Places to visit and Things to do in Manila

For Tourist, Manila is often considered as a jump-off point when they are visiting Philippines famous tourist spots like Boracay and El Nindo. It is either overlooked as one of the places that they can explore or they intentionally ignore it due to the well-known traffic in the Metro. But unknown to many, Manila has a lot of things to offer that are worth it to try. That is why we created a list of places that you can visit and things to try in Manila.

Explore Rizal Park

Rizal Park also known as Luneta Park, and once called Bagumbayan during the Spanish era. Rizal park is around 58 hectare and considered to be one of the biggest urban parks in the Philippines.  Inside the park, you can see a bronze monument of the Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Just a quick trivia, Rizal Park is the exact place where Dr. Jose P. Rizal was executed in 1896 during the Spanish Era.

Aside from the Rizal monument, you can also found here the kilometer zero land post, the tallest flag pole in the Philippines which is 45 meters tall and a landmark for the execution of GomBurZa.

How to get here: 

Nearest LRT 1 Station: United Nation, Few minutes walk from the station.

From North: UV or Bus going Taft, drop off at Rizal Park

From South: UV or Bus going to Lawton, drop off at Rizal Park

Go back in time in Intramuros and Fort Santiago

Intramuros or “within the walls” was constructed during Spanish Era. It was built to avoid another invasion after Limahong (Chinese Pirate) attacked and severely damage the city. During the Spanish era, Intramuros became the center of political power but during World War II, it was heavily bombed that resulted in its destruction.

Fort Santiago was built in 1571 and served as a military base during the Spanish era. Aside from being an armory, it is used also as a jail for prisoners. Trivia: Dr. Jose P. Rizal was imprisoned here before he was executed in Bagumbayan or Luneta. 

We recommend exploring these places with a tour guide for you to appreciate the historical value of the place. Also, Check out our another article about our Intramuros Bambike Tour experience.

How to get here: 

Nearest LRT 1 Station: Central Station, Few minutes walk from the station.

From North: UV or Bus going Taft, drop off at Lawton or Manila Cityhall

From South: UV or Bus going to Lawton, drop off at Lawton or Manila Cityhall

Visit the National Museum of Fine arts

National Museum of Fine arts is the home of Philippines famous paintings and sculptures. It is the place where you can found Juan Luna’s Spoliarium, which won a gold medal at the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid. Aside from Juan Luna’s work, you could also found here the works of Felix Resurrection Hidalgo and Guillermo Tolentino.

For those who wanted to visit the Museum, it is located adjacent to Rizal Park (Northern Side). We suggest that you should also visit the 2 other National museums that are nearby the area, namely the National Museum of Anthropology and newly opened National Museum of Natural History.

How to get here: 

If you are already in Luneta or Rizal Park. it is just a few minutes walk.

Planetarium

Another attraction near Rizal Park is The Planetarium. It was recently reopened after major renovation and upgrades were made. It is a perfect place for those who are interested in knowing more about our Universe. The Planetarium has 3 shows which are Hayabusa, Journey to a Billion Suns and A planet for Goldilocks.

Admission time: Tuesday – Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. although the last show starts at 3:00 p.m.

Admission Fee: FREE

Auditorium/ show: Student 30 Php
Senior citizen/PWD – 40 Php
Adult: 50 Php

For easier navigation, you may refer on the below Map

Food Trip in Binondo

Do you know where you can find the oldest Chinatown in the world? India? San Francisco? Thailand? Nope. Maybe some of you might be shocked but the answer is in Manila, Philippines.

Binondo is the oldest Chinatown in the world, it was established by the Spaniards in the 1590s as a settlement place for Catholic Chinese. It was strategically built near Intramuros, for Spaniards to easily check the Chinese migrants. Today, Binondo is still one of the busiest places in Manila, it also became a tourist destination wherein tourist are coming to try authentic Chinese Cuisines.

How to get here: 

If you are already in Luneta or Rizal Park – ride a jeepney going to Divisoria and drop off in front of Binondo Church

For those who have extra budget and wanted to have a guided tour, you can book here for a discounted rate. Binondo Food Walk

Watch Sunset in Roxas Boulevard

(Swimming in Manila Bay is prohibited)

Originally once called as Cavite Boulevard before renaming it to Dewey Boulevard in honor Admiral George Dewey, an American Navy who defeated Spanish navy in 1898. It was renamed to Roxas Boulevard in 1960s in honor of Philippine President Manuel Roxas.

Roxas Boulevard is a waterfront promenade that is popular in the Philippines for its picture-perfect sunset.  Best time to get here is around 5:30 to 6:30 for the sunset.

How to get here:

UV express from Rizal park going to Sucat or you could walk from Rizal Park towards the U.S. embassy.

Manila Bay Cruise

This is perfect for those who wanted to enjoy the sunset while relaxing on a cruise. The Cruise ride usually lasts for 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes a dinner buffet with a live band.  For those who are planning to try this activity, we suggest getting the sailing schedule time of 6:00 P.M for you to have both views of the sunset and the city lights of Manila at night.

To avail discounted cruise ride booked here in advance: Manila Bay cruise 

How to get here: 

Ride either bus, jeepney or UV that have signage of MOA. Then Drop off to MOA and walk towards the Seaside Ferry Terminal

Sailing time: Daily from 6:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.