Photo by Yannes Kiefer on Unsplash
While many tourists fly to the Philippines for the stunning tropical islands, the capital city of Manila has much to offer the visitor. Like most capital cities, Manila is a bustling metropolis that has its own unique charm and in this short blog, we offer details of some of the highlights in the busy city of Manila.
The Walled City
Known locally as Intramuros, this is the old sector of Manila with a long and colourful history; you can book a historical tour of the area where the Spanish controlled the country and admire the spectacular architecture. The best eSIM for the Philippines will help you to navigate the city if you’d prefer to go at your own pace. Why not rent a bicycle and explore the narrow streets for a unique perspective? Book one of the suites at a classy boutique hotel in Manila, Philippines and enjoy the ambience in a tranquil setting.
Rizal Park
This is a monument to the local hero Jose Rizal and is a must-see for everyone; Rizal was a Philippine lawyer who was shot by firing squad for leading a local rebellion against the Spanish rulers. There is so much more to Rizal Park, with observatories, gardens, squares and even an open-air concert hall. Other attractions include a sound & light theatre, food kiosks, shops and many attractive fountains.
National Museum Complex
Museum-lovers will love this place, with 4 museums in the same location, namely:
- National Museum of Fine Arts
- National Museum of Anthropology
- National Museum of Natural History
- National Planetarium
All the museums can easily be accessed and you could easily spend an entire day here, admiring the artefacts and learning all about the history of the Philippines. Here is a blog on travelling the world on a shoestring budget.
Bonindo
Known as the original Chinatown, Bonindo was founded in 1594 and is a great place to spend a day, with lots of restaurants, traditional bakeries and coffee shops. We recommend booking a guided tour, as you get to see all the best places, while the guide tells you about the history. The Christian Church is a highlight of the trip and they hold masses every day.
Roxas Boulevard
This famous street lines Manila Bay with lots of top-rated restaurants, country clubs, commercial properties, parks and gardens. This is also the home of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, an 88-hectare facility that has a sports arena, National Theatre, Folk Arts Theatre and a first-rate international conference center.
Malacanang Palace
The official residence of the president of the Philippines, Malacanang Palace is well worth a visit; located in San Miguel, the palace is a superb example of a Spanish colonial home. The timber buildings are classical in style, with shady courtyards and a relaxing ambience.
We think you could spend an entire week touring this unique city; book a suite at one of the leading boutique hotels, which are centrally located. Also, consider learning Tagalog for your trip as it will make it easier to get around.
