About Manila
This chaotic mega city charms its visitors with its gritty vibe. Tourists flock to Manila all year round not only as an entry point to the rest of the country but also to discover its history and rich heritage. The city skyline is a jagged mix of high rises and and poorly planned residential communities. But despite the notorious congestion, people can experience amazing sights, sounds, and tastes in its nooks and crannies.
Famous attractions in the city include the walled city of Intramuros, which was built during the Spanish colonial period and Binondo, which is the first chinatown in the world. Visitors can also look forward to experiencing Manila Ocean Park and the iconic sunset at Manila bay.
Getting around in Manila
Manila offers a variety of land transportation options including point to point buses, private buses, vans, taxis, jeepneys, tricycles, and the train systems; MRT, LRT, and PNR.
The beep card is a reloadable multi-use card that you can buy for P20 in train stations and P50 at bus ticketing terminals. You can load up the card and use it for MRT and LRT trains and a variety of point to point buses in Manila.
Of course, don’t forget to check out and ride Manila’s iconic jeepneys when you go to famous sites like Intramuros and Binondo. These colorful vehicles are the cheapest and most common way to get around the city.
For air and sea travel, your main points of entry are Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay and Port of Manila in Tondo, Manila.
Top tourist attractions & activities in Manila
Featuring a variety of tourist attractions and activities, Manila is a must-see destination with your friends or family. Check out some of the top tourist destinations in Manila:
Located in the heart of Manila, this Spanish-built walled city is home to the country’s most historical sites. Some of the attractions you can visit are Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church and museum, Bahay Tsinoy, and Casa Manila. You can go around the whole fortress and try out the famous Intramuros bamboo bike tour.
Also known as Luneta, this central park spans around 16 hectares of lavish lawns, ponds, and ornamental gardens. You can go on a picnic with your friends or loved ones and check out the Rizal Monument, which is where his remains are interred and serves as a memorial for the national hero.
This chinatown is the oldest in the world and is known for its variety of Chinese restaurants. Go on a food crawl with your friends, try shopping on a budget at the many stores and malls nearby, or visit historical sites like Binondo Church. You can also try riding a kalesa around the streets of Binondo or other parts of old Manila like Quiapo.
Located behind the Quirino grandstand near Rizal Park, this oceanarium is home to a variety of sea creatures from different species. Walk along its famous curved tunnel and observe aquatic life up close. They also offer unique experiences where you can meet sharks and stingrays up close or dive into the water and swim with the fishes. Other must-try attractions and activities in the ocean park include seeing penguins and sea lions or learning how to swim like a mermaid.
Home to thousands of relics, artifacts, and numerous exhibits, the National Museum of the Philippines has different collections and divisions showcasing different aspects of the country’s culture. Admission into all branches of the National Museum is now permanently free of charge for both Filipinos and foreigners. Visit and enjoy the newly opened National Museum of Natural History with your friends or loved ones.
Plan your own Manila travel package
Want to travel around the capital city of the Philippines? Get a Manila tour package for a hassle-free vacation. You can find the best flight promos and hotel deals at Traveloka so you only have to think about what you want to do and places you want to visit in Manila.
Check out this 3 day and 2 nights itinerary.
Day 1 Tour Ideas
- Arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport
- Head over to Manila Ocean Park
- Watch the sunset at Manila bay after a day of seeing aquatic life
Day 2 Tour Ideas
- Drop by the Rizal monument in Luneta
- Visit famous attractions like Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church and Museum
- Explore the rest of Intramuros on a bamboo bike tour
Day 3 Tour Ideas
- Learn more about the country’s culture and heritage at the National Museum
- Go on a food binge in Binondo
- Take a ride back to Ninoy Aquino International Airport and travel back home