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What to see in Manila
Manila Attractions
The cosmopolitan capital of the Philippines, there is plenty to see and do in Manila. The city is full of history and this is evident in the ruins that still stand in Intramuros, located on the south bank of the Pasig River, which was the original capital of the Spanish East Indies, founded in 1571. The surrounding area is full of performing venues, art galleries, shops and restaurants, making it a popular tourist hub. History buffs will love the National Museum, which exhibits sunken treasure dating back to 1600, and the Ayala Museum, which educates visitors on the history of the Philippines. Manila sustained heavy damage during WWII, but has since rebuilt itself into a major tourist destination.
Travellers should note that many Filipinos are Catholic, which is evident in the multitude of ornate churches found across the city. A prime example is the San Agustin Church, which dates back to 1606 and has survived invasions, earthquakes and wars. Moreover, Manila also has one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, where one can find exotic Chinese goods and delicious cuisine. The Malacañan Palace, which is the residence of the Head of State, is also well worth a visit, while the American Cemetery and Memorial honours those who died during WWII and is a peaceful retreat from the buzz of the city.
American Cemetery and Memorial
Providing a quiet spot to retreat from Manila's rat race, the American Cemetery near the Makati commercial centre is a welcome oasis, much visited by tourists, especially veterans of World War II.…
Binondo (Chinatown)
Established in 1594, the city of Manila's enclave of Binondo is the oldest 'Chinatown' in the world and remains to this day one of the largest, most authentic, and most culturally intriguing. Binondo…
Intramuros
The oldest part of Manila is the walled Spanish enclave of Intramuros on the southern bank of the Pasig River. Intramuros is a feast of historic buildings and churches, many of which are being or have…
Las Pinas
Las Pinas, 12 miles (19km) from the centre of Manila, has now been swallowed up in the suburban sprawl of the city, it has kept its character and is a favoured stop on most tours of Luzon because of…
Malacañan Palace
The Malacañan Palace is the seat of government and official residence of the Philippines head of state. This gracious villa has been a noble residence on the north bank of the Pasig River since…
National Museum of the Philippines
The large and comprehensive National Museum and Art Gallery of the Philippines preserves and showcases the cultural, historical and natural heritage of the islands with collections housed in two different…
Rizal Park
The 58-hectare (143 acre) Rizal Park is named for Dr Jose Rizal, a Philippine anti-colonialist, writer and philosopher, whose execution in 1896 sparked the Philippine Revolution. The Declaration of…
San Agustin Church
Within Intramuros stands Manila's oldest stone church, San Agustin, which was completed in 1607 and has since survived the ravages of time and successive invasions. The church was the only public building…
Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Subic Bay is a unique project on the site of a former United States Naval base. It was buried under ash after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 and has since been transformed into a buzzing eco-tourism…
Tagaytay City
Tagaytay is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the Philippines, famous for the Taal Volcano. The volcano is unique in that it sits on an island in a lake, and has another lake within its…
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