With its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and Spanish era landmarks, there’s no place quite like Intramuros. Compact and walkable, this renowned Manila destination offers tourists a glimpse into the country’s colonial history during a visit to the capital.
While it’s easy enough to explore on foot, if you want to see it all (and skip the sunburn), there are plenty of fun and unique ways to explore the Walled City’s historic corners. From vintage rides to modern, electric-powered tours, here’s a quick guide to the best ways to tour Intramuros.
Ride a kalesa
Nothing says “classic Intramuros” like a ride on a kalesa – horse-drawn carriages that once served as the main mode of transport during the colonial era. Today, riding a kalesa is the quintessential experience for first-time tourists, balikbayan, and families with young kids looking for a novelty experience.
Your kutsero (coachman) doubles as a local guide, pointing out landmarks and sharing stories as you trot past Fort Santiago and Plaza San Luis. Each kalesa can fit up to six people, with standard hourly rates applying for tours.
Rates: ₱1,000/hour (regular), ₱800/hour (discounted for students, seniors, and PWDs)
Hop on a tranvia
Step back into the early 1900s aboard a tranvia, a modern replica of the old streetcars that once ran through Manila. The tranvia is ideal for larger groups, company outings, or touring around VIPs in style. Just imagine sightseeing in an open-air tram with your friends and family on this stylish ride.
The tranvia can seat up to 20 passengers. However, to ensure availability, it must be booked at least five days ahead of your planned visit. The fee includes the driver and fuel, and you can customize your route within Intramuros.
Rates: ₱1,200/hour; ₱4,000 (4 hours); ₱8,000 (8 hours)
Go on a Bambike tour
If you prefer a more active and eco-friendly adventure in Intramuros, join a Bambike Ecotour. This guided experience will have you hopping aboard handcrafted bamboo bicycles made by the Gawad Kalinga community, pedaling past landmarks while learning about Manila’s heritage. Head to the Bambike HQ at Plaza San Luis Complex across San Agustin Church to pick a bike to rent.
Choose from four themed guided tours, designed to fit your free time: the 1.5-hour Express Tour, the 2.5-hour Intramuros Experience, the golden-hour Sunset Tour, or the evening Night Tour, which comes with drinks and skyline views.
If you prefer to discover sights at your own pace without a guide, you can also rent a bike for a DIY spin around the Old Walled City.
Rates: ₱999–₱1,799 for guided tours; ₱50–₱100/hour for rentals
Cruise on an E-chariot
Don’t know how to ride a bike or find it too hot to pedal? Try the futuristic e-chariot, a self-balancing electric vehicle, offered by White Knight Hotel. E-chariots are easy to use and ideal for those who want a breezy, effortless tour to get around the area without breaking a sweat.
Rates: E-Chariot tours start at ₱500/hour.
Take a pedicab
For a budget-friendly option, hop on a pedicab, the Filipino version of a cycle rickshaw. These pedal-powered rides can squeeze through narrow lanes and hidden alleys and pass pedestrianized lanes, so it’s the most ideal option for hopping from one area to the next for one to two passengers. Drivers often offer short sightseeing tours at affordable hourly rates.
Rates: ₱20 per trip; ₱400/hour (₱320 discounted)
Hitch a ride on an e-trike
Alternatively, you can hop on an e-trike – three-wheeled electric vehicles that comfortably fit up to eight passengers. You can charter one for a guided heritage tour or hail a ride using the Pickapp e-trike app within Intramuros if you prefer.
Rates: ₱25 (regular ride); ₱800/hour (Intramuros Tour)
Explore on foot
The best way to experience Intramuros is still the simplest: by walking. Most attractions are just 10 to 15 minutes apart, with newly pedestrianized streets like General Luna offering safe, car-free paths for leisurely exploration. Stroll along the ramparts for sweeping views, pop into heritage museums, or stop for taho from a street vendor.
Better yet, join in on a guided walking tour with knowledgeable guides providing unique history and insight on the various landmarks. Free walking tours with DOT-accredited guides are held every Saturday and Sunday at two locations: Fort Santiago and Casa Manila.
Tourists can join free tours at 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, with 25 slots available per batch. These tours are for walk-ins only, on a first-come, first-served basis. Register at the Intramuros Visitors Center for the Fort Santiago tour and the stairway entrance of Casa Manila for the museum tour.
