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Things to Do in Manila

Activities to Do in Manila

Go on a food crawl around Binondo, Explore the urban park dedicated to Jose Rizal, See your aquatic dreams come to life at Manila Ocean Park, Immerse yourself in amazing art, history, and architecture at the National Museum and many more.

On a tour to the Philippines, you will be able to take part in a number of things to do in Manila along with your loved ones. Manila has got something or the other for all kinds of tourists such as fun filled activities for childrens and teenagers, adventure water sporting activities for adults and thrill seekers, romantic activities for love birds, and relaxing atmosphere for peace lovers.

During your visit, you can head out to visit some of the best things to see in Manila like the famous Rizal Park to know more about the celebrated hero - Dr. Jose Rizal and Quiapo Church to witness the architecture of the oldest and most admired Catholic Churches in Manila.

You can also have a fun time interacting with the creatures at the Manila Ocean Park, marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage sites like San Agustin Church and Museum. Most of the tourists visiting Manila also love to head out on cultural exploration tours to the National Museum to discover more about the times gone by in the Philippines.

If you are thinking about some of the activities to do in Manila, then there are loads of things that you can try out like heading out on food and liquor tours, guided bike and bicycle tours, museum and exhibition exploration tours, go shopping and bargain hunting and much more.
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Rizal Park
Spread over 60 hectares, Rizal Park is a renowned national landmark and one of the best places to visit in Manila. Famous for around forty worth visiting places in the park from ornamental gardens, ponds, monuments and more.

It is one of the most visited tourist places. Visit the Rizal Monument which is an epitome of nationalism, or the drinking fountain known as the place where Rizal studied. You can also visit the Central Lagoon and Chess Plaza as it will leave an indelible imprint in your mind.

Location: Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines.

Highlights:
- Rizal Monument
- Drinking Fountain
- Central Lagoon
- Open Air Auditorium
- Chess Plaza.
Manila Ocean Park
One of the most famous marine parks in Manila, this ocean park is a remarkable and fascinating holiday destination. Offering enchanting views of the vivid marine life, this park is a spectacle of diverse attractions.

From various activities like the augmented reality encounter, sea lion show to the world of creepy crawlies, neon rides and super toy collection, the park is a treasure of joy and happiness and makes for one of the perfect places to see in Manila.

Location: Quirino Grandstand, 666 Behind, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines.

Highlights:
- All Star Bird Show
- Jellies Exhibit
- Oceanarium
- Penguin Talk Show
- Trails to Antarctica.
San Agustin Church
Known as one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, the colossal semblance enshrouds the embellished interiors replete with objects of historical and cultural importance. The embowed roof showcases the frescoes and you can also witness the tropical cloisters along with the gardens.

San Agustin Church is one of the buildings that was not completely destroyed in World War II and also has a San Agustin Museum which is worth a visit as you can catch a sight of illustrious valuables of Old Manila.

Location: General Luna St, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines.

Highlights:
- Objects of historical and cultural significance
- Frescoes
- Tropical Cloisters
- Gardens
- San agustin Museum.
Fort Santiago
Dating back to the 1500s, Fort Santiago holds a significant history and is also known for the imprisonment of Philippines national hero Jose Rizal.

It is one of the most historical places to visit in Manila and is also home to Statuary Park which is a garden with massive statuaries and the Military Nerve Center that possesses a statue of Rizal and is a tribute to him. This fort also has some of the other major places worth visiting.

Location: Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines.

Highlights:
- Military Nerve Center
- Statuary Park
- Rizal Shrine
- Bateria de Santa Barbara.
Manila Zoo
Step into the nature’s abode surrounded by lush greenery and a variety of wildlife from Bengal Tiger, Malayan Civet, goose, Asian elephant, peafowl, storks etc. If you love the flora and fauna and like being close to nature, this is one of the best places to visit in Manila.

You can also witness the Wildlife Rescue Centre and Botanical Arboretum rich in diverse flora. You can explore the zoo at your own pace with boat rentals and also visit the souvenir shop to take memories back home.

Location: M. Adriatico St, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila, Philippines.

Highlights:
- Innumerable Wildlife
- Wildlife Rescue Centre
- Botanical Arboretum
- Boat Rentals
- Souvenir Shops.
National Museum Of The Philippines
The National Museum of the Philippines can be considered as the most sought after places to visit in Manila that takes care of various national museums located in the Philippines. It is a centre of ethnographic, archaeological, anthropological, and visual arts collection.

The National Museum is also known as Pambansang Museo in the local dialect. The museum was constructed in the year 1901 and is a major agency for research and conservation programs in Manila. 

Location: Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines

Highlights:
- An educational, scientific and cultural institution
- Preserves, exhibits, documents and scholarly study materials
Intramuros
Intramuros, which is also called the Walled City, happens to be a bustling tourist place in Manila that nestles around the South Bank of Pasig River. The walled city was constructed in the year 1571  by Spaniards mainly Migual Lopez de legaspi. This place is popular for its historical heritage and has been standing tall dealing with a number of natural calamities strongly and steadily.

It is home to some of the beautiful churches, ancient monuments and gorgeous gardens. This place has also served as the seat of the Spanish power in the past. Heading over to this beautiful place, you will be able to learn a lot about the historical timelines. 

Location: National Capital Region, Manila, 

Highlights:
- Center of the Spanish occupation
- Residence for Spanish government officials and their families
Arroceros Forest Park
Arroceros Forest Park is nothing less than a hidden gem in the beautiful city of Manila and is one of the most gorgeous places to visit in Manila. The forest park is surrounded by dense green trees providing an intimidating yet peaceful experience topped with stunning brooks and is one of the most clean and green places amidst the chaotic city. You can also witness the ornamental plants including avifauna which is a rare breed.

Location: 659 A Antonio Villegas St, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines.

Highlights:
- Brooks
- Sceneries
- Ornamental Plants.
Manila Cathedral
Dating back to 1581, Manila Cathedral is an epitome of robustness and has passed the test of time and fortitude. Destroyed and damaged multiple times by fire, earthquakes and World War II, the cathedral still stands tall and is one of the most important heritage highlights.

The Bronze Panel provides you insights into the history of this cathedral and the fascinating and intricate interiors possess one of the largest pipe organs and other intriguing features.

Location: Beaterio St, Cabildo St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines.

Highlights:
- Bronze Panels
- Pipe Organs.
Robinsons Place Mall
One of the finest malls in the Philippines, Robinsons Place has seven storeys with the most premium and luxury brands of apparels, cosmetics, merchandise and more.

With a plethora of entertainment options along with numerous retail stores and gaming zones, this place makes for a perfect day outing with family. You can also choose from a variety of meals from the dining outlets after you are tired and done with your shopping.

Location: Pedro Gil St, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines.

Highlights:
- Entertainment Facilities
- Gaming Zone
- Dining Outlets
- Premium Brands.
Divisoria Market
Located in the heart of Manila, Divisoria Market is always crowded and bustling with vendors, eateries and people on a shopping spree. With everything available at the market, you can buy gadgets, vivid fabrics, textiles, accessories, electronics, home decor and more at cheap prices. Do not miss out on the delicious local street food here along with paying a visit to the malls.

Location: 557 M. De Santos St, San Nicolas, Manila, 1010 Metro Manila, Philippines.

Highlights:
- Malls
- Cheap Goods
- Eateries
- All Merchandise.
Paco Park And Cemetery
Built for the colonial elite in 1807, this park was open for the burial of cholera victims and then later was the burial ground for the people who belonged to Spanish high society.

There is also a chapel at the centre of the park which is dedicated to St Pancratius and is visited by the people. Paco Park is also a popular venue for weddings, concerts, photo shoots and artists. It is a quiet and romantic place reminding us about the history of Manila.

Location: Belen, Paco, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Highlights:
- Roman Catholic Chapel
- Repositories of Governor.
National Museum Of Fine Arts
Possessing numerous beautiful paintings and sculptures of some of the famous classical artists of the Philippines including Juan Luna, Félix Resurrección Hidalgo and Guillermo Tolentino and more.

Every painting and every masterpiece in the National Museum of Fine Arts evokes emotion and depicts a story of the past. The four floors of the museum are worth seeing and makes for one of the most insightful places to visit in Manila.

Location: Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines.

Highlights:
- The Sandigan Reception Hall
- Planting of the First Cross
- The Art of Claude Tayag
- Spolarium.
Ayala Museum
Explore the culture, art and history of the Philippines through the Ayala Museum which is one of the best places to go in Manila. The four floors of the museum displays the dioramas depicting the history, captivating textile collection and graceful pieces of Pre-Hispanic gold jewelry.

The rotating arts are one of the highlights of the museum showing the Luna and Amorsolo and it is recommended to visit the museum with guides to ensure an insightful experience.

Location: Greenbelt Park, Makati Avenue, corner Dela Rosa Street, Ayala Center, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Highlights:
- Luna
- Amorsolo
- Textile Collection
- Dioramas
- Pre-Hispanic Gold Jewelry.
Greenbelt Chapel
Also popular as the Chapel of Santo Niño de Paz, this church is one of the best places to see in Manila. Embraced by lush greenery, this church is well appreciated for its architecture and allures the tourists from around the world because of its beauty, open air and a beautiful walkway.

The roof resembles a soldier’s cap and the church is encapsulated by serene ponds and sculptures offering a peaceful experience away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Location: Makati Ave, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Highlights:
- Architecture
- Walkway
- Roof in the shape of Soldier's Cap.
Binondo Church
One of the oldest places of worship, Binondo has been constructed thrice and still retains remnants of its original structure and is one of the beautiful places to go in Manila. The church is usually bustling with people from different religions, nationalities and caste. The church was initially known as Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish.

Location: Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz, Binondo, 1006 Metro Manila, Philippines.

Highlights:
- Octagonal Bell Tower
- Architecture
- Facade.
Manila City Hall
Manila City Hall is one of the must places to see in Manila and is shaped like a coffin to honour the brave who died during the Battle of Manila. The city hall narrates tales from the spanish settlement and is also one of the most significant landmarks in the city. The offices are held here by the Mayor and chambers of Manila city council. It also provides riveting views from the balcony of the city hall.

Location: Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines.

Highlights:
- Clock Tower Dome
- Architecture.
Star City Amusement Park
One of the best places to visit in Manila, Star city Amusement Park is bustling with people all year round and is one of the most popular amusement parks in Philippines. The theme decor is what allures the tourists here along with over 30 crazy rides and attractions.

The park is suitable for people of all age groups because of varied fun activities available and hence, makes for one of the best destinations for a family vacation. It is a wonderful break from the monotonous routine and you can enjoy the toy chest, snow world, tornado and spinning coaster here.

Location: CCP Complex, Sotto Corner Jalandoni Street, 1300 Roxas Blvd, Pasay, Philippines.

Highlights:
- Egyptian Spinning Coaster
- Toy Chest
- Art Alive Museum
- Adventure Zone
- Star Dome
- Snow World
- Tornado.
Manila Baywalk
Manila Baywalk is nothing less than the heart of the city since it is the most lively and vibrant places with a plethora of famous cafes, live bands and open air bars. Witness the most beautiful sunsets along with the surreal golden skies, refreshing breezes and calm waters.

Manila baywalk offers pure bliss and relaxation and you can also witness the yachts anchored here. Explore a variety of cuisines or visit one of the largest malls in Asia, this is one of the best places to visit in Manila.

Location: Roxas Blvd, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila, Philippines.

Highlights:
- Iconic Sunsets
- Manila Yacht Club
- Roxas Boulevard
- Cultural Centre
- Scenic Views
- Open Air Bars
- Live Bands
- SM Mall of Asia.
Casa Manila
Witness the stories of the past and step into the history through Casa Manila, one of the best museums in the city. This colonial house has an incredible architecture and takes us back to the lifestyle of the people of the 19th century.

The interior is something to be witnessed here along with some other interesting things including the double-seated toilet. This vintage house is also adorned with authentic and aesthetic artwork and furniture.

Location: Plaza sans luis complex, General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines.

Highlights:
- Architecture
- Artworks
- Furniture.

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