THE historic walled city of Intramuros is once again competing to take home the “World’s Leading Tourist Attraction” title at the 2023 World Travel Awards (WTA).

The Intramuros Administration announced this in its social media posts and said that Intramuros is “on a mission to reclaim the crown it proudly held in 2020.”

In another post, the administration highlighted the importance of winning such an award. 

It said that the prestigious title will not only boost tourism in the historical site, but also the “morale and recognition of every tour guide, kutchero, pedicab driver/guide, museum, restaurant, hotel, and every hardworking tourism stakeholder.”

The award will also serve as a gratitude for the contributions of each individual and establishment in making the historical site world-class, it added.

So what can be found inside the walled city of Intramuros that makes visitors go back, and why should it win the “World’s Leading Tourist Attraction” award?

The Walled City 

Entering Intramuros feels like you have been transported back to the old Manila, during the Spanish colonial period. 

Built in 1571, the historical gem served as a home to Spanish government officials and elites. The walls were built to protect the city from foreign invasion, having only eight original gates.

A lot of changes have happened over the past years, but one can still visibly see the Spanish influence in the area, with the presence of neoclassical buildings, kalesa, and guwardiya sibil, among others.

The walled city houses various historical landmarks such as Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Baluarte de  San Diego, Casa Manila, Plaza de Roma, Puerta Real Gardens, Cuartel De Sta. Lucia, and Palacio Del Gobernador.

It is also home to various educational institutions such as Lyceum of the Philippines University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Mapua University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and Manila High School.

Intramuros has become a popular tourist attraction, especially to the young generation, because of many establishments, such as restaurants and cafes, that have opened on the historic site.

One of the famous cafes in the area is La Cathedral Cafe. The place gives its diners a stunning view of the Manila Cathedral, which makes it a perfect spot for a date night.

Aside from pedicabs and kalesa, visitors can now stroll in Intramuros via bamboo bike rentals with Bambike Ecotours.

To-do in Intramuros

There are many other things to do inside the walled city of Intramuros. Of course, first on the list is to have a deeper understanding of Philippine history through visiting the historic landmarks.

You may bond with your family and friends as you spend time in places like Puerta del Parian while enjoying nature.

Intramuros also gives its visitors the opportunity to meet and connect with new people through a variety of activities, including exhibitions, workshops, learning sessions, and other events.

In addition to the to-do list in Intramuros are the free guided tours that the Intramuros Administration offers to visitors. It recently held a free guided night tour in Fort Santiago as part of its Halloween activities.

It is also fun to discover a lot of good hangout spots like Papakape, Café Intramuros, ColdTreats Café, and The Royal Cafe, while being surrounded by many pieces of history.

You may opt to go on a food trip as Intramuros offers a wide selection of places to eat, ranging from restaurants to food stalls and carts.

Support Intramuros

Filipinos can help Intramuros reclaim the “World’s Leading Tourist Attraction” title by casting their votes via the WTA website.

After creating an account, the voter should select “World’s Leading Tourist Attractions” from the list of categories under the “World” region to vote for Intramuros.

The Intramuros Administration believes that the walled city deserves to take home the award as it stands out for its “unparalleled fortification and historical significance.”

“It offers an enriching experience that is both educational and culturally significant, making it a deserving contender for the title of ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2023,’” it said.

Voting is until November 17, 2023.