Location: Manila
Top Things to do in Manila
What to do and see in Manila, Luzon: The Best Things to do Good for Kids
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. Manila For A Day
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 194 reviews
Manila For A Day connects the world to the Filipino soul. From guided tours to workshops and consulting services, we deliver cultural intelligence solutions by creating learning programs that take you on modern day voyages of discovery. Take a unique Manila For A Day experience today and find out why everyone is raving about us!
2. Museo Filipino Intramuros
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 87 reviews
Museo Filipino is a historical museum gallery in Intramuros, Manila (just behind Manila Cathedral) that gives tourists a birds-eye view (30-minute crash course) on Philippine history. Using illustrations procured from the early 19th century, pictures from the US Library of Congress, and other sources, Museo Filipino narrates Philippine history from the pre-colonial period until the present-day administration. It is a good jump off point in Intramuros because it also highlights the owners' favorite places of interest in Intramuros, such as the Memorare, the gardens, the wall, the monuments of Queen Isabella and King Philip of Spain, etc. Entrance fees (with complimentary freshly-brewed coffee): Students - P80.00 Residents - P100.00 Non-residents - P200.00
Reviewed By Borjavv
I found this museum a very informative visit, spending over one hour there. Well worth a visit if you are staying in Manila.
3. University of Santo Tomas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 280 reviews
This is the oldest university in Asia, founded in 1611, and is one of the world’s largest Roman Catholic universities based on enrollment.
Reviewed By marimara954 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
One of the historical place that you need to visit in Philippines, through this place you will understand the history of the country. Old and classy
4. National Museum Of Anthropology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By kanemochi - Seattle, United States
This museum is across the street from the National Museum. I would recommend at least a few hours to view the multiple floors of displays dedicated to Filipino history and culture or a full morning or afternoon. Don’t make the mistake of trying to visit both the National Museum and the Museum of Anthropology in just one day. There simply would not be enough time considering both are open for 7 hours per day and the National Museum can easily take an entire day for most people. I believe any visitor to a new country should make a good faith effort to gain a fundamental knowledge of that country’s history and culture. The Museum of Anthropology does an exceptional job of sharing the history and culture of the Philippines and the Filipino people. All displays feature well written summaries of that display’s particular subject. Many displays feature excellent videos for viewing. Brief written summaries accompany all displayed artifacts as well. Most people do a quick walk through looking only at the displayed artifacts. I highly recommend stopping and reading (at least occasionally) the written summaries for the displays. You’ll gain a much better understanding and appreciation of what you’re looking at.
5. 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.
6. Binondo Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 199 reviews
The altar's replica of St. Peter's dome impresses visitors to this historic church.
Reviewed By TravelingCat22 - Tucson, United States
Called the Binondo church, San Lorenzo is at the begining of Ongpin street (the main Chinatown street). Austerely black outside, the pink spots give you a cue for the inside: all pink and bright, a photographer's paradise for human-sized church, not too big but cozy and charming.
7. Paco Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 233 reviews
This former cemetery is now a manicured park and venue for fairs and concerts featuring local artists and musicians.
Reviewed By Citygal12456 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Beautiful park cemetery with a small chapel and a nice fountain. A popular venue for weddings. It is well maintained.
8. 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.
9. 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).
10. Cultural Center of the Philippines
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 134 reviews
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