When you think of traveling Asia, Manila isn’t the first place that comes to mind. The city is known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, yet remains one of the most underrated cities in the region.
Over decades of rich history, Manila has collected a harmonious blend of American, Spanish, Chinese and Malay cultural influences, making it home to an eclectic mix of architecture, food and art that has become unique to the city. With sprawling urbanscapes and offbeat lifestyle concepts, travellers that frequent Asia should drop by Manila for a refreshing and quirky experience.
READ MORE: For more exciting information about The Philippines, check out our travel guide
If you only have a short time in Manila, these 10 things capture the essence of the city:
- Explore an ancient walled city
- Stroll through a lush commercial district
- Have a feel-good dining experience
- Feast on traditional Filipino food
- Play with aquatic creatures
- Visit the world’s oldest Chinatown
- Tour Malabon on a tricycle
- Enjoy a panoramic sunset at the baywalk
- Travel around The Philippines in a museum
- Contemplate modern Filipino art
1. Walled City of Intramuros
Many say The Walled City of Intramuros tells the turbulent history of the Philippines, where remnants of the Spanish Colonial Era and American rule can be found.
During the Spanish Empire, the Walled City was surrounded by fortifications, within which churches, hospitals, schools, military barracks and homes for the Spanish elite were built. However, the charming city was reduced to ruins in World War II.
In present-day Intramuros, important landmarks have been restored. Experience Spanish colonial life on kalesas (horse-drawn carriages) that take you through original cobblestoned paths. Drop by monuments like the Manila Cathedral, Plaza de Roma and Casa Manila, where elegant architecture and important historical artefacts are preserved. San Agustin Church and Museum, the oldest church in the Philippines and a UNESCO Heritage Site, also resides in the Walled City.
Kalesa tours are suspended at the moment due to COVID-19, but bamboo bike rentals are available.
2. Bonifacio Global City
At the heart of Manila is the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) – a museum, shopping destination and gastronomy hub all rolled into a 240-hectare urban oasis.
BGC offers an experience for every shopper. Sophisticated urbanites will enjoy the luxury and high-end retailers on Bonifacio High Street, while deal hunters can visit Market! Market! to get a bang for their buck. Night owls can look forward to 24-hour cinemas and late-night dining options at Uptown Mall and couples can enjoy a romantic Gondola ride at the Venice Grand Canal Mall. Sculptures and street art installations can be found all over BGC, enriching the shopping experience.
Also known as Fort Bonifacio, the district has a colourful past, much like most places in Manila. A maze of mysterious tunnels runs under BGC, from its days as part of a US military base in World War II. Adventurous souls can access these tunnels via entrances found in various alleys.
3. Van Gogh is Bipolar
Manila boasts a vibrant cafe scene with many never-seen-before concepts, but Van Gogh is Bipolar tops it all. Run by artist Jetro Raphael as a sanctuary for his bipolar disorder, the 12-seater restaurant makes meals designed to boost ‘happy’ hormones.
While the Van Gogh is Bipolar does not have a set menu, it serves up experimental American and European cuisine with natural, mood-enhancing ingredients like turkey, honey and black mountain rice.
The dining experience is an experience in itself, with the mystical ambience and quirky features of the cafe, including a Red Graffiti Wall, The Dark Room and The Tea Bar.
4. Food crawls
Eating is a quintessential part of Pinoy culture. Filipino cuisine is known for its diverse influences from India, China, America and Spain, all culminating into unique dishes such as lechon (roasted suckling pig), karekare (oxtail stew) and chicken adobo. Daredevil foodies are also drawn to the unconventional ingredients used in the cuisine, such as the exotic balut – a developing duck embryo speciality.
Get an authentic taste of Manila by going on a guided food crawl, such as this one taken by Anthony Bourdain! Guided food crawls are usually done by resident foodies, who will save you some time when trawling for the best grub.
If you have the time to explore Manila yourself, we recommend Hepa-Lane for delicious street food or Dampa Seaside for a fresh seafood dining experience.
5. Manila Ocean Park
Manila’s marine theme park is the first of its kind in the Philippines, boasting the country’s biggest oceanarium and a plethora of interactive attractions. There is an attraction for every type of traveller: a mermaid swim experience, fascinating jellyfish exhibits, walking with Humboldt penguins and a sea lion show.
Don’t miss out on The Aquanaut Voyage, which allows visitors to dive into the oceanarium to get up close and personal with 14,000 sea creatures, most indigenous to Southeast Asia. For avid animal lovers, the park also houses birds, barn animals and even creepy crawlies!
6. Binondo district
You can’t visit Manila without dropping by the world’s oldest Chinatown – a gastronomic, shopping and cultural experience, all rolled into one afternoon.
Binondo displays facets of Manila’s history that have been restored beautifully, such as the Jones Bridge and the Old Streets of Escolta. Carvajal Street and Ongpin Street are ideal for getting affordable souvenirs, or pasalubong.
We recommend getting woven banig bags or a box of Phillipine sweets like pastillas de leche, a sweet and soft milk candy.
7. Malabon tricycle tour
At the tip of Metro Manila is the urbanised city of Malabon, teeming with heritage. Take an adult tricycle tour to 10 heritage sites, including the 400-year-old churches, heritage houses that have withstood war and museums.
Foodies will love the culinary experience of the food tour, which brings you to 7 restaurants across Malabon featuring traditional Filipino food made from generational recipes. Visitors can pick from a heritage tour, a food tour or both.
8. Manila Baywalk
Manila Baywalk is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, but with the stunning view, refreshing sea breeze and spacious boulevard, you won’t be complaining about the crowd. A stone’s throw away from Manila Ocean Park and other destinations, it is the perfect place to settle down for a golden sunset.
Besides nature, Manila Baywalk is full of entertainment options: al-fresco dining in cafes, open-air bars for a lazy afternoon, live bands, street performers and food trucks. Marvel at the city lights on a romantic night cruise, which are available at the end of the Baywalk.
9. Lakbay Museo
Lakbay Museo takes visitors on an immersive trip through the Philippines. The kid-friendly museum highlights 11 different regions in the country through 14 unique experiences, all for the wallet-friendly price of a museum ticket.
Lakbay Museo showcases the culture and history of the Philippines with all five senses. Try on ethic wear, sample traditional tastes, jam out on musical instruments, watch the performances at different fiestas and more!
READ MORE: Can’t decide when to visit The Philippines? We can help out.
10. Metropolitan Museum of Manila
The Metropolitan Museum of Manila is the embodiment of art in Manila. Spanning only 2 floors, it hosts a treasure trove of artworks that will keep art aficionados enthralled for hours.
The museum exhibits classical Filipino painters from the last century, as well as an impressive collection of contemporary local artists in the country. Expect the unexpected from the rotating exhibitions, all of which offer a different perspective on Filipino art.
