Best things to do in Manila
Find out more about those top places in Manila
Manila, Philippines: Where History Hugs Skyscrapers (Think Spanish Charm, Mind-Bending Museums, and Maybe a Jeepney Joyride!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to This Filipino Fiesta!
Mabuhay and welcome to Manila, the bustling, vibrant, and utterly captivating capital of the Philippines! Founded way back in the day by Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, this city isn't just old; it's practically ancient, rubbing shoulders with some of the world's most historically significant urban centers. And the best part? Manila offers a fantastic, sometimes chaotic but always exciting, blend of urban and traditional sites that will keep your senses buzzing from dawn till dusk (and beyond!).
Perched on the eastern shores of the sprawling Manila Bay, this city has been putting in some serious effort to woo travelers, and guess what? It's working! More and more visitors are discovering the unique charm and energy of Manila, and for darn good reason. This isn't just a stopover; it's a destination brimming with surprises.
So, what are the top attractions and must-see places to visit in this Filipino fiesta? Well, for a breath of fresh air and a dose of history, you can't miss Rizal Park, a sprawling green oasis right in the heart of the city, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic amidst the urban bustle. For those who like their brains tickled and their minds blown, the Mind Museum is an absolute must-visit, offering interactive and engaging exhibits that make science seriously fun. And for a step back in time, Fort Santiago, a historic citadel within the walled city of Intramuros, whispers tales of Spanish colonial days and Filipino heroes. Exploring these diverse locations is definitely among the top things to do in Manila.
But Manila is so much more than just these iconic landmarks. It's a city that pulsates with life, from the colorful chaos of its jeepneys (those uniquely Filipino public transport vehicles that are an adventure in themselves!) to the vibrant energy of its markets overflowing with local crafts and delicious street food. It's a place where you can wander through the ancient walls of Intramuros, imagining life centuries ago, and then find yourself sipping a trendy cocktail in a rooftop bar overlooking a dazzling cityscape. Manila offers a sightseeing experience that's as diverse and dynamic as its people.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this Filipino fiesta. Get ready for some truly unforgettable sightseeing, from exploring ancient forts and vibrant parks to getting your mind blown at interactive museums and experiencing the unique rhythm of Filipino urban life, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Manila a truly special and hilariously captivating destination. So buckle up, prepare for a sensory adventure, and get ready to say "Mabuhay!" to the incredible city of Manila!
Top Attractions: History, Science, and Urban Oases!
Manila offers a fascinating blend of historical sites and modern attractions:
Intramuros: The Walled City
Step back in time within the historic walled city of Intramuros, exploring Spanish colonial-era architecture, churches, and museums. A must-see attraction for historical sightseeing.
Rizal Park: Urban Green Escape
Enjoy a relaxing stroll or picnic in the sprawling Rizal Park, a green oasis in the heart of Manila. A key place to visit for a break from the city bustle.
The Mind Museum: Science Made Fun
Engage your brain with interactive and fascinating exhibits at The Mind Museum. A top thing to do for curious minds of all ages.
Fort Santiago: Echoes of History
Explore Fort Santiago within Intramuros, a significant historical site with connections to Filipino heroes. A noteworthy place to visit for historical sightseeing.
National Museum Complex: Filipino Heritage
Immerse yourself in Filipino art, history, and natural history at the National Museum Complex, comprising several distinct museums. A key place to visit for cultural enrichment.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks (and within this Filipino fiesta!):
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Manila vibe:
- Ride a Jeepney: Experience Manila's unique and colorful public transportation.
- Explore Binondo Chinatown: Discover the oldest Chinatown in the world and indulge in delicious Chinese-Filipino cuisine.
- Visit San Sebastian Church: Marvel at the stunning steel basilica.
- Wander Through Quiapo Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant chaos of a traditional Filipino market.
- Enjoy the Sunset over Manila Bay: Find a scenic spot to watch the spectacular Manila Bay sunset.
So, if you're looking for places to visit in the Philippines that offer a rich blend of history, culture, vibrant urban life, and surprisingly engaging attractions, Manila is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable adventure filled with incredible sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared for a city that will keep you on your toes and leave you with a newfound appreciation for Filipino hospitality! Mabuhay and happy exploring!
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Rizal Park
Widely known across the Philippines as Luneta Park, this is one of the best leisure spots in the city; visited by both the old and young of Manila. Situated at the northern terminus of Roxas Boulevard, the park is one of great history being the site of various mass protests and celebrations. Look out for the park’s main attraction, the monument of Jose Rival – who was executed by the Spanish colonial authorities in the country’s fight for independence.
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Metropolitan Theater
Situated on Padre Burgos avenue, the Metropolitan is more than just a theater – its more of a symbol of Manila and its people. Inaugurated on December 10, 1931, it was designed by Juan M. Arellano who was one of the top architects in the country. The art deco has a lot of history attached to it, from surviving the famous Battle of Manila to hosting great shows such as the Wolfgang concerts in 2017.
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Mind Museum
If you are a lover of science, then this is the place for you. Located in the J.Y. Campos Park in Bonifacio Global, it is one of manila’s popular tourist spots with thousands of visitors annually. The museum is very much as attractive on the inside as on the outside - it has five main galleries namely; universe, life, atom, earth and technology. The Mind Museum was awarded the 2014 THEA Awards for Outstanding Achievement for the Science Museum Category.
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Ocean Park
The Ocean park is arguably the most exciting place in the city of manila, with a wide range of attractions and activities to keep you engaged. Its oceanarium is the star attraction – made using water from the Manila Bay, it is home to 14,000 marine animals of about 227 species all of which are found in Southeast Asia. It other attractions include the Trails to Antarctica mainly for penguins and Birds of Prey Kingdom – if interested you can get up close and personal with the sea creatures with some underwater diving.
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Fort Santiago
Set up by Spanish navigator and governor Miguel Lopez de Legazpi to defend the city against intruders, the Fort is one of the still standing buildings of the old Manila. Asides from its beauty, its history is unrivaled, being a former prison where several of prominent names of the Philippines died during the Spanish Empire World War II including Jose Rizal. There is also a Shrine setup to honor Rizal which displays some of its personal collections and footsteps embedded in to the ground as a representation of his final walks from the cell to his execution point.
