Things to see and do Manila

Built between 1571 and 1607, it is the oldest stone church in the country. A pure baroque jewel of the colonial era, it has been damaged many times by various earthquakes and the bombings of 1945. Inside, one can admire its trompe l'oeil paintings made in the ^19th century by Italian artists. The four panels of its beautiful wooden door depict the life of Saint Augustine. Miguel López de Legazpi is buried in a tomb near the main altar. In 1993, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.

Located at the eastern end of Rizal Park, the National Museum includes museums of fine arts, natural history, Filipino people, etc. It is one of the most interesting museums in Manila. There are many collections and temporary exhibits that trace the rich and varied history of the Philippines. It is easy to spend the day there and it is a very good gateway to the culture of the country. Especially since the cultural offer is quite reduced outside the city, so we take advantage of it!

Located in the heart of Intramuros, the Basilica-Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is the seat of the Diocese of Manila. The current structure is a reconstruction as it was partially destroyed during World War II (in fact, it is the seventh version since the original structure was built in 1571). Filipinos still remember the visit of Pope Francis in 2015 who celebrated mass here. Its dome is huge and its stained glass windows tell the story of Christianization. Many weddings are celebrated here every weekend.

Located in the northern part of Binondo's Chinatown, the cemetery was founded in the ^mid-19th century by Lim Ong and Tan Quien Sien (Don Carlos Palanca) in order to facilitate the burial of a large number of Chinese who were not allowed to be buried in the Spanish Catholic cemeteries by the Spanish colonists. The cemetery is very picturesque and covers an area of 54 hectares. Respect for the ancestors and the dead is very important in Chinese communities. Thus, far from being an ordinary cemetery, a little austere, dedicated to death and meditation, this one is a real village in the city where the graves are houses, sometimes equipped with all the necessary comfort (refrigerator, air conditioner, cooking plates, bathroom) so that the families of the deceased are well installed when they come to visit their dead. It is even estimated that about 6,000 people live here, in the mausoleums, waiting for better days. Every Saturday, the cemetery resounds with the presence of its visitors who liven up the place: singing, smells of fake money and burning incense. Its streets are made up of mausoleums richly decorated with marble, wrought iron and stained glass, many even in Art Deco style. A monument houses the ashes of the cremated on two floors and, on the third, the bones of those who will return to their native land, China. The poorest are buried on the left side of the Buddhist temple. An amazing visit!

The 58-hectare Rizal Park is a must-see place: both a favorite place of relaxation for Filipino walkers and families and a place steeped in history. Considered one of the largest parks in Asia, it stretches from Taft Avenue to Manila Bay. It was called Bagumbayan Field or Luneta during the colonial period, which means "little moon" and was used by the Spaniards as a place of execution for revolutionary Filipinos. The park is now called Rizal National Park in honor of the national hero, Jose Rizal, who was executed here in 1896. His death led to the Philippine revolution. Among the historical events that took place in the park, we should mention the declaration of independence from the United States in 1946, the demonstrations against President Marcos in the 1970s and 1980s, or the impressive World Youth Day in 1995 when a tide of 5 million faithful (!) poured in to attend the mass of Pope John Paul II. Finally, every year, festivities take place on June 12 for Independence and on December 31.

Every day, from the first light of the day, on its lawns, one can meet tai chi lovers or joggers who enjoy the morning freshness. It is also a favorite place for all kinds of oddballs: preachers, smooth talkers and chess players. They are installed near Central Lagoon and give the park a special atmosphere. You can walk around the park from Manila Bay in a clockwise direction and see the following sights

The Delfonso Marcello sculpture. The most beautiful view of the park. The sunset over Manila Bay is magnificent.

The Manila Hotel. The most traditional and most luxurious hotel in Manila. Built in 1912, it is the first 5-star hotel in the Philippines. It was notably the residence of General MacArthur. A visit (or a night) not to be missed.

The Rizal monument. It is certainly the most significant of the monuments in the park and is inspired by the death of Rizal. His farewell poem is inscribed on a plaque in different languages.

The Philippine flag. Next to the Rizal monument, the flagpole of the Philippines flies at a height of 31 meters. It symbolizes the independence of the country, freed from the American yoke on July 4, 1946. It also represents the kilometer 0, which is the reference point to calculate distances in the Philippines.

The Rizal Fountain. Given as a sign of friendship by the Protestant Church of Heidelberg in Germany.

The auditorium. In the open air, it hosts events and concerts.

Chinese and Japanesegardens. The Chinese garden is quite nice, the Japanese garden next to it is a bit more basic but still pleasant.

The orchidarium. Located at the corner of Maria Orosa and P. Burgos Street, it features local orchids and other plant species.

Map. In relief, the 7,000 islands of the Philippines.

National Museum of the Philippines. Located at the eastern end of Rizal Park, one of the most interesting museums to discover the history of Philippine art.

In summary, Rizal Park is a real oasis of calm in the urban jungle that is Manila. It is not particularly beautiful but it is a very important place for all Filipinos so it is worth a visit if you spend a day in the capital. It combines very well with the visit of Intramuros just next door.

Manila Bay, with an area of 2,000 ^km2, extends 48 km inland from the sea. It is home to the port of Manila and is known for the battle that took place there between the Spanish and the Americans in 1898. In 2023, it was declared a "dead zone" because of its extreme pollution. A long walk allows you to go along it: you can contemplate it for example from the Mall of Asia or further on the Dolomite Beach. The bay is the ideal place to admire sunsets, which are, admittedly, quite breathtaking.

It's one of the capital's most famous historic sites. Construction of the fort began in 1571 and lasted over 150 years. From up there, you could observe every movement in Manila Bay. And as colonized Manila grew in importance and wealth through trade, so too did Fort Santiago, gradually becoming a wonderful showcase for Spanish success in this part of Asia. The fort was the scene of many painful events, as it was here that many soldiers perished, including the man who would become a true national hero, Dr. José Rizal. The revolutionary poet spent his last days here before being executed by the Spanish on December 30, 1896. Fort Santiago is also known as the Shrine of Freedom, named in 1950 in memory of the Filipino heroes imprisoned and killed here under Spanish and then Japanese rule. Partially rebuilt after the Second World War, it has become a symbol of Filipino revolt against the various occupiers, and a place for strolling for locals and visitors alike. Tables are available for picnics, and you can climb the remnants of the ramparts, which offer beautiful views over Manila. There's also an open-air theater, the Rajah Soliman Theater, in tribute to the Muslim leader of pre-colonial Manila, and the Rizal Museum. A must-see (especially for history buffs)!

At the end of Rizal Park, near the bay, this amusement park is an interesting choice for families. You can visit large aquariums and you can even walk underwater! Children love the penguin room where they lend you a coat before entering so that you can see them in their natural habitat... A lot of activities are possible. The services are numerous: hotel, restaurants, bars, spa, stores... A very complete structure!

An interesting museum about the national hero Jose Rizal whose death inspired the struggles for Philippine independence. Restored in 2014, it shows objects that belonged to him when he was imprisoned for two months before being executed on December 30, 1896. Among the objects on display are books and manuscripts, letters, sculptures, paintings, but also souvenirs brought back from his many boat expeditions and objects from his home in Calamba. The video projections allow us to recall the atmosphere of the time.

Located next to the American Cemetery in the Fort Bonifacio area, the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes' Cemetery) is an important place of remembrance for the more than 33,000 Filipino soldiers who died in Bataan, Corregidor and other places during World War II. The cemetery also houses the graves of the Unknown Soldier, Filipino presidents including Fidel Ramos who died in 2022, Filipino artists and other prominent figures.

In 1807, cholera epidemics struck Manila. The construction of a cemetery was ordered, where one had to pay 20 pesos to bury the dead for three years. On December 30, 1896, José Rizal, the national hero, was buried here. In 1912, the burials stopped and the families of the deceased had to exhume their ancestors and move them to other cemeteries... A strange story. In 1966, the cemetery of Paco Park was declared a national park and became a popular place for people to walk around.

The tourist office in Manila isn't exactly a mine of information, but they may be able to help if you have a specific question. You shouldn't expect much help in organizing your trip. However, it may be worthwhile to take a look at the various websites of the Philippine Department of Tourism to keep abreast of events throughout the year and tourism news at the time of your visit, or even ideas for things to do or see in the capital.

It is located in the Rizal Park. And it is the favorite museum of children. It is composed of eight themed rooms that show the works of Filipino artists, replica boats, churches and miniature houses, jungle replica. The museum regularly organizes activities for children during weekends such as puppet shows, storytelling, and other creative workshops. In short, many recreational activities to learn more about Filipino traditions and customs while having fun.

In the district of San Miguel, on the right bank of the Pasig River, stands Malacañang Palace, a grand colonial-style mansion completed in 1802. Spanish nobles, Manila governors, American governors and finally some of the Philippine presidents have successively resided here after the Governor's Palace in Intramuros was destroyed by the 1863 earthquake. Today it is still officially the main residence and workplace of the President of the Philippines, although in reality, not all of them have lived there.

The Ayala Museum, which has existed since 1974, was renovated in 2019. It is one of the most beautiful museums in the city. Among its collections, acquired over the years, are mainly archaeology, history, fine arts and iconography. Through its various galleries and exhibitions, one travels through the history and culture of the Philippines from the pre-colonial era to the Second World War and the great voyages. Exhibitions dedicated to particular artists or themes are regularly organized. What to see.

Founded in 1586, it is very popular. This church was originally built in bamboo and nipa by Franciscan missionaries. Its current structure dates from 1930. It is known throughout the country for the celebration of the Black Nazarene, a statue of Christ that is said to perform miracles. The festival is attended by millions of people every year. The Quiapo district, one of the oldest in Manila, is also inhabited by a large Muslim population, hence the presence of the Great Golden Mosque and the Green Mosque.

It was built in the ^16th century and rebuilt in the ^19th. It is a building of Muslim and Baroque architecture and is one of the oldest churches outside the walled city. It was founded by Augustinian monks in honor of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. Even today, mothers of sick children come to implore Our Lady of the Remedios and light candles for their children. In 2023, the church, which is over 400 years old, was declared a "cultural asset of significance" by the National Museum of the Philippines.

Built around 1596 by Dominican friars, it is a perfect example of Spanish colonial architecture. It was severely damaged during the Second World War, but was restored in 1972. Only a few foundations and the octagonal tower of the bell tower are reminiscent of the original structure. This church located in the heart of Binondo district has a special importance in the Catholic history of the country since San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint canonized in 1987, was formed here. Both the church and the plaza are named after him.

It is an important place of remembrance and history and quite overwhelming in its grandeur. It is the cemetery where the majority of American soldiers who lost their sight during World War II, either during the operation in New Guinea or in the Philippines, are buried. In total, there are over 16,000 graves of American soldiers and 500 of Filipino soldiers. The graves are arranged in several arcs. Maps and panels of the war are engraved on the walls recalling the facts, as well as the names of the thousands of missing American soldiers.

Opened in the heart of Makati in 2005, the Yuchengco Museum was originally envisioned to house the art collections of Philippine Ambassador to the United Nations Alfonso Yuchengco, a businessman, collector, philanthropist, and advocate of education in the Philippines who passed away in 2017. Today, one comes here to explore the country's history through its arts and artists like the famous painter and muralist Botong Francisco. You can find postcards, catalogs and other products around the exhibitions in the museum store.