Looking for top things to do in Manila, tourist spots and places to visit? In this post, learn about the must-visit Manila tourist spots and things to do, as well as my top 10 Instagram-Worthy Spots in Manila that you should include in your Manila itinerary.
The City of Manila is such a charming city. Historical sites, old churches and houses, and awesome food finds; these are just some of the reasons why I love Manila. For tourists, foodies, and adventure-seekers, the City of Manila is a great place to explore. Be it a day tour, or a few days of vacation, there are a wide array of things to do, places to see, and activities to enjoy in Manila.
In this digital age, where almost everything needs to be snapped and posted on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or Tiktok, finding "Instagram-worthy" spots in Manila is not a hard task. With this, let me share to you some of my favorite IG-worthy spots in the City of Manila that you should not miss on your next trip! This also serves as a travel guide for the best things to do in Manila for first-timers.
[ CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LIST OF TOP-RATED HOTELS IN MANILA ]
THINGS TO DO IN MANILA, TOURIST SPOTS & PLACES TO VISIT 2024
WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS MANILA TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG? |
Manila, the capital city of the Philippines is one of the good choices to start your journey in the Philippines. What is Manila most famous for? Are you ready to explore the lovely City of Manila? Tara, let's go!
But first, here are some...
MANILA PHILIPPINES TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
- Premium NAIA Shuttle Bus Transfers for Manila - Have a fuss-free arrival in the Philippines and book a premium airport bus transfer to your chosen destination.
- Manila Private Car Charter - Explore Manila and surrounding areas comfortably in a private car driven by a qualified and experienced chauffeur.
- 4G Portable WiFi - Stay connected to the internet while in the Philippines with this 4G Portable WiFi device with Manila delivery.
- 4G eSIM Unlimited Data - If you wish to use an eSIM to stay connected to the internet while in the Philippines, you may book this one.
- Hotels and Resorts in Manila - Visit this link to see the list of best hotels and resorts to stay at in Manila.
1. Fort Santiago in Intramuros
One of the best places to visit in Manila for history junkies is the Fort Santiago. It is a 16th century military defense fortress which gives an interesting insight into one of the most important chapters in Manila's history. It is also where Rizal shrine is located; which exhibits some memorabilia related to the life and works of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. As a place where Rizal was imprisoned, his final steps from his prison cell to the fatal firing squad site in Luneta Park were immortalized with golden footprints seen inside the Fort.
2. National Museum of the Philippines
For the history and art lovers, the National Museum of the Philippines is a must-visit in Manila. It houses some of the most precious art pieces of National Artists, as well as some artifacts of Philippine history. Not to be missed when visiting the National Museum is the "Spoliarium" by by Filipino painter Juan Luna which was submitted by Luna to the 1884 ExposiciĆ³n Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid, Spain, where it garnered the first gold medal. You can find it at the museum's ground floor, and it is the first work of art that greets visitors upon entry into the museum.
If you love visiting musuems, I higly recommend that you join the Manila Heritage Museum Crawl. From the Ayala Museum, National Museum, Fort Santiago, Bahay Tsinoy, and up to local specialized stores, you’ll discover how the Spanish, Chinese, and Americans played significant roles in shaping the Filipino society.
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3. Manila Cathedral
Also known as the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the Manila Cathedral serves both as the Prime Basilica of the Philippines and highest seat of the Archbishop in the country. It is located inside the historic walled city of Intramuros.
If you want to spend a night or two inside Intramuros, here are my recommended hotels in Intramuros:
4. Rizal Park (Luneta)
One of the must-visit tourist places in Manila, is Rizal Park. Also known as "Luneta", it is a national monument where the memorial monument of Philippine's National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal can be found. In front of the monument is the Philippine Flag pole, one of the tallest in the country. Several gardens, monuments, and a Planetarium can also be found inside the huge park complex. Be sure to drop by at Luneta Park when visiting Manila.
TOP HOTELS NEAR RIZAL PARK
- The Manila Hotel
- The Luneta Hotel
- City Garden Suites Hotel
- Rizal Park Hotel Manila
- Hotel H2O, Manila
Old Manila - Heritage Full Day TourCatch a glimpse of the rich Philippine history on a full day tour to Manila’s heritage sites. Visit historical landmarks such as the Rizal Park, the National Museum, and Intramuros. Experience dining in Filipino-Spanish colonial era-style at Bistro Remedios in Malate. |
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5. San Agustin Church
This is a must-visit when visiting the walled city of Intramuros. San Agustin Church is one of the "Four Baroque Churches in the Philippines" inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1993 and considered as one of the oldest stone churches in the Philippines. Built in 1589, it is the only church inside Intramuros that survived the Second World War.
6. Plaza San Luis
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Manila is Plaza San Luis inside Intramuros. Located at the cobble-stoned street of General Luna, it is a complex composed of five replica houses representing different eras of Filipino-Spanish architecture. The plaza is consists of Casa Blanca, Casa Urdaneta, Los Hidalgos, El Hogar Filipino, and Casa Manila. Entering the complex, you will feel like you were transported back to the Spanish colonial times. Inside the complex you'll also find restaurants, souvenir shops, White Knight Hotel Intramuros, a museum, cafe and event venues.
7. Chinatown in Binondo Manila
Known as the "World's Oldest Chinatown," Binondo in Manila is host to some historical sites, temples, as well as a great place for an awesome gastronomic adventure. For me, the best time to visit Chinatown is during Chinese New Year, that's when the community becomes livelier with all the festivities happening around.
TOP HOTELS IN BINONDO MANILA
- Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central
- Red Planet Manila Binondo
- Hotel Lucky Chinatown
- Best Fortune Hotel Manila
- OYO 416 Lucky Hotel
The Big Binondo Food WokEat your way around the most intimate alleys of Binondo, Manila's historic Chinatown. Learn all about the history of the area from your specialist foodie guide as you feast on specialty treats. Try mouth-watering local neighborhood dishes like lumpiao, siopao, pancit, champoy, and more! Get to know the people of the local Tsinoy community as you explore the area with your group. Bring home some souvenirs from a local store that specializes in tasty Chinese delicacies. |
8. Paco Park and Cemetery
A cemetery may not be a usual destination among tourists, but Park Park and Cemetery is not just a cemetery but a must-visit historical site. Paco Park was once Manila’s municipal cemetery during the Spanish colonial period. Most of the wealthy families during that time interred the remains of their loved ones here. Tough it was originally planned as a municipal cemetery for the well-off and established upper-class Spanish families who resided in the old Manila, it was also used to bury victims of a cholera epidemic that swept across the city during that time. Now, it is a popular wedding venue, and also hosts to some events.
If you want to spend a night or two near Paco Park, here are my recommended hotels:
9 Escolta Street in Manila
Escolta is a historic street located in the old downtown district of Binondo in Manila. The street is home to several old buildings that reminds us the grandeur of old Manila.
If you wish to go on a guided tour and visit some of Manila's oldest structures in Escolta, I highly recommend that you join the Old Manila Full Day Tour.
10. Manila Baywalk
Located along Roxas Boulevard, across Raja Sulayman Park, the Manila Baywalk is a long stretch of boardwalk along Manila Bay where you could catch the famous Manila Bay sunset. This is a good spot to rest, and end your tour of Manila.
Aside from these, Manila also offers an array of hotels, shopping malls, bars and restaurants, zoo, and oceanarium, among many others. It's also a good and convenient place to stay if you're planning to visit popular day tour destinations such as Tagaytay, Laguna, and Corregidor Island.
Whether it's your first time, or just re-visiting Manila, I hope this post will serve as your guide in creating your itinerary in exploring the vibrant City of Manila.
[ SEE THE LIST OF TOP-RATED HOTELS IN MANILA ]
ALSO READ: 31 STAYCATION HOTELS IN METRO MANILA (NCR) Allowed to Operate for Leisure Purposes under Alert Level 3
How to get around in Manila?
MOTORCYCLE RENTAL IN MANILA
Are you ready to explore Manila? If you have a driver's license and knows how to drive a motorcycle, I highly recommend renting a motorcycle. Enjoy the convenience of having your own motorbike and explore these Instagram-Worthy Spots in Manila at your own pace.
CAR RENTAL IN MANILA
If you want the comfort and convenience of a private car, you could travel around Manila comfortably in a private car driven by a qualified and experienced chauffeur. Plan your own itinerary and relax as your driver finds the quickest route to get from one stop to another.
OTHER WAYS TO EXPLORE MANILA
To fully experience Manila, you may also take the jeepneys or ride the LRT trains. There are also taxis that could bring you to your destination. Or you may use the Grab App to book a taxi or a private car.
Other Interesting Things to Do in and near Manila
- Okada Manila Sole-ful Walking Tour
- The Mind Museum BGC All-day Pass
- San Miguel + MalacaƱang Palace Guided Walking Tour
- The Dessert Museum in Pasay Metro Manila
- Old Manila Filipino Food Crawl
- Dream Lab in Makati Metro Manila
- Lakbay Museo in Pasay Metro Manila
- Chinese Cemetery Walking Tour in Manila
- Manila Coffee Crawl
- Okada Manila Sunset Experience with Dinner Buffet
- Experience Quiapo Muslim Town: Tour in a Box
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