Manila

Our own experience

During my decade long habituation in this country, I stayed in Manila for a period of about two months, spread over two different couch surfers two separate times as I was arranging errands in the big city.

In both cases I spent much of my free daytime walking randomly in different directions, always from one 711 to another to replace my freshly emptied bottle of beer with a new one.

I walked through the greatest of slums, street markets and fancy areas, and think I only remember seeing one single homeless person sleeping outside on the pavement.

But the poorer the area, the more friendly were the people, always inviting me over to drink my beer with them while they polished off another bottle of Tanduay rum.

I must have easily walked more than 100km, always in search of some park, but the green squares marked on my online map were always just fenced off patches of nothing waiting for development of another skyscraper.

For all my wanderings, I concluded “why would someone come to a country of more than 7,000 beautiful, paradise islands to spend even a day in this concrete monolith?“

So my suggestion is to move on as fast as you can. You can also fly into smaller airports in the country directly from cities like Bangkok, Singapore and Hongkong, much more interesting perhaps.

In any case, there seems to be some hope< for this monstrosity that the previous President Duterte declared would be “dead within 30 years”, but if your flights aren’t matched up or for some reason you have to stay in this town for a while anyway, this is the way we approached it.

Be your own tour guide

As explained in the Things to Do section of my tips how to plan your trips yourself , I created a google map for Manila as such:

Since we weren’t impressed with any of the tour sites and monuments, we chose to make it a dining extravaganza during our few days of errands at the embassy, but the kiddies certainly enjoyed our visits to the Ocean Park, Star City amusement park and the ice rink at the SM Mall of Asia.

For restaurants we chose everything exotic we can’t find on the small little island where we live. Blue balloons are restaurants, red are our errands and green potential interest points for the children. You are welcome to use the map for yourselves by clicking on the share button.

For easy transport between locations I highly suggest you get a local sim card so you can download and use Grab Taxi, otherwise the taxis driving freely will rip you off every time.

A new hope

This below video is my experience from visiting Manila about ten years ago, and why my above suggestions.

But recently I’ve been coming across videos showing planned mega projects and all the other projects that are and have been underway to improve the city (such as the world class metro subway under construction), so we are looking forward to giving it another look. But what surprised us the most is this following video showing:

“For the second year in a row, this vibrant city has been crowned the World’s Leading City Destination at the prestigious World Travel Awards 2024. Beating out global heavyweights like New York, London, and Dubai, Manila has proven that its unique charm, rich history, and the warmth of its people make it a true standout on the world stage.”

Hey, even Elon Musk plans to build a mansion here and invest some billion dollars into the high tech industry, and with all the natural resources discovered in this beautiful country, I am very happy to see the Filipino people climb out of their third world status.

Although one could argue that Manila is rising quickly as a tourist destination because, how else can one get to the 7,000+ islands of beautiful, white sand paradise? But it seems the night life has really taken off since I last visited, plans for a new airport are grandiose indeed, the people in this country are just the warmest and friendliest, and as stated in this video, the city boasts four of the ten largest shopping malls in the world.

But if you do plan to stay some time in this great city…

Top Tourist Sites to See in Manila, Philippines

Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, offers a vibrant mix of history, culture, and modern attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone looking for Instagram-worthy spots, Manila has something for everyone. Here’s a list of the most interesting tourist sites you should include in your itinerary:

1. Intramuros

• Why Visit: Known as the “Walled City,” Intramuros is the historic heart of Manila. This Spanish-era fortress is filled with cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and centuries-old churches.
• Highlights:
  • Fort Santiago: A historic fortress with gardens, museums, and stunning views of the Pasig River.
  • San Agustin Church: A UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest stone church in the Philippines.
  • Casa Manila: A museum showcasing colonial-era lifestyle.

2. Rizal Park (Luneta)

• Why Visit: A sprawling park dedicated to Dr. José Rizal, the Philippine national hero. It’s a perfect spot for leisurely walks and picnics.
• Highlights:
  • The Rizal Monument
  • Musical dancing fountains
  • The Relief Map of the Philippines

3. National Museum Complex

• Why Visit: Immerse yourself in Filipino art, history, and culture. The museum complex features several buildings with diverse collections.
• Highlights:
  • National Museum of Fine Arts: Home to Juan Luna’s famous “Spoliarium.”
  • National Museum of Natural History: Showcasing biodiversity and natural wonders.
  • National Museum of Anthropology: Featuring artifacts from Filipino ethnic groups.

4. Manila Cathedral

• Why Visit: This grand cathedral in Intramuros is a symbol of resilience, having been rebuilt multiple times after destruction.
• Highlights:
  • Stunning stained-glass windows
  • Beautiful architecture and peaceful ambiance

5. Binondo (Chinatown)

• Why Visit: Recognized as the world’s oldest Chinatown, Binondo offers a vibrant mix of history, culture, and delicious food.
• Highlights:
  • Ongpin Street for authentic Chinese cuisine
  • Binondo Church
  • Shopping for unique finds and traditional medicine

6. Malacañang Palace Museum

• Why Visit: The official residence of the President of the Philippines, offering a glimpse into the country’s political history.
• Highlights:
  • The Presidential Museum and Library
  • Historical artifacts and memorabilia

7. Manila Ocean Park

• Why Visit: A family-friendly marine-themed park with interactive exhibits and shows.
• Highlights:
  • Oceanarium with diverse marine life
  • Shark and Stingray Encounters
  • Sea Lion Shows

8. Quiapo Church

• Why Visit: Known for the Black Nazarene, this historic church is a center of devotion for Filipino Catholics.
• Highlights:
  • Vibrant local markets surrounding the church
  • Feast of the Black Nazarene every January 9

9. Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)

• Why Visit: A hub for Filipino performing arts, showcasing music, theater, and dance.
• Highlights:
  • Ballet and orchestral performances
  • Art exhibits and cultural events

10. Manila Baywalk and Roxas Boulevard

• Why Visit: Famous for its picturesque sunsets, the Baywalk is a great spot for a leisurely stroll.
• Highlights:
  • Sunset views over Manila Bay
  • Local street food stalls and restaurants

11. Divisoria

• Why Visit: The ultimate shopping destination for bargain hunters, offering everything from clothes to souvenirs.
• Highlights:
  • Tutuban Center
  • Night markets

12. Greenbelt Chapel and Makati’s Lifestyle Hubs

• Why Visit: While technically part of Makati, Greenbelt offers a serene chapel amid a bustling shopping district.
• Highlights:
  • Modern shopping malls
  • Upscale restaurants and cafes

13. Paco Park

• Why Visit: A quiet, historical park that was once a cemetery. It’s now a popular spot for weddings and concerts.
• Highlights:
  • Peaceful atmosphere
  • Historical significance as Rizal’s initial burial site

14. Star City

• Why Visit: A theme park with rides and attractions for all ages, perfect for families and thrill-seekers.
• Highlights:
  • Carnival rides and roller coasters
  • Snow World indoor attraction

15. Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

• Why Visit: A modern area known for its trendy cafes, murals, and shopping centers.
• Highlights:
  • High Street shopping and dining
  • Interactive museums like The Mind Museum

16. Poblacion, Makati

• Why Visit: A vibrant neighborhood known for its nightlife and artsy vibe.
• Highlights:
  • Hip bars and restaurants
  • Cultural landmarks like the Sts. Peter and Paul Parish

17. Resorts World Manila

• Why Visit: A luxury entertainment complex featuring casinos, theaters, and high-end shopping.
• Highlights:
  • The Newport Performing Arts Theater
  • Five-star hotels and restaurants

18. SM Mall of Asia (MOA)

• Why Visit: One of the largest malls in Asia, offering shopping, dining, and entertainment under one roof.
• Highlights:
  • MOA Eye Ferris Wheel
  • Sunset views from the seaside promenade

Manila is a city where history and modernity collide, offering something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re wandering through the cobbled streets of Intramuros or enjoying a sunset along Manila Bay, this dynamic metropolis will leave you with unforgettable memories.

We love traveling and we’d love to help you make a travel plan through this beautiful country.