Location: Manila
Top Things to do in Manila
10 Things to do in Manila That You Shouldn't Miss
Metropolitan Manila encompasses six cities and 12 towns. Located on Manila Bay in the South China Sea, and bisected by the Pasig River, the capital of the Philippines is historic and modern, rich and poor. A popular sight is the walled area called Intramuros. The capital during Spanish colonization, Intramuros has retained old dungeons and gunpowder rooms but added art galleries and theaters. The city is filled with museums, shops, parks and churches, plus enough nightlife to last until dawn.
Restaurants in Manila
1. San Agustin Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,565 reviews
This museum and courtyard gardens is one of the oldest stone churches in the country, having survived 2 fires and 7 earthquakes.
Reviewed By tylersY4577AX - Melbourne, Australia
Amazing beautiful place to see You will be amazed and astounded by the beautiful architecture and the stained-glass windows this place is a must see
2. San Agustin Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 405 reviews
Reviewed By kanemochi - Seattle, United States
The San Agustin Museum is attached to the magnificent and historical San Agustin church. You should visit both the church and the museum on the same visit. The museum is spread over the entire massive grounds over two floors. Many of the pieces tell the story of the evolution Christianity in the Philippines. You could easily spend at least a couple of hours in just the museum itself. I spent a few hours on the entire property including the church. There are two beautiful gardens on the property. Be sure and look for the turtles in the inner garden fountain. Don’t get too close to the fountain because they’ll swim underwater. They appear to be shy and very aware of people.
3. National Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By MakotoPhil - Saitama, Japan
The museum was free of charge, and is close other museums in the area, so you can also visit other museums as well. The other government-funded museums were also free of charge. The museum is a repository of species that can be found in the Philippines, but there are plenty of them. In every floor and section of the museum, you’ll find different kinds of ecosystems where those species thrive. There was also a life-size model of Lolong, probably the world’s largest saltwater crocodile that has ever lived or captured. There were few people when I visited and the building was spacious and had a cozy atmosphere. If you’re interested about species in the Philippines, it’s a great place to visit. Some people mixes up this museum with the other museums. This museum is for appreciation of the different species and ecosystems in the Philippines. If you’re interested about Philippines’ ancient civilization and artifacts, then the National Museum would be the place to go; and for learning about the different ethnic groups in the Philippines, the Museum of Anthropology would be the place to visit.
4. Manila Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,124 reviews
Former Philippine archbishops are buried in a crypt under the altar of this majestic cathedral, whose 1951 completion commemorated the the five versions that came before it.
Reviewed By nicosamneil - Cebu Island, Philippines
The architectural design is superb. Going to mass is so comfortable since it is air-conditioned. Different time for mass are offered. You could see the spanish touch on it. Well maintained church.
5. National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 683 reviews
This grand exhibit house features the country's most historic works of culture and national heritage, including the paintings of heralded Philippine artist Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo.
Reviewed By vivas_margarida - Lisbon, Portugal
Very interesting museum, with a diverse collection of paintings and sculptures. This was a great suggestion for a local visit
6. Rizal Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,066 reviews
Reviewed By esco0230
The water fountain and the music is just amazing... Very fun to watch and perfect for a couple or family or even solo.
7. Intramuros
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,550 reviews
Intramuros, "The Walled City," is the oldest district in Manila. This is what remains of the fortified city, which was the seat of power during Spanish Colonial times (1521-1898).
Reviewed By Z7953UVpaulp - Phuket, Thailand
I was worried and concerned about safety issue prior to my visit as many people warned me that this place is not safe. In fact, it is very safe especially during day time and i had a really good time here staying at bayleaf hotel. No problem at all. For those who are visiting Manila, it is recommended to spend for a day or two here. Things to do are tour by carlos during weekend (3hours) including horse ride etc, distiller museum, san augustine museum and church, cheap massage (300pesos) at same street where distiller museum is located, city wall, Barbara dinner with show, casa manila , manila national art museum (nearby).
8. Fort Santiago
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,077 reviews
This museum and public park was built as a stone fortress at the turn of the 17th century and marked the beginning of the walled city's riverside barricades.
Reviewed By 317luzc - Houston, United States
Markers document the historical landmarks; it is well lit and safe, with free entertainment at different spots. Fort Santiago, the main fortress of Intramuros established by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi on the site of the former wooden fort of Rajah Soliman in 1572, was burned during the siege of the Chinese Pirate Lin Fen (Limahong) in 1574. It was reconstructed with local tuff (adobe) from 1590 - 1593. It was the citadel of the armies of four foreign powers: Spain ???????? from 1571 to 1898; Great Britain ???????? from 1762 through 1764 during the Seven Year War; United States ???????? from 1898 to 1946; and the Empire of Japan ???????? from 1942 through 1945 during the Second World War. It was declared a National Shrine and a National Monument in 1951 and as a National Cultural Treasure in 2014. The marker, Last Walk to Martyrdom Trail, a centennial freedom trail characterized by the shoe prints of Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, memorializes the path he took to Bagumbayan from his cell in Fort Santiago in the early hours of December 30, 1896. It symbolizes the birth of the Filipino nation. The marker was unveiled on December 27, 1996 during the incumbency of His Excellency President Fidel V. Ramos. Another point of interest for me was the Postigo de la Nuestra Señora de Soledad, a postern used as access from Fort Santiago to the Pasig River, from whence Lieutenant General Simon de Anda, leader of the Spanish Resistance against the British Occupation of Manila from 1762 through 1768 during the Seven Year War after a siege of Intramuros by the British Army. A white stone cross marks the final resting place of approximately 600 Filipinos and Americans who were victims of atrocities including starvation and possibly suffocation by the Japanese Imperial Forces, during the last days of February 1945, who were found inside a nearby dungeon which had inner doors of massive iron bars and outer doors of iron plates on wood.
9. Robinsons Place Mall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,011 reviews
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Reviewed By rogerxArizona - Tucson, United States
Robinson Mall has been here for years. It has grown and expanded. It is easy to get lost in and come out a different entrance than where you came in. I use my GPS to get around. There are money changers, cellphone stores, food courts, full service restaurants, little shops and large international brand shops like Marks and Spencer and Body Shop. Parking underneath, movie theaters and a full service spa and Massage as well s a gym. But the prices are reasonable here not like some other malls in Manila. Safe and security at all entrances
10. Manila Ocean Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2,200 reviews
From a spectacular marine themed park, Manila Ocean Park has finally evolved into Metro's Holiday Destination where everything is all about Life and Living.An array of exciting attractions, enticing view of the bay, enriching marine life exhibits, entertaining dining and lifestyle shapes to mold into an integrated resort destination. Manila Ocean Park is proud to have a marine-themed park in the country that houses Life of the best of both under and over the sea!
Reviewed By abhinavs904 - Guangxi, China
It was a very nice visit to the park. I enjoyed the sea lion show and the bird show and we took the all 14 package was just 995 peso and was worth buying..The oceanarium was the best and the fish spa was a great experience..
