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EXPLORING the historic walled city of Intramuros can be a thrilling yet exhausting journey. With its enormous space, Intramuros offers diverse attractions and dining options.
Filled with well-preserved historic sites, horse-drawn carriages, local street foods, green nature, vibrant nightlife, and modern cafes and restaurants nestled in old buildings, this place was full of Instagrammable spots and unforgettable sights and experiences.
Intramuros is one of the perfect places in Manila for a romantic date, food trip, family expedition, or simply enjoying your own personal time.
Everyone has their own preference of foods, places, and vibes, but as a first time Generation Z traveler, the question should not initially start with where should I go but with how do I get around?
You should first decide on how you want to explore the area. You have the option to take a leisurely walk, hop on bicycles, ride a tricycle, go on express tours, or experience the famous kalesa.
Whether you want to slow down and savor the sights or speed things up with the guidance of someone, this guide will help you find the best transportation options for you and your budget.
For ₱1,000, you can enjoy an hour of traveling back in history as you sit back and listen to some historical facts about your stops from the coachman or kutsero. Pro tip: you can ride with friends to help split the charge.
Kalesa can accommodate 1 to 6 people, and it can bring you to at least 20 destinations including Casa Manila, Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral and other areas within and around Intramuros.
Just a reminder, beware and negotiate clearly with the coachmen because some of them may overcharge beyond the original fare.
The local tour guide in Bambike will guide you to 6 famous sites in Intramuros for 1 hour and 30 minutes, for ₱999 per person. The attractions include the ASEAN Garden in Puerta del Parian, Puerta Real Gardens, and Manila Cathedral.
At the end of the tour, complimentary local ice cream and cold towels are provided.
For those who do not know how or do not want to ride a bike, they also offer a bamboo sidecar with a trained operator, which costs ₱500.
To see more information and guidelines about their services, just visit their site here.
The ride costs ₱350 per person for 30 minutes. This fee covers the tour, and the drivers also provide some interesting facts about your destination, similar to kalesa.
However, like some kalesa rides, tricycle owners may also overcharge, so it is important to be cautious.
Bambike Ecotours does not only offer express tours but it also has rental bikes. You can rent a regular bike for ₱100 per hour. If you want some company, you can opt for a two-seater bike that costs ₱150 per hour.
Students can rent bikes for ₱50 per hour, while PWDs and senior citizens can avail them for P80.00.
You can also stop whenever you want and take as many pictures as you like. Aside from that, some landmarks are not far from each other. If it is far, it might only take a 20 to 30 minute walk from one place to another.
It is also best to walk in the afternoon or at night.
Now that you have the options on how you could go to places in Intramuros, you can now explore some historic places, cafes, restaurants, and other areas within the walled city.
As a Gen Z traveler, you are not just looking for any place but you are seeking for something that fits the aesthetic that you want. Whether you are into enriching experiences, Instagrammable sites, or cozy places, Intramuros has a spot for your likings.
To help you out, Republiasia listed some of the must-visit places in Intramuros that may match the Gen Z preferences.
Where to go?
These sites are some of the oldest churches in the Philippines and have withstood the test of time, surviving numerous disasters.
If you are interested in architecture and history, you will like these buildings. Additionally, you can also take a moment and pray while you are there.
Fort Santiago and Baluarte de San Diego are some of the places where several battles were held. Additionally, Fort Santiago is where Jose Rizal was imprisoned during the Spanish period. You can also find cannons and other materials used in wars when visiting both places.
By seeing these landmarks, you would be able to recognize their importance in history and gain insights into the hardships endured by the Filipinos at the hands of the Spaniards.
The entrance fee for both of the places is ₱75, while the discounted price is ₱50 per head.
At Casa Manila Museum, you can go back in time and experience the luxurious life of wealthy Filipinos in the past. You can even rent Filipiniana and Barong to fully immerse yourself in the Spanish period experience, for ₱150 per hour.
Another museum located in Intramuros is Museo de Intramuros. This exhibit features religious paintings and carvings but is temporarily closed for renovation along with Centro de Turismo Intramuros.
Centro de Turismo Intramuros is an interactive museum where you can travel to the past, present, and future for free.
Keep in mind that both Casa Manila Museum and Museo de Intramuros have an entrance fee of ₱75. Students, PWDs, and government employees are discounted so they can enter for only ₱50. However, these two sites are closed on Mondays, so make sure to visit from Tuesday to Sunday.
Where to eat?
Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant serves a mix of Filipino-Spanish cuisine with an elegant and romantic atmosphere. It is one of the most popular spots in Intramuros, known for its live cultural performances for the customers.
They offer a lunch buffet for ₱1,200 and ₱1,500 at night, per head. They also have a variety of Filipino classics like sisig, kare-kare, and other dishes priced between ₱300 to ₱500. It is better to go in groups or with families and share the bill.
If you are willing to splurge a bit, Illustrado is another great option. Some of their foods are good for 1 to 2 people, ranging from ₱250 to ₱900. They offer a selection of cakes, paella, pasta, and both local and foreign cuisine.
For a more affordable choice, consider going to Patio de Conchita. It is a fancier restaurant that offers affordable home-cooked Filipino dishes.
They have budget meals starting at ₱140 during lunch, which includes a main dish, veggies, rice, and a drink; and could go up to ₱900.
One popular spot on the list is the chicken place in Intramuros called The Walls. It is mostly visited by students and budget-conscious individuals, as it includes rice meals for only ₱109. Their best seller includes spicy chicken and creamy chicken sauce.
If you are fond of grilled foods, make sure to visit Pepito’s Chibugan sa Liempuhan, another hit among students because of its affordable prices. For only ₱99, you can have your sizzling foods with unli-rice and barbecue sauce.
And if worse comes to worst, you find yourself left with just ₱20, don’t worry! Because near the Lyceum of the Philippines University is a stall that offers various street foods such as kwek-kwek, isaw, adidas, fish balls, and more.
Papa Kape, located in Fort Santiago, offers some unique drinks inspired by classic Filipino flavors, which are their best sellers. These beverages range in price from ₱200 to ₱240. They also have standard drinks ranging from ₱100 to ₱200, as well as desserts priced between ₱60 to ₱80.
The cafe is air-conditioned, but it also has open-air seats under the trees.
Next up is Belfry Cafe, located beside the Manila Cathedral. This cafe is known for the gigantic bell hanging from the ceiling, which actually came from the church.
They offer a variety of drinks and snacks that include espresso, non-coffee drinks, frappe, tea, fruit coolers, pastries, cakes, and pasta, with prices ranging from ₱110 to ₱220. The cafe also has alfresco dining, where you can see the Manila Cathedral as you enjoy your food or drink.
Third on the list is La Cathedral Cafe, famous for its second-floor rooftop view of the Manila Cathedral. It is more beautiful during sunsets and at night due to the view. However, it is advisable to make a reservation before coming.
The prices in this cafe range from ₱90 to ₱900, with solo meals costing up to ₱450.
Lastly, Cold Treats is within Casa Manila grounds and offers affordable refreshments such as shakes, iced coffee, and tea ranging from ₱100 to ₱200. They also serve hot beverages along with sweet delicacies.
These cafes are perfect for hanging out spots, enjoying some time alone, and soaking in the ambiance.
With the number of options to choose from based on your preference and budget, it is also essential to plan your itinerary wisely. From packing the right items to dressing appropriately, this will allow you to savor every moment and maximize your experiences.
Thus, here are some tips that you should try:
Armed with knowledge and the right essentials, remember that you are a tourist, so you must savor every moment and discovery.
Whether you are alone or with your loved ones, take this opportunity to explore and appreciate the places you want. You might as well find the hidden treasure of Intramuros that may suit your taste and preference.
If things do not go as planned, find moments of serenity and make the most out of your journey!
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