Intramuros Sights and Attractions With Free Admission

Intramuros, a name derived from the Spanish word meaning “within walls,” was Manila when it was established in 1521 until 1898 when Spanish rule finally ended in our country. It has continued to be one of the best showcases of Filipino history and culture during that era. If you have not had a chance to visit, let this serve as your guide.

For the upcoming holidays, be sure to check out these key dates for observance of New Year's Mass occuring within the Manila Cathedral:

New Year’s Eve Mass: December 31, Tuesday, 8:30 p.m. (presided by Archbishop Cardinal Tagle)

New Year’s Day Mass: January 1, Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 6:00 p.m.

Intramuros sites and museums with free admission

Museo de Intramuros

Schedule: 9 AM to 5 PM, Wed-Sun

Opened on May 2, 2019, Museo de Intramuros has various colonial and religious art and historical memorabilia on display. It explores how art and the expression of culture evolved from Filipino pre-colonial roots towards the Spanish-influenced artistry, and how the Filipino gave as much as it received in terms of art.

NCCA Gallery

Schedule: 9 AM to 5 PM Daily

Contact: 8527-2192 (loc. 324 & 328) | nccagallery09@gmail.com

The NCCA Gallery focuses the Filipino’s influence and contribution to modern art. It allows new artists a venue to showcase their works in a public setting; with the most recent exhibition call finishing earlier this year for an upcoming 2020 artist exhibition.

Likha-an Center for Philippine Traditions

Schedule: 10 AM to 5 PM, Tues-Sun

Contact: likhaan.puertareal@gmail.com

With a new modern art museum being established in Intramuros, so too comes a new art space for traditionally made Filipino works. The Likha-an Center for Philippine Traditions is a cultural center showcases indigenous Filipino works, performances, and events. This gives a fantastic perspective into the early pre-colonial artistry and culture that continues today.

Instituto Cervantes de Manila

Schedule: 9 AM to 5 PM, Mon-Sat

Contact: 8526-1482 | cenmnl@cervantes.es

The Instituto Cervantes de Manila is a non-profit organization that focuses on the promotion of Spanish culture and language. It holds various classes and cultural events related to music, poetry, theater, among others.

Intramuros sites with admission fee

Fort Santiago/Rizal Shrine/iMake History Fortress

Price: PHP 75 Adult | PHP 50 Student/Senior/Child

Schedule: 8 AM to 7 PM daily

Contact: 8527-2961 | intramuros.tourism@gmail.com

The former Spanish garrison base is now home to historical displays, such as Jose Rizal’s Shrine in memory of his time imprisoned in Fort Santiago. It also has a new attraction, the iMake History Fortress, which is a world-first LEGO-based historical education display depicting the various landmarks found in Intramuros.

San Agustin Museum

Price: PHP 200 Adult | PHP 160 Student/Senior/Child

Schedule: 8 AM to 12 PM, 1 PM to 6 PM, Daily

Contact: 8714-6889, 8714-7470 | museosanagustin.manila@gmail.com

Situated adjacent the San Agustin Church (do not miss dropping by this beautiful place of worship), the museum contains large scale religious artworks and sculptures within what was previously used as friar bed chambers. Be sure to check out the second floor, which allows you to see the San Agustin church from above and gives you a perfect view of the optical illusion found on the ceiling. It mimicks a carved ceiling that is actually a realistic painting made to fool audiences (a Trompe-l’œil).

Casa Manila

Price: PHP 75 Adult | PHP 50 Student/Senior/Child

Schedule: 9 AM to 6 PM Daily except Mondays

Contact: 8527-4084, 8527-4088 | casamanila1@gmail.com

Just opposite the San Agustin Church is Casa Manila, a museum made to look like a house constructed in 1850. The museum itself is split into a colonial-Filipino floor plan, with rooms such as the sala, despacho, cusina and others providing attendees a view into what life was like during the Spanish colonial times.

Bagumbayan Light and Sound Museum

Price: PHP 150 Adult/Student/Child* | PHP 120 Senior*

*Needs a minimum 10 attendees per show

Schedule: 9 AM to 6 PM Daily**

**Needs reservation prior to attending

Contact: 8524-2827, 0919-469-6809 | intramuros.tourism@gmail.com

One of the more modern attractions in Intramuros, the Bagumbayan Light and Sound Museum utilizes a combination of lights, wax figures, and sounds to illustrate Philippine life from pre-colonial times up to the life and death of Dr. Jose Rizal. This is one attraction best suited for friends and large families as it requires a minimum of 10 people to attend.

Intramuros goes beyond what is listed above, and really deserves the attention it gets as a staple tourist destination. Despite it being a walled city, it has been more open than ever in showcasing the rich culture that lies at the heart of our history. Both young and old patrons will find something here they can relate with, and learn a thing or two regarding what the Filipino culture was like even then.

For more information on these attractions and many others, you can visit their website or their Facebook page.