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Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is the perfect destination for a busy urban vacation. It’s packed with rich history, fascinating cultural attractions, and bustling restaurants and bars. Plus, there’s no shortage of shopping malls and street food markets to explore. If you’re planning a trip to Manila, be sure to check out these 18 must-see attractions during your stay.
1. Fort Santiago
Photo Credit: Patrick Messier
- Website: visitfortsantiago.com
- Address: Gen Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
- Opening Hours: 8 am – 11 pm daily
Fort Santiago was constructed in the 16th century to protect the oldest district in Manila, Intramuros (otherwise known as the Walled City). Look out for bullet markings still on the walls of the fort as you wander around its grounds. This area of Old Manila, which lies south of the Pasig River, is a great place to learn about the Philippines’ Spanish colonial past.
2. Manila Ocean Park
- Website: manilaoceanpark.com
- Address: Quirino Grandstand, 666 Behind, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Monday to Friday / 9 am – 6 pm Saturday & Sunday
Manila Ocean Park is a world-class theme park that is centered around marine life. Its Oceanarium houses 14,000 sea creatures, representing 277 indigenous species. The biggest highlight is the curved glass tunnel that offers an incredible underwater view of the diverse marine animals that live here.
3. San Agustin Church and Museo
- Address: General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
- Opening Hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily
San Agustin Church is one of four churches in the Philippines that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s special because it showcases 16th-century Chinese and Spanish-inspired Baroque architecture. It’s also home to a large collection of religious artifacts, including furniture, artworks, and choir books. Consider taking a walking tour with a local guide to learn about the intricate details of the church’s construction and carvings.
4. Quiapo Church
Photo Credit: Kim David
- Website: quiapochurch.com.ph
- Address: 910 Plaza Miranda, Quiapo, Manila, 1001 Metro Manila
- Opening Hours: 8 am – 5 pm daily
The Quiapo Church is a popular Catholic church renowned for being home to the Black Nazarene, a life-sized statue of Jesus Christ that is said to grant miracles to those who touch it. The church itself, built in the 18th century, also has some impressive features, such as an intricately decorated four-story bell tower.
5. Rizal Park
Photo Credit: Joseph Oropel
- Website: npdc.gov.ph/rizal-park/
- Address: Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
- Opening Hours: 5 am – 8 pm daily
Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park, was named after Jose Rizal, a national hero who was executed at the site in 1896 for fostering rebellion against the Spanish government. Not only is the spacious Rizal Park a peaceful place for a walk in this bustling city, but it also regularly hosts community events such as open-air concerts. Take your time exploring because there are many impressive monuments and fountains to admire.
6. Manila Baywalk
- Address: Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Metro Manila
- Opening Hours: 24/7
Manila Baywalk is a 1.2-mile promenade that offers spectacular views across Manila Bay. Admire the yachts and boats in the harbor, have a bite to eat at one of the open-air cafes, or take a scenic sunset cruise of the bay for impressive views of the city skyline.
7. Star City
- Website: starcity.com.ph
- Address: Star City, Roxas Blvd, CCP, Pasay, Metro Manila
- Opening Hours: 2 pm – 10 pm Monday to Friday / 1 pm – 10 pm Saturday & Sunday
Star City is a lively amusement park with a range of rides to suit the whole family. You’ll find speedy roller coasters and gentle kiddie rides, as well as bumper cars, a snow experience, and a giant Ferris wheel that offers epic views of the city.
8. The Ayala Museum
- Website: ayalamuseum.org/home
- Address: Greenbelt Park, Makati Avenue, corner Dela Rosa Street, Ayala Center, Makati, Metro Manila
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Wednesday to Sunday
The Ayala Museum lies at the heart of the Makati Central Business District, surrounded by chic shopping centers. Despite its modern exterior, it takes visitors back in time with its large collection of historical artifacts. You’ll learn about the nation’s history, art, and culture, spanning from ancient times to the present day.
9. National Museum of the Philippines
Photo Credit: demesafrankc
- Website: nationalmuseum.gov.ph
- Address: Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
- Opening Hours: 9 am – 6 pm Tuesday to Sunday
The National Museum of the Philippines is one of the best places in the country to immerse yourself in fascinating Filipino heritage and culture. It’s actually four museums in one, all housed in one spacious complex:
National Museum of Fine Arts
Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts to explore 29 galleries and hallway exhibitions filled with fine artworks by 19th-century masters and modern artists. In addition to its permanent collections, the museum regularly showcases art on loan from individuals, government institutions, and other museums.
National Museum of Anthropology
Discover the Philippines of the past when you admire the vast range of prehistoric artifacts at the National Museum of Anthropology. Ethnographic, terrestrial, and underwater archeological exhibits tell the story of the country’s ancient origins.
National Museum of Natural History
A range of botanical, zoological, and geological specimens are on display at the National Museum of Natural History to represent the Philippines’s unique and diverse natural world. A “Tree of Life” lies at the center of the museum to represent connections between the country’s various ecosystems, including its rich ocean reefs and grand mountain ranges.
National Planetarium
The National Planetarium educates visitors about astronomy via full-dome planetarium shows, demonstrations, exhibitions, lectures, and celestial observations. Its main gallery exhibition is called “Filipino Life Guided By Skies,” and it demonstrates how important astronomy practices are among Filipino cultural communities.
10. SM Mall of Asia
- Address: SM Mall of Asia, Seaside Blvd, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 10 pm daily
SM Mall of Asia is one of the biggest shopping centers not only in the Philippines but in the entire world. In addition to a huge variety of chain and independent stores, it houses a range of leisure and entertainment venues, including an Olympic-sized ice rink, an amusement park, a movie theater, a convention center, and an indoor arena. There are also plenty of great eateries with both cheap and cheerful fast food joints and indulgent gourmet restaurants represented.
11. Divisoria Market Manila
Photo Credit: aldarinho
- Address: 557 M. De Santos St, San Nicolas, Manila, 1010 Metro Manila
- Opening Hours: 7 am – 9 pm daily
The bustling Divisoria Market, found at the heart of Manila’s Chinatown, is the best place to go to pick up some bargains. You’ll find a huge range of goods here, from household supplies to groceries and clothing to electronics.
It’s something of a maze and tends to be fairly busy and chaotic, but the lively atmosphere is part of its charm. Be prepared to haggle to get the most bang for your Philippine peso.
12. Manila Cathedral
- Website: manilacathedral.com.ph
- Address: Cabildo, 132 Beaterio St, Intramuros, Manila
- Opening Hours: 7 am – 5 pm daily
Manila Cathedral was originally built in 1581, but it has been rebuilt several times. The latest restorations took place in the 1950s following damage sustained during World War II. It has a striking Romanesque facade that is beautifully weather-worn and an elegant cupola. Inside, you’ll see an impressive gilded altar, stained glass rosette windows, a 4500-pipe organ, and a bronze door with friezes depicting key moments in the cathedral’s history.
13. Casa Manila
- Website: intramuros.gov.ph/cmm
- Address: Plaza Sans Luis complex, General Luna St, Intramuros, 1002 Metro Manila
- Opening Hours: 9 am – 6 pm Tuesday to Sunday
Casa Manila is a living museum that demonstrates what life was like for a wealthy Filipino family during the Spanish colonial period. The house itself is modeled on a property that once stood in Binondo in the 1850s. It is beautifully finished with European and Chinese furniture, crystal chandeliers, ceramics, and carvings to reflect the preferred elegant style of affluent Filipinos in the mid to late 19th century.
14. Binondo Church
- Address: 1006 Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo, Metro Manila
- Opening Hours: 8 am –12 pm / 1.30 pm – 5.30 pm Tuesday to Sunday
Binondo is Manila’s lively Chinatown district. Having been founded in 1594, it’s the oldest Chinatown in the world. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz (known more commonly as Binondo Chruch), which was established in 1596 by the Dominicans.
While you’re in the area, be sure to take a food tour — there are excellent restaurants, street food stalls, bakeries, and markets in Binondo, so come with an appetite!
15. The Mind Museum
- Website: themindmuseum.org
- Address: JY Campos Park, 3rd Ave, Taguig, 1634 Metro Manila
- Opening Hours: 9 am – 6 pm Wednesday to Sunday
Children are bound to love the Mind Museum which boasts more than 250 interactive exhibits to help kids learn about a huge array of scientific topics. Adults are also sure to learn a thing or two from the hands-on activities.
The Mind Museum can be found in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), a major business district in Manila City that is renowned for its sleek, high rise buildings, luxury stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
16. Tagaytay
- Address: Tagaytay, Cavite
- Opening Hours: 24/7
Tagaytay is the perfect destination for a relaxing day tour and a break from the bustling metropolis of Manila. It is best known for its gorgeous Taal Lake and rugged Taal Volcano. Picnic Grove, a 32-acre green space on Tagaytay Ridge, offers stunning views of the lake and volcano as well as fun activities like ziplining.
17. Cebu Island
- Address: Cebu, Philippines
- Opening Hours: 24/7
Manila is situated on the Philippines’ largest island, Luzon, but to get a true sense of the country’s natural beauty, you should explore some of the other islands. You can reach Cebu by plane in 2.5 hours or ferry in 22 hours, but the journey is well worth it for the stunning sights. You can expect incredible waterfalls, pristine beaches, and copious opportunities to snorkel, dive, and watch wildlife.
18. La Mesa Ecopark
Photo Credit: Kim David
- Website: facebook.com/lamesaecoparkofficial
- Address: La Mesa Dam Compound, Greater Largo, Quezon City, 1118 Metro Manila
La Mesa Ecopark is a lush 82-acre natural haven that offers both adventure and relaxation. You can hike, mountain bike, zipline, horseback ride, and more. Plus, there are ponds for fishing and a lagoon for paddle boating. The park is located in the northern portion of Quezon City, which is renowned for its nightlife, culture, and entertainment industry.
Plan Your Sightseeing Tour of Manila
These are some of Manila’s top attractions, but there are plenty more hidden gems to discover once you begin exploring this lively city. Where will your sightseeing tour take you?
