Manila's Walled City: Intramuros Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Intramuros, a historic district of Manila City, is often called Old Manila—and it’s where the story of the Philippines truly begins. Book this tour if you’re curious to uncover the fascinating events and people that shaped Manila and the nation’s history.
This friendly and engaging walking tour takes you through over 400 years of history, from pre-colonial roots to Spanish rule, American annexation, Japanese occupation, and post-war Manila. If you have less than four hours but want a rich, easy-to-follow journey through Philippine history, this tour is perfect for you and your group.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This walking tour includes a moderate amount of walking. it is advised to wear comfortable clothing in a tropical climate.
Guests are advised to dress casual. A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No mini-shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago is a citadel first built by Spanish navigator and governor 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.
Rizal Shrine
José Rizal, one of the Philippine national heroes, was imprisoned here before his execution in 1896. The Rizal Shrine museum displays memorabilia of the hero in their collection and the fort features, embedded onto the ground in bronze, his footsteps representing his final walk from his cell to the location of the actual execution.
What‘s Included
English-speaking local tour guide
Bottled water
Snacks
Tips and gratuities
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Options
Intramuros Walking Tour
Duration: 3 hours: This tour usually takes 3 hours and might extend depending on the size of the tour. Average number of steps is 4,000 steps.
Refreshments: A local ice cream and bottled water will be served.
Walking Tour
Horse-drawn Carriage or Tram
Reviews
84 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Historic tour of old Manila with horse drawn carriage - a must see attraction if visiting Manila.
davecollins01,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Andrea was a great guide who communicated the rich history and culture of the Philippines. it was a lot of fun and very informative; I now have a basic understanding of the Philippine culture, history and its people. Very glad I took this tour. Thank you again Andrea!!!
Relaxing walking tour of Intramuros
hmnow,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A relaxing tour of Intramuros, our guide was organised, friendly, fun and informative. The tour was exactly as advertised. Would happily recommend to anyone interested in the history and context of Manila life.
A Must Take Tour
W6667SSmichaelf,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This is a must take tour. My guide, I believe her name was Ann also the girl in the picture, is a passionate Philippine native. Her oratory skills and explanation of the 400 years of history were fascinating. She also threw in some quirky jokes that showed the lighter side of life. There were times when she talked about the darker side of history here. I believe we should never forget the past and how we got here. Highly recommend
Fascinating Tour
samanthabR3722WW,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did a private tour with Denji (Jian Dennis Dolosa) who was excellent - extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his city. And he gave us some great halo-halo recommendations too! We’d absolutely call Denji again whenever we’re next back in Manila.
Not only would I recommend this, I already have.
craigsT8166XD,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic tour, probably the funnest tour group I have ever been with? The tour itself was very informative in a way that was easy to digest and enjoy. I learned a lot about Intramuros and Filipino history. This tour brought out my Filipino pride and I'm a middle aged white man 😂. The group I was with was singing along with the tour guide to her music and were even filmed by other tourists who clapped along as we Sang Manila( -Hotdog). Quite a fun experience.
Highly recommended Manila activity
Lissa B,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the only tour we booked during our trip to Manila and I'm so glad we did. The last time I went to Intramuros was when I was a young child so to come back as an adult, it felt different and I understood the history a lot better and appreciated the Philippine culture a lot more. We came a bit late but our tour guide was nice enough to wait for us. From the start of our tour, I thoroughly enjoyed the background, the insight, and the physical artifacts that supported the whole tour. Intramuros/Fort Santiago is a bastion of Philippines history and to be able to hear more about Jose Rizal's contribution to Philippines independence made me more proud to be Pilipino. Seeing the dungeon where many people suffered and perished was nothing short of heartbreaking. I can only imagine the pain and helplessness of those who were left in that dungeon. After that, I enjoyed the small break with our sorbetes (ice cream) and water. After Fort Santiago, we came to Manila Cathedral. It was also my first time seeing that church. It's not as big and grand as other cathedrals in other countries but the inside was very ornate and looks wonderful. It's amazing to see the headquarters of the Philippines Catholic Church. The kalesa ride was pretty fun. It was our first time. Also, to have a driver who knows the history of the area was an added bonus. He was also pretty funny so we had a great time while riding the kalesa. After the ride, we ended up in San Agustin Church. When we got there, there was a baptism that was happening so we weren't able to get in but we still got a historical lesson of the church. Last but not least, we got to see the Plaza San Luis Complex where a grand house was set up to look how it was back during the Spanish colonial times. It was great seeing antique furniture and all the accoutrements that were used back in the day. It was also interesting to see how this mansion came about. I won't get into more detail for potential people who want to do this activity but you will be surprised. Overall, I highly recommend this activity, especially if it's your first time in Manila or you're just curious. Our tour guide was awesome, engaging, and very knowledgeable.
Great tour
Jan R,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Interesting & informative. Our guide was very enthusiastic & had a sense of humour. Well worth doing.
Outstanding Tour!
Michael N,,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Ann provided a comprehensive tour and history of the Philippines—truly outstanding & highly recommended!
A must do in Manila
sean-barbour,,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great way to learn about Manilas' rich cultural history. Anne was an amazing guide she was full of interesting facts and her charming social ability made it feel like a friend was showing us around (an extremely well informed friend 😉) Every sight we seen added another layer in explaining how Manila became the melting pot it is today. We also took the china town food tour which I highly reccomend, everything was tasty and each bite told a further story of Manila. I will be recommending this to everyone I know who's visiting the city.
Avoid this attraction nothing to see
Mark W,,Oct 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Most of the attractions were closed and under construction nothing to see a long journey to visit Intramuros waste of time Avoid the place and do something else !! On top of this they have a bad attitude and charge full price for a guided tour with little to see 🤨
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