Things to Do in Manila Beyond Intramuros

Intramuros covers Manila’s walled Spanish-era city, but three more things to do sit nearby or a short ride away: Rizal Park, the National Museum of Fine Arts, and a Binondo Chinatown food tour.

Rizal Park: free, right next to Intramuros

A large public park named for national hero José Rizal, with monuments, gardens and open lawns, sitting directly next to Intramuros’ walls near Manila Bay.

Sourced against current visitor guides for Rizal Park, last checked 12 October 2026.

National Museum of Fine Arts: free, a short walk away

One of the few major free museums in Manila, housing the national collection of Philippine fine art, a short walk from Rizal Park.

Sourced against the National Museum of the Philippines’ own listings, last checked 12 October 2026.

Rizal Park, the National Museum and Intramuros sit close enough together to cover in a single half-to-full day without much transfer time between them.

Binondo: a guided food tour through the world’s oldest Chinatown

Binondo, founded in 1594, is known as the world’s oldest Chinatown. Walking it yourself costs nothing, but a guided food tour adds context and stops you wouldn’t necessarily find alone.

Sourced against current tour listings on GetYourGuide’s Binondo tours page, last checked 12 October 2026. Compare what’s included before booking, pricing varies more here than at a fixed-fee attraction.

Fitting these around Intramuros

None of these three need Intramuros’ individual entrance fees. See Intramuros, Manila: entrance fees, kalesa rides and tour costs for the walled city itself, and a 2-day Manila itinerary for how a Rizal Park, museum or Binondo half-day could slot in.

Where to stay for this

Staying in or near Intramuros puts you closest to Rizal Park and the National Museum; Binondo is a short ride from most central Manila accommodation regardless of exact base. Where to stay in Manila compares the areas.

Map of places to stayFind a place to stay near IntramurosLive prices and availability for your dates.Show places to stay on the map(affiliate link)

Before you go

Rizal Park and the National Museum need no booking at all. A Binondo food tour is worth booking a day or two ahead, especially for smaller-group or private options. For what a day of this plus a bed and food adds up to, see Manila: best time to visit and what a trip costs. A session with me is the fastest way to ask how these fit around a wider Manila stopover.

Questions people ask

What is there to do in Manila besides Intramuros?

Rizal Park and the National Museum of Fine Arts, both free and next to each other near Intramuros, and a Binondo Chinatown food tour, a paid guided walk through the world's oldest Chinatown. None of them need the entrance fees Intramuros' individual sights charge.

Is Rizal Park free to visit?

Yes, it's a public park with no entrance fee, open daily. It sits right next to Intramuros, an easy walk from the walled city's main gates.

Is the National Museum of Fine Arts free?

Yes, admission is free, one of the only free major museums in Manila. It's open daily, 9am to 6pm, and sits a short walk from Rizal Park.

How much does a Binondo Chinatown food tour cost?

Prices vary a lot by operator and length, roughly $45-150 per person for tours running 3 to 6 hours, most including food tastings in the price. Compare what's included (number of tastings, group size, private vs shared) before booking.

Can I combine Rizal Park, the National Museum and Intramuros in one day?

Yes, all three sit within easy walking distance of each other near Manila Bay, making them a natural half-to-full-day loop before or after whatever else is on your Manila itinerary.

Is Binondo worth visiting without a guided food tour?

You can walk it independently for free, Binondo is a public neighbourhood, but a guided tour adds context (history, which stalls are worth stopping at) that's hard to replicate on your own in the world's oldest Chinatown.