Intramuros tourist destinations to visit on Independence Day
Since Independence Day is coming, why don’t you relieve yourself from stress and take a breather? If you’re looking for a place where you could spend the holiday this coming weekend, you might want to try checking out these tourist spots in Intramuros. Guaranteed that not only your eyes will be satisfied, but your taste buds at the same time!
Intramuros Tourist Destinations
Destileria Limtuaco & Batala Bar
Are you interested in liquors? Then these places could be the ones you might want to visit first once you’ve reached Intramuros. After forty years, this place finally opened its doors to tourists in 2018. Inside Destileria Limtuaco museum features a small distillery that demonstrates its liquor-creating process. They also curated a collection of bottled products back in the Spanish colonial period. And, not only that, for a minimal fee, you would be able to taste their drinks. Yes, every single one of them, as long as you could manage!
Instagram | Batala Bar
And if that won’t be enough for your palate, Batala Bar may complete your cravings. This place features ice creams, milkshakes, coffee, Filipino foods, cocktails, and local craft beer. Sit by yourself or catch up with your friends while discovering handmade products here in the Philippines.
📍482 San Juan de Letran St., Intramuros, Manila, Metro Manila 1002 Manila
📍Plaza San Luis Complex General Luna Street, cor Real St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
Casa Manila
If you’re in Intramuros, you can’t miss Casa Manila. This mansion offers its tourists a glimpse of how life is in Manila during the 19th century. Constructed on over three floors, the top deck is where you could catch sight of antique Chinese and European furniture. It is also where the families gather for afternoon activities like having merienda and playing games. Onto the second tier, which is famous for displaying side-by-side toilets. These are made for two people who can do their business simultaneously over chitchat. Whom would you be sitting with, however?
And on the first floor is the kitchen area that displays an 18-seater dining table. Offices, as well as their library, are here on the first level too. And on the outside features the fountain with pavements surrounded by flowers, where you could take loads of photos.
📍Plaza San Luis Complex, Cor. Real & Gen. Luna St. Intramuros, Manila
San Agustin Church & Manila Cathedral
Looking to start your Intramuros trip solemnly? You can head over to two churches around the vicinity.
San Agustin Church is the oldest church in the country and the only building left undamaged after WWII. This structure, made of adobe stones, has survived several monstrous disasters and typhoons. Without a doubt, let your eyes be mesmerized by its insides as it displays a tremendous historical interior. This includes the church’s ceiling holding up paintings in tromp l’oeil style.
Contrary to the high survivability of San Agustin Church, the churches built in this particular spot has faced many catastrophes. It resulted in the construction of the 8th church, which is Manila Cathedral. This church is the main Roman Catholic church in the Philippines. Its architecture features a cupola accompanied by stained glass windows and mosaics. Also, the church’s bell, which weighs about 17 MT, is currently the largest bell continuously operated around the country.
📍General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
📍Cabildo, 132 Beaterio St, Intramuros, Manila
Baluarte de San Diego
Formed in the shape of a spade and built for defense against invasion is the Baluarte de San Diego stockade. Jesuit priest Antonio Sedeno headed its construction as an element of the rampart of Intramuros walls. Inside the bulwark are some original cannons, which even detail the date of its construction. Not only that, but you could also scan the stone structure covered in moss as you follow the pathways around. Don’t forget to grab a photo of the well-known ‘lookout’ post in the fort!
📍Sta. Lucia St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
Treat Yourself to Good Food at these Iconic Spots
Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant
This place doesn’t just offer flavorsome dishes. It allows its diners to have a taste of a unique cultural experience. While indulging in their food, have yourself serenaded with a 45-minute performance of different Filipino folk songs and dances. From Luzon to Mindanao, as well as the famous Tinikling and Pandango sa Ilaw.
📍Plaza San Luis Complex, General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
La Cathedral Cafe and Belfry Café
Furthermore, after wandering around Intramuros, why not proceed to a nearby iconic spot that offers a delightful ambiance and food? Say hello to a one-of-a-kind alfresco dining experience by La Cathedral Cafe. The ideal time to be seated is around 6 pm to 8 pm to fully enjoy the breathtaking view. You must have a reservation ahead of time as well to avoid inconvenience.
While La Cathedral Cafe has been operating since then, this newly opened one during the pandemic is a must-visit too. Belfry Café resonates with an inspired ambiance from Manila Cathedral. Once settled, tilt your head up, and you will see decorations of Carillon bells that made the place iconic. Above all, their menu offers a more affordable selection and is best for coffee lovers and sweet tooths!
📍 636 Cabildo St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
📍 Building, 1002 Sto. Tomas, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
As we commemorate this day, let us express our gratitude to those who sacrificed their lives to give us freedom. And wherever you decide to spend Independence Day, never forget the importance and history of why Filipinos are celebrating it.
