The capital of the Philippines is a fast-paced and hectic city filled with cultural and historic gems, from old ruins to national museums and lively promenades.
Manila is continually expanding outwards and upwards. Scores of skyscrapers and business centers are rising up across the city and Filipinos from rural areas pour into the capital everyday looking for opportunities. This is one of the largest cities on the planet.
Manila can be overwhelming at first glance. The sprawling metropolis is a collection of 16 towns with no discernible center. The streets are busy, crowded and loud, but it’s this energy and chaos that gives the city its charm.
To really get to know Manila you need to understand its past. The city has been bombed, devastated by fires and earthquakes and occupied by the Spanish, British, Japanese and Americans.
Start your trip in Intramuros, the oldest part of Manila. It’s surrounded by fortifications and moats that were built by the Spanish in the 16th century. Most of the fortifications were destroyed by bombs during World War II. What was left has been rebuilt and restored. Walk around and on the walls and visit some of its key defensive structures such as the Baluarte de San Diego and the Baluarte de San Andres.
Go to the defensive centerpiece the Fort of Santiago, a large citadel and park, then visit Manila Cathedral. The present structure dates from the mid-20th century. Close to Intramuros is Rizal Park, a green expanse with ornamental gardens, lawns and monuments.
Pay a visit to the National Museum of the Filipino People to learn about the history and culture of the Philippines, and visit Casa Manila Museum, a reproduction of a Spanish colonial house.
Manila captivates with some of its modern charms. Take a ferry along the Pasig River and enjoy the nightlife of the Baywalk, a seaside promenade.
Like many Asian cities traffic is a huge problem. Fortunately, taxis are plentiful, cheap and air-conditioned. A good way to get around is on the light rail and metro. The main forms of public transport are the jeepneys, small brightly colored buses. If you travel by road it may take you longer to get to your destination than you planned. Allow plenty of time and do as the Filipinos do, just go with the flow.
Where to stay in Manila
Alabang
4.5/5Wonderful!(161 area reviews)
One of the most modern corners of Metro Manila, this sleek region of Muntinlupa City is known for its vast malls and stylish skyscrapers.
Visit one of Metro Manila’s shining business districts to see the modern side of the Philippines. Join locals in its chic malls and entertainment venues.
This family-friendly Makati hotel is located near the airport, within a 10-minute walk of Ayala Center, Greenbelt Shopping Mall, and Glorietta Mall. SM Makati ...…This family-friendly Makati hotel is located near the airport, within a 10-minute walk of Ayala Center, Greenbelt Shopping Mall, and Glorietta Mall. SM Makati ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (1,118 reviews)
"I frequently stay here when in town, a real home away from home with caring staff and great amenities."…""I frequently stay here when in town, a real home away from home with caring staff and great amenities."WWW…"
This family-friendly Makati hotel is located in the entertainment district, within a 10-minute walk of Ayala Center, Greenbelt Shopping Mall, and Glorietta Mall. ...…This family-friendly Makati hotel is located in the entertainment district, within a 10-minute walk of Ayala Center, Greenbelt Shopping Mall, and Glorietta Mall. ...WWW…
4.7/5Exceptional! (1,157 reviews)
"We love it. Cant wait to book there again. The facilities the staff so good. Close to everything. I feel safe and spoiled... love it..."…""We love it. Cant wait to book there again. The facilities the staff so good. Close to everything. I feel safe and spoiled... love it..."WWW…"
Located in Brgy. 719, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila Yacht Club, and Star City. Harrison Plaza and Philippine ...…Located in Brgy. 719, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Cultural Center of the Philippines, Manila Yacht Club, and Star City. Harrison Plaza and Philippine ...WWW…
4.2/5Very Good! (1,016 reviews)
"We had 2 rooms. One room had excellent firm beds, the connecting room bed was broken."…""We had 2 rooms. One room had excellent firm beds, the connecting room bed was broken."WWW…"
You can search for that perfect souvenir when you visit SM Mall of Asia, a favorite shopping spot in Pasay. Attend a sporting event or visit the stunning cathedral in this culturally-rich area.
Make time to visit the sea life at Manila Ocean Park and find out why this is a popular attraction in Manila. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this vibrant area.
Find out about the history of Fort Bonifacio, a well-known monument in Taguig. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.
You can enjoy some retail therapy when you visit SM North EDSA, a favorite shopping spot in Quezon City. Discover the great live music and churches in this vibrant area.
You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Venice Grand Canal Mall, a favorite shopping spot in Taguig. Discover the top-notch restaurants and lively festivals in this culturally-rich area.
Hike up one of the Philippines' second-most-active volcano on this full-day tour. Take a scenic boat ride on Taal Lake, ride on a horseback across spectacular black lava flows and look down on the stunning vista from the summit of Taal Volcano.
Take a journey through Manila and explore its rich history, fascinating architecture and ancient buildings. Discover the Philippines' financial capital in bustling Makati City, the historic American Cemetery & Memorial, and the ancient walled-city of Intramuros—a remnant of Manila's colonial past.
Escape to a historic World War II island fortress on this full-day tour to Corregidor Island. Explore major battle sites & barrack ruins, visit the Pacific War Memorial, discover Malinta Tunnel, and enjoy scenic views of Manila Bay from the island's historic lighthouse.
Begin the day with a drive to the picturesque city of Tagaytay. Located on a ridge 2,250 feet (686 m) above sea level, it offers a panoramic view of Taal Lake and Volcano. After lunch, return to Metro Manila, visit bustling Makati, and see San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover Manila's rich history, cultural heritage and architectural grandeur on this full-day tour. Stroll through the ancient walled city of Intramuros, explore the Philippines' financial capital in Makati City, and visit ancient churches and historic museums.
The Weekend Join-in Samal Island Hopping tour departs daily from any Davao City Hotel departure time of 7am and concludes upon return to a Davao City gulf port. The mode of transportation is by an medium to large-sized out-trigger boat.
