Explore the best places to visit in Manila for tourists: Manila, is capital city of the Phillipines , is a melting pot of culture and history. From the historic Intramuros to the bustling Makati City, there are countless tourist attractions in Manila. In this blog post, we’ll highlight the top tourist places to visit in Manila that will give you a taste of the city’s rich heritage and vibrant energy.
- Top Tourist Attractions in Manila, Philippines
- 1. Intramuros
- 2. Rizal Park (Best places to visit in Manila)
- 3. National Museum
- 4. Fort Santiago (Top Attractions in Manila)
- 5. Manila Bay
- 6. San Agustin Church
- 7. Binondo (Famous Places in Manila)
- 8. Quiapo Church
- 9. Taal Volcano
- 10. Corregidor Island (Top places to visit in Manila)
- 11. Pasig River
- 12. Marikina City (Things to Do in Manila)
- 13. Star City
- 14. Malacanang Palace
- 15. Ayala Museum
- 16. Makati City
- 17. Tagaytay City (Best cities to visit near Manila)
Top Tourist Attractions in Manila, Philippines
1. Intramuros
Intramuros, known as the “Walled City,” is a historic district located in the heart of Manila. The Spanish built it during the 16th century as a defense against invaders. The walls of Intramuros are still standing today and are a popular tourist attraction. Inside the walls, you’ll find many historical landmarks, such as the San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines, and Fort Santiago, which was the site of many important events in Philippine history.
2. Rizal Park (Best places to visit in Manila)
Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park, is a 58-hectare public park located in the heart of Manila. It’s the popular spot for locals and tourists and is known for its beautiful gardens, statues, and monuments. The park is named after José Rizal, a national hero of the Philippines, and features a monument of him at the park’s center. The park has a Chinese and Japanese garden, an Orchidarium, and a Children’s playground.
3. National Museum
The National Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. This museum is home to an impressive collection of Philippine art, artifacts, and other historical items that tell the story of the Philippines. The museum is located in the former Legislative Building and has several galleries showcasing different aspects of Philippine culture and history. It also has an Anthropology Division, Botanical Garden, and an Earth Science Division.
4. Fort Santiago (Top Attractions in Manila)
Fort Santiago is a historic fortress located in Intramuros. It was built by the Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi, in 1571. The fort was used as a military defense structure and prison during the Spanish and American colonization of the Philippines. It is now a popular tourist attraction and is home to the Rizal Shrine, a museum dedicated to the life and works of José Rizal.
5. Manila Bay
Manila Bay is a natural harbor located on the western coast of Manila. It is known for its beautiful sunset views and is a popular spot for tourists to take a stroll along the bay walk. The bay walk is a perfect spot for people-watching, and it also has several restaurants and bars where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the view.
6. San Agustin Church
San Agustin Church is a historic church located in Intramuros. It is the oldest stone church in the Philippines and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Spanish built the church in the 16th century, and it has undergone several renovations over the years. It is known for its beautiful architecture and is a popular spot for tourists to visit.
7. Binondo (Famous Places in Manila)
Binondo is oldest Chinatown in the world, established in 1594 by the Spanish. It is a melting pot of Chinese and Filipino culture and is a must-visit for foodies. The area is known for its delicious Chinese food, as well as its traditional Chinese medicine shops and gold shops. Visitors can stroll along Ongpin Street, the main street of Binondo, to experience the bustling atmosphere of this historic neighborhood.
8. Quiapo Church
Quiapo Church is a historic church located in the district of Quiapo. It is known for its devotion to the Black Nazarene, a religious statue of Jesus Christ believed to have miraculous powers. The church is also known for its lively atmosphere and is a popular spot for locals to visit during the feast day of the Black Nazarene. Visitors can also explore the Quiapo market, where they can find a wide variety of goods, including traditional Filipino handicrafts.
9. Taal Volcano
Taal Volcano is an active volcano located on the island of Luzon, just a few hours from Manila. It’s second most active volcano in the Philippines and is a popular spot for hiking and trekking. Visitors can take a boat ride to the volcano island and then hike to the crater for a breathtaking view of the volcano and the surrounding Taal Lake.
10. Corregidor Island (Top places to visit in Manila)
Corregidor Island is a historic island located at the entrance of Manila Bay. It was an essential military defense during World War II and is now a popular tourist destination. Visitors can tour the island, learn about its rich history, and see the remains of the fortifications and structures built during the war.
11. Pasig River
The Pasig River is a major river that runs through Manila. It was once a major transportation route used to transport goods and people. Today, the river is known for its polluted waters, but there are ongoing efforts to clean it up. Visitors can take a boat tour of the river to see the city from a different perspective and learn about the history and current efforts to revitalize the river.
12. Marikina City (Things to Do in Manila)
Marikina City is located east of Manila and is known for its shoe industry. Visitors can explore the many shoe factories and shops in the area and the Marikina City Footwear Museum, which showcases the history of the shoe industry in the Philippines. The city is also known for its beautiful parks and lively street food scene.
13. Star City
Star City is an amusement park located in Pasay City, near Manila. It is known for its exciting rides and attractions, as well as its colorful shows and performances. Visitors can enjoy the thrill of roller coasters, carousels, and other rides and take in a show or two while there.
14. Malacanang Palace
Malacanang Palace is official residence of the President of the Philippines. Visitors can take a tour of the palace to learn about the history of the presidency and see the opulent rooms and halls of the palace. The palace is located in the district of San Miguel in Manila.
15. Ayala Museum
The Ayala Museum is a private museum in Makati City, near Manila. The museum is known for its exhibits on Philippine history and culture and its contemporary art collection. Visitors can learn about the Philippines’ rich heritage through interactive exhibits and see contemporary Philippine artists’ works.
16. Makati City
Makati City is financial center of the Philippines and is known for its skyscrapers, high-end shops, and restaurants. Visitors can explore the city’s many shopping and dining options and take in the bustling atmosphere of one of the most vibrant cities in the Philippines.
17. Tagaytay City (Best cities to visit near Manila)
Tagaytay City is located just a short drive from Manila and is known for its cool climate and beautiful views. Visitors can view Taal Lake and Volcano from the many viewing decks and restaurants in the area, as well as explore the many outdoor activities and attractions in The city. Tagaytay is also famous for picnics and outdoor activities, such as horseback riding and hiking.
Plan A Trip to Manila, Philippines
Manila is rich in history, culture, and diversity. From the bustling streets of Intramuros to the tranquil atmosphere of Rizal Park, there is something for everyone in Manila. Visitors can explore the museums and monuments, take in the vibrant street food scene, and experience the unique blend of traditional and modern Philippine culture. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking for a fun adventure, Manila is a destination that should be noticed.
