Manila Travel Guide
Explore Manila’s Rich History and Culture.
Serving as the center of culture, economy, education, and government in the Philippines, Manila is rapidly developing and has its own rich history and experiences to offer. The city is sprawling, bustling, and culturally complicated, with a colorful multi-cultural heritage and varied nightlife.
For first-time visitors in the Philippines, the best thing to do is to visit the famous historical places in Manila. Whether it’s history, food, culture, shopping, or nightlife you’re interested in, you’re sure to find something fun and unique to do in the city.

Rizal Park
Location: Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
The city’s biggest public park and the location where the national hero, Jose Rizal, was executed. Today, the park is spread over 140 acres and has beautiful ornamental gardens, statues of historical figures, a Central Lagoon with musical fountains, as well as an Orchidarium. Also locally known as Luneta Park, is one of the top tourist spots in Manila for couples who love to stroll in its pretty avenues and lawns.

Fort Santiago
Location: Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
The fort was completed in 1593 and is located in the ancient walled city of Intramuros. The stone walls of the fort have many structures including the famous Rizal Shrine which is dedicated to Rizal. The fort has seen history shape the city right from the Spanish conquest to World War II.

Robinsons Place Manila
Location: Pedro Gil St, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines
If you want to go on a shopping spree, then this mall is the place for you! Located just behind the well-known Philippine General Hospital, this mall is considered to be one of the most-visited places in the city of Manila. There’s a huge variety of branded showrooms in this mall where you can buy clothes and accessories. After a vigorous shopping session, you can go to the food court to satiate your cravings.

Manila Ocean Park
Location: Quirino Grandstand, 666 Behind, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
The park has so many attractions that even a day at the park won’t be enough! The highlight is the Oceanarium which has more than 14,000 animals across 270 marine species, making it one of the biggest aquariums in the world. There are also exciting animal shows like the Seal Lion Show, Penguin Show, and the All the Bird Show which will amaze you! Some other interesting exhibits include the World of Creepy Crawlies, Birds of the Prey Kingdom, and the Sharks and Ray Encounter.

San Agustin Church
Location: General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila
The Church is the oldest church in the Philippines, and though initially built-in 1586, it has seen many renovations including the latest one in 2013. The church is a National Landmark as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its striking Baroque architecture. The church is still in use and if lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of a traditional mass or wedding in progress.

National Museum Complex
Location: Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
The museum complex has no entry fees because the government wants everyone from across the world to see the history of the Philippines in one of the best places to visit in Manila alone without being bored! The complex includes the National Art Gallery, Museum of the Filipino People, and the Planetarium.

Manila Zoo
Location: M. Adriatico St, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila
The zoo is among the best places to see in Manila if you are traveling with kids. There are over 500 animals from over 100 species. Within the campus of the zoo, there is also a Botanical Garden and Arboretum to see a variety of plants that belong to the local ecology of the Philippines. It is an interesting stop, and you can easily spend an hour seeing all the animals.

Manila Cathedral
Location: Beaterio St, Intramuros, Manila
The Manila Cathedral has survived earthquakes and conquests for more than 400 years now. The Basilica was originally built in 1571 but has evolved, and the current structure is the eighth building! The cathedral is a stellar example of Neo-Romanesque architecture and is admired by architecture buffs from around the world and features among the Manila attractions for the top 10 list. The highlight of the cathedral is the enormous pipe organ and the high-vaulted ceiling with intricate woodwork.

Star City Amusement Park
Location: Roxas Blvd, CCP Complex, Pasay, Metro Manila
The biggest amusement park in the country, it is also one of the best places to visit in Manila at night. The twinkly lights of the Ferris Wheel and the crazy lights and sounds of the rides and attractions make it one of the most interesting places in Manila. The park has attractions for all ages, but the best ones are the extreme rides including Star Frisbee. It also has a unique attraction, the Snow World where visitors can enjoy the experience of playing in the snow.

Manila Baywalk
Location: Roxas Blvd, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila
Witnessing a romantic sunset at the Manila Baywalk should not be missed at all when you are in the Philippines. Stretching from the American Embassy down to the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Baywalk measures around 2 kms along the shore. You can find skyscrapers across the road, and at the Manila Yacht Club, one can relax at cafes, restaurants, and enjoy live street music performances too. You will have the time of your life here with friends and family.

Divisoria Market
Location: M. De Santos St, San Nicolas, Manila, 1010 Metro Manila
This is considered to be the Mother of all Markets in the city of Manila. This flea market lies exactly in the city’s heart: Manila Chinatown. The bustling market has everything you’re looking for. The best part about this market is that you’ll get everything at really cheap prices. From shopping to eating, you’ll be overwhelmed by the variety that you’ll find here. When looking for souvenirs, do make a visit to this place.

Mall of Asia
Location: Seaside Blvd, 123, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila
Situated in the Pasay district of Metro Manila, The Mall of Asia is the fourth largest mall in the Philippines. The Mall has four sections- The main mall, the Entertainment Mall, the south and north parking buildings that are connected through walkways. The walkways cater to various options for entertainment, leisure, shopping, etc.

Ayala Museum
Location: Greenbelt Park, Makati Avenue, corner Dela Rosa Street, Ayala Center, Makati, Metro Manila
The Ayala Museum is a famous museum in Metro Manila that exhibits four floors of contemporary relics of Filipino culture, history, art & majestic museums. The major highlight of the repository is the portrayal of the 60 different magnificent dioramas, all trace the country’s historical facts. The place is ideal for history enthusiasts, and those who love to explore ancient facts & stories. When here you can also attend workshops, lectures, exhibitions on photography, writing, and art.