Visit Manila: What are the best things to do and see in the capital of the Philippines?
Many travellers only stay there to spend a night before leaving to the north of Luçon Island or to wait for their flight to return home after traveling to Philippines but Manila, the capital of the country, still has some interesting sites to see. So if you plan to stay in Manila a little more than the others, here are some ideas of visits :
1. Old Manila – Intramuros
Flickr – Dom Tuvera
This fortified historic city was once the heart of the Spanish and American governments during their colonial rule in the Philippines. After being reduced to ruins during the Second World War, reconstruction began in the 1950s. You can simply walk in the neighborhood of Intramuros or climb into one kalesa (calèche) to discover the oldest area Manila . Perhaps you will enjoy visiting the places with a guide, which would save you time and give you a better perspective of the history and culture of the city. Two local guides come out of the lot: Carlos Celdran and Ivan Mandy .
2. Rizal Park and the National Hero Monument
Flickr – Benson Kua
This iconic park, also known as Luneta , has been the site of numerous public executions during the Spanish era, including those of the three Filipino priests Gomburza-Mariano Gomez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora but above all of the national hero, José Rizal . This is why it is here that a monument was erected in honour of Rizal. This historic marble sanctuary marks the zero kilometer of the Philippines.
3. The sunset on a cruise on Manila Bay
Deviantart – fritzykarl
The sunset on the Manila Bay is one of the most frequent tourist attractions in the city for years. Whether you’re a romantic, the experience is even more memorable when you plan to dine on a boat during a cruise or renting your own yacht.
4. Visit the old Catholic churches
Manila Cathedral – Flickr – Frisno Boström
The Philippines is the fifth largest Catholic country in the world and there are a number of old churches Manila. Their architecture, frescoes and various ornaments are excellent examples of different artistic styles. The most popular buildings are the Church of Quiapo, the Church of Baclaran, the Church of Saint Sebastian, the Church of San Agustin, and the Cathedral of Manila.
5. Local specialties in the district of Binondo
Flickr – tadolo
Manila has attracted many foreign traders even before the Spanish conquistadors take the city and later grant an area, called Binondo To Chinese traders. You will find the oldest Chinatown in the world and a range of restaurants that serve appetizing and affordable dishes. During your stay in Manila, test the Balut , a steam-cooked egg in which the fetus is already formed, it is a specialty of the country (a amuse-gauge). Try street food as well Isaw (pink of pork or chicken intestines). You will find in the markets what to give you appetite... or not.
Any other ideas?
– see the Makati business district for shopping and to see the contrast with the rest of the city. – take a jeepney ride – participate in karaoke – and all you suggest in the comments!
How to get to Manila?
For a Paris-Manille you have the choice between Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, KLM for example. To compare the cheapest flight to Manila, check the flight comparison Ulysses .
Where to stay in Manila?
Dynamic city, Manila toss foot to ground! Among them, the uncontourable historic centre and the CBD, reflecting the modernization of the city. All have a common point: the accessibility of housing. To choose from which area to stay in Manila, don’t hesitate to take a look at our article ! And to find a cheap hotel in Manila, meet one on our website Compare hotels .
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