The 10 Best Historical & Heritage Tours in Manila, Luzon

February 24, 2022 Claudia Navarrete

Metropolitan Manila encompasses six cities and 12 towns. Located on Manila Bay in the South China Sea, and bisected by the Pasig River, the capital of the Philippines is historic and modern, rich and poor. A popular sight is the walled area called Intramuros. The capital during Spanish colonization, Intramuros has retained old dungeons and gunpowder rooms but added art galleries and theaters. The city is filled with museums, shops, parks and churches, plus enough nightlife to last until dawn.
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1. Intramuros: History of Old Manila | Manila Walking Tours

Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines Don't Skip Manila City Tours
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Intramuros, a district of Manila City, is also known as the Old Manila. Book this tour if you want a full-history tour about the story of Manila and the important events that shaped the Philippine history. This walking tour tell the story of the Manila - from the pre-colonial times, Spanish Colonization, American annexation, Japanese Occupation and the post-war Manila. If you have less than 4 hours but you want to hear more than 400 years of Philippine history, this is the tour for you and your group.

Inclusions: Bottled water, English-speaking local tour guide, Snacks

Exclusions: Tips and gratuities, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Horse carriage ride

Reviewed By Traveling_Cuffs

This is perfect for a day you wish to escape the sun or get out of the rain. There are numerous floors (3-4) that are quite spacious. The art starts with the really old and moves through to modern and and sculpture. Some of the earlier stuff I'd never heard of the artists, not did I particularly like their work. However you still learn about the history of the Filipinos which is the point. Not a great place to visit for high energy kids as there isn't much to do aside from look quietly at pictures.

2. Intramuros: History of Old Manila | Manila Shore Excursion

Don't Skip Manila City Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

"Intramuros: History of Old Manila" is a tour walled city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. This tour is best for guest who want to know the history of Manila and the Philippines. This is a history-and-culture-anchored tour that involves part walking, horse-back riding and museum visits. We curated this tour to tell more than 400 years of history in more or less 4 hours.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Kalesa (Horse-drawn carriage) Ride, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Personal souvenir , Personal snacks, Gratuities (Optional)

Reviewed By Traveling_Cuffs

This is perfect for a day you wish to escape the sun or get out of the rain. There are numerous floors (3-4) that are quite spacious. The art starts with the really old and moves through to modern and and sculpture. Some of the earlier stuff I'd never heard of the artists, not did I particularly like their work. However you still learn about the history of the Filipinos which is the point. Not a great place to visit for high energy kids as there isn't much to do aside from look quietly at pictures.

3. Introduction to Philippine History

San Agustin Church, General Luna St, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines Explore Manila Tours
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Intramuros was the heart of the archipelago for hundreds of years, here we begin a crash course in Philippine history. A glimpse at the Philippines' colonial past and how the events of history has shaped the current Philippines. Join us on this adventure through the old city of Manila as we take routes less traveled and discover wonderful corners and side streets very few get to see.

Inclusions: Bottled water, All Entrance Fees

Exclusions: Gratuities, Private transportation

Reviewed By laura18652020

This tour was very informative and well put together with an amazing tour guide. I hope to be returning to Manila in the future and will definitely sign up for another guided tour.

4. Travel Back In Time At Intramuros

Casa Manila, plaza sans luis complex, General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines Rainbow Asia
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

A tour of Intramuros can easily be done individually, but for an immersive experience, having a professional guide is an advantage. We are a team of Department of Tourism Trained Guides. Not included in the attractions listed are unique stops that can include liqueur tasting made from locally sourced ingredients or Sampaguita Ice Cream sampling. Sampaguita (Philippine Jasmine) is the national flower of the country characterised by its delicate features and scent.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Snacks

Exclusions:

Reviewed By VaidyaVikrant

Bar crawling is a different word but if u have less time and u wish to explore a lot of essence this tour may be helpful.Crawling through the sky scrappers ,various bar on heights and exploring the atmosphere is a beautiful different experience..

5. 1.5-Hour Express Bike Tour in Intramuros (tour using a bamboo bicycle!)

Real Street, Real St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines Bambike Ecotours Intramuros
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4.9 based on 24 reviews

Cycle around historic walled city of Manila on a bamboo bike! In 1.5 hours you will get to visit 6 famous sites in Intramuros. You'll also have enough time to wander around these sites: explore the ASEAN Garden in Puerta del Parian, pose for a picture in Puerta Real Gardens, or observe the locals in Manila Cathedral. This tour is done in small groups, and is lead by locals passionate about sharing their country's stories. Everyone can participate in this tour! It's a relatively laid back biking experience, with alternative modes of transport for those who aren't comfortable biking. A Bambike side car with trained operator is only 1,000 PHP for up to 2 people, while a regular side car with trained operator is only 600 PHP for up to 2 people.

Inclusions: Local guide, Tour escort/host, Use of Bamboo bicycle, Use of helmet, Use of sunscreen or rain ponchos (when needed), Gratuities

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By Ingemuis

We had a wonderfull and educational biking tour through Intramuros. Very friendly and capable staff. Also very good bikes and guides. We had Jojo as our guide and another collegue biked in front of us to stop vehicles so we could safely cross the roads.

6. Intramuros: History of Old Manila | Manila Walking Tours (with transportation)

Don't Skip Manila City Tours
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4.9 based on 9 reviews

Intramuros, a district of Manila City, is also known as the Old Manila. Book this tour if you want a full-history tour about the story of Manila and the important events that shaped the Philippine history. This walking tour tell the story of the Manila - from the pre-colonial times, Spanish Colonization, American annexation, Japanese Occupation and the post-war Manila. If you have less than 4 hours but you want to hear more than 400 years of Philippine history, this is the tour for you and your group.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Museum entrance fees, All Fees and Taxes, Local guide, Horse-drawn carriage ride, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities, Personal snacks and souvenir

Reviewed By Traveling_Cuffs

This is perfect for a day you wish to escape the sun or get out of the rain. There are numerous floors (3-4) that are quite spacious. The art starts with the really old and moves through to modern and and sculpture. Some of the earlier stuff I'd never heard of the artists, not did I particularly like their work. However you still learn about the history of the Filipinos which is the point. Not a great place to visit for high energy kids as there isn't much to do aside from look quietly at pictures.

7. Manileño For A Day

Zula Hostel, 7840 Makati Ave, Corner P. Guanzon, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila, Philippines flyeast Philippines
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4.4 based on 5 reviews

This is Manila. It’s a city filled with history from different influences: Spanish, Chinese, and of course, Filipino. Experience Manila like a local and explore the inner streets to get a first-hand glimpse of the everyday life of Filipinos. The Manileño Tour will take you around Manila in the best way we know how: via commute. A visit to Manila is not complete without riding a jeepney and a kalesa (Filipino horse carriage). Tour around the Spanish walls of Intramuros, busy markets of Divisoria, cultural streets of Chinatown, and momentous grounds of Rizal Park.

Inclusions: Lunch

Exclusions: Use of bicycle, Soda/Pop, Coffee and/or Tea, Snacks, Alcoholic Beverages

8. Manila Old and New: Sightseeing Tour Including Intramuros and Fort Santiago

Fairmont, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines Baron Travel Day Tours
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4.3 based on 87 reviews

Immerse yourself in Manila’s past and present as you travel by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle through the City of Makati and on to Old Manila. Step back in time as you stroll through ancient ruins in historic Intramuros, where you’ll visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago. From your expert and friendly local guide, hear about the Philippines’ interesting Spanish colonial period, as well as its modern-day culture.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off on selected hotels only, Transport by air-conditioned vehicle, Local English-speaking guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Maria C

It was a great trip! Very nice views. Very knowledgeable guide who told us a lot about the Philippines and its history and information about Manila and Taal Vulcano. Comfortable travell. The lunch was good with a lovely view over Taal volcano island.

9. Virtual Tour: History at the Walled City [Intramuros, Manila]

Don't Skip Manila City Tours
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4.3 based on 4 reviews

During the early times, Manila refers to the entire walled city of Intramuros. This virtual tour will cover most of the visited tourist attractions of Intramuros. We will e-xplore or virtually tour this Spanish citadel that was founded in 1571 where your virtual tour guide will tell you stories of its 400-year history. This is the first historical virtual tour of Manila by Don't Skip Manila Tours. The tour is best to take if you are keen on learning the history of Manila and Philippines while e-xploring Intramuros in the conforts of your home.

Inclusions: Live virtual tourist guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Traveling_Cuffs

This is perfect for a day you wish to escape the sun or get out of the rain. There are numerous floors (3-4) that are quite spacious. The art starts with the really old and moves through to modern and and sculpture. Some of the earlier stuff I'd never heard of the artists, not did I particularly like their work. However you still learn about the history of the Filipinos which is the point. Not a great place to visit for high energy kids as there isn't much to do aside from look quietly at pictures.

10. Private Old and New Manila City Tour

Withlocals
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4.2 based on 9 reviews

You are invited to discover the city Manila with your local guide and get to know the city from its history to the modern aspects of this developed city. On this private experience your guide will show you the highlights and insights of this beautiful city. Meet the locals in a public market or make a trip to China town.

Inclusions: Private tour with local driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle, Local Guide, Entrance tickets

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Personal expenses

Reviewed By debro23

I had the pleasure of taking three tours during my time in Cebu. A food tour, an adventure tour, and a Bohol tour. While Jessie was not available in December, he not only still set up personal tours for me but recommended two great guides to take his place. Both guides were great and made it an awesome trip. Jessie always stayed in touch to make sure everything was going great. They always made adjustments to make sure I had the most enjoyable time. I would highly recommend using Jessie for your tours.

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