Places to Visit in Manila, Philippines

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Rizal Park

One of the major tourist places in Manila, Rizal Park is one of the largest urban parks in Asia. Also known as Luneta National Park, this place has been a favourite leisure spot which is frequented on Sundays and national holidays. The place consists of Flower Clock, Japanese Garden, Chinese Garden and artistic haven – a site of artistic and natural artworks.

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Fort Santiago

This beautiful, 16th century structure is home to a shrine dedicated to Jose Rizal, a Philippine national hero, which is frequented by both foreign visitors and locals seeking a pleasant afternoon of leisure with family and friends.  It is located on Santa Clara Street along the Pasig River. Entry fee is 65 PHP for adults, and 50 PHP for children. The hours of operation are 8am to 6pm daily.

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San Augustine Church

A UNESCO World Heritage site, San Augustine Church is the oldest church and one of the famous places in the Manila. One can visit the San Agustin Museum which is home to a collection of Spanish era artifacts, furniture, paintings, statues and other church ornaments. To see the stunning and visually appealing frescos in the interior of the church for free, you must visit during a mass.

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National Museum of Philippines

Situated in the capital city of Manila, this museum had withstood the test of time and is quietly serving its purpose: to preserve and proudly showcase some of the most valued artifacts that represent the cultural heritage of the Filipinos, including the famous painting Spoliarium thus making it a must visit place in Manila.  Entrance fee to the museum is 150 Philippine Pesos for the adults. 

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Quiapo Church

Located in the city of Manila, Quiapo Church is famous home for the shrine of the Black Nazarene, a dark statue of Jesus Christ many claim to be miraculous. A Baroque church, the facade is distinctive with twisted columns on both levels. There are regular talks and recollections in the Church as well as processions, novenas and social services for the poor.

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Manila Ocean Park

Manila Ocean Park is the Philippines’ first world-class marine theme park and a premiere educational facility. It is an integrated urban resort with marine life attractions and aqua-themed hotel, the park is geared towards an all-year, all-weather destination for locals and tourists. The entrance fee for adults is 400 Philippines Pesos and 350 Philippines Pesos for children.

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Cultural Centre of the Philippines

The Cultural Centre of the Philippines is the national centre for the performing arts. It serves as home for the country’s premier performing arts groups such as the Ballet Philippines, the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Tanghalang Pilipino and others. One of the most visited tourist places in Manila; this is the premier venue for ballet presentations, concerts, stage plays, performances, exhibits and trade fairs.    

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Malacanang Palace

Built in 18th century, this palace was originally the residence of a Spanish aristocrat before becoming the office of the Spanish and, later, American governor-generals. It’s been the official residence of the Filipino president since 1935. It features mesmerizing displays of memorabilia relating to the 15 Philippines’ presidents since 1899 and one of the places to go in Manila.

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Star City

Star City is an amusement park which was first to introduce various types of rides and attractions in the Philippines including 4 roller coasters. It also hosts Snow World, the largest permanent ice entertainment area in the country featuring the ice carvings, a snow play area and the longest ice slide. With an annual attendance of about 1.5 million people, Star City is one of the most visited tourist places in Philippines.

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Museum of Filipino People

The National Museum of the Filipino People packs in thousands of years of indigenous culture, anthropology and archaeology. This splendid museum houses a vast and varied collection, including the skullcap of the Philippines’ earliest known inhabitant, Tabon Man who lived around 24,000 BC.  Situated on the grounds of Rizal Park, this museum is one of the places to visit in Manila if one is planning to visits Philippines.

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Coconut Palace

Situated in the Cultural Center of Philippines in Manila, Coconut palace is actually an official residence and work place of vice president of Philippines. Offering breathtaking views of the bay area, this palace is a delight for the tourists as it offers some of the best architecture and construction that has been built in Manila.  

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Manila Cathedral

Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Manila Cathedral is one the historical places in Manila that has always attracted tourists. It is the head of all the churches and cathedrals in Philippines. Built in 1581, this church boasts of architecture which is influence by the Romans as well as Spanish. If you visit the capital city of the Philippines, be sure to see its rich history and culture by visiting Manila Cathedral

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Museo Pambata

Museo Pambata is a children museum which is situated in the capital city of Manila. This museum houses an extensive collection that was donated to the museum from around the world.  Some popular exhibits in the Museum are Art Studio, Japanese House, Global Gallery, Science Playground and Construction Zone. If you are travelling to Manila with your children, make sure you visit this fun-filled museum.

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San Sebastian Church

San Sebastian Church is the only all-steel church in Asia and is renowned for its Gothic architecture.  This Church is believed to be designed by Gustave Eiffel, the person who built Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty. A Philippine Historical Landmark and a National Cultural Treasure, this church is one of the famous historical places in Manila and a popular tourist attraction.

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Manila Zoo

The Manila Zoo is a 14-acre zoo located in Manila, Philippines and its one of the most visited tourist places in Manila. Animals residing in Manila Zoo include a Bengal tiger, Malayan civet, monitor lizard and hippopotamus. There is also a kinder zoo inside the Manila Zoo. Anyone can roam around freely and interact with the animals inside the Kinder Zoo.

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Metropolitan Museum of Manila

Located in the heart of Manila, this museum is country’s premier museum of modern and contemporary visual arts. The museum has received donations the form of paintings, sculptures and prints from Philippine artists, heirs, and private collectors.  In total the museum has 92 artworks including 70 paintings, 22 sculptures and 24 pieces of contemporary artworks.

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Baroque Churches of Philippines

Currently, UNESCO has included four churches in the Philippines which were built in 16th to 18th centuries.  These for churches are San Agustin Church, Miag-ao Church, Sta. Maria Church and Paoay Church. All these four churches are a popular tourist’s attraction known for their religious and cultural significance. All these four churches reflect the baroque style of architecture.

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Malate Church

Offering the splendid views of the Manila Bay, this Baroque-styled church is one of the oldest church still standing in Philippines.  The architecture of the church is an amalgamation of Muslim design and Mexican–styled baroque. The church was destroyed in 1773, rebuilt, badly damaged in World War II, and later restored again. Now, a popular tourist attraction in Manila, this church is frequently visted by the tourists and locals alike.

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Arroceros Forest Park

Situated adjacent to Pasig River, Arroceros Forest Park is dubbed as the ‘last lung of Manila’ as it provides an escapade to the fresh air and greenery from the noisy streets of Manila. The park is entrance fee and is open to all, young and old, that is in need of a fresh breath of air, away from the pollutants of hustling Manila, this forest park is place to be.

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EL Hogar Filipino Building

Built in 1914, El Hogar is an early skyscraper that reflects the architectural elements of Neoclassical and Renaissance styles with some influence of French and baroque styles as well.  El Hogar also has a collective value as one of the significant structures along the cultural landscape of the Pasig River. It’s amazing how this building survived the horror of World War 2 and still stands proudly.

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La Loma Cemetery

Opened in 1884, La Loma Cemetery is one the oldest burial ground in the Philippines and one of the few sites that escapes the wrath of World War 2 that grazed many architectures of the city to the ground. Thus this crucial piece of the country’s historical heritage of architecture serves as the prime tourist attraction in Manila for tourists.

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Rizal Monument

Built in 1913 to commemorate the national hero Jose Rizal, this memorial has a bronze statue of the Rizal with an obelisk set on a stone base within which his remains are interred. Rizal Monument is the most popular, most visited, most guarded and most photographed monument in whole of Philippines and a popular tourist places in Manila.