Best Things To Do in Manila

Manila combines the charms of Asia in one place thanks to its cultural diversity and neighborhoods with unforgettable proposals. From riding bamboo bicycles to delighting in traditional dances, you will undoubtedly immerse yourself in a journey of contrasts.

Can you imagine visiting a neighborhood in the middle of a cemetery? In Manila it is possible and I promise you that it has a history worth knowing. Between each visit you can take advantage of gastronomic and cultural stops to make your trip more enjoyable.

Bamboo bikes are an attraction you should not miss in Manila, as they are a cultural experience and a way to get to know the city without compromising the environment. Generally, these rides are concentrated in the historic Intramuros district, which is the most beautiful and oldest area, where it seems that time has stopped.

This neighborhood offers a lively atmosphere and curious corners, such as speakeasies. It is also hidden within the walls of Manila and is a window into the city's past. Booking a bamboo bike ride through the Intramuros district is the best way to experience this activity. This way, a tour guide will organize the most convenient itinerary and you won't have to worry about anything.

Santiago Fort

You should not miss a stop at the Fort of Santiago, whose foundations were built around the year 1571. In this Citadel of the Spanish Philippines you can appreciate fragments of Manila's past and discover how it survived the fighting of World War II.

Don't expect to see the original facade, however, as other conflicts destroyed much of the city. The fort was rebuilt, but for some strange reason it has maintained an aged facade, as even among its stones there is mold.

Walking inside you can discover the history of Jose Rizal, a key figure in the independence of the Philippines.

Luneta Park

Luneta Park is a very popular park in Manila, perhaps because among its paths you will find the famous Kilometer 0 that marks the beginning of all roads in the Philippines. Many people come here admiring the memorial of Jose Rizal that has an exact replica in Madrid to commemorate his childhood in the city.

In the park there is also a diorama, a type of 3D model depicting his execution and previous struggle for the country's freedom.

Manila Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is the most imposing church in Manila. Its name is as long as its aisles that display stained glass windows and altars with a solemn atmosphere. Although it was built in 1571, today you can only see fragments of the original facade, as it has been rebuilt several times.

Piazza Roma

In the heart of Intramuros awaits the Plaza Roma, an exceptional place to take pictures and take a nice souvenir of Manila. In the middle you can appreciate the statue of Carlos IV of Spain, to whom the Filipinos extend their gratitude for offering the first vaccine against smallpox. From here you can get lost in the alleys of the neighborhood and reach the cathedral.

Manila is a city that holds on to its traditions and the locals love to share them with new visitors. The dance shows are a window into the indigenous and Spanish heritage, where you will be told heartwarming stories and the struggle of the Filipino people.

When you book a dance show with dinner in Manila you are in for a wonderful evening and a glimpse of traditional costumes, ancestral movements and scenery that will transport you to different eras of the Philippines. You can enjoy a buffet-style dinner in a cozy atmosphere, ideal for you to let yourself be carried away by the refreshing flavors that will remain engraved on your palate.

You will not have to worry about anything, just enjoy themost famous choreographies and delight yourself with typical artistic expressions like the ones I will now tell you about.

• Singkil dances: discover how a Muslim princess tries to escape from an earthquake while winding through the towers of Mindanao, the second largest island in the Philippines. Filipino fans will simulate the wind currents that hit the country after an earthquake, while the bells on her skirt fill the atmosphere with tension.
• Tinikling dances: it is a dance that originated during the Spanish Philippines and is characterized by the use of bamboo poles. It is considered one of the most demanding dances in the world, since a second of incoordination can make the dance lose meaning.
• Pandanggo sa ilaw: it is a folkloric dance performed in the villages and is inspired by the Spanish fandango dance. During the show you can delight in the graceful movement of torches contoured by Filipino dancers.

Manila is a charming city and its colonial buildings tell you about the moments that marked history. A walking tour seems to me an excellent way to explore its streets and familiarize yourself with the main tourist attractions.

If you don't know where to start you might consider hiring a guided tour of Manila. These types of experiences offer a window into daily life and are quite enjoyable because they take care of the entrance fees for some attractions. Here are some places you should not miss that are usually included in this type of tour.

Manila House

The streets are full of history, but I dare say nothing compares to Casa Manila. It was built during the colonial era and is one of the few examples of bahay na bato, a type of stone house that marked Philippine architecture during this period. Take advantage of the tour to stop to appreciate exhibits of ancient artifacts and discover what life was like centuries ago.

Memorare Manila Monument

Manila witnessed different wars, whose bombings left significant human losses. The Memorare Manila Monument is a tribute to the victims of World War II and a way to remember the bravery of citizens throughout history.

San Agustin Church

It is the oldest stone church in Manila. St. Augustine's Church has witnessed wars, typhoons and earthquakes, but surprisingly its facade has never collapsed and is a mystical place worth visiting. In addition, in the Museum of St. Augustine you can delve into all the anecdotes and curiosities of the church from pre-Columbian times to the present.

In Manila you have to reserve time and budget to eat, as it is one of the most complete gastronomies that exists. In its dishes you can feel the Malay, indigenous, Chinese and Spanish influences, as well as the millenary techniques and the effort behind the family recipes. To eat well I recommend exploring local places, as well as popular restaurants in neighborhoods like Binondo or Intramuros.

If you want to go to fancy restaurants you should divert your GPS to the Makati neighborhood. On the other hand, if street food is more your thing, you can grope its streets and delight your senses at Quiapo Market, the largest in the Philippines.

Vacation should be a time for relaxation, so if you prefer not to take care of the itinerary and logistics, you can book a culinary tour of Manila. With a local foodie you will have access to tastings of typical food and drinks at various venues. Behind every bite there is a story and it is more fun when someone tells you every detail. Here are some dishes and desserts you should try during your visit.

Typical dishes of Manila

• Adobo Filipino: it is impossible to go to the capital and resist trying the typical national dish. Here you find the best proposals and it is nice to feel how the tender meat of chicken or pork melts on the palate.
• Sinigang: it is a sour broth of pork, fish or shrimp that reaches this flavor thanks to the fact that it is marinated in tamarind sauce.
• Kare-Kare: a thick meat stew served with vegetables, peanut butter sauce and bagoong (fermented shrimp paste).

Traditional Manila desserts

• Ensaimada: it is the star of Philippine pastries and stands out for its soft dough that is sprinkled with cheese and sugar. And no, it is nothing like the one from Mallorca.
• Halo-Halo: it is a colorful shake of assorted fruits that are combined with condensed milk, jellies, ice cream and sweet beans.
• Leche Flan: it is a flan that melts in your mouth and is one of the favorite desserts of Filipino families, since it is prepared with condensed milk and egg yolks.

Manila street snacks

• Isaw: is chicken intestines marinated in a Filipino sauce.
• Balut: is a duck egg served boiled or steamed. It may be a little weird at first because it is eaten straight in the shell, but I promise it is delicious.
• Kwek-Kwek: is a typical snack consisting of breaded and fried quail eggs. They are tastier when dipped in a sweet and sour sauce.

Typical drinks of Manila

• Tuba: it is an alcoholic drink based on fermented coconut flowers.
• Sago't Gulaman: it is a cold drink prepared with sago pearls whose flavor resembles tapioca.

Manila is home to the oldest Chinatown outside of China. Binondo fuses Filipino and Chinese culture and marks the fraternity between the two nations. Its legacy has been solidified since 1594 and as you walk through its streets you will find yourself surrounded by colorful stores, posters and enticing aromas mingling together.

I suggest you start in the heart of the neighborhood, where the first thing you'll notice is the Santa Cruz Church. If you'd like to take some Chinese goods home, just walk down Ongpin Street, which is also considered a paradise for jewelry and medicinal herbs.

Take lots of pictures of its unforgettable streets that are always decorated with mythological figures, such as Chinese dragons, and a variety of street murals. Here it is impossible not to be tempted to try various street dishes and many people recommend a siopao tasting in different places.

In the financial center Makati it is as if you suddenly find yourself in a completely different city. The cultural and architectural diversity is evident in this neighborhood, where you can marvel at the skyscrapers and make the most of the nightlife.

If you'd like to meet other tourists and socialize during your vacation, you're in the right place! Makati has a myriad of bars and other plans ranging from the trendy Greenbelt and Glorietta malls, to Ayala Triangle Gardens which is considered the green lung of this neighborhood.

Manila is a city famous for hosting some of the most curious cemeteries in the world. They have designs that seem to have hidden messages, as well as shared tombs for the living and the dead. I know it's hard to get a picture of these, so I'll tell you a little more about each one.

Manila American Cemetery

The Manila American Cemetery is the resting place of thousands of World War II casualties, especially a large number of American soldiers who fell in the Philippines. What arouses the curiosity of those who visit it is its peculiar circular design with small limestone crosses that at first glance form a military formation.

Manila Chinese Cemetery

The Manila Chinese Cemetery is the resting place of thousands of Chinese who were buried during the colonial era, who were forbidden to use Catholic cemeteries.

It is undoubtedly a window into Chinese burial traditions and at first glance they look like mausoleums, but some recreate houses and mansions inside to make the spirits feel more comfortable. On the tombs you can see photographs, flowers and candles surrounded by bedrooms or living rooms.

Although it seems impossible to live in a cemetery, some are actually inhabited! They have all the necessary comforts and that is why it is known as the neighborhood of the living and the dead.

Another neighborhood you should visit is Quiapo, a vibrant and chaotic district where you can see eccentricities that contrast with the tranquility of the Filipinos. Although it seems to have an exclusively religious aura, it goes beyond that and in the streets of Plaza Miranda you can find vendors of secret potions, amulets and Arab handicrafts.

Its main attraction is the Muslim culture and you can take the opportunity to visit the Golden Globe Mosque, which does not go unnoticed when walking through the city, as well as the Green Mosque.

Of course, I recommend you enter the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, where the carved image of the Black Nazarene is taken out in procession every January 9. You also have to stop by the San Sebastian Church, the only steel church in the Philippines.

From Manila, it's easy to get to other magical places in the Philippines, as well as get routes that go off the beaten path. If you have enough days in your itinerary, you could include a getaway such as booking an excursion to Tagaytay from Manila.

It's a paradise about an hour from the city where you can breathe fresh air, get up close to the Taal volcano and take advantage of several hiking trails. In this area there are many places that offer adrenaline activities, such as jumping on a zip line or taking a ride on the Sky Eye.

If I had to choose a getaway to Manila's rural landscapes, I'd probably take the opportunity to book an excursion to Villa Escudero Plantation. It's a bit more remote than Tagaytay, but I assure you it's worth it. It's a popular destination because the Escudero family has been a pioneer in coconut and sugar cultivation.

You can learn about agricultural production and explore the mansion's museum, whose display of antiques and artifacts is fascinating. In this area it is quite common to coincide with folkloric shows celebrating Filipino culture. But you can also experience exciting adventures such as a buffalo cart ride to Labasin Falls, known for its bamboo tables that invite you to sit and enjoy a gastronomic experience surrounded by a natural paradise.