Casa Manila Museum Manila
Step back into the opulent 19th century at Casa Manila, a restored colonial house museum in Intramuros.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Casa Manila Museum Manila
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back into the opulent 19th century at Casa Manila, a restored colonial house museum in Intramuros.
"It was like a time capsule! Being in a place that was once full of life was a very enlightening experience."
🎯 Buy tickets inside
Purchase tickets after walking past the main entrance and fountain area, as shops and restaurants are upfront.
📸 Photo-friendly, no video
Unlimited photos are allowed, but video recording is restricted inside the museum.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spanish Colonial Lifestyle
Throughout the museum
Step back in time and witness the opulent lifestyle of affluent Filipino families during the Spanish colonial era.
Bahay Na Bato Architecture
Exterior and interior
Admire the impressive stone-and-wood structure, a grand example of traditional Filipino colonial architecture.
Immersive Experience
All rooms
Enjoy an immersive experience with artifacts and furniture not behind glass, allowing for a closer look at history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Navigating Intramuros
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Buy tickets inside
Purchase tickets after walking past the main entrance and fountain area, as shops and restaurants are upfront.
📸 Photo-friendly, no video
Unlimited photos are allowed, but video recording is restricted inside the museum.
🚶♀️ Walk on the red carpet
Follow the red carpet to protect the preserved flooring and antique furniture.
🕰️ Time travel experience
Immerse yourself in a 19th-century home and experience a bygone era.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Buy tickets inside
Purchase tickets after walking past the main entrance and fountain area, as shops and restaurants are upfront.
📸 Photo-friendly, no video
Unlimited photos are allowed, but video recording is restricted inside the museum.
🚶♀️ Walk on the red carpet
Follow the red carpet to protect the preserved flooring and antique furniture.
🕰️ Time travel experience
Immerse yourself in a 19th-century home and experience a bygone era.
🐴 Consider a kalesa ride
After your visit, enjoy a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride around Intramuros.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Casa Manila to be a beautifully preserved and immersive museum that offers a captivating glimpse into Spanish colonial life. The hands-on approach and well-curated exhibits are frequently praised, though some note that the flooring in certain areas may feel fragile.
"Interesting reconstruction of a house for the rich. Sadly never lived in according to local guides in the property but built after the war to show how things were. Interesting tour. Not huge but interesting. Can only take photos inside and no video for some reason hence the attachments. Videos were filmed in areas that allowed only."
Andrew “Andy” Davis
"It was like a time capsule! Being in a place that was once full of life in a certain period of history was a very enlightening experience.
The place is well maintained, the staff were helpful but not intimidating.
It's definitely worth the visit"
Kayedy Y (kayedy24)
"My favorite attraction among those that we visited in the Intramuros. It’s not very big, but really well-curated and the artifacts/furniture are preserved nicely.
I like that the place does not take an extreme approach to security. You have to walk on the red carpet only, but displays are not kept in glass cases or plastered with No touching sign, which makes the experience more immersive imo.
The museum staff were really nice and showed passion for their job. Ticket pricing is affordable.
Note: The staircase leading up to the museum is right by the main entrance, but you have to walk a bit further inside to purchase tickets. The area around and past the fountain is not part of the museum but restaurants and shops. We made a mistake and spent 10 mins walking around wondering why the museum is so full of commercial shops lol."
Viet Huong Nguyen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a Grab car from Resorts World Manila to Intramuros. Be prepared for potential heavy traffic, especially on weekday mornings. The drive can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, taking a Grab to Intramuros is generally considered safe. It's a popular tourist area. However, as with any urban travel, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings.
Once in Intramuros, you can explore on foot, rent a bamboo bike, or take a 'kalesa' (horse-drawn carriage) to reach Casa Manila and other attractions.
Parking is available within Intramuros, but it can be limited. It's often easier to be dropped off by a ride-sharing service or taxi.
Yes, Casa Manila is centrally located within Intramuros, making it accessible on foot from other sites like Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Casa Manila Museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry at 5:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays.
Ticket pricing is affordable, making it a worthwhile visit for experiencing colonial history. Specific prices can be confirmed at the entrance.
You need to walk a bit further inside the complex, past the main entrance and fountain area, to purchase your tickets. The area near the entrance features restaurants and shops.
Advance booking is generally not required for Casa Manila, especially if you visit on a weekday. However, it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any updates.
There are no specific age restrictions mentioned for entry into Casa Manila Museum. It's a family-friendly attraction.
📸 📸 Photography & Onsite Experience
Yes, you can take unlimited photos inside Casa Manila Museum. However, video recording is not permitted.
Wander through the rooms, observe the preserved furniture and artifacts, and imagine life during the Spanish colonial period. Walking on the red carpet enhances the immersive experience.
Information on wheelchair accessibility is limited, but the museum has multiple floors. It's advisable to inquire directly with the museum staff upon arrival.
While not explicitly stated, local guides are often available within Intramuros who can provide insights into Casa Manila and its history.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll be exploring the museum. Dress respectfully, as it's a historical site.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Casa Manila itself is a museum, the area around it, particularly Barbara's Heritage Restaurant, offers dining experiences.
You can find Filipino cuisine and heritage dishes at restaurants like Barbara's Heritage Restaurant, offering a taste of local flavors.
Yes, Tesoro's gift shop is located nearby, offering unique souvenirs and local crafts.
It's generally not recommended to bring outside food and drinks into historical museums to preserve the exhibits.
Besides Barbara's Heritage Restaurant, other popular spots include Ilustrado Restaurant and Emilia House of Filipino Food.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining your visit with a 'kalesa' ride around Intramuros for an added element of fun. The open spaces within Intramuros also provide room for kids to move around. Pack light and ensure everyone has comfortable shoes for exploring.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Focus on capturing the ambiance of the Spanish colonial era. The 'Bahay Na Bato' architecture, with its blend of stone and wood, is particularly photogenic. Experiment with different angles and compositions to showcase the historical significance and beauty of the house.
🏛️ History Buffs
+1Pay attention to the details – the types of furniture, the decorative elements, and the layout of the house all tell a story. Engaging with the museum staff can also provide deeper historical context and anecdotes about the property and its era.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Spanish Colonial Life
The architecture itself, a grand example of the 'Bahay Na Bato' style, is a significant draw. This traditional Filipino house design features a stone base with wooden upper floors, designed to withstand earthquakes and the tropical climate. The museum showcases how these homes were furnished and decorated, reflecting the social status and cultural influences of the period.
+1Visitors often highlight the enlightening experience of being in a place that was once filled with life, appreciating the preservation efforts and the passion of the museum staff. It's a relatively compact museum, but its well-curated exhibits and the unique, hands-on approach to display make it a memorable stop within Intramuros.
Navigating Intramuros and Getting to Casa Manila
Once you arrive in Intramuros, Casa Manila is easily accessible. You can explore the area on foot, rent a bamboo bicycle for a more eco-friendly experience, or opt for a traditional 'kalesa' (horse-drawn carriage) ride.
The museum's location is central, making it a convenient stop between other Intramuros attractions like Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church. It's important to note that the immediate area around the museum entrance features restaurants and shops. To purchase tickets for Casa Manila, you'll need to walk a bit further inside the complex, past this commercial area. This is a common point of confusion for first-time visitors.
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