The best things to do in Manila
Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. It’s a place where the old and the new coexist, creating a unique and exciting atmosphere. The city is known for its rich history, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning tourist, there’s always something new to discover in Manila.
Explore Intramuros
Intramuros, also known as the “Walled City,” is the historic center of Manila. It’s where you’ll find some of the city’s most important landmarks, such as the Manila Cathedral and Fort Santiago. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the city and see some of the best-preserved Spanish colonial architecture in the country.
Visit the National Museum
The National Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in Philippine history and culture. It’s home to an impressive collection of artifacts, including the iconic “Spoliarium” painting by Juan Luna. The museum also has a planetarium and an IMAX theater, making it a great destination for families.
Shop at Greenhills Shopping Center
Greenhills Shopping Center is a popular destination for shopping and entertainment. It’s known for its wide variety of shops, from high-end boutiques to street vendors selling knockoff goods. The center also has a food court, a movie theater, and a karaoke bar.
Experience the Nightlife in Bonifacio Global City
Bonifacio Global City, or BGC, is a modern and upscale district of Manila. It’s home to some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and clubs. Whether you’re looking for a fancy cocktail bar or a lively nightclub, BGC has something for everyone.
Take a Day Trip to Tagaytay
Tagaytay is a popular destination for day trips from Manila. The city is known for its beautiful views of Taal Lake and its cool climate. There are plenty of things to do in Tagaytay, such as visiting the People’s Park in the Sky, taking a boat tour of Taal Lake, or enjoying a traditional Filipino meal at a local restaurant.
Visit the Rizal Park
Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park, is a large public park in the heart of Manila. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of green space and a lake. The park also has a number of monuments and landmarks, such as the Rizal Monument and the Chinese Garden.
Take a Boat Tour of the Pasig River
The Pasig River is a major waterway that runs through Manila. Taking a boat tour is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. You’ll get to see some of the city’s landmarks, such as the historic Intramuros district and the modern Makati skyline.
Try the Local Cuisine
Manila is known for its delicious food, with a wide variety of local and international cuisines. Some must-try dishes include adobo, a savory stew made with meat and spices, and lechon, a whole roasted pig. Be sure to also try the local street food, such as kwek-kwek (deep-fried quail eggs) and balut (a fertilized duck egg).
Visit the Coconut Palace
The Coconut Palace, also known as Tahanang Pilipino, is a stunning building made entirely out of coconut lumber and nipa palm. The palace was built to showcase the potential of coconut as a building material, and it serves as a cultural center and museum. Visitors can tour the palace and learn about the history of coconut in the Philippines.
Explore the Quiapo District
Quiapo is a historic district in Manila known for its lively market and religious significance. The district is home to the Quiapo Church, which is dedicated to the Black Nazarene, a statue of Jesus Christ that is believed to have miraculous powers. The church is a popular pilgrimage site, and the surrounding market is a great place to buy souvenirs and try local street food.
Relax at the Manila Bay Walk
The Manila Bay Walk is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The walkway runs along the Manila Bay and offers stunning views of the sunset. It’s a great place to relax, take a walk, or enjoy a meal at one of the many seafood restaurants.
Visit the Ayala Museum
The Ayala Museum is a private museum located in the Makati Central Business District. The museum has a wide range of permanent and temporary exhibitions that cover Philippine history, art, and culture. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the museum’s collection of pre-colonial gold artifacts, which is considered to be the largest collection in Southeast Asia.
Take a Day Trip to the Batangas Province
Batangas is a province located just a couple of hours away from Manila. The province is known for its beautiful beaches, hot springs, and historical sites. Some popular destinations include the Taal Heritage Town, the Pagsanjan Falls, and the Laiya Beach.
Experience the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival
The Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival is held annually in the Clark Freeport Zone, which is a short drive from Manila. The festival features a variety of hot air balloons from all over the world, as well as other attractions such as paragliding, skydiving, and kite flying. The festival is a great way to experience the beauty of the Philippines from a different perspective.
Manila is a city that has something to offer for everyone, from culture and history to shopping, nightlife and delicious food. With so much to see and do, visitors will never run out of things to do in Manila.
