Manila, the massive, loud, chaotic capital city of the Philippines. Most folks only stop in Manila for a short layover prior to jetting off to another island. The city is hard to love at first look; traffic is bad, the size is unmanageable, and costs are higher than elsewhere.
But Manila has a lot of charm and even some nice areas with historical sites. And good food too. We help break down some of the best things to do in Manila that any first-time visitor should do in town.
Take a Carriage Ride around Intramuros
Intramuros, meaning “within the walls” is the historic district in old Manila. It is the oldest district in the city and the one most representative of the Spanish colonial timeframe. The area was founded in 1571 on an old Spanish settlement in the region.
For those visiting Manila, you’ll spend much of the history exploring time in Intramuros. Many of the sites below are located in this district. There are many ways to get around, but our favorite is a carriage ride.
You’ll see the horse-drawn carriage drivers make their rounds through the area. Discuss the cost (usually per hour) and the sites you’ll visit with them. This is the perfect way to get into your time in the district.
Mind Museum
The Mind Museum is a world-class science museum in Manila, Philippines. It is renowned for its interactive exhibits and engaging educational experiences. The museum is situated in the Bonifacio Global City and spans over 5,000 square meters. Opened in 2012, the museum has five main galleries: Atom, Life, Earth, Universe, and Technology. Each gallery offers a unique exploration of different scientific concepts, ranging from the smallest particles to the vastness of the cosmos.
Visitors can explore interactive displays, such as a life-size model of the Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton and a simulated journey through space. The museum features hands-on exhibits that allow visitors to conduct experiments, learn about biodiversity, and understand the principles of physics and technology.
The museum also regularly hosts educational programs, workshops, and events with interactive and fun ways to learn about science.
San Agustin Church
San Agustin Church is a historic landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Manila, Philippines. Completed in 1607, it is not only the oldest stone church in the Philippines but also one of the few structures in Manila to survive the destruction of World War II.
The Spanish colonial-style architecture features intricate carvings, ornate facades, and baroque elements. Thankfully, we can still experience the church, given its massive stone walls, which have withstood centuries of earthquakes and natural disasters.
The church houses religious artworks, including intricately designed altars, ornate ceilings, and beautiful stained-glass windows. The highlight is its painted frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St. Augustine and other biblical themes.
The church is open daily for worshipers and visitors. Dates and times can change due to holidays and other special events.
San Agustin Museum
Located in the church’s compound, the San Agustin Museum is a trove of historical and culturally significant religious artifacts. The museum is housed in what was the monastery of the Augustinian friars.
The museum houses a collection of religious art, colonial-era furniture, ivory sculptures, ecclesiastical vestments, and artifacts dating back to the Spanish colonial period. It includes ancient manuscripts, religious relics, and intricately carved Santos (religious statues).
The most interesting part is the beautiful, well-preserved cloisters, courtyards, and rooms that offer a glimpse into the daily life of the former Augustinian friars. These are almost better than the actual exhibits themselves.
The museum is open daily but is subject to closing during special events or other holidays.
Chinatown
What surprised me is that Chinatown (known locally as “Binondo”) is one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world! Established in 1594, it is even older than the city of Manila. As most know, this area was founded pre-Spain and was a Muslim settlement at the time of Spanish founding.
The streets of Chinatown are like many Chinatowns around the world. With a lovely entrance gate and of course bustling streets of shops, vendors, and restaurants. And the food, that’s the main draw I think for most folks coming into this area. You’ll find traditional Chinese foods as well as great Filipino-Chinese fusion. Be sure to check out Binondo Church, one of the oldest in the country.
Fort Santiago
Built in the 16th century, Fort Santiago was an important fortress used to repel invasions during the Spanish Colonial period. Of course invasions that were not the Spanish themselves. Visitors can explore its well-preserved ruins, ramparts, and dungeons, which offer glimpses into its storied past. One of its most notable features is the Baluarte de San Diego, a bastion that offers panoramic views of Manila Bay.
Be sure to check out the dungeon area, too. It is an interesting display with some graphic displays that discuss its use as a dungeon, especially during WWII. Also, stop and see the Rizal statue, which honors the National Hero José Rizal, a doctor martyred for resisting Spanish rule.
Open Daily. ₱75 per person. Make sure you have small bills. They refused us originally because they couldn’t break larger bills.
Manila Cathedral
The Manila Cathedral, established in 1571, has undergone several reconstructions. The current structure, completed in 1958, showcases a blend of Romanesque Revival and Neo-Romanesque architectural styles.
Visitors can explore the stunning interior, adorned with intricate stained-glass windows, ornate altars, and stately domes. The cathedral’s main altar is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. Admission is free (donations welcome), and visitors can attend religious services.
Guided tours are available to learn about the cathedral’s rich history, architectural significance, and role in shaping Philippine culture. Cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions are also hosted, providing visitors with opportunities to experience its vibrant community.
Rizal Park
Also known as Luneta Park, the beautiful urban Rizal Park is an important site to explore and spend some time. It’s mostly important as the execution site of the martyr Dr. Jose Rizal. Be sure to explore the execution site, which has a beautiful memorial to the Doctor. I found it important to read and learn about his life and work.
Among the activities in the park are enjoying the fountains and lawns. Exploring the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, Orchidarium, and Butterfly Pavilion. There are also spots for exercise, children’s playgrounds, and lawns to picnic and relax. I also found it cool that point zero is in the park; where all distances in the Philippines are measured.
Admission to Rizal Park is free and open daily from dawn until midnight. There are often events, concerts, and festivals in the park.
Baluartes in Intramuros
Surrounding Intramuros is a series of defensive structures called Baluartes built during the Spanish colonial period. These were primarily built to fend off any [other] foreign invaders into the Philippine islands.
There are several different bastions you can visit around the Intramuros, as these make up the walls of this neighborhood. Admission is free, although there are occasionally fees for specific exhibits.
Each Baluarte within Intramuros boasts unique architectural features and historical significance. Some have been transformed into museums or cultural centers that exhibit Philippine history, heritage, and the Spanish colonial era. Others remain open-air spaces where visitors enjoy panoramic views of Intramuros and its surrounding areas.
Be sure to check the views from here, too. I found some of those with the best views over the city. You can also look down on some parks, historical barracks, and even a golf course. Adjacent to one of them are various statues of the presidents of the Philippines, which is interesting to see.
Casa Manila
If you are looking for something that truly shows old Manila, Casa Manila is the perfect place to visit. Located in Intramuros, Casa Manila is a meticulously reconstructed 19th-century colonial house that offers a view into the upper Filipino echelon during Spanish rule.
Casa Manila is where visitors can explore meticulously restored interiors, furnished with period-appropriate furniture, decor, and artworks. It showcases several rooms, including a sala (living room), comedor (dining room), cocina (kitchen), and dormitorio (bedroom).
Admission does require a small fee. You can also view some areas of the courtyard without paying for admission. Guided tours are also available. It’s a perfect stop for an hour or more along your exploration of Intramuros.
The Roof of the Bayleaf Hotel
Located in the heart of Intramuros, the Bayleaf is one of the best hotels in this area of the city. But even if you are not staying here, the rooftop should not be missed. The views from the balconies give you an incredible 360° view over Intramuros. During the evenings the rooftop is a restaurant/bar so visiting in the evenings is possible, too.
It didn’t seem an issue for us to come in and view the rooftop even as non-guests during the day. The carriage driver’s son basically just led us into the hotel. The staff were friendly and aware of what we were doing. You’ll need to be a guest at the lounge bar at night.
BGC Downtown
Bonifacio Global City is one of the newest areas of Manila. It feels like a city within a city and maybe a bit of a bubble. But the area is nice, with a pedestrian high street, lots of shopping, and good restaurants. I like that many places here stay open later than elsewhere in the city.
We also recently celebrated New Year’s with folks gathering in a park-area outside of a mall. There was a concert as well and there are often events in this part of Manila. Even though it felt touristy, I found the area full of locals. While it doesn’t have the historical significance of downtown, it does feel lively with Filipinos going about their days and evenings.
Some of the nicest hotels in the city are in this area, too. It’s a good area to stay but does feel far from the historical sites.
Venice Grand Canal Mall
It’s kitschy, but the Venice Grand Canal Mall is actually pretty nice. The main attraction is the canal that runs through the mall. Most of the restaurants you’ll find here line the canal area and offer visitors the ability to sit, relax, and people-watch. There are plenty of shops too although they tend to be indoors around the canal area.
There’s also a small plaza that has pigeon feeding. We didn’t engage in feeding the pigeons or the small train around the plaza. But we did shop at the various stalls that lined this area, too. While I don’t think it’s necessarily my top spot in Manila. But it is a nice area to get some food, shop, and people-watch.
National Museum of Natural History
Located within Rizal Park, the National Museum of Natural History showcases the country’s rich biodiversity and natural history. Opened in 2018, the impressive facility is built within a historic renovated neoclassical building, formerly the Department of Tourism.
Visitors can explore diverse exhibits on Philippine natural history, including geology, botany, zoology, and paleontology. The museum’s centerpiece is the “Tree of Life,” a multi-story structure focusing on all living organisms’ interconnectedness.
Overall, you can spend hours exploring the various interactive displays, exhibits, and presentations on the impressive natural diversity of the Philippines. Entrance is free, which makes it even better.
Ride on a Jeepney
There’s no more of a symbol of the Philippines than the ubiquitous Jeepney. These beautifully decorated vehicles can be seen throughout the islands taking visitors from place to place for reasonable fare.
Jeepneys were created in post-war Philippines as a cheap and efficient mode of transportation. Surplus jeeps were modified with elongated roofs, bench seats, and Filipino cultural elements, resulting in an iconic symbol of Philippine heritage.
These days you still seem them throughout the islands. But from everyone I talked to, it seemed that with modern changes and focus on sustainable transportation the days of Jeepneys may be coming to a close. While there’s no specific date, if that is true, this cultural icon will likely be relegated to museums, food trucks, and tourist circuits.
So while you can, try to visit and ride a Jeepney as it was meant to be. Take a trip locally and experience not just an incredible vehicle, but a way to get connected with how locals travel.
Where to Stay in Manila
There’s no shortage of places to stay in Manila. We try to break down some of our favorite places in the city to stay. I’d also love to get any recommendations from readers. Always Looking for new spots to check out when I return.
- Manila Westin: Ortigas: This was the nicest place I stayed in Manila and one of the nicest rooms I’ve ever had. I lucked out getting upgraded to a suite when my room wasn’t ready (I also have lifetime Marriott status, though). Service and cleanliness are impeccable.
- Ascott BGC: BGC: Great hotel in the center of Bonifacio Global City. I like its proximity to the BGC High Street and restaurants and the mind museum.
- Bayleaf: Intramuros: I love the location of this hotel in the heart of Intramuros. It also has a beautiful rooftop, which is one of our top things to do. Clean, great service, and just perfect for out the door exploring.
- F1 Hotel: BGC: More affordable than the adjacent hotels in BGC. Good rooms and a tasty breakfast buffet.
Getting Around
For us, the easiest way to get around Manila was the app GrabTaxi [iOS | Android]. The app does a good job of calling taxis and private cars to pick you up and take you anywhere.
The app is easy to download and you. One tip I learned is that if you cannot find a taxi available, check again selecting “cash payment”. Some taxis don’t accept payment from Grab collected via credit card.
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