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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 from the original capital of the Spanish East Indies which was founded in 1571, Intramuros, located on the south bank of the Pasig River. The surrounding area is full of performing venues, art galleries, shops and restaurants, making it a popular tourist Mecca. History buffs will also love the National Museum which exhibits sunken treasure from one of the Manila galleons dating back to 1600, while the Ayala Museum educates visitors on the history of the Philippines. Manila sustained heavy damage during WWII, but has since rebuilt itself into a major tourist destination in Asia.

Travellers should note that many Filipinos are Catholic, evident in the multitude of ornate churches, such as the San Agustin Church which dates back to 1606 and has survived invasions and world wars. Manila has one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, where one can find exotic Chinese goods and delicious cuisine.

The Malacanang Palace, which is the residence of the Head of State is also 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.

Intramuros

The oldest part of Manila is the medieval Spanish walled enclave of Intramuros on the southern bank of the Pasig River, packed with historic buildings and churches, many of which are being or have been restored. The reconstruction of Intramuros has allowed for...  see full details

Rizal Park

The 58-hectare (143 acre) Rizal Park is named for Dr Jose Rizal, renowned Philippine anti-colonialist, writer and philosopher. The park is one of the largest in South East Asia, and is a green lung much used by the residents of Manila for recreation...  see full details

San Agustin Church

Within Intramuros stands Manila's oldest stone church, San Agustin, which was completed in 1606 and has since survived the ravages of time and successive invasions. The church has a magnificent and intricately-carved door, a Baroque pulpit, and an 18th Century pipe organ. A museum...  see full details

National Museum of the Philippines

The large and comprehensive National Museum of the Philippines preserves and showcases the cultural, historical and natural heritage of the islands with collections housed in two different buildings (both located within Rizal Park). Exhibits are categorised in five divisions: art, botany, zoology, geology and anthropology....  see full details

Malacanang Palace

The name of the Malacanang Palace, now the seat of government and official residence of the Philippines head of state, comes from the vernacular 'May Lakan Diyan', which means 'there lives a noble man'. This gracious villa has been a noble residence on...  see full details

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. The hillside cemetery contains thousands of white marble crosses marking rows of...  see full details

Las Pinas

Although the village of Las Pinas, 12 miles (20km) 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...  see full details

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 vast crater. The views from the ridge...  see full details

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 Mt Pinatubo in 1991 and has since been transformed into a buzzing eco-tourism and commercial hub, only five...  see full details

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 as one of the largest, most authentic, and most culturally intriguing to foreign visitors. Binondo was established by the Spanish...  see full details