Intramuros Manila

Spend an afternoon exploring the old Spanish city of Intramuros which was built as a fortress in the 16th century and eventually destroyed at the end of the 2nd world war as the Americans ended the Japanese occupation. The city was exclusively for the rich, the state buildings, churches, courts, hospitals and the cobbled streets still remain today.Walk on parts of the restored walls, several metres high and a few metres thick. Immigration office is here and the General Post Office, both near the Jones Bridge. It is surrounded by a golf course and if you are approaching from Malate you will probably enter the gate and walk down General Luna Street. Inside the walls are many attractions such as Fort Santiago, Rizal's Shrine, San Agustin Church and museum, Manila Cathedral, many small plazas and modern restaurants, most of which blend in with the surrounding buildings. You can rent a Kalesa (horse and cart) to tour around the place, or you can take a leisurely stroll. The visitors centre is just outside Fort Santiago where you can obtain a map of the old city. If you are coming by the LRT/MRT get off the train at Central and it will be a few minutes walk to the old city