Things to do in Manila

Things to do in  Manila

Bright lights, megacity

Peek beneath Manila's bustle and buzz, and you’ll be richly rewarded. Most often used as a pit-stop by travelers exploring the Phillipines’ 7,500-island archipelago, this manic Asian metropolis is intense, interesting, and authentic. Brightly-colored Jeepneys might hoot and honk on the traffic-jammed roads of modern neighborhoods like Makati, but the historic walled city of Intramuros offers respite with its crumbling colonial forts and green parks. Other top things to do outside the city limits include visiting the Taal Volcano and Tagaytay Ridge, and the Angono Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site home to prehistoric petroglyphs.

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Top 15 attractions in Manila

#1

Fort Santiago

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One of the most important historical sites in Manila, Fort Santiago was built by a Spanish conquistador to protect the newly formed city. The fort is a key feature of the famous walled city known as Intramuros, a complex of manicured gardens, fountains, lily ponds, and sunny plazas, as well as the Rizal Shrine Museum, as well as a Manila city tour highlight.More
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#2

San Agustin Church and Museum

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Located in the historic Walled City of Old Manila, the beautiful baroque Church of San Agustin is both the oldest church in the country and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights include the tombs of several historical figures—including conquistadors, statesmen, and artists—as well as the adjoining San Agustin Museum.More
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#3

Intramuros Walled City

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The colonial heart of Manila, Intramuros—which means “within the walls”—is the capital’s oldest district and home to some of its most impressive historic monuments. Founded by the Spaniards in the 16th century, the gigantic stone citadel is surrounded by impressively preserved city walls, stretching for almost 3 miles (5 kilometers).More
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#4

Casa Manila

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Step back in time and see how upper-class Filipinos lived during the colonial era at Casa Manila, a beautifully reconstructed traditional Spanish colonial home within the walls of Intramuros, in the heart of Manila. Casa Manila is filled with period furniture, furnishings, decorative objects, and artwork from the colonial era.More
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#5

Malinta Tunnel

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One of the most atmospheric features of the fortifications of Corregidor Island, the Malinta Tunnel was built by American forces in 1932. It extends about 820 feet (250 meters) into a hill, with additional branches veering off. Part of it served as General Douglas MacArthur’s HQ before the American retreat from the Philippines in 1942.More
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#6

National Museum of the Philippines

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Established in 1901, the National Museum of the Philippines is a vast complex of museums and a planetarium located next to Rizal Park. Immerse yourself in the artistic, historical, and cultural heritage of the Philippines through the museum’s expansive collections covering fine art, ethnography, anthropology, archaeology, and natural history.More
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#7

Roxas Boulevard

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One of Manila’s best-known streets, Roxas Boulevard hugs the waterfront for most of its length and includes Rizal Park, the historic Manila Hotel, and the popular promenade Manila Baywalk. It’s backed by the lively Malate district, with its open-air bars and restaurants, while Manila Bay sunset views make it a popular early evening stop.More
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#8

Pagsanjan Falls

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About 60 miles (97 kilometers) from Manila, a visit to the 33-foot-high (10-meter-high) Pagsanjan (Magdapio) Falls delivers an epic thrill ride. First, paddle upstream in a small boat. Then ride a bamboo raft under the cascade itself into Devil’s Cave. Finally, race down the jungled gorge through a series of adrenaline-pumping rapids.More
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#9

Taal Volcano

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Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Taal Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. Rising up from the center of Taal Lake and harboring its own crater lake and island, the unique setting—an island in a lake on an island in a lake—makes for an incredible sight.More
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#10

Rizal Park and Shrine

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Situated next to the walled city of Intramuros, historical Rizal Park is one of the largest urban parks in Asia and covers 140 acres (58 hectares). With lawns, gardens, walkways, ponds, museums, an observatory, a concert hall, and more, it’s one of the most popular attractions in Manila for locals and visitors alike.More
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#11

Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort

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An ever-popular retreat from Manila, Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort is a historic hacienda and working coconut plantation. Attractions here run from a restaurant set in a waterfall, where you dine with water running over your toes, to swimming pools, a river, a museum, buffalo-cart rides, bamboo rafts, and cultural dance shows.More
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#12

Binondo (Chinatown)

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First settled by the Spanish during the 16th century, Manila Chinatown in Binondo is one of the world’s older Chinatowns. It centers on Ongpin Street, where stores offer mooncakes, incense, paper money, herbal medicines, and tasty dumplings. Buddhist temples and towering gates add extra color to the Chinese area of Binondo.More
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#13

Sts. Peter and Paul Church (San Pedro Macati Church)

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Also known as San Pedro Macati, Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Makati, Manila, is one of the Philippines’ most historic churches. Originally built by Spanish colonists in 1620, this Catholic church was rebuilt during the 19th century after being destroyed in 1762. It maintains its original baroque architectural style and carved altar.More
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#14

Mt. Purro Nature Reserve

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The Mt. Purro Nature Reserve ecoresort sits in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains, east of Manila. Activities include hiking, bird-watching, ropes courses, tree planting, waterfall swims, a swimming pool, and encounters with the indigenous Dumagat people. There’s also a restaurant and accommodation at a range of price points.More
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#15

Manila American Cemetery

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Set amid the bustle of downtown Manila, Manila American Cemetery is an oasis of peace and remembrance. The cemetery is home to the remains of 17,184 soldiers who died during World War II, with serried ranks of brilliant white crosses across manicured lawns and galleries that explain key battles.More
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Explore Manila by interest

Itineraries for your Manila trip

Top activities in Manila

Bataan Death March memorial tour

Bataan Death March memorial tour

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19
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$350.00
per group
Manila Old and New: Sightseeing Tour Including Intramuros and Fort Santiago
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Manila Old and New: Sightseeing Tour Including Intramuros and Fort Santiago

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244
From
$60.00
Spectacular Manila to Tagaytay: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

Spectacular Manila to Tagaytay: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

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215
From
$99.00
Manila Super Saver: Manila Sightseeing plus Tagaytay Tour with Taal Volcano
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Manila Super Saver: Manila Sightseeing plus Tagaytay Tour with Taal Volcano

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$160.00
Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

Discover Tagaytay's Countryside: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour

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124
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$80.00
Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***

Escape to Enchanting Hidden Valley Springs! with Transfers***

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25
From
$170.00
Corregidor daytour Via Manila to Bataan

Corregidor daytour Via Manila to Bataan

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$298.00
Anilao Snorkel Safari: Explore the Amazing Underwater World

Anilao Snorkel Safari: Explore the Amazing Underwater World

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15
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$160.00
Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours

Experience Intramuros with Bamboo Bicycle - Ecotours

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374
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$37.34
Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food

Manila Food Tour: Introduction to Philippine Street Food

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$65.00
Full On 5-7 hours ATV Adventure Rivers-Mountains-Jungle with Transfers Manila

Full On 5-7 hours ATV Adventure Rivers-Mountains-Jungle with Transfers Manila

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7
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$280.00
Immerse in Culture: Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Experience

Immerse in Culture: Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Experience

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$145.00
A private Historical Intramuros & highlights in Manila

A private Historical Intramuros & highlights in Manila

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$170.00
Day hike to Mount Daraitan with Tinipak River 2024

Day hike to Mount Daraitan with Tinipak River 2024

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$130.00
Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*

Amazing Pagsanjan Falls with Authentic filipino lunch Plus Transfers frm manila*

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32
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$139.00
Pagsanjan Falls Adventure from Manila
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Pagsanjan Falls Adventure from Manila

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32
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$160.00
Private Half-Day Makati (Old Manila) with Intramuros

Private Half-Day Makati (Old Manila) with Intramuros

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24
From
$160.26
Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown

Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown

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$65.00
Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila

Cultural Dinner and Show in Manila

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$144.88
Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila

Private Arrival Transfer: Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Manila

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$68.27
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All about Manila

When to visit

Low-lying and coastal, Manila is prone to flooding, so most travelers visit during the dry season (roughly November to April). Folk who aren’t used to the tropics will find the heat less oppressive between December and February, although prices can rocket over Christmas and New Year’s. Manila doesn’t go as hard on festivals as other smaller cities, but Chinese New Year (in January or February) sees epic celebrations in the Binondo district (Chinatown).

Getting around

You might think that, as one of the world’s 20 biggest cities, Manila would have a subway; until at least 2028, however, you’d be wrong. Rail routes aren’t geared to tourists, while buses and jeepneys are hard for non-locals to piece together. Even though the city streets are a byword for gridlock, private vehicles are generally the way to go. If you’re feeling up for the challenge, you can rent a car, but it’s much easier to use the ride-hailing app Grab, metered taxis, or private drivers.

Traveler tips

If there’s one thing Manileños love more than eating, it’s malling: shopping, munching, and savoring the air-conditioning at the city’s gigantic malls. Head to SM Mall of Asia, one of the largest malls in the world and bigger than any shopping center in America, for a slice of Pinoy life. Be sure to hit Jollibee, the Philippines’ favorite fast-food chain, for a Yumburger, the nation’s answer to the Big Mac.

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People Also Ask

What is Manila famous for?

A bustling, chaotic megacity, the Philippines’ capital offers food, malls, museums, and casinos, colorful jeepneys, and a vibrant Chinatown. The historic Intramuros Walled City and Fort Santiago still stand on the Pasig River, while 16th-century San Agustin Church holds UNESCO World Heritage status. Nearby Corregidor Island is rich in World War II history.

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What is the most visited place in Manila?

For locals, Rizal Park, a 150-acre (60-hectare) urban green space that hosts gardens, museums, monuments, and live concerts is probably Manila’s most visited place. Most every traveler will visit Intramuros Walled City, the old city founded by Spanish colonialist Miguel López de Legaspi during the 1570s, and Fort Santiago.

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How can I spend a day in Manila?

Start by exploring the city’s historic center: the Intramuros Walled City, Fort Santiago, and San Agustin Church. Head to Binondo (Chinatown) for lunch, then explore Rizal Park and discover Philippine culture at the National Museum of the Philippines. Dine on local signatures such as adobo stew, lechon sucking pig, and colorful halo-halo ice dessert.

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Is Manila good for nightlife?

Yes. Manila has a diverse range of nightlife, from sleek rooftops, stylish megacasinos, upscale clubs, and elegant cocktail bars to karaoke joints, backpacker pubs, and underground drinkeries. As well as the notorious go-go bars, the city has a thriving LGBTQ scene. Take registered, metered taxis, and be aware of the risk of drink spiking.

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What can couples do in Manila?

Rooftop bars and restaurants make great date choices for dinner with a view. A cycling tour of Intramuros Walled City or a horse and carriage ride through Rizal Park can add romance. A gondola ride in the Venice Grand Canal Mall is an Instagram favorite, while art or pottery classes are always fun.

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Is Manila worth visiting?

Manila is a city that provokes strong opinions. Yes, if you arrive in Manila it’s definitely worth taking 2–3 days to explore the city and tour Corregidor Island before discovering Luzon. But if you’re flying directly to another island group there’s no need to add a stopover in Manila.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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