When in Manila, visitors often find themselves asking, “What do we do first?” The city is a huge collection of diverse cultures, arts, cuisines, histories, and attractions. It is fairly easy to get confused about what to do. There are an astounding number of things to do in Manila. Often, the limit is your time and thirst for adventure.
There’s something for everyone in Manila. Sprawling shopping centers, historic landmarks, excellent food, interesting museums, child-friendly parks and shops, night markets, and stunning sunsets. Manila is far from a beautiful paradise. Instead, it is a vibrant ultra-modern city with touches of history here and there. Exploring Manila will give you a taste of what’s in store in the rest of the Philippine islands.
Understand that Metro Manila is quite huge and you need time to get the full experience. We’ve come up with a list of exciting things to do in Manila. If you’re staying only a week, plan your trip well to do all the activities on our list:
Tour Historic Manila
The Spanish colonizers have left an indelible mark on the face of Manila, particularly near the shores of the bay. Intramuros or “The Walled City” is a perfect standing example of a Spanish stone fortification. It was designed to protect Manila from attacks. Back in the day, Intramuros was Manila, a city of grandiose stone structures, courtyard mansions and elaborate churches.
Today, Intramuros is one of the most visited districts of Metro Manila. Nearby are Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, and San Agustin Church, a world heritage church as the main points of interest. You can easily explore Intramuros foot. Guided tours are also available through several providers. If you’d like something a little out of the box, try touring the district on a calesa (horse-drawn carriage). Ask the driver to be your guide.
Walk through Manila Ocean Park’s underwater aquarium
Manila Ocean Park is the first oceanarium in the country, said to be bigger than Singapore’s Sentosa Underwater World. The park is located behind the Quirino Grandstand, close to sprawling Rizal Park. The entire complex is an integrated resort, with accommodations and a spa. The park also features several displays and shows for the entertainment of its guests. Among its many exciting attractions, the underwater tunnel is the most visited. It is home to about 300 marine species endemic to the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
This is the closest you can get to seeing reef fishes in their natural habitat without getting wet. Other attractions in the Manila Ocean Park include the Jellies – Dancing Sea Fairies, Aquanaut Voyage and the Fish Spa.
Visit the Mind Museum
Children of all ages will love the scientific exhibits at the Mind Museum in Taguig. It is the first world-class science museum in the Philippines. The museum features five separate galleries: Universe, Earth, Life, Atom and Technology. Interactive displays are abundant in all five galleries, including a life-sized T-Rex skeleton and an authentic fossilized dinosaur poop. There’s also a robot that patrols around the technology gallery.
Other interesting bits and pieces of the wonderful world of science are waiting to be explored inside the museum. Guides inside the museum take you through an educational tour around the entire complex. There are stops every once in a while to allow you to interact with the exhibits. There is also the 800sqm Science-in-the-Park where there’s more learning in store.
Pig-out in Mercato Centrale
Looking for something new to feast on aside from the usual restaurant fare? Head to Mercato Centrale in Bonifacio Global City! Mercato Centrale is a weekend food and organic market frequented by foodies in Metro Manila. Up-and-coming food businesses and established concessionaires serve some of the best culinary delights in the city. Aside from the food, organic produce can also be bought in Mercato Centrale. Free wireless Internet is available in the premises. Of all things to do in Manila, this gastronomic adventure might just be the one thing you should not miss.
Make Your Own Stuffed Toys
Tourists traveling with small children will love what Animaland has in store. The store has six branches in the metro: SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Manila, Festival Mall, Trinoma, Shangri-La Mall, and Bonifacio High Street. If you’re looking to personalize your souvenirs or to simply have fun with the kids, this is the place.
You get to pick your animal, decide how much stuffing it will have, what clothes it will wear. You can even decide how it would smell! Your finished products will even come with its own birth certificate. This place has something fun and exciting for children of all ages.
See Imelda Marcos’ Shoe Collection
Imelda Marcos is known to the world as the socialite wife of the former President Ferdinand Marcos. But Mrs. Marcos is also famous for her astounding collection of luxurious footwear accumulated over the years. If you’d like to see a small portion of this collection, you may view them at the Marikina Shoe Museum. Shoes of other important people, national heroes, and diplomats can also be found on display.
Marikina is considered the Shoe Capital of the Philippines. The city has numerous shops and factories producing quality footwear for export and local distribution.
Shop for Bargains at Greenhills or Divisoria
Shopping is an exciting pursuit in Metro Manila. Aside from the huge upscale malls, there are those equally-large bargain centers where most locals buy their stuff. Greenhills Shopping Center and the ever-so-crowded Divisoria are just two of the many bargain centers in Manila.
Keep in mind that haggling or negotiating sale prices are completely acceptable in these places. It is almost weird not to. You can find all sorts of merchandise in these shopping centers. You may also find electronics but take care not to fall for to-good-to-be-true prices.
Experience the Oldest Chinatown
Get ready for a feast for the senses in Binondo’s Chinatown! The district is a melting pot of restaurants, temples, shops, and markets offering everything and anything Chinese. Binondo best explored on a calesa weaving through heavy pedestrian traffic. When visiting Binondo, do not forget to pass by Ongpin Street. There you will find vendors with traditional Chinese medicine, Feng Sui amulets and charms, and authentic delicacies.
There are also plenty of restaurants and grocery stores in this area. Also visit the Binondo Church, an old structure with elaborate interiors adorned with statues of saints and biblical paintings. And as you leave Chinatown, drop by Eng Bee Tin to shop for delectable Chinese pastries including the famous hopia.
Photograph the Manila Bay Sunset
The sunset in Manila Bay is one of the most picturesque in the Philippines and perhaps the whole world. Maybe is it due to the accumulation of smoke and dust in the atmosphere. As the sun slowly makes its way behind the horizon, it creates a beautiful, almost haunting spectacle. Many people go to the Baywalk to simply marvel at the Manila Bay sunset. Most take photos to share on social media. Watch the sunset in style on board a cruise around the bay. It is a perfect prelude to a romantic night with a special person.
Sample Manila’s Street Cuisine
Manila’s street cuisine is known as the best in Asia. You should not miss trying at least a couple of delicacies. Manila’s Baywalk is the perfect place to have a taste of the grilled, boiled, fried and steamed culinary delights. Keep an eye out for balut (boiled duck embryo), barbecue , isaw (grilled chicken intestines), dim sum and dirty ice cream. Remember that this adventure is not for the squeamish. Manila’s street food offerings are considered more sanitary than those in neighboring Asian countries. Having said that, proceed with caution especially if you have a weak stomach.
There are at least a hundred more exciting things to do in Manila for travelers from all walks of life. To experience Manila is to take a quick peek at what is in store in other Philippine cities. While the city is crowded and the traffic is horrible, the fact remains that Manila is a city of wonders in all respects.
