Fort Santiago, Manila

Fort Santiago is a very famous tourist spot in Manila City. The place is significant due to its historical value. It was an old Spanish fortress built to guard and protect the old city of Manila from invaders. It was also used as arms storage and a sort of barracks. Today, some of its ruins were restored or reinforced to allow guest and visitors a chance to see and appreciate the colonial architecture and history during the Spanish occupation period. The place is very spacious and there is sufficient area for walking, picnics, and biking. There is also a museum inside in honor of the Philippines' national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. It is a must see for anyone interested in history, the culture of the Philippines, or just to go out and bond with family and friends. It is very accessible by private or public vehicles. There is an entrance fee of about 75 pesos.

We had our first visit and we really enjoyed it. It is the best place to visit if you are a history buff. It offers historical insights and you can see so many really cool things. Give yourself at least about 2 hours to be able to see everything. Visiting Fort Santiago is like going through the different phases of Philippine history. Just enjoy walking around with friends or family and not necessary to book a tour.