ManilaMetroRoute.com
🏰

Historical Places to Visit in Manila

7 Places
By type

Manila's history stretches back centuries, from the pre-colonial Tondo kingdom to the Spanish colonial era and beyond. The city's historical places offer a fascinating journey through time, showcasing Spanish, American, and Japanese influences. Whether you're a history buff or casual explorer, sites like Intramuros, Fort Santiago, and the Manila Metropolitan Theater provide deep insights into Manila's transformation from a walled colonial city to the bustling capital of the Philippines.

Intramuros (Walled City of Manila)
#1 of Top 7

Intramuros (Walled City of Manila)

The historic Walled City of Manila, oldest district in the capital. Built by the Spanish in the late 16th century as the center of colonial government for over 300 years. Enclosed by 4.5-kilometer stone walls. Contains M...

Opening Hours

Open 24 hours (attractions have specific hours)

Entry Fee

Free to walk (attractions charge separately)

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

Early morning

How to Reach

Take LRT-1 to Central Terminal Station. Short walk from the station.

Nearby Metro Station

Central Terminal

LRT-11.1 km

Heritage walking tour
Bamboo bicycle tour
Museum visits
Photography
Kalesa ride
Fort Santiago
#2 of Top 7

Fort Santiago

A citadel and fortress within Intramuros at the entrance of the Pasig River. The most significant historical landmark in Manila as the final prison of Jose Rizal before his 1896 execution. Originally a wooden palisade bu...

Opening Hours

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily

Entry Fee

PHP 75 (adults), PHP 50 (students)

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

Early morning

How to Reach

Take LRT-1 to Central Terminal Station, then walk to Intramuros. Fort Santiago is at the northern end near the Pasig River.

Nearby Metro Station

Carriedo

LRT-11.3 km

Historical tour
Photography
Museum visit
Garden walks
Plaza Miranda
#3 of Top 7

Plaza Miranda

Historic public square in front of Quiapo Church, traditional venue for political rallies and cultural gatherings. Vendors sell candles, religious items, herbal medicines, and anting-anting (amulets), reflecting the blen...

Opening Hours

Open 24 hours

Entry Fee

Free

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

Morning to early afternoon

How to Reach

Take LRT-1 to Carriedo Station. 3-minute walk, directly in front of Quiapo Church.

Nearby Metro Station

Carriedo

LRT-10.2 km

People watching
Photography
Cultural immersion
Street food
Binondo (Manila Chinatown)
#4 of Top 7

Binondo (Manila Chinatown)

The world's oldest Chinatown, established in 1594. Heart of Manila's Chinese-Filipino community and a food lover's paradise. Ongpin Street is lined with Chinese restaurants, noodle shops, bakeries, and dimsum houses. A B...

Opening Hours

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily

Entry Fee

Free

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

Morning for food tours

How to Reach

Take LRT-1 to Carriedo Station, walk across Jones Bridge into Binondo.

Nearby Metro Station

Carriedo

LRT-11.1 km

Food tour
Shopping
Cultural exploration
Heritage walk
Escolta Street
#5 of Top 7

Escolta Street

Once the Queen of Manila Streets during the American colonial period, lined with Art Deco and Beaux-Arts buildings. A creative revival has transformed parts into a vibrant cultural hub. The First United Building (Nationa...

Opening Hours

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Entry Fee

Free

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

During Block Party events

How to Reach

Take LRT-1 to Doroteo Jose or Carriedo Station. 5-minute walk.

Nearby Metro Station

Carriedo

LRT-10.5 km

Heritage walking
Art galleries
Coffee shops
Photography
Jones Bridge
#6 of Top 7

Jones Bridge

Historically significant bridge spanning the Pasig River connecting Binondo and Ermita. Beautifully renovated with ornamental lampposts, neoclassical balustrades, and elegant night lighting. One of Manila's most photogen...

Opening Hours

Open 24 hours

Entry Fee

Free

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

Evening for illuminated views

How to Reach

Take LRT-1 to Carriedo Station, walk toward Pasig River.

Nearby Metro Station

Carriedo

LRT-10.7 km

Photography
Heritage viewing
Walking
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial
#7 of Top 7

Manila American Cemetery and Memorial

The largest American overseas military cemetery with 17,206 graves of WWII servicemen. 152 immaculately maintained acres with rows of white marble crosses. Memorial building features mosaic maps of Pacific theater battle...

Opening Hours

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily

Entry Fee

Free

Type

Historical

Best Time to Visit

Morning

How to Reach

Take MRT-3 to Ayala Station, then BGC Bus. At the edge of BGC along McKinley Road.

Nearby Metro Station

Buendia

MRT-31.6 km

Memorial visit
Historical reflection
Photography
Walking

Related Guides