila on this private half-day tour. Visit famous highlights such as Rizal Park, St. Agustin Church, among others. This tour is perfect to see the old city's highlights while freeing up your day for other activities.

Available options

Exploring Old Manila

Private Tour / ShorEx: Exploring Old Manila City Tour (Shore Excursion)<br/>Pickup included

What's included

All taxes, fees and handling charges

Local English speaking tour guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Pick up at the entrance/exit gate of pier 15 and commence with your tour. Visit Rizal Park, named in honor of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal.

Stop 2

After a picture stop, proceed to Intramuros to visit the remnants of Spain’s conquistadores.

Stop 3

Visit Fort Santiago, an old Spanish fortress located at the mouth of Pasig River, where great moments in Philippine history occurred.

Stop 4

Drive through the cobbled streets to San Agustin Church, the country’s oldest stone church, and view its wide collection of ecclesiastical icons, vestments and other religious articles.

Stop 5

Cross the street to Casa Manila, a reproduction of a 19th century house equipped with oriental and European décor, as well as Philippine antique furniture.

Then board a horse drawn carriage called ‘calesa’ and trot off to Chinatown in Binondo, crossing the Pasig River, and onto an alley that leads you to Binondo Church, another historical landmark built by the Spaniards in 1596. Alight at the church’s entrance for a brief stop, and walk towards Ongpin, a street visible by its Chinese-style arches at its entrance. Binondo’s commercial activity ranges from banks to retail and wholesale shops selling a variety of items, from Chinese curios and delicacies to textiles, jewelries and construction materials. A short walk brings you to numerous gold jewelry shops at the other end of Ongpin, whereupon sits an old Spanish fountain near the entrance to Sta. Cruz Church. Stop briefly at Sta. Cruz Church that was built in 1608 by the Jesuit priests, then move on to Escolta, located a few blocks away. Steep in history, it was once used as a convoy route by the British Navy from 1762 to 1764, and the shopping center of the elite during the Spanish and American regimes. Today, what is left of what was once known as the “Queen of Streets’ are two notable pre-World War II buildings, the Regina Building and the Perez-Samanillo Building. Spend some time exploring the area before returning to the port.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults

Children must be accompanied by an adult

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund

Important notes

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

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