Guided Tour of the Historic San Sebastian Basilica (Manila)

Manila , Philippines

Guided Tour of the Historic San Sebastian Basilica (Manila)

Active

Duration varies

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover San Sebastian Basilica, the first and only all-metal building in the Philippines, that sits in a quiet pocket of the historic Quiapo district in Manila. A crossroads of history and innovation, the 126-year-old Basilica was constructed by an international village: Belgian steel, German stained windows, a Spanish engineer, and Filipino art students from the turn of the century Philippines artfully transforming the metal interior into a design that stays true to the Gothic Revival style. The guided tour includes access to the church floor, the choir loft, and the hidden spaces not usually accessible to the public, like the attic and the belfries.

Explore to Restore! You can help us fund the long-overdue restoration of this historic building by booking a tour with us!

Available options

Full Admission Tour

What's included

Beverages / (1) bottled water per guest

Souvenir / (1) souvenir per guest

Bottled water

Professional guide

Private tour (upon request)

What you'll see

What to Learn
• A brief history of the Basilica and the historic Quiapo district, from the arrival of the Augustinian Recollects in the area in 1621 to the inauguration of the all-metal church in 1891
• The significance of the Basilica, the socio-cultural milieu that surrounds it, and how the Basilica was witness to and emblematic of a great paradigm shift in the turn of the century--in a nation ripe for revolution
• The current state of San Sebastian Basilica after 126 years and the restoration effort that's trying to conserve this historic building
• General knowledge and insight into the Basilica especially curated and collected by the restoration team

What to See
• Stained glass windows by the oldest stained glass company in Germany
• Gothic Revival architecture
• All-metal engineering from the Second Industrial Revolution, by a Spanish engineer and steel foundries in Belgium
• Wall and figural paintings by Filipino students and masters like Lorenzo Rocha, sabelo Tampinco, Lorenzo Guerrero, and Felix Martinez (the Father of Philippine Realism)
• The hidden spaces--the attics, the ceilings, and the bell towers
• A view of Manila from what used to be the highest point in the entire city

General Flow of the Regular Tours

We'll tell you all about the history of San Sebastian Basilica, and the hows and whys such an architectural feat touched Philippine shores and became a unique part of the landscape of colonial Manila.
• Meet-up at the front doors of the Basilica
• Explore the interior hall
• Go up to the choir loft
• Go up to the attics - climb the original wrought-iron spiral staircases, not usually accessible to the public!
• See beyond the vaulted ceilings - the unique feature of the Basilica you'd sooner expect from a ship than a church!
• Climb to the bell towers
• Finish the tour at the merchandise shop

Join-In Tour
• Schedule: Every Saturday of the month*, 10:00AM - 11:30AM
• Duration: 1 hour to 1 hour, 30 minutes
• Inclusions: one (1) bottled water, and (1) souvenir per guest*Except for blocked-off dates.

Private Tour (minimum 10 people to book)
• Schedule: Available upon request from Mondays to Fridays, flexible schedule for the mornings of those days
• Duration: 1 hour to 1 hour, 30minutes
• Inclusions: one (1) bottled water, and (1) souvenir per guest

What's not included

Transportation to/from attractions

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wheelchair accessible

Children must be accompanied by an adult

A minimum of 10 people per booking for private tours is required but for groups of less than that number may still participate by booking for 10 people

Not recommended for participants with asthma

Wheelchair accessible (up to the church floor only)

For private tours, availability of the church and tour guides on your preferred schedule cannot be checked without making a booking.

Operates in all weather conditions (except for high-alert typhoons and flooding), please dress appropriately.

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• If you will not be arriving at your destination within the specified reconfirmation period, please reconfirm with the local service provider prior to travel, or upon arrival at your destination. Please note that departure times and locations may vary slightly.
• Tour is wheelchair-accessible up to the church floor only. Not accessible for the choir loft, attics, and bell towers.
• For an overview of the restoration effort and the marketing campaign for San Sebastian Basilica, simply visit our Facebook page (@savessbasilica) or our official website at www.savesansebastian.org.
• For inquiries and concerns, call our office landline at +63 (2) 708 5122 or Ysabel (Tours Program Head) via mobile at +63 (905) 523 2123 (available on Viber, WhatsApp, and Telegram).

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