Things to do in Manila
Many Manila attractions cluster around its Spanish heart on the bay. Start with the 15th-century walls of Intramuros and Fort Santiago, along with Manila Cathedral, for an introduction to the colonial city. For pre-Hispanic art and history, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Manila and National Museum of the Filipino People, both close to Rizal Park. Boats tour Manila Bay's Second World War sites while contemporary Manila is best seen in Makati and Malate.
Museums and Galleries
Expand all1. Metropolitan Museum of Manila - Pre-Hispanic jewellery
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The Metropolitan Museum of Manila in Malate exhibits a range of delicately engraved pre-Hispanic jewellery and pottery dating from the 8th-13th centuries. There's also a fine collection of Old Masters, and contemporary works by Filipino artists are in the Catwalk and Stairwell galleries.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
P100
Opening Hours
Mon-Sat 9am-6pm
Address
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila 1004
Telephone
+63 (0) 2 521 1517
2. National Museum of the Filipino People - Ancient artefacts
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The National Museum of the Filipino People in Rizal Park reveals the rich cultural diversity of the Philippines. Exhibit highlights include anthropology and archaeology collections as well as precious artefacts from the Spanish galleon San Diego.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Opening Hours
Tue-Sun 9am-5pm
Address
Padre Burgos Street, Rizal Park, Manila 1000
Telephone
+63 (0) 2 527 1215
Attractions
Expand all3. People Power Monument - Symbol of peaceful protest
Show moreThe People Power Monument in Quezon City is topped by a mammoth bronze statue of the Virgin Mary. This poignant landmark commemorates the 1986 People Power Revolution that overthrew authoritarian Philippine President, Ferdinand Marcos.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
Daily all day
Address
White Plains Avenue, Quezon City, Manila
Transport
MMDA EDSA-Connecticut Bus Terminal Southbound
4. Rizal Park - Hero's memorial
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Rizal Park was built as a tribute to nationalist hero José Rizal, who was executed here in 1896. Today it is a more tranquil place with a monument to the hero at the centre, as well as Japanese and Chinese gardens. Open-air concerts are held throughout the year.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
P100
Opening Hours
24 hours daily
Address
Roxas Boulevard to Taft Avenue, Manila
Transport
LRT1 to United Nations Avenue
5. Manila Cathedral - Romanesque church
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Since it was first built in Intramuros in 1571, Manila Cathedral has been repeatedly ravaged by war and earthquake. It has been rebuilt several times; the Romanesque cathedral that stands here today was only completed in 1951. Look out for the ornate Italian statuary and an elegant cupola.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free (donations welcome)
Opening Hours
Daily 6.30am-5.30pm
Address
Cabildo (and the corner of Beaterio Street), Manila 1002
Telephone
+63 (0) 2 527 3093
6. Intramuros - Spanish colonial fort
Show more Located in Old Manila, the walled city of Intramuros, built by the Spanish in 1571, was considered to be Manila itself during colonial times. Fort Santiago is one of the main attractions inside the walls. Don't miss the cell where national hero José Rizal spent his last days in 1896.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
P77
Opening Hours
Daily 8am-6pm
Address
Old Manila, Manila
Special things to do
Expand all7. Corregidor Island - World War Two shrine
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Corregidor Island is one of a series of small islands scattered in Manila Bay. Take a boat trip to see the remnants of this heavily fortified last outpost of US and Filipino resistance to the Japanese in World War Two.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
P1999
Opening Hours
Tour leaves 8am daily
Address
CCP Terminal A, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Boulevard, Manila 1004
Telephone
+63 (0) 2 831 8140
8. Roxas Boulevard - Manila Bay views
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The Roxas Boulevard Baywalk in the City of Manila is the best place for sea views. Locals like to feast on snacks from the food shacks and browse the wooden and glass crafts. Stop to watch the sun drop down over Manila Bay, sending streaks of psychedelic colour across the water.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Free
Opening Hours
24 hours daily
Address
Roxas Boulevard, Manila
Transport
LRT1 stations around United Nations Avenue
9. Anilao Outrigger Resort - Scuba-diving heaven
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Anilao is a marine park sanctuary in Batangas with some of the best underwater life in the Philippines. This is a good opportunity to scuba dive in flashing coral among cheeky parrot fish and greedy angel fish, and see new coral, sea slugs and sponges.Show this on mapE-mail this item
Cost
Basic day snorkelling packages start at P700
Opening Hours
Various
Address
Brgy, Solo, Mabini, Batangas, Manila 4213
