Travel Stories

The capital city of the Philippines, Manila, is full of interesting and exciting tour opportunities. Founded in 1571, it is one of the oldest cities in the Philippines and is rich in history, heritage, and culture. Whether you want to explore old ruins, visit museums, shop, or participate in local customs, there is something for everyone. Check out these four "must visit" spots and be sure to add them to your itinerary!

1. 

   Intramuros

   The City of Manila was, at one time, almost entirely located within Intramuros (which is Spanish for "within walls"). This walled fort and historic district was the seat of the government's power during the Spanish Colonial period. Construction of the fortified walls began in 1590 and was eventually completed in 1872. That's nearly 300 years for those who are counting. Remnants of this unusual construction are still seen throughout the district. Some of the most famous sights are the Bastion of San Diego, the Gate of Santa Lucia, and the reconstructed main gate at the entrance of Fort Santiago. Within Intramuros are many of Manila's top tourist destinations, including the San Agustin Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Plaza de Roma, monuments, other historic churches, schools, and museums such as Casa Manila and the Light and Sound Museum, which offers an auditory and visual history of the Philippines under Spanish rule. Intramuros alone can take days to explore and is definitely a "must visit" in Manila.

   
   

2. photo by Wilson Loo Kok Wee (via Flickr)

   Manila Bay

   Manila Bay is iconically known for its spectacular sunsets over the South China Sea, inspiring photographers and tourists to catch a glimpse of the brilliant yellows, oranges, and reds that appear along the horizon each day. Fed by the Pasig river during the wet season, the bay has a low salinity level and provides an important ecosystem for thousands of birds, fish, and other aquatic animals and plants, such as the mangrove. The variety of ecosystems within the bay include seagrass, wetlands, and coral reefs. Historically, the bay has always been a thriving center of commerce and the scene of the Battle of Manila Bay, where the United States defeated the Spanish at the beginning of the Spanish-American War. This breathtaking and eco-diverse area can be enjoyed by land while strolling along the promenades in Manila, or by sea through a variety of cruise options, or from the volcanic peaks at the entrance (either the Bataan peninsula or the province of Cavite), looking toward the Manila skyline.

   
   

3. photo by Xiquinho Silva (via Flickr)

   National Museum of the Philippines

   Similar to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, the National Museum of the Philippines is a collection of several museums, and all of them are worth a visit. The National Museum oversees the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Anthropology, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Planetarium. All of these fascinating museums are located in the vicinity of Rizal Park, very similarly the Smithsonian museums lining the National Mall. Each gallery showcases unique, exciting, and beautiful pieces of Filipino history and culture, allowing for an immersive educational and artistic experience. Make time in your itinerary for these must visit museums.

   
   

4. photo by Shankar S. (via Flickr)

   Quiapo

   The Quiapo district is Manila's downtown center and is another definite must visit spot within Manila. This thriving urban district is centrally located within the city, and its name comes from the Tagalog name for water cabbage (quiapo, or sometimes kiapo). One of the largest and most famous events in Quiapo is the Festival of the Black Nazarene, in which nearly 12 million people gather at the Basilica of the Black Nazarene church, where a purportedly miraculous statue of Jesus, carved from black wood, is carried through the streets and revered by the people. Quiapo is also known for shopping, with a colorful bazaar-like market that sells everything from clothes to food to movies, and more. Locals and tourists alike can traverse among the booths, tents, and stalls looking for the best bargains. The market is a unique experience of sights and sounds that are distinctly Manila.

   
   

You can explore all that Manila has to offer, as well as adventures in the wild and untamed parts of the Philippines with any of Uncharted Philippines' tours . Many of the tours begin and end in Manila, making sightseeing in this beautiful city convenient and part of the anticipated experience. Discover the magic of the Philippines for yourself.