Location: Manila
Top Things to do in Manila
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10 Free Things to do in Manila That You Shouldn't Miss
Metropolitan Manila encompasses six cities and 12 towns. Located on Manila Bay in the South China Sea, and bisected by the Pasig River, the capital of the Philippines is historic and modern, rich and poor. A popular sight is the walled area called Intramuros. The capital during Spanish colonization, Intramuros has retained old dungeons and gunpowder rooms but added art galleries and theaters. The city is filled with museums, shops, parks and churches, plus enough nightlife to last until dawn.
Restaurants in Manila
1. San Agustin Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,565 reviews
This museum and courtyard gardens is one of the oldest stone churches in the country, having survived 2 fires and 7 earthquakes.
Reviewed By tylersY4577AX - Melbourne, Australia
Amazing beautiful place to see You will be amazed and astounded by the beautiful architecture and the stained-glass windows this place is a must see
2. University of Santo Tomas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 280 reviews
This is the oldest university in Asia, founded in 1611, and is one of the world’s largest Roman Catholic universities based on enrollment.
Reviewed By marimara954 - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
One of the historical place that you need to visit in Philippines, through this place you will understand the history of the country. Old and classy
3. Shangri-La Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By Paddy456f - Monaghan, Ireland
I prefer this Mall than SM Megamall as it’s much easier to navigate around. Some nice shops and customer service at each on I visited was very good. However, shops are much more plentiful at SM Megamall. If staying at Edsa Shangri la the access is easy and security is tight which give a greater sense of security.
4. National Museum Of Anthropology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Reviewed By kanemochi - Seattle, United States
This museum is across the street from the National Museum. I would recommend at least a few hours to view the multiple floors of displays dedicated to Filipino history and culture or a full morning or afternoon. Don’t make the mistake of trying to visit both the National Museum and the Museum of Anthropology in just one day. There simply would not be enough time considering both are open for 7 hours per day and the National Museum can easily take an entire day for most people. I believe any visitor to a new country should make a good faith effort to gain a fundamental knowledge of that country’s history and culture. The Museum of Anthropology does an exceptional job of sharing the history and culture of the Philippines and the Filipino people. All displays feature well written summaries of that display’s particular subject. Many displays feature excellent videos for viewing. Brief written summaries accompany all displayed artifacts as well. Most people do a quick walk through looking only at the displayed artifacts. I highly recommend stopping and reading (at least occasionally) the written summaries for the displays. You’ll gain a much better understanding and appreciation of what you’re looking at.
5. National Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By MakotoPhil - Saitama, Japan
The museum was free of charge, and is close other museums in the area, so you can also visit other museums as well. The other government-funded museums were also free of charge. The museum is a repository of species that can be found in the Philippines, but there are plenty of them. In every floor and section of the museum, you’ll find different kinds of ecosystems where those species thrive. There was also a life-size model of Lolong, probably the world’s largest saltwater crocodile that has ever lived or captured. There were few people when I visited and the building was spacious and had a cozy atmosphere. If you’re interested about species in the Philippines, it’s a great place to visit. Some people mixes up this museum with the other museums. This museum is for appreciation of the different species and ecosystems in the Philippines. If you’re interested about Philippines’ ancient civilization and artifacts, then the National Museum would be the place to go; and for learning about the different ethnic groups in the Philippines, the Museum of Anthropology would be the place to visit.
6. Binondo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 175 reviews
The "Chinatown" of Manila, the Binondo area offers everything from Buddhist temples to pawn shops and Chinese restaurants.
Reviewed By ronnav2016 - Taguig City, Philippines
Went here for the Chinese Newyear Tour The place is always colorful, lots of chinese tradition going on, watched parade, did a food trip experience, stayed in a hotel nearby, had a walk at night, watched people, stroll around. Basically i enjoyed the food trip more than the tour hahaha.. But binondo is really beautiful place to explore and satisfy ur hunger. I suggest to go there in a regular day to avoid crowd and enjoy eating in the "must try" restos
7. Binondo Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 199 reviews
The altar's replica of St. Peter's dome impresses visitors to this historic church.
Reviewed By TravelingCat22 - Tucson, United States
Called the Binondo church, San Lorenzo is at the begining of Ongpin street (the main Chinatown street). Austerely black outside, the pink spots give you a cue for the inside: all pink and bright, a photographer's paradise for human-sized church, not too big but cozy and charming.
8. Malate Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 216 reviews
Also known as "Our Lady of Miraculous Medal," the Virgin Mary image in the Malate Church is where the Filipino have prayed in times of trouble for over four centuries.
9. Manila Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,124 reviews
Former Philippine archbishops are buried in a crypt under the altar of this majestic cathedral, whose 1951 completion commemorated the the five versions that came before it.
Reviewed By nicosamneil - Cebu Island, Philippines
The architectural design is superb. Going to mass is so comfortable since it is air-conditioned. Different time for mass are offered. You could see the spanish touch on it. Well maintained church.
10. Quiapo Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 433 reviews
Reviewed By Rossi8711 - Manila, Philippines
Philippines is a country known for having a numerous old churches, depicting the deep faith of the Filipino people. Quiapo Church, is truly one of them. The location is situated along the famous landmark, Plaza Miranda, Manila. It is the home of the known image Black Nazarene, whose feast is usually celebrated every 9th of January. Expect a millions of devotees both locals and internationals join the parade.
