Intramuros, Manila

Intramuros, meaning “within the walls”, was the Spanish colonial capital of the Philippines, founded in the late sixteenth century beside the Pasig River. Its massive stone walls still enclose a quiet district of cobbled streets, colonial houses and churches in the middle of busy Manila.

Highlights include Fort Santiago, where the national hero José Rizal was held before his execution in 1896; Manila Cathedral; and San Agustin Church, part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing of the country’s baroque churches. Casa Manila recreates a wealthy family home of the Spanish era.

Explore by kalesa, a horse-drawn carriage, or on a guided bamboo-bicycle tour, and walk a stretch of the walls towards sunset. Intramuros makes a good half-day introduction to Manila before you fly on to the islands.