Manila: The highly urbanized second most populous city

The Philippines’ capital, Manila, is a developing Asian metropolis. The city has a long history and has been ruled by various nations over the years, including Spain, America, and Japan, all of which have left traces of their cultures behind. Manila is often known as the “Rome of the East” because to the many attractions there, including churches and historical landmarks. The Philippine archipelago spans a vast area. Visitors to Manila can now easily reach the north and south islands. Many tourists travel to these lovely atolls to escape the humid weather. Keep your eyes on the horizon and travel to the countryside if you don’t want to visit stores and other attractions. When it comes to adventure, the nearby getaways provide a unique and exciting journey. Heritage monuments from the Spanish colonial era, such as the renowned walled city of intramuros and the majestic fortress of san pedro, are also seamlessly incorporated into manila’s urban landscape.

Philippines, Manila

With so much to see and do, seeing manila might be a little intimidating, especially for the first-timers. However, with a well-planned itinerary, there is so much you can learn that you’ll love visiting this city repeatedly. You may take day visits to several interesting locations both close to the airport and in the vicinity of manila. This city is renowned for being the “Rome of the East.” The following tourist sites should not be missed if you are flying to manila this summer. Additionally, it is crucial that you arrange your itinerary after learning about the city’s landmarks. Your journey would be lacking if you didn’t take in these locations’ breathtaking splendor. In manila, there are a lot of attractions to see. However, we’ve compiled a list of Manila’s top attractions that tourists typically see when they visit the city.

Visit Intramuros’s historic city to step back in time

Intramuros, When Intramuros served as the colony’s administrative center during the Spanish colonization, walls were erected around it to keep invaders out. Only the most powerful and affluent citizens used to live here back then. You may still savor its vintage charm now. Intramuros cobbled streets are lined with old Spanish houses that they have been restored and turned into museums, beautiful churches and parks, and eight different museums. In the year 1571, Spaniards, namely Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, built the walled city. This area is well known for it’s historical past and has stood tall while enduring several natural disasters with strength and constancy. Some of the most stunning churches, historic sites, and lovely gardens may be found there. In the past, this location was home to the Spanish power. You can discover a lot about the historical timelines by visiting this lovely location.

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The home for the Black Nazarene, Quiapo Church

One of Manila’s oldest and most revered Catholic churches is the Quiapo Church. The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene is the name of the church in more formal usage. The plaza surrounding the century-old church can get crowded depending on the time of day, which makes it an intriguing spot to visit to witness the dedication of the Filipino people. The busiest days are Fridays, when a large crowd gathers in the square to pray a novena at the church. This is one of the city’s main attractions despite the sizable crowds of church followers. Spend some time exploring the church’s interior before visiting the market stands outside to purchase some fresh peanuts, mangoes, or jewelry from nearby sellers. One of Manila’s most well-known monuments, Quiapo Church, is thought to be the residence of Black Nazarene, a miraculous representation of Christ. The church is one of the most historic destinations to visit in Manila because of the enormous statue there. Plaza Miranda is a site where visitors may engage in fun and adventurous activities while also learning about its fascinating history.

Philippines, Manila, Quiapo Church

Witness the stories of the past at Casa Manila

Located on General Luna Street in the opulent Barrio San Luis neighborhood of Manila’s walled city Intramuros, Casa Manila is a majestic museum. The regal edifice, which Imelda Marcos built in 1980, is surrounded by the streets Calle Real, General Luna, Cabildo, and Urdaneta and features Spanish colonial architecture. The museum is made of stone and wood and is modelled after the San Nicolas House from the 1850s that originally stood in Calle Jaboneros. It shows the colonial way of life that the Filipinos experienced during the Spanish colonization of the region. Through Casa Manila, one of the city’s top museums, you may learn about historical tales and enter the past. With its stunning architecture, this colonial home transports us back to the way of life of the 19th century. Along with some other fascinating features, like the double-seated toilet, the inside is something to see here. The furnishings and art in this old home are both genuine and beautiful.

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The Archdiocesan shrine, The San Agustin Church

The oldest stone-built church in the Philippines, this magnificent structure was started at the end of the 16th century and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church, which was built in the opulent Baroque style, is worth visiting for its Exquisite interior, which features trompe l’oeil paintings that imitate pediments, reliefs, rosettes, laurels, and other elaborate moldings on the barrel vault and pilasters. In the chancel is a crucifix from the 1500s, and in the choir stalls from the 17th century are made of magnificent molave wood that has ivory inlaid into it. The Roman Catholic Church, which was constructed between 1587 and 1606, is also home to the San Agustin Museum and the graves of numerous historical personalities, including conquistadors, statesmen, artists, etc. The enormous facade is decorated with the most exquisite elaborate interiors. The current structure is the third to be erected there, and it has survived seven significant earthquakes.

Philippines, Manila, San Agustin Church

Super Mall in Manila

If you want to load your suitcase with treasures, there are plenty of locations to shop in Manila, so you should schedule a half-day or full-day visit to the Super Mall. Because the enormous complex offers shops, dining options, and entertainment, it is similar to a one-stop shop for things to do in the city. The Super Mall is simple to find. On the property is a building called a huge globe that’s perfect for taking selfies? This shopping center is well-liked by the locals, thus it can get pretty crowded. Smaller local markets may be where you should search if you’re looking for more unusual souvenirs, but the Super Mall is where you’ll find everything else.

Philippines, Manila, Super Mall

Museum of San Agustin

The church’s associated monastery, which was destroyed during World War II but reconstructed in the 1970s, currently houses a museum in its former refectory, sacristy, crypt, halls, and library. This information provides background on the colonial era in Manila and the development of the Catholic religion in the Philippines. There is a sizable collection of religious artwork gathered from churches across the nation, including paintings, wooden statues, crucifixes, furniture, vintage vestments, and altars. The history of the city, from the advent of the Spanish in the 1500s to Manila’s partial devastation in 1945, will also be covered in great depth.

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Visit Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world, on a cuisine tour.

Prepare your bellies because you’re about to embark on a culinary journey! The Chinatown of Manila is Binondo, where you can find small, reasonably priced restaurants practically everywhere. You may get your fill of Filipino-Chinese favorites like lumpiang Shanghai (egg rolls with meat, fish, and veggies), mami (noodle soup), and hopia here in addition to your feed of dim sum and roast duck (bean-filled pastry). You can choose to create your own gastronomic itinerary or sign up for a food crawl with Ivan Man Dy, who once toured culinary legend Anthony Bourdain around Manila, like the Big Binondo Food Wok. Along with learning about Binondo’s culinary culture, you will learn about some of the town’s historical landmarks during the tour.

Philippines, Manila, Binondo

Chinese Graveyard- The Place of Catholic Cemeteries

Chinese Cemetery, often known as “Millionaires’ Row” and “Little Beverly Hills,” was constructed to serve as the final resting place for affluent Chinese citizens who were turned away from traditional Catholic cemeteries during the Spanish colonial era. The area has the appearance and feel of a suburban neighborhood because it is surrounded by upscale villas and beautiful homes on a two-way roadway. These two- or even three-story villas and homes are truly mausoleums, but they are also completely functional homes with beautiful chandeliers, air conditioning, running water, kitchens, and toilets that flush. The occupants of these homes are the departed kin, who occasionally make prayer visits to the graves. A visit to the location is educational in terms of history, architecture, and culture.

Philippines, Manila, Chinese Graveyard

Subic Inflatable Island – Relive the Childhood like Never Before

From Manila, travel north to Inflatable Island in Subic for a fun waterpark excursion. With the waterpark’s difficult attractions and inflatable slides, which make up 4,200 square metres of Asia’s largest floating playground, you’ll undoubtedly experience childhood emotions once more. To have fun, sign up for an Inflatable Island day trip. Additionally, Subic is home to family-friendly tourism destinations including Ocean Adventure and Zoobic Safari, where visitors may engage with various animals. Since Subic has a variety of beach resorts, from luxury to affordable, it is also a convenient beach retreat for city inhabitants. It serves as a starting point for those who want to explore Zambales’ beaches and coves, including Nagsasa Cove and Anawangin Cove. Public transit in Manila makes travelling to Subic simple. You can also choose to reserve Subic tours or use a car rental agency for a hassle-free journey.

Philippines, Manila, Subic Inflatable Island

Park in Rizal – All about the Museums and Manicured Parks

There are numerous parks to explore in the city of Manila. One of these is the Rizal Park, home to Jose Rizal’s monument, a national hero of the Philippines. As the location of Jose Rizal’s execution, this is one of Manila’s most historic locations. Away from the bustle of the city, you can experience peace and tranquilly. The park is now a popular destination for leisure in Manila. While taking in the lush landscaping and relaxing atmosphere of Rizal Park, you can also have a picnic there. Along with the monument to Rizal, the park contains additional sculptures, museums, fountains, and pieces of art. Rizal Park is one of the most stunning tourist destinations in Manila, therefore don’t miss it. One of the most popular tourist destinations is it. Visit the nationalism-embodiment Rizal Monument or the drinking fountain, which is where Rizal studied. Visit the Central Lagoon and Chess Plaza as well; these places will leave a lasting impression on you.

Philippines, Manila, Rizal park