The densely populated capital of the Philippines, Manila, is where history meets modernism in the most iconic way. It earns its better-known title as the Pearl of the Orient due to its ideal location at the conjunction of the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The name also stems from attributions of its picturesque scenery and the region’s long history of pearl diving and cultivation.
If you plan to explore the city to the fullest, our guide will be your best bet! Just dive in to get all the information you must have to make the most of your Manila tour!
What to Know About Manila?
Manila is undoubtedly the main appeal of the Philippines. It features a fantastic blend of Spanish colonial remnants and modern buildings. By taking a glimpse at the city’s history, we discover that the Spanish people established it at the end of the 16th century. Later, at the end of the 19th century, it got occupied by the USA and came under Japanese occupation during World War II.
Manila, the country’s economic, political, cultural, social, and entertainment hub, is worth exploring. Nestled on the island of Luzon, it extends beside Manila Bay’s eastern shore on the Pasig River. It has a renowned reputation for housing a plethora of museums, parks, buzzing markets, and many other tourist attractions.
Besides this, the city houses the oldest Chinatown in the world. It’s located in the Binondo neighborhood and was established in 1954 by Filipino-Chinese, who made it a crucial center for multiple establishments. It has always remained a hot spot, primarily for Chinese commerce, and is now a top tourist attraction. It’s a great spot to hop on for satisfying Chinese food cravings and ending up craving even more.
What Awaits Tourists in Manila?
There is no shortage of things to do in Manila, Philippines. You can indulge in multiple historic site tours and exhilarating activities, like hiking, savor the local cuisine, visit the top attraction, and have fun getting lost in the city’s charm. Seems fascinating? Hop on below to get an in-depth know-how about what awaits tourists in Manila!
- Transition Back to Ancient Times at Intramuros
Imagine strolling around the best-preserved remnants from Spanish rule with your loved one in a horse-drawn carriage! Isn’t it dreamy? You can experience this dream-like imagination turning into reality at Intramuros. It’s a Walled City known to be the historic core of modernized Manila. It used to be the prime location for political beasts during Spanish rule.
Coming to sightseeing, there you get so much to explore, including San Agustin Church – which holds the honor of being one of the four Baroque Churches acknowledged as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Others include Fort Santiago – the oldest Hispanic stone castle, Plaza de Roma – a popular square at Intramuros, and loads more.
- Tour Casa Manila
Next comes one of the most famous museums of Manila, standing within the bounds of Intramuros, right on General Luna Street. They established the museum in 1980. It embodies colonial architecture, drawing significant inspiration from the San Nicolas House. It won’t be wrong to call Casa Manila a replica of that house.
The museum gives off the vibes of a 19th-century mansion with antique furnishing on all three floors. It features expansive rooms, each having a unique name, like Concina, scenic fountains, huge archways, and more. While visitors have the freedom to stroll through the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet, they must tread on the red carpet exclusively when exploring the rest of the museum.
Avoid taking your cameras along, as photography is also prohibited there. So, load up your eyes with as many historic charms as possible, converting them into ever-lasting memories. Also, coffee at the café is worth a try, and those cute things at the souvenir shop too.
- Drool Over the Charm of San Agustin Church and Museum
If we call this church one of the most beautiful ones on Earth, it won’t be wrong! Besides this, San Agustin Church is the most praised religious site by the Catholics of not only the Philippines but the entire globe. The museum on the site faced destruction a couple of times, first during World War II and later succumbing to the devastating earthquakes that reduced it to remnants. What we have at present is the museum’s fourth construction.
The museum boasts an impressive collection of artworks and religious objects that date back to ancient times. Other highlights of the spot include the mesmerizingly beautiful ceiling work, expansive halls, and tranquil courtyard gardens. When visiting, consider your dress, as it’s a worship place. Also, during prayer times, multiple parts of the church remain close to the public, but that’s not a hard and fast rule.
- Dip Your Hands in the Delish Delicacies
Restaurants lining Manila offer food not only from the local cuisine but also from various other culinary traditions. However, we have shortlisted some of the best eateries below for your convenience. Let’s explore!
If you are looking for a spot for a worth drooling-over buffet spread, wander no more and hop inside the Spiral Restaurant. It is located in Sofitel Philippine Plaza and has a reputation for providing a dining experience that takes it to another level. The menu boasts 21 ateliers that take you on a tour of 21 countries.
Another mostly loved spot is My Kitchen by Chef Chris! This eatery offers an array of scrumptious and mouth-watering delicacies from Italian cuisine. It’s located within the Oasis Paco Park Hotel. The best dishes on offer include their signature Panizza with your fav topping.
Wrapping It Up!
Long story short, Manila is an all-rounder destination for history buffs, art lovers, and foodies. We have mentioned the essence of the Manila tour in the above guide, but that’s not all that the city has to offer. We have loads of other destinations like Rizal Park, Binondo, Ocean Park, Ayala Museum, and more.
However, if you plan to visit the destination, be sure to go through this guide to have a look into what the city has to offer and what you should expect from the tour. Happy touring Manila!