Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago
4
About
This museum and public park was built as a stone fortress at the turn of the 17th century and marked the beginning of the walled city's riverside barricades.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- Stephen T7 contributionsIntramuros TourReally interesting. Well worth having the official guide show you around. He made it really come alive. There's a table inside the Fort where he is sitting and one price covers the whole group.Visited April 2023Written April 29, 2023
- YuppieLionheartPhilippines305 contributionsEducational place to visit!A historical landmark in Manila located inside Intramuros. Fort Santiago is an open area so it is important that you bring your umbrella. If ever you get hungry while roaming around there are various cafes inside wherein you can grab some food and drinks. If you reach the back end of the fort, you'll see the beautiful view of Pasig River and the Binondo-Intramuros bridge. The entrance fee is cheap.Visited June 2023Written June 19, 2023
- Ryan19 contributionsA beautiful historical landmark in ManilaThis is my second time visiting this historical landmark. I really like how it looks today and the place is well maintained, lively and beautiful. There are souvenir shops and foods also. A must see when you visit Manila.Visited June 2023Written June 23, 2023
- roaming_kiwi58Christchurch, New Zealand2,827 contributionsMust see part of historical ManilaFort Santiago was built in 1571 by the Spanish as a citadel for Manila. It was badly damaged during World War II. Since 1953 it has been reconstructed, and ongoing work continues. It is within the old historical part of Manila known as the Intramuros. There is a lot of interest within the fort, both historically, and shops selling all sorts of food and souvenirs. There is an entry charge. When we visited it was 75 pesos for adults, but as seniors (even not locals) we got in for 50 pesos each. A must see when in Manila, as part of visiting Intramuros.Visited March 2023Written July 1, 2023
- Aussie TravelGeelong, Australia160 contributionsInteresting local historyWas tricky to get to and a long way from Makati but once there I enjoyed walking the grounds and the museum was interesting. There’s no doubt the Filipinos adore Jose Rizal as can be seen by the artwork etc I found the vertebrae in a cabinet disturbing it was definitely sad the way he died. I learned something historical so that’s a bonusVisited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 27, 2023
- tigger_WIpoh, Malaysia236 contributionsHistorical place in Manila!Historical place at manila. have to buy ticket at the entrance. There are lots of tour guide asking for city tour. Unsure if they are the licensed tour guide The fort is not not really that big. Maybe spending 1 hour is enough. However there are many other tourist spots around that area.Visited October 2023Traveled with friendsWritten November 3, 2023
- Dan LBunbury, Australia7,494 contributionsOne of Manila's oldest fortifications.The fort dates to 1571, built by Spanish governor Miguel López de Legazpi as a defensive citadel against the Muslim forces that had been defeated. Destroyed in 1574 in an attack by the Chinese and their pirate leader, Limahong, a more substantial structure was required resulting in the construction of the present fort between 1589 and 1592. It was destroyed during WW11 and restored from 1950 onwards after being declared a Shrine of Freedom. Imposing main gate and bastions and a historic landmark.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 19, 2023
- Nick K5 contributionsMust SeeEasy enough to walk through and see by yourself. I chose not to get a guide. The visitor center inside the main gate was able to provide a map and that was enough for me. Easily spent 2-3 hours walking around, could be done quicker. Definitely a must see for any time spent in ManilaVisited January 2024Written January 6, 2024
- Jason SMelbourne, Australia1,693 contributionsNice fort to see and exploreFort itself is more of a ruin that an active fort, worth a look around and only 75 peso entry. Some areas are ok to see and you can get a good feel how fort would have worked, surrounding walls in good shape and good to see. Dungeon area very well preserved and explained with the horrors that occurred in there, also on day I visited lots of school groups so good that local students explore history of country. In all good to see and do, you can visit in under an hour.Visited January 2024Traveled soloWritten January 21, 2024
- Spotty-LeopardSingapore, Singapore171 contributionsFort Santiago - poignant placeThere is an entrance fee of Peso 75 per adult. The toilets are clean. One interesting practise is to discard used toilet paper into the dustbin and not into the toilet bowl to prevent clogging the sewage system. There is a dungeon which you can explore to experience the amazing underground cavity space. The park also housed some unexploded cannons.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 17, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
2,122 reviews
Excellent
701
Very good
962
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384
Poor
62
Terrible
13
Ben F
Bloomington, IN1,506 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
Fort Santiago is a paid attraction, but it (unfortunately) isn’t worth the money, especially for wheelchair users. Note that only cash or an online ticket is accepted.
The grounds of the fort are compact, and the views of the river at the end are neat. However, there wasn’t much room for interaction. I couldn’t go into any of the buildings with my wheelchair, and many paths had stairs. There was a small gift shop, but the restaurant was closed and seemed like it was closed for years—very neglected. It would’ve been awesome to be able to buy water in the heat of the day, but perhaps I should’ve checked the gift shop.
Moreover, I wish there were more signs explaining the meaning of the architecture. I could’ve taken a guided tour, but I tend to like doing things independently, especially after a long day sightseeing other places. I sort of drove around, snapping pictures of things, without comprehending what they actually were or why they were there.
The grounds of the fort are compact, and the views of the river at the end are neat. However, there wasn’t much room for interaction. I couldn’t go into any of the buildings with my wheelchair, and many paths had stairs. There was a small gift shop, but the restaurant was closed and seemed like it was closed for years—very neglected. It would’ve been awesome to be able to buy water in the heat of the day, but perhaps I should’ve checked the gift shop.
Moreover, I wish there were more signs explaining the meaning of the architecture. I could’ve taken a guided tour, but I tend to like doing things independently, especially after a long day sightseeing other places. I sort of drove around, snapping pictures of things, without comprehending what they actually were or why they were there.
Written March 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
youbel1970
Brussels, Belgium1,318 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
Was a very nice day and walk to get there.
Not too warm and nice to visit in the morning.
Take 2 good hours and take time to read each info in English.
Hard history to know and love the gardens that are so pretty.
Not too warm and nice to visit in the morning.
Take 2 good hours and take time to read each info in English.
Hard history to know and love the gardens that are so pretty.
Written March 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Spotty-Leopard
Singapore, Singapore171 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
There is an entrance fee of Peso 75 per adult.
The toilets are clean. One interesting practise is to discard used toilet paper into the dustbin and not into the toilet bowl to prevent clogging the sewage system.
There is a dungeon which you can explore to experience the amazing underground cavity space.
The park also housed some unexploded cannons.
The toilets are clean. One interesting practise is to discard used toilet paper into the dustbin and not into the toilet bowl to prevent clogging the sewage system.
There is a dungeon which you can explore to experience the amazing underground cavity space.
The park also housed some unexploded cannons.
Written February 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Theo
Le Bugue, France10 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
When you want to combine history and a quiet park, this museum is the place to visit. The dungeon is perhaps to be avoided by children, the pictures are too harsh.
Written February 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason S
Melbourne, Australia1,693 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
Fort itself is more of a ruin that an active fort, worth a look around and only 75 peso entry.
Some areas are ok to see and you can get a good feel how fort would have worked, surrounding walls in good shape and good to see.
Dungeon area very well preserved and explained with the horrors that occurred in there, also on day I visited lots of school groups so good that local students explore history of country.
In all good to see and do, you can visit in under an hour.
Some areas are ok to see and you can get a good feel how fort would have worked, surrounding walls in good shape and good to see.
Dungeon area very well preserved and explained with the horrors that occurred in there, also on day I visited lots of school groups so good that local students explore history of country.
In all good to see and do, you can visit in under an hour.
Written January 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angelica D.
Fredericton, Canada22 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
It was a lovely tour and very thought provoking. Good price to enter but lots of scam activity outside the venue. Inside was fine.
Written January 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick K
5 contributions
Jan 2024
Easy enough to walk through and see by yourself. I chose not to get a guide. The visitor center inside the main gate was able to provide a map and that was enough for me. Easily spent 2-3 hours walking around, could be done quicker. Definitely a must see for any time spent in Manila
Written January 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tara S
Melbourne, Australia18 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We were quite excited to see part of Manilas history, unfortunately other than ruins with a walk through dungeon there is not much to see here. A guided tour with a tour guide might be valuable to provide more interesting information.
Written December 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan L
Bunbury, Australia7,494 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The fort dates to 1571, built by Spanish governor Miguel López de Legazpi as a defensive citadel against the Muslim forces that had been defeated. Destroyed in 1574 in an attack by the Chinese and their pirate leader, Limahong, a more substantial structure was required resulting in the construction of the present fort between 1589 and 1592. It was destroyed during WW11 and restored from 1950 onwards after being declared a Shrine of Freedom. Imposing main gate and bastions and a historic landmark.
Written December 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luh K. A. Mega Andhini
Bali, Indonesia252 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
Huge historical place that will give you a very good lesson about nationality and faith. You can feel like what was happened many moons ago in this place, its a sad story though.
Written December 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much is the entrance fee for students?
Linai8711
Manila, Philippines5 contributions
Regular entrance fee is 50 for students with school ID. 75 pesos for the rest👌
gud day, how about an educational tour for 30 students and 2 professors, how much its cost/ entrance fee?
annminky
United States1,602 contributions
We were charge Php 75 each to enter the Fort. You might get a discount if you’re taking your students for a tour. It’ll be best if you contact them ahead of time plus get a curator to give you the tour. Enjoy!!!
Byaheng-oldies
Hong Kong, China530 contributions
Do they have public carpark?
momo282389
Taipei, Taiwan5 contributions
They do have a car park space about 1 street away but it is a private one !
How to get here via lrt po?
eightysgirl1
Lebanon, OH15 contributions
I am not sure what Irt po? However, my husband had driver for the / weeks he was there. I would advise it if you can do it. Driving is very chaotic there and so different than in the States and Europe
How much is the Entrance Fee in Fort Santiago?
CCC
California96 contributions
50 for Adults, not sure for kids
Hi everyone! We're planning to schedule a non-commercial shoot on the first week of August. May I ask if there is a permit or fee needed for the said shoot? Thank you very much in advance!
Taxi818
Tampa, FL6 contributions
I don't think there is a charge to shoot anything. Everyone is helpful and friendly.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Santiago
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Fort Santiago:
- Manila Old and New: Sightseeing Tour Including Intramuros and Fort Santiago (From ₱3,365.87)
- Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours (From ₱2,094.69)
- Manila Super Saver: Manila Sightseeing plus Tagaytay Tour with Taal Volcano (From ₱8,975.65)
- Travel Back In Time At Intramuros (From ₱2,692.70)
- Private Half-Day Makati (Old Manila) with Intramuros (From ₱8,990.24)
- Hotels near Fort Santiago:
- (0.65 km) Red Planet Manila Binondo
- (0.80 km) Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central
- (1.11 km) The Bayleaf Intramuros
- (0.41 km) Hotel Sogo Edsa Caloocan
- (1.06 km) Hotel Lucky Chinatown
- Restaurants near Fort Santiago:
- (0.10 km) Manila Canvas
- (0.77 km) Eng Bee Tin
- (0.38 km) Hungry Juan ERMITA
- (0.39 km) Batala Bar
- (0.41 km) Chowking
- Attractions near Fort Santiago:
- (0.22 km) Club Intramuros Golf Course
- (0.41 km) Intramuros
- (0.72 km) Manila For A Day Tours
- (0.32 km) The Manila Collectible Co.
- (0.53 km) Manila Cathedral