Manila, Philippines – the country’s capital city may be best known as a place filled with hundreds of thousands of people and as a jump-off point to the best tourist spots in the country. But, Manila has its own charm.
After visiting every spot in Manila, you can check vans for rent here in Manila to help you reach other beautiful destinations in Luzon. You can easily reach beautiful beaches like Subic, or the infamous cone-shaped volcano, Mayon.
There are several must-see places in the Manila that every tourist, or even locals, should visit if they’re in the vicinity. So, to give your vacation more thrill and enjoyment without having to leave the city, here are some of the must-see places in Manila. Plus, we’ve also added must-do activities that you’ll surely enjoy.
Intramuros City
Perhaps the most famous tourist spot in Manila, Intramuros City is also known as the “Walled City.” It’s the perfect place for everyone for historical buffs and makes you feel like you literally jumped back in time. The structures are well-maintained and preserved, showcasing architecture during the Spanish era.
You also get the chance to visit Fort Santiago, the Manila Cathedral, Baluarte de San Diego, and more.
If you’re tired of walking, you can also ride a “kalesa” or a horse-drawn carriage. You can also rent the popular bamboo bike to roam around the walled city within Manila.
Binondo, the Oldest Chinatown
Chinatown may not look like a good tourist area, especially since it’s noisy and the traffic is heavy. But, once you reach Chinatown, you can check out Buddhist temples and dive into another culture. You can also check out the many Chinese stores that sell herbal medicines and Chinese products.
Perhaps the most crucial part of your visit to Chinatown is getting a taste of authentic Chinese food. Go on a food crawl along Binondo. It’s a great place to satisfy your dim sum cravings.
Manila Ocean Park
Manila Ocean Park is the country’s premiere oceanarium. You can learn more about these marine lives with their attractions. You can do more than just staring at the fish in their aquariums, as they also have live shows that feature some animals.
Your kids will enjoy the sea lion and the all-bird shows. They can even feed adorable penguins, or learn how to swim mermaid-style. For adults, they have the augmented reality encounter and the Ballpit, which even teens and adults alike will love.
Or, you can enjoy their fish spa and have a school of little fish cleans your feet for you. You also don’t have to stray too far to find accommodation. Hotel H20 is right beside Ocean Park.
National Museum
For all museum buffs out there, the National Museum is one of the best museums in the city. The place has several sections, from art to anthropology to national history. But perhaps the most amazing section is the Planetarium. Since everything is in the same complex, you don’t have to worry about getting lost.
The Philippines is one of the best travel destinations in the world with its natural beauty and diverse culture, and the must-see places in Manila are only the start of an epic journey.