Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a densely populated bayside city on the island of Luzon, which mixes Spanish colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers. Intramuros, a walled city in colonial times, is the heart of Old Manila. It’s home to the baroque 16th-century San Agustin Church as well as Fort Santiago, a storied citadel and former military prison.Top things to do and places to visit in Manila
1. MANILA OCEAN PARK
Location: Quirino Grandstand, Metro Manila
It was an experience that brought me closer to nature and the knowledge around it. The place also offers to know about other animals, birds and many different species of animals. The most spectacular and eye-catching show you will see here is the sea lion show, do pay it a visit. One can also stay here as this place has a hotel within the premises.
2. BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY (BGC) WALK
Location: Alongside BGC
What used to be part of the Philippine Army camp is now one of Metro Manila’s major urban developments—the Bonifacio Global City. It is now home to towering residential condominiums, hundreds of establishments including retail stores, restaurants, wellness centers, and malls, and a few patches of land and parks for recreation. You can spend a weekend there and have everything you need, from delicious food options to everything in between.
3. PHILIPPINES NATIONAL MUSEUM
Location: 1000 Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila – Entrance Fee: FREE
You get to see and appreciate lots of masterpieces (paintings, sculptures, sketches, etc.) of the country’s national artists since 1800s up to modern times featured in every hall of the 4-story building. All the museum displays shape the Filipino passion for arts. A cafeteria or restaurant near the museum will be a great avenue to eat, refresh and relax after nore than 3 hours of touring the 4-story building.
4. FORT SANTIAGO AND INTRAMUROS
Cost: 75 Php
One of the most historical places in the Philippines. Definitely a place to visit. There are tour guides too inside the museum found in the fort. Guards are wearing historic uniform which is cool. You’ll find monuments and writings and scenic views and more at the fort. Great historic place and you can also buy souvenirs.
5. Ayala Triangle Gardens
A great little park that offers a relaxing place to get away from the noise and business of the city streets. There are a line of shops offering food, drinks and snacks as you walk through the park and over to a few monuments. There are park benches that I highly recommend taking advantage of, not only are they a welcome resting place but the benches are also in the shape of Kit Kat bars, a nice little bit of fun in a great park. The park also has an interesting mix of trees that are worth seeing in a city setting.
6. Straight Up Rooftop Deck Bar
Location: Seda Hotel Rooftop, Taguig
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Nice rooftop bar with good view of BGC, and serving tasty appetizers. We enjoyed the tapas style options on the menu. They also have the all you can drink wine from 5-8pm. The bar has a sophisticated, but totally chill vibe, top-notch air conditioning, super cold beer and a fantastic sunset and evening view. It sure can be more fun in the Philippines – Got to love it!
Suzanarama 