Intramuros – Where to go, where to eat in 2023?

Intramuros – Where to go, where to eat in 2023?

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Intramuros, also called as the “Walled City,” is a city full of culture and history dating back to Spanish-colonial era. You could wonder whether you’re still in the Philippines with its cobblestone streets and intact architecture from hundreds of years ago. Because of this, many tourists and locals who visit the city never forgo an Intramuros tour. It even outperformed some well known tourist destinations like The Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal in India, the Acropolis in Greece, and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Once you have a good understanding of the culture and history of the Philippines, you might want to go on an exploration to learn more about what the country has to offer tourists. Making a Philippines itinerary would be a wonderful place to start so that you don’t miss out on the top sights in the nation like this one.

THE FORT SANTIAGO

In the midst of the political and religious unrest that formerly plagued the Filipino people, the Fort Santiago of Intramuros was remarkably constructed. The legends that have persisted at the Fort Santiago complex for centuries are not something to take lightly. Think a hundred times and get familiar with life at the Fort Santiago centuries ago behind the façade and assumption that it is just another museum and a park for picnics and gatherings. We cannot dispute the truth that many Filipino soldiers, citizens, and even invaders of our nation perished in the expanse. About 600 captives died due to suffocation, hunger, and torture tucked in the dungeon of Intramuros’ Fort Santiago. Moreover, this is also where Dr. Jose Rizal (Philippines national hero) was imprisoned and executed in 1896.

This is to encourage respect and discipline while visitors are at Intramuros’ Fort Santiago, not to instill an uncomfortable feeling of terror. Indeed, the place is astounding in structure and history. So much that the visitors should pay respect while having fun at the same time.

  • Monday – Friday 9 AM – 8 PM (7 PM last entry)
  • Saturday – Sunday – 6 AM – 9 PM (8 PM last entry)
  • Entrance fee ranges from Php 50 – Php 75 (Discounted for student, Senior Citizen, PWD)
  • Can be paid through Cash, Pay Maya, and Gcash

BALUARTE DE SAN DIEGO

Baluarte de San Diego is a spade-shaped stronghold in Manila City’s historic district of Intramuros. Remains of a round watch tower constructed between 1586 and 1587 were used to build this fort. The structure was a part of the walled city’s defenses as a protection in invasions. It has undergone repairs and restorations since it was built after being damaged during wars and an earthquake. Nowadays, it has become a popular tourist destination serving as one of the reminders of Intramuros’ past. Along with the strong structure, a well-kept garden was constructed around the fort. The garden also has shady paths, a fountain, antique cannons, and buildings from the past centuries. The greatest time to visit Baluarte de San Diego is during the Philippines’ dry season, which typically lasts from December to May. You can see more of this stone structure during these months because there’s less possibility of rain.

In addition to being a popular tourist destination, Baluarte de San Diego is a fantastic location for weddings, pre-wedding picture shoots, and other events.

  • Monday – Sunday 8 AM – 5 PM (4 PM last entry)
  • Entrance fee ranges from Php 50 – Php 75 (Discounted for student, Senior Citizen, PWD)
  • Can be paid through Cash, Pay Maya, and Gcash

THE BAYLEAF SKYDECK CAFE

The Bayleaf Skydeck Cafe is a cozy cafe located on the topmost floor of the Bayleaf Hotel in the historic district of Intramuros. This is the place to go if you’re searching for a classy, romantic rooftop bar to take your date to. Furthermore, you might feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of customers you’ll deal with. Most of them are entrepreneurs and foreigners. So, dress whimsically in a suit with smart-casual sleeves or an evening gown to enhance the dining experience. There are other commoners, though, who are just taking it easy and enjoying themselves. The greatest time to go is around 5 PM when the sun starts to drop and the seascape turns into a glitter bed. Who wouldn’t like to eat while admiring a cityscape lit up by lights and a tranquil sea?

The restaurant is also open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and offers an a la carte menu as well as daily specials. The Bayleaf Cafe is known for its “Café 8” buffet, which offers a wide variety of international and Filipino dishes. The buffet is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and features live cooking stations where guests can watch their food being prepared.

LA CATHEDRAL CAFE

La Cathedral Cafe is a restaurant and coffee shop located in the historic district of Intramuros in Manila, Philippines. The cafe is known for its beautiful Spanish colonial-inspired interiors and serves a variety of food and drinks, including coffee, sandwiches, pasta, and Filipino dishes. La Cathedral Cafe is also popular for its picturesque view of the Manila Cathedral and nearby landmarks. This cafe just started opening its doors in 2016. Moreover, they serve a variety of cuisines, including Filipino, Italian, and Continental. They also offer a range of beverages, including coffee, tea, and fruit shakes. According to their official Facebook page, La Cathedral Cafe accepts both walk-ins and reservations. However, due to limited seating capacity and the current COVID-19 pandemic situation, it is recommended to make a reservation beforehand to ensure availability. Reservations can be made by contacting through their official Facebook page or by calling their contact number.

In addition to this, the cafe’s building, which was built in the early 1900s, was originally a printing press for a Spanish-language newspaper called “El Renacimiento”. The building was later used as a storage facility for the Intramuros Administration, the agency responsible for the preservation of the Intramuros district. The building was eventually restored and converted into the La Cathedral Cafe that we know today.

RIZAL PARK HOTEL

Rizal Park Hotel is a luxury hotel located in the historic district of Ermita in Manila, Philippines. The hotel is housed in a neoclassical building that was originally constructed in 1911 as the Army and Navy Club, a social club for American military officers. Today, the hotel offers 110 guest rooms and suites, as well as a range of amenities including a swimming pool, fitness center, and several restaurants and bars. The hotel is situated next to Rizal Park, one of the most famous landmarks in Manila, and a short distance away from other popular tourist attractions like Intramuros. Rizal Park Hotel has several restaurants and bars, including Café Rizal, which serves Filipino and international cuisine, and the Champagne Room, which offers fine dining in a luxurious setting. The hotel also has a rooftop bar and lounge called the Deck 1911, which offers stunning views of Manila Bay.

The hotel has several function rooms and event spaces, including a grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 400 guests. The hotel is a popular venue for weddings, conferences, and other special events.

  • Room ranges from Php 6,000 – Php 50,000 per night
  • They also have a rooftop swimming pool overlooking manila bay, a hair salon, a children’s playground, a spa, and a fitness center.
  • The casino is temporarily closed as of writing
  • Read more on this here: Rizal Hotel Manila – A Luxury Experience,

You might also check Top 3 Affordable Hotel-casino in Metro Manila, Metro Manila 5 Must-visit Roofdeck/Rooftop Resto-Bars and Intramuros Restaurant Hopping for other options.

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