Manila is usually the first stop for travelers arriving in the Philippines, but it is worth spending a little time here before heading to the islands. Beyond the traffic and busy streets, the city has a lot of history, from Spanish colonial landmarks to important sites connected to America’s role in the Philippines during World War II.
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Walk Through Intramuros
The heart of old Manila is Intramuros, the historic walled district built during the Spanish period (1565-1898). Walking through the area feels like stepping into a different side of the city, with old churches, stone walls, and narrow streets that survived centuries of change. Here you will see some of the top tourist attractions in Manila. Explore the area via a walking tour, a bamboo bike tour, or on a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) ride.
Visit Fort Santiago
Inside Intramuros, Fort Santiago is one of the city’s most important historic sites. The fort was used by the Spanish military and later by Japanese forces during World War II. Today, visitors can walk through the grounds, see old prison cells, and learn more about the people who shaped the country’s history.
See San Agustin Church
San Agustin Church is the oldest stone church in the Philippines. It is also located in Intramuros. It is one of the few buildings in the area that survived the Battle of Manila in 1945. The church and museum give a sense of what the city looked like before much of it was destroyed during the war.
Admire the Manila Cathedral
Manila Cathedral has been one of the most important landmarks in Intramuros for hundreds of years. The building standing today is actually the eighth version after earlier churches were damaged by earthquakes and war. Inside, the stained glass, high ceilings, and detailed stonework make it one of the most beautiful churches in Manila.
Experience How Locals Lived in Casa Manila
Casa Manila is a restored colonial home in Intramuros that shows what life was like for a wealthy Filipino family during the Spanish era. The house has antique furniture, carved wood details, and old photographs that give you a feel for everyday life in old Manila.
Pay Respects the Manila American Cemetery & Memorial
For anyone interested in American history overseas, the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial is one of the most meaningful places to visit in the city. It is the largest American military cemetery outside the United States and honors thousands of American service members who died in the Pacific during World War II. The grounds are quiet and beautifully maintained, and the scale of the memorial leaves a lasting impression.
Watch the Sunset at Manila Bay
Manila Bay is known for its sunsets, and it is a relaxing place to end the day. The bay also played a role in history as the site of the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War in 1898. Today it feels far more peaceful, with people gathering in the evening to watch the sun go down over the water.
Explore the National Museum
The National Museum of the Philippines is worth visiting if you want a better understanding of the country. Along with art and cultural exhibits, you can learn more about the American period and how the Philippines changed in the years that followed. It is a complex of museums: National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology, and National Museum of Natural History. Admission is free.
Eat in Binondo
After a day of sightseeing, head to Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world. Established in 1594, It is one of the best places in Manila to eat, especially if you want to try local Chinese-Filipino dishes. Take a food tour that combines information on the history of the area with some delicious bites.
This is also a great place to shop. Check out Ongpin Street for antique shops, jewelry, and traditional medicine dispensaries. Nearby, you can bargain shop in Divisoria Market. Also take some time to see Binondo Church and the various Buddhist temples such as Seng Guan Temple.
Spend an Evening in Bonifacio Global City
For a more modern side of Manila, head to Bonifacio Global City. It has rooftop bars, restaurants, and shopping. Take a walk on Bonifacio High Street to enjoy shopping, dining, and plenty of green space. Take a canal ride at Venice Grand Canal Mall. Enjoy outdoor performances and art exhibits at the BGC Arts Center. In fact, there is art scattered throughout the area in the form of murals and installations. There are also some fun museums in the area, like the Mind Museum and Ayala Museum.
What tops your list of things to do in Manila?
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