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

Travelers often find Manila a city of contrasts—historic Spanish-era buildings sitting side-by-side with soaring skyscrapers, lively markets, and peaceful parks. This 4-hour guided tour offers a balanced look at Manila’s past and present, taking you from the colonial streets of Intramuros to the bustling financial heart of Makati. With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll get a taste of the city’s layered stories, impressive landmarks, and lively street scenes—all in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines educational storytelling with scenic stops, making it ideal for first-timers keen on understanding the city’s complex history without feeling overwhelmed. The inclusion of key sights like the San Agustin Church, Fort Santiago, and Rizal Park really brings Manila’s story to life. One thing to consider, however, is that there’s quite a bit of driving involved, which might be a challenge for those with limited mobility or looking for a more leisurely, walk-focused tour. Still, if you’re after a comprehensive snapshot of Manila in just a few hours, this tour hits the mark perfectly.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a highlight tour that’s both informative and efficient—perfect if your time in Manila is limited or if you’re curious to see a variety of sites without the hassle of planning transport. From history buffs to those simply wanting an overview of the city’s vibe, this tour caters to a broad range of interests.

Key Points

• Balanced exploration: Combines historic sites with modern city highlights.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable storytellers make history engaging.
• Comfortable transport: Air-conditioned vehicles with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Well-paced itinerary: About 4 hours, with enough time at each stop to soak in the sights.
• Authentic insights: Discover stories behind key landmarks like Rizal and Fort Santiago.
• Good value: At $60 per person, it offers a lot of sights packed into a short period.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel—making it incredibly convenient—and is operated by Baron Travel Corporation. You’ll travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, which is a real plus considering Manila’s often sweltering climate. The group size is kept at a maximum of 30 people, which means you’ll enjoy a more personalized experience compared to larger, more hectic excursions. Reviewers consistently praise the professionalism of the guides and drivers, highlighting how smoothly the logistics run.

First Stops: Rizal Park and the American Cemetery

Your journey kicks off at Rizal Park, a sprawling green space that’s central to Filipino identity. Here, you’ll see the statue of Dr. Jose Rizal, viewed by many as the country’s national hero. As one reviewer mentioned, this park is “considered one of the largest urban parks in Asia,” making it an impressive start to the day. It’s a quick stop—roughly ten minutes—but enough to get a snapshot of Manila’s patriotic heart.

From there, the tour takes you to the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. It’s a sobering, poignant site, holding the largest number of US soldiers killed in WWII. The reviews reflect this site’s impact, with visitors describing it as “fascinating” and “informative.” It’s a reminder of the city’s historical significance during wartime, and the peaceful atmosphere offers a moment of reflection amidst the busy city.

Exploring Intramuros: The Heart of Colonial Manila

Next, the tour heads into Intramuros, the oldest district in Manila, built in the late 1500s. Walking the cobblestone streets here is like stepping back in time, with Spanish-era walls, churches, and forts surrounding you. The San Agustin Church is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a highlight for many. Its Baroque architecture and well-preserved interiors are impressive, and the fact that it’s one of the oldest churches in the country makes it a must-see.

Reviewers rave about their guides’ storytelling skills at this stop. One said, “Fernando knew the history and stories of the many places we visited.” The guide’s insights turn a simple church visit into a lively history lesson, filled with anecdotes about the colonial period and the church’s resilience through earthquakes and wars.

Fort Santiago is another key stop, offering both history and a bit of legend. Built in 1593, it served as a Spanish fortress and later as a prison. Here, you’ll learn about Dr. Jose Rizal’s imprisonment and execution, which escalated Filipino resistance against Spain. Reviewers describe it as “one of the most important historical sites,” with some noting the emotional impact of walking in Rizal’s footsteps.

Modern Manila: Makati and Manila Bay Views

After immersing in colonial history, the tour shifts gears to modern Manila. A drive along Roxas Boulevard offers scenic views of Manila Bay, where many travelers enjoy catching a sunset if timing aligns. The tour also passes through Forbes Park, a posh residential area, and Ayala Boulevard, the financial district’s bustling main road.

In Makati, the heart of the Philippines’ business and financial hub, you’ll get a glimpse of the city’s contemporary side. Some reviewers appreciated the opportunity to see both sides of Manila—from the historic to the high-rise. The drive itself is often laced with lively commentary from guides, enriching your understanding of the city’s economic and social landscape.

What’s Included and What to Expect

The tour covers key locations with admission tickets included for major sites like San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago. The hotel pickup and drop-off make the experience hassle-free, especially if you’re on a tight schedule or unfamiliar with Manila’s traffic. The entire experience lasts about 4 hours, which means a brisk but manageable pace, with some walking involved at the historical sites.

While the transportation is praised for its comfort, some reviews mention that there’s a fair amount of driving—a typical feature in sprawling Manila. If you’re someone who prefers to stretch their legs more, this might feel a little rushed, but it’s a tradeoff for seeing many sites within a short time.

Guide and Group Size

Guides like Fernando and Garland receive high marks for their knowledge and friendliness, making the historical stories engaging rather than dry. Smaller group sizes and attentive guides ensure you can ask questions and get detailed answers, which adds depth to the tour.

Price and Value

At $60 per person, this tour offers a solid value, considering the number of sites visited and the fact that transportation, entrance fees, and expert guides are included. Reviewers often note that it is a great way to cover Manila’s highlights in a limited timeframe, especially if you’re a first-time visitor.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Many travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides who share stories that aren’t found in guidebooks. For instance, one reviewer loved that the guide made “connections to England” during the Rizal Park visit, showing the tour’s capacity to make the Filipino story relatable for international visitors.

Some comments highlight the scenic stops, like the views of Manila Bay, which create perfect photo opportunities. Others expressed gratitude for the well-organized logistics, especially the timely pickup and smooth transitions between sites.

A few less satisfied reviews mention the traffic-heavy nature of the city, which can make the driving aspect feel longer than expected. However, most agree that this is unavoidable in Manila and that the guide’s commentary makes the journey enjoyable rather than tedious.

The Sum Up

This Manila Old and New tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the city’s layered history and vibrant modernity. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transport, and a carefully curated itinerary, it’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting an efficient, informative overview in just a few hours. It’s particularly suited for those new to Manila, cruise travelers with limited time, or anyone wanting a structured introduction to the city’s top sights.

While it’s not a leisurely stroll—there’s quite a bit of driving—it compensates with plenty of storytelling, striking views, and a chance to see Manila’s most significant landmarks without the hassle of planning. If you’re looking to understand the story behind the city’s impressive skyline and historic streets, this tour delivers.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off at selected hotels, making it easy to start and end your day comfortably.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 4 hours, including travel time and stops at major sites.

What sites are visited during the tour?
You’ll see Rizal Park, the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Intramuros (including San Agustin Church), and Fort Santiago. You’ll also drive along Roxas Boulevard and through Makati.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 2 and above can participate, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking parts.

What is the tour price?
It costs $60 per person, which includes entrance fees for major sites, transportation, and an expert guide.

Are there any food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring water or snacks if desired.

How many people typically join this tour?
The group size can go up to 30 travelers, but reviews suggest the guide and vehicle are well-suited to manage this comfortably.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are advised, and consider bringing a hat or umbrella for sun protection during outdoor stops.

In essence, if you’re after a well-organized, informative, and scenic overview of Manila, this tour is a dependable choice. It balances history, culture, and city views in a way that makes your limited time in the Philippines’ capital both meaningful and memorable.