Tourist Attractions to Visit in Manila
Philippines

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

Mustafa Natalwala 1693 Views

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.

Fort Santiago

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.

Arroceros Forest 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.

Manila 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.

Star City 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.

San Agustin Church

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.

Divisoria 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.

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.

Casa Manila

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.

Presidential Museum and Library

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.

Ayala 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.

Manila 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.

Rizal 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.

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.

Manila 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.

Quiapo 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

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making