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The best things to do in Manila showcase the unique image of this vibrant city. A mix of Spanish colonial remains and modern buildings, the city was founded by the Spanish at the end of the 16th century, then conquered by the USA at the end of the 19th century, then occupied by the Japanese during World War II. 

Manila offers a wide selection of sports, adventurous activities, open spaces and even underwater scenery (though you’ll need to get a little way out of the city for that). Check out our list of Manila’s best things to do on your visit to the capital city of the Philippines. 

1: Manila Intramuros

Great for: Budget | Couples | Families | History | Photos

Intramuros, or the ‘Walled City’, is one of the oldest districts of Manila, built on the south bank of the Pasig River around 1571. It was built by the Spaniards – more specifically by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi – and is bound on all sides by moats and thick, high walls, with some over 6 metres high.

Within the vast walled enclosure of Intramuros lie 51 blocks, covering a total area of about 66hectares. There are 7 fortified gateways around the walls, granting access in or out of the city. The moat was actually added to the main structure in 1603, 32years after the city was built. 

Location: Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines.

2: San Agustin Church

Great for: Budget | History | Photo

San Agustin Church, built between 1587-1606, is the oldest church in the Philippines. It’s also one of the few structures that remained intact after World War II. The structure you will see nowadays is, in fact, the third to stand on the site and has survived seven major earthquakes, but is in demand for weddings and religious celebrations. The admission fee includes entrance to the San Agustin Museum, which lends insight into the riches of old Manila.

Location: General Luna St, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Daily from 8 am to 12 pm and from 1 pm to 6 pm

Phone: +63 (0)2 527 2746

3: Manila Ocean Park

Great for: Family | Kids | Fun | Photos

Manila Ocean Park is home to 14,000 marine creatures from around 277 species with its sheer size and diversity making it one of the worlds best public aquariums.

Manila Ocean Park is more than just a place to see marine life, Ocean Park has its very own penguin park giving you a glimpse of what its like in the coldest continent in the world without having to leave the Philippines. Visitors can also meet and feed the adorable Humboldt penguins and learn more about Antartica just around the corner from the Christmas Village which is open all year round, because as they say, “Every day is Christmas in the Philippines”.

If creepy crawlies are your thing, and you’re not affraid of worms, frogs and insects, if you’re brave, then why not hold one of the lizards for a photo! Outside checkout the All-Star Bird Show and the performing Sea Lion Show, these great shows involve interactive participation from the crowd whilst the birds and sea lions show off and make the crowd laugh.

Back inside, the Jellies Exhibit is a majestic display of these gelatinous-looking creatures synced with symphonic music and calming light-show. If cool toys and superheroes are your thing, then how about the super toy collection, the largest toy collection in the Philippines or Superman’s ice fortress, finishing with a bite to eat in one of the restaurants before grabbing a souvenir.

4: Fort Santiago

Great for: Couples | Families | History | Photos

Fort Santiago, built at the end of the 16th century in Intramuros, blends Italian and Spanish influences in its solid stone structure. The citadel has been used for many purposes during its existence, from defence fortress to weapon storage facility to detention centre, before it became one of the most important historical sites in Manila.  Right by the Pasig River and containing the green Plaza de Armas, Fort Santiago is a great spot for family picnics and other open-air activities. 

Location: General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Daily from 8 am to 7 pm

5: Binondo – Manila’s Chinatown

Binondo, Manilla’s Chinatown, is one of the most popular neighbourhoods to visit in the capital. Featuring great shopping venues – including Divisoria Market – temples and churches, and exquisite dining options, you should not miss this lively area if you come to Manila. Note that hiring a calesa (horse-drawn carriage) is one of the best ways to explore the beauty and charm of Binondo.

Location: Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila, Philippines

6: Divisoria Market – in heart of Binondo, Manila Chinatown

Great for: Budget | Shoppers

Divisoria Market is a gigantic maze-like outdoor flea market located in the heart of Binondo, Manila Chinatown. Established here for centuries, you’ll be able to find almost anything here, whether you need it or not, at a low price.

You’ll see a lot of knock-off products, but if you keep your eyes peeled, there are some really good finds here. Haggling is a must and being accompanied by a local is usually a good idea – firstly, to help you find what you’re looking for, and secondly, to help you get the best price.

Location: 557 M. De Santos St, San Nicolas, Manila, 1010 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Daily from 7 am to 9 pm

7: Manila Cathedral

Great for: Budget | History | Photos

Manila Cathedral is considered a grand masterpiece of architecture in the Philippines. There are 134 stained-glass windows throughout the whole structure. The central door is also remarkable, with important episodes in the history of Manila Cathedral reflected on it.

The cathedral serves both as the Prime Basilica of the Philippines and the highest seat of the archbishop in the country. It’s the final resting place for former prelates who have served the Archdiocese of Manila and was also used as a venue for the requiem mass for former President of the Philippines Corazon Aquino.

Location: Beaterio St, Cabildo St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines

Phone: +63 (0)2 527 3093

8: Venice Grand Canal Mall

Great for: Shopaholics

This Venice-inspired mall draws thousands of travellers for its stunning architecture and replica of Italy’s Grand Canal—the main centrepiece running through the centre of this open-air mall, you can get on a traditional gondola ride with singing gondoliers, hang a love lock along Ponte de Amore Bridge, and roam around the bazaars and novelty shops for food and unique souvenirs. It’s also a pet-friendly mall so your furry friends can tag along on your shopping spree. Head down on weekday mornings to beat the crowds and lines for the gondola ride.

Address:  McKinley Hill Dr, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila, Philippines

Hours:  11am to 10pm

Parking: 1,000

Phone: +63 2 7624 1971

9: Manila Baywalk

Great for: Couples | Food | Photos

Manila Baywalk is a 2km stretch of coastline that runs alongside Roxas Boulevard, bordered by the US Embassy and Cultural Center of the Philippines. This sidewalk is famous for its golden skies, calm bay waters, palm trees, and ornamental plants, as well as for the yachts anchored in front of the harbour’s cafés and restaurants.

Night cruises are available from the harbour at the southern end of the Baywalk. These let you experience the colourful night lights of the area from a boat’s top deck. You’ll also find a good choice of fancy restaurants around the harbour, and the whole area is a hotspot for a wide variety of cuisines.

Location: Roxas Blvd, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila, Philippines

10: Rizal Park

Great for: Budget | Couples | Families | Photos

Rizal Park is a 60-hectare oasis of greenery and blooms set in Manila’s busy financial and commercial district. Dedicated to Philippine’s national hero Dr Jose Rizal, this urban park has gardens, historical monuments, a 3D map of the Philippines, picnic grounds, a grand stadium, an open-air concert hall, and a lot more.

You can bring your own food and drinks, roll out a mat and enjoy a nice picnic. There are wooded areas and shady gardens you can escape to, such as the Chinese and Japanese Gardens.

Location: Roxas Blvd, Malate, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Daily from 5pm to 9pm

11: Diving in Manila

Great for: Adventure

Diving in Manila lets you experience the rare and rich marine life, while still being able to get back in the bright lights of the city before dark. The Philippines has been the dive spot of choice for underwater enthusiasts for some time and the country’s standards of professionalism, safety and security are without question excellent and are still affordable.

Popular destinations from Luzon include Batangas, a great firsthand introduction to the world of diving. Batangas is considered the jump-off point for both new and experienced divers to delve into other dive destinations. La Union is the nearest research site, with wrecks from the Second World War. 

12: Mall of Asia

Great for: Shopaholics

The SM Mall of Asia is a must see mall for all you shopaholics. The must see mall is the largest mall in the Philippines, located within the SM Central Business Park in the reclaimed area of Manila Bay on the southern end of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.

Click HERE for more info

13: Baclaran Church

The National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, also known as the Redemptionist Church located along Roxas Boulevard in Baclaran, Paranaque city of Metro Manila. The church enshrines the icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help and is one of the largest Marian churches in the Philippines.

This stunning church is a definite must to visit, the largest shrine to Our Mother of Perpetual Help in the world, with up to 150,000 visitors flocking to the shrine every Wednesday throughout the year.

Open: 24/7

14: Chi Spa at EDSA Shangri-La Manila

Great for: Couples | Luxury | Single

Chi Spa at EDSA Shangri-La Manila offers a wide range of treatments, from classical oil massage to the signature Himalayan healing stone massage. It occupies the 4th and 5th floors of the Garden Wing. We highly recommend booking in advance as it’s one of the most popular spa centres in Manila. 

Location: 4 & 5 Floor, Garden Wing, 1 Garden Way, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, 1650 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Daily from 9 am to midnight

Phone: +63 (0)2 633 8888

15: Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club

Great for: Golfers (Sports people)

Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club has 2 18-hole courses designed by Jack Nicklaus. The Masters course is slightly longer than the Legends, and both are par 72. The Masters is punctuated by traps and water hazards, while the Legends is accentuated by high banks. Spread out over 420 hectares, the course has been designed to blend in with its unique terrain.

Location: Congressional Road, Carmona, Cavite, Philippines

Open: Daily from 7 am to 7 pm

Phone: +63 (0)46 430 0001

16: Ayala Museum

Great for: History | Photos

Located in the heart of Makati, Ayala Museum offers you a pleasant journey through the history of arts in the Philippines and, on a wider scale, in Southeast Asia. You’ll discover some beautiful pieces from the past that boast the great craftsmanship of the Filipinos, as well as contemporary art exhibitions.

The museum’s highlight is the 60 dioramas on the 2nd floor, which depict the history of the Philippines from the early cavemen to the present day. Ayala Museum also houses the Filipinas Heritage Library, which hosts rare books and photographs related to the country’s arts, culture and history.

Location: Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City, 1224 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)

Phone: +63 (0)2 759 8288

17: Marikina Shoe Museum

Great for: History

Marikina Shoe Museum is the first of its kind in the Philippines, and one of only a handful around the world. Housed in a restored former rice mill (built circa 1860), it traces the history of the shoe industry in Marikina, the Philippines’ shoe-making capital.

Among the shoe exhibits is the infamous collection of 1,500 pairs that once belonged to Imelda Marcos. Other displays of historical value and human interest are shoes of former Philippine presidents and their first ladies. 

Location: J. P. Rizal St, Marikina, 1801 Metro Manila, Philippines

Open: Daily from 8am to 5pm

18: Club Intramuros

Great for: Golfers

Club Intramuros’s biggest draw is that its 18-hole course can easily be completed in 2 hours, attracting local golfers on an extended lunch break. It’s also one of the few golf courses in Manila that offers nighttime golfing. The building of Club Intramuros began in 1907, making it the doyen of Manila’s flourishing golf scene. 

Location: Bonifacio Drive, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines

Phone: +63 (0)2 527 6612