Top 15 Places to Visit in Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Manila has been the capital city of the Philippines since 1595. Because of its long history (more than 400 years old already), Manila has accumulated a lot of interesting spots to visit. Just to clarify, especially with foreigners visiting this website, Manila is just part of the bigger Metro Manila. Metro Manila is composed of Manila, Makati City, Pasay City, Parañaque City, Las Piñas City, Mandaluyong City, Pasig City, Taguig City, Quezon City, Marikina City, Caloocan City, Malabon City, Valenzuela City and Pateros.

Here are our Top 15 Places to Visit in Manila, Philippines!

1.) National Museum of the Philippines

My first time in The National Museum was during our school field trip. Second time was my date with Liezel. Third time was with my siblings. Fourth and Fifth time was with Melissa and Sandeep, Indian expats whom I offered my tour services. The museum has the widest and the most interesting collections about Philippine history.

Location: P. Burgos Drive, Rizal Park, Manila

2.) Intramuros

Intramuros means ‘within walls’. It is the first colonial walled city built by the Spaniards in Metro Manila. For us, the best time of the day to visit Intramuros would be at dusk. The hue of the buildings combined with the gloomy shade of dusk is just amazing. It is as if you are in the past, taking a peek of the Spanish Colonial Days. Some of the interesting sites to visit in Intramuros would be Fort Santiago, The Manila Cathedral, La Cathedral Cafe, Bayleaf Hotel, Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant, and San Agustin Church.

3.) Manila Cathedral

This is our most beloved church because we got married here. It is also known as The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Many celebrities have been married in this church.

Location: Beaterio St, Cabildo St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila

4.) Manila Yacht Club

Who doesn’t want to be on a yacht? Manila Yacht Club is one of the oldest yacht clubs in Asia. The sunset here was also lovely.

Location: 2351 Roxas Blvd, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila

5.) Roxas Boulevard Statues’ Spots

Along Roxas Boulevard, there are many historical figures facing Manila Bay. These statues were commissioned by some of the well-known National Artists of the Philippines. Some of the statues are Rajah Sulayman (the last great king of Manila after the Spanish colonization), President Ramon Magsaysay, President Carlos Garcia, Senator Ninoy Aquino, etc. Read our blog here.

6.) Dolomite Beach

Dolomite Beach is a 5.4 hectares artificial beach created in Manila Bay. Many citizens have loved this interesting beach amidst controversies of corruption due to unexplainable billion peso budget for its construction.

7.) Malate Church

Built in 1588, it houses the statue of Our Lady of Remedies from Spain.

Location: 2000 M. H. Del Pilar St, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila, Philippines

8.) Divisoria

Due to its nearness to the city port, Divisoria has been a place of cheaply priced but wonderful products. Read our blog here.

9.) Chinatown (Binondo)

Binondo, Manila is the oldest Chinatown in the world. It was established in 1594. It is in the Philippines! I thought it could have been in Vietnam, Korea, India, Thailand, Laos, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Russia, Pakistan, Nepal, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan or Afghanistan (its neighbouring land-based countries). Read our blog here.

10.) Our Lady of Montserrat Abbey

Location: Mendiola St, San Miguel, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila

11.) Mendiola Peace Arch

Mendiola Peace Arch was built in Mendiola Street, a street where violent confrontations between protesters and government troops have been happening since the Philippine Republic was established.

Location: Mendiola St, San Miguel, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila

12.) Quinta Market

Quinta Market offers a variety of Philippine souvenirs and handicrafts.

Location: Carlos Palanca, Quiapo, Manila, 1001 Metro Manila

13.) Quiapo Church

Quiapo Church houses the iconic miraculous Black Nazarene. For more than 400years, thousands of devotees have been attending a mass procession called Traslacion for the Black Nazarene every January 9. Due to a number of its devotees, January 9 has been considered as a holiday in the Philippines.