NLEX Lakbay Manila: Rediscovering the Soul of the Capital

From expressway to experience — Manila just got closer. NLEX Lakbay Norte has officially expanded southward, unveiling NLEX Lakbay Manila, a curated journey into the heart of the capital’s history, flavors, and green escapes.

San Agustin Church, Intramuros, Manila

Why It Matters

Thanks to the NLEX Connector, Manila’s cultural gems are now just a smooth drive away. This 8-kilometer elevated expressway links Caloocan to Sta. Mesa, with exits at España and Magsaysay — making heritage and leisure more accessible than ever.

Intramuros: Where Stories Stand Still

The journey began in Intramuros, Manila’s iconic walled city, where every stop deepened the connection to our layered past:

• Centro de Turismo: A fresh gateway to heritage

• Museo de Intramuros: Sacred art and colonial echoes

• Manila Cathedral & San Agustin Church: Faith and UNESCO pride

• Fort Santiago & Casa Manila: Resistance, elegance, and Spanish-era life

• Destileria Limtuaco Museum: A toast to Filipino craftsmanship

The tour paused for a heritage lunch at Ilustrado Restaurant, where timeless Filipino flavors met old-world charm.

Manila Clock Tower Museum: Time Meets Art

Inside Manila City Hall, the group explored the Clock Tower Museum, where historical exhibits blend with contemporary art — a tribute to Manila’s evolving identity.

Binondo: A Flavorful Heritage Crawl

In the world’s oldest Chinatown, participants indulged in a vibrant food crawl:

• Eng Bee Tin: Hopia heaven

• 1919 Grand Café: Neoclassical nostalgia meets fusion cuisine

• Xin Xiang Seafood: Bold, fresh flavors

• Vegeselect: Plant-based street food with a twist

Green Escapes & Creative Spaces

Manila’s softer side shone through:

• Pasig River Esplanade: Skyline strolls and riverside calm

• Arroceros Forest Park: The city’s “last lung”

• Philippine Biodome, Manila Ocean Park & Digital Art Museum: Interactive, educational, and family-friendly fun

More Than a Tour — A Tribute to Manila

NLEX Lakbay Manila isn’t just a travel route — it’s a celebration of the capital’s soul. From heritage landmarks to culinary gems and green sanctuaries, the city invites us to rediscover its stories, one stop at a time.