8 Things To Do In Manila: Complete Guide To The Capital Of The Philippines
Get to know Manila and all the things to do in the capital of the Phillippines. The Capital of the Philippines, Manila, is home to a vibrant mix of Spanish colonial charm and contemporary allure. Visitors can explore Rizal Park, Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach, and the city's cathedral. The National Museum of Natural History features botanical exhibits, geology and zoology, as well as interactive displays. The Ocean Park in Manila offers an oceanarium, a marine park, and a premiere educational facility.
公開済み : 2年前 沿って Noah Staats の Travel
Nestled on the shores of the island of Luzon, Manila welcomes travelers with its vibrant blend of Spanish colonial charm and contemporary allure. As the bustling capital of the Philippines, this densely populated bayside metropolis teems with a collection of history, culture, and urban energy. From its storied past to its soaring skyscrapers, Manila promises an unforgettable journey through time and modernity.
Intramuros is at the heart of the city, an enchanting walled district that transports visitors to the colonial era. Within its fortified walls, past secrets come alive amidst the grandeur of Spanish-inspired architecture. Just steps away, Fort Santiago stands as a citadel, once a military prison, now a symbol of resilience and freedom.
Manila offers countless green spaces and coastal areas for those seeking a break from the urban cityscape. Stroll along the picturesque Baywalk, basking in the gentle ocean breeze while viewing the iconic Manila Bay sunset. Explore Rizal Park, where lush gardens, serene ponds, and majestic monuments pay homage to the nation's heroes.
Visiting the Philippines will be exciting for any type of traveler. Whether someone wants to see ancient structures, taste local cuisine, adventure in nature, or even lay by the pool: Manila has a lot going on.
One of the first things to see in Manila is Rizal Park. Here, tourists can explore one of the largest urban parks in the country, measuring a whopping 58 hectares (143.321 acres). Like many urban parks around the world, Rizal Park welcomes the public, from young kids to older citizens, to go for a stroll.
For greenery in the city, Rizal Park is a nice escape. For those wanting to ditch urban Manila, there are green spaces and sights throughout the Philippines to explore.
Another must-see place in Manila is Fort Santiago. Here, people can experience a citadel built by Spanish navigator and governor Miguel López de Legazpi.
This structure was built in 1571 and is still standing today. Many consider this the most important historical site in Manila, so try to be as respectful as possible here.
Another thing to visit during a trip to Manila is the city's cathedral. Here, tourists and locals can enjoy the 19th-century structure and attend mass on certain days and times.
One thing to remember here is that the cathedral is active, meaning there will likely be mass on Sunday. Try to either attend the mass or wait until it is over to enter to avoid disrupting the service.
For people wanting to get out and enjoy the sunshine, heading to Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach will surely keep the group happy. This artificial beach is located along Roxas Boulevard in Manila, Philippines, and spans from the US Embassy near Rizal Park to the Cultural Center past the Manila Yacht Club.
This is the perfect place to spend a few hours in the morning or afternoon, even staying later to catch the sunset.
• This is a nice, affordable date night idea in Manila , and could be followed by a restaurant nearby.
The next place to explore while in Manila is Intramuros, home to Spanish-era landmarks like Fort Santiago. Here, people can see the cathedral mentioned earlier and walk through the ancient streets.
• Intramuros will take a full day to experience, so make sure to allow enough time.
There may even be horse-drawn carriages maneuvering the cobblestone streets of Intramuros, so the area certainly feels like a step back in history.
As one of the largest shopping malls in the area, Robinsons Place is the ultimate stop for shopping and entertainment. Here, tourists to the city can explore a seven-floor mall featuring various stores and brands.
The mall offers over a thousand local and international retailers, making this a full-day adventure. One thing to remember here is that this mall can be extremely crowded during weekends and holidays, so avoid it during those times.
For people wanting to learn more about Philippine culture and heritage, the National Museum of Natural History may be worth checking out. This museum features botanical specimens, geology and zoology exhibits, and interactive areas for people to get involved with.
• For the museum hours, it is open every day, except Monday, from 8 AM to 7 PM.
Another learning experience while in Manila is the Manila Ocean Park. Here, guests can experience an oceanarium boasting the country's first world-class marine theme park and a premiere educational facility.
Described as an integrated urban resort, this park educates and entertains people with sea life as well as interactive displays.
• The hours of operation are daily, from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Related: 10 Stunning Islands In The Philippines That Are A Must-Visit
Best Time To See Manila
• The best time to visit Manila is between January and April.
• The dry season in Manila runs from December to May.
• Summers here can be unforgiving, so coming to Manila in winter/spring is best.
When it comes to the best time to see Manila, this is typically between January and April. Although the dry season runs from December to May, most tourists enjoy the spring best. That's because, during this time, the weather stays moderate, around 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a minimum of 71 degrees and a maximum of 93.
It's worth mentioning, however, that summers in Manila are hot, which can make traveling uncomfortable. Therefore, winter and early spring might be better temperature-wise, so that's another detail to keep in mind when booking the flight, hotel, etc.
Related: 10 Exciting Summer Activities In The Philippines (Other Than Swimming)
Best Ways To Get Around Manila
One of the fastest ways to get around Manila, Philippines, is by train. Because this city is densely populated, many tourists and locals rely heavily on public transportation. Three lines operate in Manila:
People also get around Manila via tricycle and "jeepney," both unique to the Philippines. And for rideshare, although Filipinos don't use Uber, they do use a service called Grab, an app that travelers can download on their smartphone upon arrival in Manila.
Of course, visitors can also hail a cab, like they would in their own country, so that's worth a shot too. Again, this is a massive city, so there are various ways to get around.
Where To Eat In Manila
For tourists in Manila, the food is one of the best parts. Luckily, there should be a nice blend of global cuisine in the capital city, whether it's Asian, American, Italian, or even Spanish.
Here are some options for the various meals one might eat during the day:
Related: Shake Shack Is Coming To The Philippines With A New Location In Manila Next Year
Where To Stay In Manila
When it comes to staying in Manila, Philippines, there are endless choices for tourists. From ultra-expensive to affordable and quaint, there are many hotels, resorts, and rentals in the capital city. For those wanting to stay in a backpacker hostel while in Manila, that's also an option.
Armada Hotel Manila - 4-star hotel featuring an outdoor pool, fitness center, room service, spa and wellness center, coffee shop, business center, and free Wi-Fi
When it comes to staying in Manila, there are some things to keep in mind. First, the city is heavily reliant on public transportation, meaning access to the metro/train will be easy for tourists. Cabs and rideshare do exist, even though most locals go with tricycles and jeepneys.
It's also worth noting that people visiting the Philippines are encouraged to wash their hands often, wear masks in public spaces, and adhere to local COVID restrictions.
For safety, Makati is the safest place to stay in Manila, therefore: it's recommended to stay there.
How To Spend The Perfect Day In Manila
For people wanting to spend the perfect day in Manila, this shouldn't be difficult. First, it's always fun to head to a city park or beach to see the sunrise. From there, heading over to Kanto Freestyle Breakfast La Salle for a yummy meal is a nice way to start the rest of the afternoon.
Related: BESTivals: 10 Festivals In The Philippines That Exude Culture And Color
Next, it could be worth it to visit Intramuros, where many historic sites and churches are located. Walk the cobblestone streets and enjoy the culture of old Manila. There may even be horses!
To finish the day, it's a good idea to head to a nice restaurant, whether it's authentic Filipino cuisine, or American, Italian, Spanish, etc. Manila is truly a global hotspot, so there is something for all!
As exciting and bustling as Manila is, this capital city is considered pretty safe for tourists. Travelers tend to avoid Malate and Ermita areas in the center of Manila, as these are known to be higher-crime areas.
Safer areas of the city include Makati, Pasay, and Taguig, so keep that in mind.
Depending on how lavish someone decides to be in the Philippines, Manila can become very pricey. Even with affordable hotels available in the city, food, attractions, and transportation can become costly for larger groups or during peak travel seasons. It's best to budget around $100 per day per person here.
Q: What Language Is Mostly Spoken In Manila, Philippines?
The most widely spoken language in Manila is Tagalog. However, a small fraction of the population also speaks Spanish, and many residents working in the hospitality industry may understand English.
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