Beautiful Tourist Spots to Visit and Top Things to Do in Manila

Manila is the national capital city of the Philippines. The city sits east of Manila Bay and on central west end of Luzon Island. Some of the best things to do in Manila can be found along the ocean front. Being a major port has heavily contributed to the progress of the city and is responsible for much of its history. The history of city goes back to 1258 and even beyond. It was known as Maynila back then and you will find remnants of this ancient cities at archaeological sites, museums and other places to visit in Manila.

The city was rebuilt with name Intramuros was established in 1571 as a Spanish Colonial city. This fortified city served as the seat of power on the island during colonial rule. Many Manila tourist attractions are testament to this period. Historical buildings which show European influence in terms of architecture and design originate from the colonial period. In fact, majority of Manila sightseeing comprises of what the colonial powers left behind. But, you should not miss out on the history and culture of Philippines.

Beneath the facade of colonial buildings and modern structures is a rich indigenous Filipino culture and remains of a storied pre-colonial civilization. The culture can be experienced at the markets, streets, parks, festivals, traditional events, food and art. These are some of the most interesting things to see in Manila. The city has several art galleries featuring indigenous as well as modern and contemporary Filipino artworks. Alongside museums, you should also visit cultural centers and attend local festivals. The best time to visit Manila is during one of the festivals, where the people relive their indigenous culture and traditions. Such experiences cannot be had artificially at any other place or event during Manila travel.

Explore the Best 16 Tourist Places in Manila

1. Fort Santiago (Kutà ng Santiago)

The fort was built in 1593 and sits in the ancient walled city. The fort is among the foremost historical places to visit in Manila. The walls of this fort are also home to the famous Rizal Shrine. You will need about two hours to explore this fort.

2. Arroceros Forest Park

This pasture of greens in the middle of a busy city is among popular Manila attractions for tourists as well as locals. Though small, the forest is quite dense. It is popular for photography, hiking and bird watching. You can easily spend an hour or so at this park.

3. Manila Ocean Park

This oceanarium is home to more than 14,000 aquatic lives from more than 270 species. The park features numerous attractions like exhibits, shows, aquariums, amusement park and so on. It is among the most fun things to do in Manila for families. You would need at least a couple of hours for the Ocean Park.

4. Star City Amusement Park

Yet another popular amusement park among Manila tourist attractions. Star City is the largest park of its kind in the country. The park has offerings for people of all ages and all choices. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying various attractions of this amusement park.

5. San Agustin Church

This is the oldest church in the country and is among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is best known for its beautiful baroque style of architecture which borrows heavily from Europe. You will need half an hour for this church during Manila travel.

6. Divisoria Market

This is where you will come across some of the most interesting things to see in Manila and you would definitely want to purchase many of them. You should drive a hard bargain as is customary at these traditional markets. If you can negotiate well, you will find some of the cheapest stuff here. You would want to keep an hours time at least to explore this market.

7. National Museum of Philippines (Pambansang Museo ng Pilipinas)

This museum tells the story of the country from different aspects. The complex includes museum of anthropology, history, zoology, archeology and art. This is one of the first places you should visit during Manila sightseeing. It will take you 2 to 3 hours to explore the National Museum of Philippines.

8. Casa Manila

This palace was designed by Imelda Marcos in 1980 and is one of the prime examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the city. It is again a major historical tourist spot in Manila. You will need 2 hours to explore it.

9. Central Bank Money Museum

This museum is managed by the Central Bank of the Philippines and gives an insight into the history of currency in the country. It also gives an insight into the economical evolution of the country as well as relates to its cultural history. This makes it among important places to go in Manila to learn about the nation. You will need an hour to explore this museum.

10. Presidential Museum and Library – Malacañan Palace (Palasyo ng Malakanyang)

This palace serves as the residence of the President of the Philippines. The palace was built in the 18th century and features a blend of Neo Classical and Bahay na Bato styles of architecture. The Presidential Museum and Library in this palace are among the most popular places to see in Manila. You will need an hour and a half for Malacanang Palace.

11. Ayala Museum

This is the top tourist destination in Manila for those who admire art. This contemporary art museum houses several works by renowned artists and is specially dedicated to contemporary Filipino relics. You will need 2 hours at least to explore this museum.

12. Manila Zoo

This zoo features 500 animals from 100 species brought from several asian countries. The zoo also has botanical garden featuring numerous species of flora collected from different countries. The zoo also offers fun activities in Manila like boating and amusement shows. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore the zoo.

13. Rizal Park

This is the biggest public park in the city and is perhaps the best place to go in Manila to engage with the locals and for small events. The park always has some or the other event or celebration going on for you to watch or join. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this park.

14. Binondo Chinatown

This area is known as the world’s oldest chinatown and the best tourist spot in Manila for bargain shopping. The area is an interesting sight by itself. You can feel transported to another part of the world. It is also great for street food and tea houses. You will need at least an hour for Binondo Chinatown.

15. Manila Cathedral

This cathedral was first built in 1571 and has been rebuilt and renovated several times. Despite being the 8th iteration, it still retains many aspects of the Neo Romanesque style of architecture. It is one of the most beautiful places in Manila. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this cathedral.

16. Quiapo Church

Also known as Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, this is again a beautiful church and among most popular Manila tourist attractions. It is also one of the oldest churches in the country and is adored by the people. You will need about 30 minutes to explore this church.

If you are looking for more places to visit in Manila, check out the section below.

Things to do in Manila

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Manila

1. Fort Santiago
2. National Museum of the Philippines
3. San Agustin Church
4. The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Church
5. Casa Manila
6. Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene
7. Presidential Museum and Library
8. San Sebastian Church
9. National Museum of Anthology
10. National Museum of Natural History
11. Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz Binondo Church
12. Dr. Jose Rizal National Monument
13. Bahay Tsinoy Museum of Chinese in Philippines
14. Metropolitan Museum of Manila
15. Museo Pambata
16. Baluarte de San Diego
17. Manila City Hall
18. National Museum of Fine Arts
19. Museum of Contemporary Art and Design
20. Our Lady of Remedies Parish
21. Philippine Postal Corporation
22. Rizal Shrine at Fort Santiago
23. Coconut Palace
24. Andres Bonifico Monument
25. UST Museum
26. Bonifacio and the Katipunan Revolution
27. Nakpil Bautista House Museum
28. Mabini Shrine and Museum
29. Santa Cruz Parish
30. Manila Golden Mosque
31. Palacio del Gobernador
32. Museo de Intramuros
33. Ayala Museum
34. Chinatown Museum
35. Yuchengco Museum
36. Upside Down Museum
37. The Mind Museum
38. Museo NG Katipunan
39. Santo Domingo Church and Convent
40. The Dessert Museum
41. Quezon Memorial Circle
42. Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine
43. National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help
44. Nuestra Señora de Gracia Church
45. Museo NG Sining
46. Lakbay Museo
47. The Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao
48. Manila American Cemetery and Memorial
49. Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish
50. Vargas Museum
51. EDSA Shrine
52. Philippines Air Force Aerospace Museum
53. Armed Forces of the Philippines Museum
54. Presidential Car Museum
55. Quezon Memorial Shrine

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Manila

1. Arroceros Forest Park
2. Las Pinas Paranaque Critical Habit

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Manila

1. Manila Ocean Park
2. Manila Zoo
3. National Planetarium
4. Starcity Amusement Park
5. Mehan Garden Manila
6. Ayala Triangle Gardens
7. Solaire Resort & Casino
8. The Resorts Manila
9. Art in Island Gallery
10. Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center
11. Circuit Makati
12. Jaime Velasquez Park
13. Malabon Zoo
14. Finale Art File
15. DreamPlay Amusement Park
16. Greenbelt Park
17. Ark Avilon Zoo
18. Ateneo Art Gallery
19. Jose Yao Campos Park

Shopping in Manila

1. Dangwa Market
2. Robinson Place Mall
3. Quiapo Market
4. Legazpi Sunday Market
5. Salcedo Saturday Market
6. SM City Manila
7. Tiendesites Market
8. Greenhills Malls
9. Baclaran Park
10. SM Mega Mall
11. SM Mall of Asia
12. St. Francis Square
13. 168 Shopping Mall
14. Divisoria Market
15. Shangri La Plaza

Beaches in Manila

1. Manila Baywalk
2. SM by the Bay
3. Manila Beach
4. Baseco Beach
5. Sua Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Manila

1. Hiking
2. Bird Watching
3. Bicycle Tour

Sightseeing in Manila

1. Rizal Park
2. Pace Park and Cemetery
3. Escolta Street
4. William A Jones Memorial Bridge
5. Plaza Roma
6. Aduana Building
7. Quirino Grandstand
8. Legazpi Active Park
9. Washington Sycip Park
10. P Burgos Street
11. Valenzuela City People’s Park

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Manila

1. Smokeyard
2. Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant
3. Wai Ying
4. Bistro Remedios
5. Three Guys and Grill
6. Antonio’s
7. Oyasumi Ramen
8. Pintxos
9. Kale Cafe
10. Kanto Freestyle Breakfast
11. Raffaele
12. Makan Makan Asia Food Village
13. Bugis Singapore
14. Rima
15. La Cathedral
16. So Mot Vietnamese
17. Ilustrado
18. Deli Avenue
19. Spiral
20. Hummus Elijah
21. Ilang Ilang
22. Cioccolata Churros Cafe
23. The Aristocrat

How to Reach Manila?

By Air

The fastest way for Manila travel is via Ninoy Aquino International Airport. It is the prime international airport in the country. You can get direct flights to visit Manila from Beijing, Seoul, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Basco, El Nido, Caticlan, Busuanga, Dubai, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kota Kinabalu, Macau, Melbourne, Osaka, San Jose, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Amsterdam, Kuwait City, Phnom Penh, Muscat, Auckland, Brisbane, Doha, Hanoi, Jakarta, London, Los Angeles, New York City, San Fransisco, Sapporo, Tel Aviv, Toronto, Vancouver, Jeddah, Riyadh, Bangkok, Istanbul and many more. You can use public buses, tour buses and cabs to reach places to visit in Manila front the airport.

By Road

You can get local trains and buses to travel across the island. But, that is the limit of road transport to and from Manila.

If you are traveling on the island by road, you should head along route AH26. You will find many of Manila’s tourist attractions along this route as well.

By Water

Manila South Harbour is connected with several towns and cities in the Philippines. You can also get on passenger ships from Indonesia and Malaysia to reach Manila.

---

Image Reference

• Fort Santiago (Kutà ng Santiago) – Gary Todd / Flickr
• Arroceros Forest Park – MARK ANGELO ROXAS / Wikimedia Commons
• Manila Ocean Park – clarisseclarina / Flickr
• Star City Amusement Park – xiquinhosilva / Flickr
• San Agustin Church – jon mannion / Flickr
• Divisoria Market – Frisno Boström / Flickr
• National Museum of Philippines (Pambansang Museo ng Pilipinas) – Gary Todd / Flickr
• Casa Manila – xiquinhosilva / Flickr
• Central Bank Money Museum –
• Presidential Museum and Library – Malacañan Palace (Palasyo ng Malakanyang) – Ramon FVelasquez / Wikimedia Commons
• Ayala Museum – Jun Acullador / Flickr
• Manila Zoo – Elmer B. Domingo / Wikimedia Commons
• Rizal Park (Liwasang Rizal) – gabohalili / Flickr
• Binondo Chinatown – patrickroque001 / Wikimedia Commons
• Manila Cathedral – Wayne S. Grazio / Flickr
• Quiapo Church – yougottadance / Flickr