Fort Santiago: Our most recommended tours and activities
1. Manila: Old & New 4-Hour City Tour
Come along for a tour of Manila's past and present. The tour starts right in the heart of the country's financial center - the City of Makati. First stop is Nielsen's Tower along Ayala Boulevard. Drive through Forbes Park, an exclusive residential enclave fittingly dubbed Millionaire's Row on your way to our first stop – The American Cemetery and Memorial - reputed to be the largest and most beautiful of American memorials outside the Continental United States. Then proceed to the old city of Manila via scenic Roxas Boulevard (also known as Dewey Boulevard in the recent past), passing through Luneta Park (also called Rizal Park in memory of the country's national hero) on your way to the "Walled City" of Intramuros. Here you will see ancient walls, church ruins and other relics of the Spanish Conquistadores. Travel through the cobbled streets to San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country. Then we wrap the tour up with a visit to Fort Santiago, a Spanish fortress that watched over the entrance to Manila's Pasig River. It was here that our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal spent his last days and where he wrote his famous "My Last Farewell."
2. Manila: Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros
Get on your bamboo bike made by local craftsmen to explore all major historical sites of Intramuros, the historical district of Manila. Start your tour by picking the best bambike that fits you. Start your tour with the guide by riding to Plaza San Luis, a complex inside Intramuros where you can find a Japanese cannon used in World War II. Spend time listening to your guide's explanation about Intramuros's history at Puerta Real Gardens, surrounded by local fauna. The next stop is Puerta Del Parian, one of the earliest gateways to Intramuros. You will then be directed to the Aduana Building, Manila Cathedral and Plaza de Roma, the historic center of Spanish colonial times of Manila. Refresh yourself with a cold towel and an ice cream after the tour!
3. Full-Day Manila City, Tagaytay Taal Volcano and Lake Tour
The tour starts with a drive up to the picturesque City of Tagaytay. Located on a ridge 2,250 feet above sea level, the city offers panoramic views of Taal Lake and Volcano, the "lake within a volcano within a lake within a volcano". This view is best savored from atop the Palace in the Sky, rest house of late President Ferdinand Marcos. Enjoy a brief lunch stop at a local restaurant to enjoy some local cuisine and delicacies in an atmosphere designed for panoramic views. Then we start our drive back down to Metro Manila. First stop is the American War Memorial & Cemetery, the largest and most beautiful of American memorials outside the Continental U.S. Have a glimpse of Makati's hustle and bustle as you drive through on your way to the capital city - Manila via scenic Roxas Boulevard (also known as Dewey Boulevard in the recent past) passing through Rizal Park (named in memory of the country's national hero) on your way to the "Walled City" of Intramuros. Here you will see ancient walls, church ruins and other relics of the Spanish Conquistadors. Travel through old cobbled streets to San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the country. The tours wraps up at Fort Santiago, a Spanish fortress that once watched over the entrance to Pasig River. It was here that our national hero Dr. Jose Rizal spent his last days and where he wrote his famous "My Last Farewell."
4. Manila: Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros
Get on a bamboo bike made by local craftsmen to explore all the major historical sites of Intramuros, the historical center of Manila. Discover local sites like Fort Santiago, Plaza de Roma, and Puerta del Parian. Start your tour by picking the best bambike for you and put on your helmet before you hit the streets. Follow your guide from Casa Manila, a museum focused on the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. Ride to the Japanese Cannon and learn about the city's World War II history. Listen as your guide explains Intramuros's history at Puerta Real Gardens, surrounded by local fauna. The next stop is Puerta Del Parian, one of the earliest gateways to Intramuros. Continue to the Aduana Building, the Manila Cathedral, and Plaza de Roma, the historic center of colonial Manila. Finally, stop at the Bayleaf Hotel Skydeck to watch the sunset before returning to the meeting point at around 6:30 PM. Refresh yourself with a cold towel and an ice cream after your tour.
5. Manila: Filipino Historic Walking Tour in Intramuros
Meet your guide and dive into the history of the Philippines, beginning with the oldest stone church in the country. Hear about how and why the Spanish ended up on this side of the world, as well as the everlasting marks they left after over 300 years of occupation. Next, cross the street and enter an expertly restored, 19th-century aristocrats' home and marvel at the furnishings and design, located at the point where east and west influences meet. Make your way toward a rarely visited part of the historic wall of Intramuros and catch a glimpse into its marvelous past. Then, step into the history museum, which offers further insight into Manila's old city and its history intertwined with the Catholic Church. Continue onward through the narrow streets, making a quick stop at the WWII memorial to hear about the role of the Philippines in the war. Another quick stop at the Cathedral that represents the seat of the Catholic Church in the Philippines Then we learn about the Filipino's fight for independence at the old military garrison.
Manila: Old & New 4-Hour City Tour
Manila: Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros
Full-Day Manila City, Tagaytay Taal Volcano and Lake Tour
Manila: Guided Sunset Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros
Manila: Filipino Historic Walking Tour in Intramuros
Top Attractions in Manila
1 San Agustin Church
2 Rizal Park
3 The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
4 Puerta del Parian
5 Aduana Building
6 Roxas Boulevard
7 Plaza de Roma
8 Nielson Tower
9 Puerta Real Gardens
10 American Cemetery and Memorial
11 Japanese Cannon
12 Memorare Manila 1945
13 Sky Deck View Bar
14 Plaza San Luis Complex
15 Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport
16 Luneta Park
17 Museum of Jose Rizal
18 Museum of Intramuros
19 Quiapo Market, Manila
20 Casa Manila
Things to Do in Fort Santiago
1 Fort Santiago Tours
2 Fort Santiago Culture & history
3 Fort Santiago Architecture
4 Fort Santiago Castle & palace tours
5 Fort Santiago Landmarks & monuments
6 Fort Santiago Garden & park tours
7 Fort Santiago Activities
8 Fort Santiago Outdoor activities
9 Fort Santiago Guided tours
10 Fort Santiago Religious & spiritual activities
11 Fort Santiago Underground & catacombs
12 Fort Santiago Cemetery tours
13 Fort Santiago Viewing points
14 Fort Santiago Day trips
15 Fort Santiago Nature & adventure
16 Fort Santiago Volcano tours
17 Fort Santiago Natural Attractions & National Parks
19 Fort Santiago Bike tours
20 Fort Santiago Meet the locals
Cities in Philippines
1 Boracay
2 Puerto Princesa
3 Manila
4 El Nido
5 Coron
6 Cebu City
7 Tagbilaran City
8 Legazpi City, Philippines
9 Oslob
10 Kalibo
Other Sightseeing Options in Fort Santiago
Want to discover all there is to do in Fort Santiago? Click here for a full list.
What people are saying about Fort Santiago
Our guide Steven provided us very good and interesting overview of the history of Manila and Philippines. I really enjoyed this experience and I think it is the best way to get to know Manila's history and to see historical part of it if you are staying in the city only for couple of nights, like it was in my case.
Manila: Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros Reviewed by VIKTORIJA, 1/7/2023
Steven was great at summarizing the fairly dark history of Manila and Intramuros. The bike ride was easy and are constantly safe. Highly recommend this tour if you want a fun way to explore the city.
Manila: Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros Reviewed by Lea, 1/7/2023
Our tour guide, Rolando (RJ) was awesome. The other folks on the tour were also awesome. Learned a lot about my birthplace and also have a good list of places I want to try for food.
Manila: Old & New 4-Hour City Tour Reviewed by Michael, 1/4/2023
Our guide Steven told us a lot about the history of the Philippines an Manila and answered all the questions with patience. It was a great tour and I'd definitely do it again! :)
Manila: Historical Bamboo Bike Tour in Intramuros Reviewed by carmen, 1/3/2023
It was awesome!!! They pick us up from our hotel, great driver n tour guide.
Manila: Old & New 4-Hour City Tour Reviewed by Giovani, 12/29/2022
Things to do in Manila