Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is usually not considered an ideal travel destination. Metro Manila is a huge densely populated area with different neighbourhoods, from modern, safe, and clean Bonifacio Global City to the slums. Most travellers use Manila as a gateway to the wonderful beaches of famous islands like Palawan or Boracay and don’t spend much time in the city. Although it is not an entirely safe place and there are also lot of homeless people in many parts of the metropolitan area, I found Manila much more enticing than I expected. You are not going to find an amazing ancient city or the tropical beach of your dreams there, but the modern museums, Intramuros, the Chinese Cemetery, some good restaurants, and the ambience of the huge metro, that is full of promises and seems that it never sleeps, are good reasons for someone to visit Manila. The best time to visit Manila is from November to April,during the dry season. The festive Christmas season is also an amazing time for someone to visit the city. For maximum security and comfort book your transfer from the airport in advance.
Where to stay in Manila
Although it’s easy to get around by taxi or tricycle, I prefer to walk where it is possible. Hence, being close to some of the main sights was very important for me. Therefore, I enjoyed my stays close to Intramuros and especially my second stay in Manila in a condo with a magnificent view of Rizal Park and the bay. Nevertheless, if you prefer a safer and cleaner environment with a lot of restaurants and shops, then Bonifacio Global City may be a better choice for you. Moreover, people whose priority is the nightlife should stay in Makati, the undisputable king of clubs and bars in the metropolitan area of Manila.
What to visit in Manila
1) Intramuros and Balaurte de San Diego
Intramuros was built during the Spanish colonial period and is deemed to be the cultural centre of the country . It is the walled old city of Manila with many cultural landmarks and government agencies. Although it is not always necessary to book tours when visiting diffrerent places, since you can explore them on your own, this time it is highly recommended. The Baluarte de San Diego itself is a bastion in Intramuros with the purpose of protecting the city against invaders. This fortification made of stones attracts a few visitors, but it was not crowded when visited it. I really enjoyed my visit to the site, since it was a chance for me to escape from the noise of the hectic city.
2) Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago is located in Intramuros, the historic area of Manila. The fortress has an impressive history and has witnessed battles in different eras, from the Spanish colonization to World War II. There are also dungeons and a small museum dedicated to Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero. If you like history and open spaces, don’t omit to spend some relaxing time here.
3) San Agustin Church
San Agustin Church is the oldest stone church not only in Manila but in the entire country. It is also located in Intramuros, the walled old city of Manila, not far from Fort Santiago. This charming edifice was built in 1587 by the Augustinians and is considered an important and popular landmark of the huge metropolis.
4) Memorare-Manila 1945 Monument
The Memorare-Manila 1945 Monument commemorates 100,000 dead citizens slaughtered by the Imperial Japanese forces during World War II. The atrocities took place during the battle for the liberation of Manila when Filipino and American troops fought against the Japanese. The monument is also located in Intramuros and depicts the despair that war always causes. Read the inscription at the front side of the monument, but don’t forget the one at the back side.
5) Casa Manila
Casa Manila, located in Intramuros, is a museum that shows the public how rich Filipino families used to live during the Spanish colonial period. It is an interesting structure built around 1850 and attracts many visitors, locals and tourists.
6) Rizal Park
Rizal Park is a historic park in Manila, not far from Intramuros. It is named after Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero who was executed there by the Spanish forces in 1896. It is an interesting place with a lot of visitors who come there to relax and enjoy the “dancing fountains!”
7) National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History is housed in an impressive building in a serene park. Fascinating artifacts that highlight the biological diversity of the Philippines can be found in the many chambers of the museum. If you visit this modern museum, it is certain that you will learn a lot about the Philippines.
8) National Nuseum of Anthropology
If you are interested in the different ethnic groups of the Philippines, then you will enjoy a visit to the National Nuseum of Anthropology. The edifice that houses the museum is similar to the one that houses the National Museum of Natural History which lies nearby. Some parts of the museum are really engaging, such as the one that presents the various Negritos groups. I found some artifacts displayed there very unusual and interesting.
9) National Nuseum of Fine Arts
The National Museum of Fine Arts is located very close to the National Museum of Anthropology in the historic Old Legislative Building. It is much bigger and much more engaging than I expected. Its many galleries in the four-story building house a big number of creations by Filipino painters, sculptors, and other artists.
10) Chinese Cemetery
The Manila Chinese Cemetery covers a big area full of mausoleums and graves. It includes Buddhist, Daoist, and Christian, mostly Catholic burials. The cemetery is like a city for the dead people. There are a lot of large and luxurious Mausoleums resembling comfortable houses or even villas. This display of wealth creates a severe contrast with the neighbouring slums! Apart from the mausoleums there are also other places of interest in the area such as Chong Hock Tong Temple, the main altar of which has figures of Jesus Christ, Buddha, and Daoist deities. Another interesting strucure in the cemetery is the Philippine Chinese Anti-Japanese War Memorial Complex which commemorates the resistance efforts against the Japanese army. I have to admit that I found this serene place unexpectedly enchanting!
11) Chinatown
In Manila there is the oldest Chinatown in the world. It’s a busy area with a lot of shops, including a few jewelery stores. There are also some restaurants there, but I didn’t try their food. I could say that it is worth a visit if you want to feel the vibe, although it is not something exceptional that cannot be found elsewhere.
12) Quiapo Church
Quiapo Church is a Catholic basilica located in the district of Quiapo in Manila. The church, which is famous for its dark statue of Jesus Christ, Jesus Nazareno, is a quite big and impressive edifice. When I visited it on New Year’s Eve, a mass was taking place and there were a lot of people both outside and inside the basilica.
13) Bonifacio Global City
Bonifacio Global City is a district of the metropolitan area of Manila located in Fort Bonifacio. It is a pedestrian-friendly district filled with shops and restaurants, some of which offer tasty food. I consider it a good and safe option for someone to stay, although the visitor who wants to experience the real Manila should choose another area, since it cannot be found in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). In any case the Christmas ambience there is amazing and shouldn’t be missed.
14) Manila Hotel
The Manila Hotel is a historic five-star seaside hotel located close to Rizal Park in Manila. A lot of celebrities and politicians have stayed here. I particularly liked the piano playing in the main chamber of the hotel while having lunch and dinner.
