Intramuros is the historic walled city built during Spanish colonial era. Nearby Manila Bay offers the famous Manila sunset and the Mall of Asia complex.

About Manila Bay / Intramuros (Old City)

Intramuros, the 'Walled City,' is the oldest district in Manila, a 64-hectare fortress city built by the Spanish colonizers in the late 16th century. Behind the massive stone walls and moats, cobblestoned streets connect the Manila Cathedral (rebuilt seven times after earthquakes and wars), San Agustin Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest stone church in the Philippines), Fort Santiago (the defense fortress where national hero José Rizal was imprisoned), and colonial-era plazas.

The Manila Bay waterfront, stretching from the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex to the Mall of Asia, is famous for its spectacular sunsets — locals and tourists gather along the Baywalk promenade each evening to watch the sun sink into the bay in a blaze of orange and purple. The recently rehabilitated Manila Baywalk has become a popular jogging and cycling route.

The surrounding Ermita and Malate districts, once Manila's tourist belt, house the National Museum complex (free admission) — including the National Museum of Fine Arts (home to Juan Luna's 'Spoliarium,' the Philippines' most celebrated painting), the National Museum of Natural History (with its stunning 'Tree of Life' atrium), and the National Museum of Anthropology. Rizal Park (Luneta), Manila's most important public park, stretches from Intramuros to the bay with gardens, monuments, and the Rizal Shrine.

Nearby Landmarks

Fort Santiago Manila Cathedral San Agustin Church Rizal Park National Museum

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost PHP 200-350 (USD 4-6)
Time 30-60 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost PHP 180-300 (USD 3-5)
Time 30-60 minutes

Grab from terminal arrivals

Train (LRT Line 1)

Cost PHP 20
Time 30 minutes
Frequency Every 5-10 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Take taxi/Grab to LRT Taft station (20 min). 2. Take LRT Line 1 northbound. 3. Exit at Central Terminal/United Nations station. 4. Walk to Intramuros.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi PHP 200-350 (USD 4-6) 30-60 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare PHP 180-300 (USD 3-5) 30-60 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train PHP 20 30 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Manila Bay sunset viewing is best at 5:30-6:30 PM. After dark, the Baywalk area is reasonably safe with increased security presence, but avoid unlit sections. Grab operates 24 hours in the area. Intramuros is quiet after 8:00 PM, with limited dining options (Barbara's restaurant is a notable exception). The National Museum closes at 5:00 PM. Late-night transport back to the airport via Grab costs PHP 200-400.

Luggage Tips

Intramuros is best explored on foot (or by kalesa horse-drawn carriage) — leave luggage at your hotel. Fort Santiago charges entrance but has no bag storage. The National Museum has coat/bag check areas. If visiting Intramuros directly from the airport, Grab can drop you at the Puerta Real entrance. The cobblestone streets make rolling luggage impractical. Rizal Park has no luggage storage facilities.

Accessibility

Intramuros presents accessibility challenges with cobblestone streets, high curb steps, and stairs at Fort Santiago and churches. San Agustin Church has a ground-floor accessible area. The National Museum buildings are modern and wheelchair accessible with elevators. Rizal Park is flat and paved. The Baywalk promenade is wheelchair-friendly. Manila Bay area hotels (Manila Hotel, Diamond Hotel) have accessible rooms. Kalesa rides are not wheelchair accessible.