Public service announcement to all cyclists and active mobility users: It’s now possible to walk and bike next to Pasig River from the Manila Central Post Office to historic Fort Santiago.
In case you missed the news, the newest stretch of the Pasig River Urban Development Project outside Intramuros was officially launched last February 27, 2025. We recently biked to the area to check out the newly opened section at night and were impressed with how clean and beautiful the area looks. It’s a much more scenic and convenient route for pedestrians to pass compared to the normal roundabout route.
Phase 3 or the West Showcase Area is a new 600-meter walkway that consists of the beautified Plaza Mexico, Maestranza Esplanade and the rehabilitated 305-meter Fort Santiago Riverwalk (formerly only accessible to visitors coming from inside Fort Santiago). These areas, all in Intramuros, are now connected to the previously opened sections of the Pasig River Esplanade.
The pedestrian-friendly heritage corridor now lets visitors to jog, walk, or bike from Intramuros to Manila Central Post Office, across Jones Bridge and back. From Jones Bridge, you can cross to Binondo or get to the Escolta station of the Pasig River Ferry nearby. ICYDK, the free river ferry traverses Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Marikina and Taguig. Check out our detailed guide here.
By closing the road that once divided Plaza Mexico, around 2,000 square meters of open space have been efficiently added to this key area. The result is a safer, more beautiful, and expansive area for locals and tourists to stroll and enjoy the riverside scenery.
Plaza Mexico, the historic riverside square located at the west end of Magallanes Drive and Riverside Drive in Intramuros, has been renovated, with park benches for visitors.
In the newest area, the walls next to Fort Santiago are currently covered with tarps of historical figures and events. Visitors can find several food stalls with tables and chairs and trash bins nearby. The food options here are mostly budget-friendly, with easy-to-eat street food options, drinks, coffee, shakes, and more. We also spotted small go-kart bike rentals for kids for rent near the food stalls.
Visitors can also enter and exit Fort Santiago through the Postigo Nuestra Señora de Soledad river gate (on the right side of the moat before Fort Santiago’s gate), as an alternative to the main entrance along Sta. Clara Street. When we dropped by, we were told by guards on duty that visitors can only buy tickets at the side entrance up to 6:30pm to enter, but those who already have tickets may reenter.
The third phase of the 25-kilometer Pasig River Development Project aims to “improve and rehabilitate these historically significant areas to enhance the cultural vibrancy within Pasig River.”
The project aims to transform Pasig River into a center of economic activity, tourism, and transportation connectivity in Metro Manila and adjacent provinces.
Since the initial phases opened to the public, the transformed riverbanks have evolved into a vibrant space for recreation, community engagement, and economic activity.
Phases 1A and 1B of the Pasig River Esplanade, which were inaugurated in January 2024, cover the project’s main showcase area which spans almost 500 meters behind the Manila Central Post Office building near Jones Bridge. The public park has pedestrian-friendly walkways and water fountains accented by lighting with benches for visitors to sit and relax.
The second phase, which was launched in June 2024, covers the Pasig River Urban Development Showcase Area Phase 1C in Plaza Mexico and Magallanes Drive in Intramuros. This area connecting the showcase area behind the Manila Central Post Office to Intramuros contains multiple mixed-use establishments along the riverbanks and a restroom.
It currently contains various shops, food stalls and small businesses, catering to students, couples, tourists and families. The area is lively on weekends, with buskers, street photographers and vendors setting up shop here.
The newest section which continues directly under the Binondo–Intramuros Bridge, contains Plaza Mexico, Maestranza and the Fort Santiago Riverwalk, with wider open spaces for visitors to stroll or bike. The end of the riverwalk is directly connected to Fort Santiago, with a small tree-shaded area with benches overlooking the river and a space that can serve as an open-air venue for events.
Based on photos of the plans posted along the route, future developments at the Fort Santiago chambers could include more cafes, a bookstore and other mixed-use businesses.
What do you think of all the new developments in the area? Sound out in the comments section.
