The Best Travel Guide to Manila (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Manila

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Asia Philippines Manila

Overview

Manila The guide was updated: 2024-05-11

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is one of Asia's best-kept secrets. As the capital of the only predominantly Catholic country in the Orient, it presents a unique blend that feels slightly out of place, yet vibrantly infused with Latin American and Caribbean influences. Music and dancing are ubiquitous, and the city's warmth and enthusiasm can easily rival that of Bangkok. Manila's rich history, shaped by centuries under Spanish religious influence and decades of American consumerism, has led to the saying that the city spent "400 years in a convent and 50 in Hollywood".

Facts

Population:	1.8 million
Currency:	Philippine peso (PHP or ₱)
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	911
Newspapers:	Philippine Daily Inquirer: www.inquirer.net Manila Bulletin: mb.com.ph The Manila Times: www.manilatimes.net The Philippine Star: www.philstar.com Manila Standard: manilastandard.net Daily Tribune: tribune.net.ph
Website:	philippines.travel/destinations/manila
Opening hours:	Shops usually open from 10am to 8pm, but shopping malls close at 9pm or 10pm. Smaller shops close for lunch between noon and 2pm. There are many 24-hour convenience stores and drugstores. Malls are open on Sundays and public holidays.

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Section in Manila

Manila’s colourful history has created an interesting range of attractions to keep the energetic sightseer busy for several days. There are plenty of historical sites to admire and museums where you can learn more about the city and its culture. Take a stroll along Roxas Boulevard and witness the famous Manila sunset after exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed San Agustin Church and one of the oldest churches in Manila — the Manila Cathedral. And don’t forget the stunning nature the city has on offer like the beautiful Taal Volcano with a breathtaking view, or take a guided tour to the small rocky island of Corregidor. For sure, there are plenty to explore including shiny gems in a city with a bustling, sprawling and unique atmosphere. The cosmopolitan city of Manila is Asia’s best-kept secret and it is just waiting to be explored.

Roxas Boulevard

Roxas Boulevard

The 10 km long Roxas Boulevard is a popular waterfront promenade on Manila Bay and famous for its beautiful sunsets and its well-lined stretch of coconut trees. The area is not only a good place to take walk, but also where to find restaurants, parks, and government buildings including a huge shopping mall.

Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago

This Spanish fortress, with cannons trained on the sea to deter pirates and invaders, is more than striking medieval architecture. It is also the “Shrine of Freedom,” to Filipinos tortured and killed here during the Spanish and Japanese eras. It is now a park with a resident theatre company for traditional and modern plays.

Club Intramuros Golf Course

Club Intramuros Golf Course

Club Intramuros Golf Course is an amazing, but somewhat short, 18-hole course in the heart of the city and surrounding Fort Santiago. You can completed the course in less than two hours. Enjoy a good game while admiring the excellent scenery and if the hunger kicks in, there is a restaurant in the area.

Rizal Park

Rizal Park

Located along the famous Roxas Boulevard, this oasis of green features the 19th-century national hero, Jose Rizal. Rizal Park is a great place to relax and here you will find beautiful gardens, historical markers, an open-air concert hall, playgrounds and restaurants.

Manila Cathedral

Manila Cathedral

The sixth cathedral on Intramuros site since 1571, was completed in the 1950s. Outstanding sculpture and artwork from Europe and Asia including coloured windows. It is a beautiful church and one of the oldest in Manila and it truly has a peaceful atmosphere.

San Agustin Church

San Agustin Church

The oldest surviving church in the Philippines completed in 1604 was the only building intact in Intramuros after the battles of World War II. San Agustin Church, originally known as "inglesia de San Pablo" is a Roman Catholic Church. Check out the large collection of historic artefacts presented here and don´t forget this is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The Manila Hotel

The Manila Hotel

One of Asia’s greatest hotels and a Philippine landmark built in 1909. The Manila Hotel is a five star hotel that has played a pivotal role in the nation’s history, and was US General MacArthur’s headquarters in World War II. The hotel is located along the Manila Bay.

National Museum of Fine Arts

National Museum of Fine Arts

Explore the cultural and historical treasures of the Filipino people from the 17th century onwards at this museum. With its vast collection of paintings and Filipino artefacts, you can easily spend hours delving into the country's rich culture and history. Be sure not to miss 'The Story of the Filipino People' film and the Spoliarium by Juan Luna, the largest painting in the Philippines, measuring 4.22 metres by 7.675 metres.

Corregidor Island

Corregidor Island

Corregidor is a small rocky island located about 48 kilometres west of Manila. Because of its strategic position, the island historically defended the entrance to Manila. Today, it serves as a memorial to those who fought against the Japanese invasion during World War II.

Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano

For a breath-taking view, head over to this beautiful volcano. The volcano is located about 70 kilometers south of Manila on the "volcano island" and surrounded by a lake called Taal Lake, or Lake Taal. Called as the smallest active volcano, but in fact, this is one of the largest volcanoes in the world. This is a very popular tourist attraction and for sure deserves a visit.

Bahay Tsinoy

Bahay Tsinoy

Bahay Tsinoy, or 'Chinese-Filipino House', showcases a comprehensive collection of pictures and artefacts that illustrate the history and cultural heritage of the Chinese community in the Philippines. This museum offers visitors a deeper understanding of the Filipino-Chinese community, tracing its evolution from the first migrants, through the colonial period, up to the present day.

Manila Ocean Park

Manila Ocean Park

Manila Ocean Park is the ultimate destination for anyone seeking a marine life adventure, whether you're visiting alone, with a partner, in a group, or with family. You can explore the penguin park, admire over 5,000 marine creatures, or get up close to sharks from the safety of a metal cage. Don't miss the mesmerizing jellyfish exhibit, and consider exploring the underwater world in a glass-bottom boat. This popular tourist attraction is conveniently located right in the city centre, making it easily accessible.

City Tour With A Segway

City Tour With A Segway

Take a fun and an exciting tour around the city on the electric chariot (Chinese copy of a segway). The tour starts with an introduction on how to ride the chariot. This is a great way to explore Manila and to learn about its history.

Manila Luxury Spa

Manila Luxury Spa

Pamper yourself with a spa treatment at this beautiful spa. It offers a tranquil retreat where you can relax and escape from the daily stress. This modern spa provides treatments such as sea salt body scrub, warm stone massage, golden caviar facial and much more.

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