Things to see and do Manila

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila is one of the most important museums in the capital. It is the first museum in the Philippines to exhibit contemporary art. Located in Malate for 45 years, it moved in 2021 to the new trendy district of Bonifacio Global City. The institution is committed to showcasing contemporary Filipino artists and bringing them into dialogue with international artists. Their credo is art accessible to all. Rich programming online.

Old Manila Walks has been in existence since 2005 and has established itself as the leading organizer of guided tours in the historic districts. The objective of the various expert guides is to promote Manila, its history and culture, to locals and tourists alike. They offer several tours of 2 to 4 hours including a guided tour of the historic Intramuros district, for the history buffs; a food tour in Chinatown, Binondo or an unusual visit to the Chinese Cemetery. You will never see Manila in the same way again!

A very small museum that traces the history of the Manila Hotel, a place full of history and witness to the destruction of the city by the Japanese. Since 1912, it has seen many personalities like General MacArthur, Prince Charles, Neil Armstrong and Marlon Brando. It is also the occasion to visit this palace where, as soon as you enter the huge lobby, you jump back in time: back to the beginning of the century. The staff is in costume and a pianist floods the room with a soft melody from his grand piano. A real Grand Hotel atmosphere.

Casa Manila is the name of both the house and the museum it houses. It is one of the houses that make up the beautiful San Luis passage. Built in the 1970s, its architecture is inspired by the houses of Binondo's Chinatown from the ^mid-19th century. The facade is a little colorful and very beautiful. In the museum, a reconstructed interior shows how a rich family might have lived at the end of the colonial period. With furniture from Europe and China, glittering chandeliers, porcelain and gilding, evidence of a certain luxury.

This is perhaps the most charming and peaceful place in the entire capital. In the heart of Intramuros, just across from the Church of Saint Augustine, Plaza San Luis is a sort of micro-neighborhood made up of nine houses with colonial-inspired architecture (they were reconstructed in the 1970s), linked together by a network of alleys, patios and covered passages. Today they house museums, restaurants and souvenir stores, and they exude a sweet atmosphere of yesteryear. A must-see.

Located along Roxas Boulevard, this is a free beach whose only interest is to go there to watch the sunset, between 5 and 6 pm. Paradoxically, it is frequent that a security guard asks everyone to leave the beach at this time because it closes at 6pm, so it's a bit of a pity but it doesn't take away the beauty of the sunset! Between the beach and the boulevard behind, a kind of small market with street food and gadgets stands, very local. There is a footbridge to go back to Ermita. To do!

It is one of the oldest fortifications in the ancient city of Manila. Originally, around 1586, it was a circular star-shaped fort. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times after the various wars and earthquakes. Today, it is an important archaeological and memorial site. From the top of the fortifications, there is a beautiful view of the Rizal Park, the Manila Hotel and the towers of Manila. At the foot of the watchtower, a charming garden, which we invite you to explore: it conceals completely unsuspected bucolic corners.

Letting a local guide take you on an authentic, in-depth tour of the city can be an excellent idea, especially in a capital like Manila, which at first glance can impress or even intimidate some travelers. Explore Manila Tours offers several themed half-day tours: a historical tour of the city with a guide who is also a true storyteller, a Filipino cooking class, or various food tours focusing on the Chinatown district or street-food in general.