The List Of 21 Fun Things To Do In Manila, Philippines

Rizal Park is a historically significant monument situated in the center of Manila City. The park honors Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines.

Large stadiums, observatories, an outdoor music hall, sound and light theaters, shops, food kiosks, playgrounds, parks, squares, monuments, and numerous fountains are all part of the complex.

The 16-hectare Agrifina Circle next to Taft Avenue is the first of the park's three divisions. The National Museum of Anthropology and the Department of Tourism are located there.

The Manila Ocean Park is among the top tourist destinations in Manila. Even one day in the park won't be sufficient because there are so many attractions. The Oceanarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world with over 14,000 creatures representing 270 marine species, is the main attraction.

Additionally, there are fascinating animal performances that will astound you, such as the Seal Lion Show, Penguin Show, and All the Bird Show. The Sharks and Ray Encounter, Birds of the Prey Kingdom, and the World of Creepy Crawlies are a few other fascinating exhibitions. This is one of the greatest spots to go with friends in Manila.

The Manila Zoo is home to a variety of creatures, including a hippopotamus, elephant, Bengal tiger, Malayan civet, monitor lizard, and many more. If you are traveling with children, the zoo is one of the top attractions in Manila. There are more than 100 species and more than 500 creatures.

There is also a Botanical Garden and Arboretum on the zoo's grounds where visitors may view a range of plants that are part of the local ecosystem in the Philippines. You could easily spend an hour viewing all of the creatures on this fascinating visit.

Relaxing and enjoying the Star City Amusement Park is the finest thing to do in Manila. It is the nation's largest amusement park and one of the top nighttime destinations in Manila.

It is one of the most fascinating locations in Manila because of the Ferris Wheel's sparkling lights and the wild lights and noises of the rides and attractions.

All ages may enjoy the park's attractions, although the extreme rides, like Star Frisbee, are the greatest. It also features a special attraction called Snow World, where guests may experience playing in the snow.

Any local would likely tell you that Intramuros is one of the best spots to visit in Manila. When Intramuros served as the colony's center under the Spanish colonization, the famous Walled City was constructed with walls to keep off foreign invasions.

Only the most powerful and affluent folks used to call this place home. You may still enjoy its vintage charm now. The cobblestone alleys of Intramuros are bordered by eight museums, lovely churches and gardens, and renovated old Spanish homes that have been transformed into museums.

You must tour historical monuments including Fort Santiago, the Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, San Agustin Museum, and Casa Manila, though there is plenty to see. Additionally, you might choose to go on a ghost tour if you're feeling very daring.

Check out The Fountain at Okada Manila for a fantastic evening event. Every night, beginning at 6 PM, there is a dancing fountain that lasts for around five minutes and occurs hourly. The Fountain shoots water higher than hotels and casinos and spans 50 Olympic-sized pools.

Although admission is free, you may choose to have beverages and watch the spectacle from the Fountain Lounge for P1,000 (about $18.07) per person. You may browse for expensive products inside the hotel and casino if you get there too early before the next event.

Free shuttle buses are available to and from Okada Manila in a number of metro areas, such as Binondo, SM Mall of Asia, and SM North EDSA. Members are given priority while boarding, although non-members can ride for free.

Take your children to Bonifacio Global City's The Mind Museum if you're traveling with them. There are about 250 interactive displays and dioramas at this scientific museum. Kids may learn about anything from atoms to the universe in an entertaining way.

For a three-hour period, teachers and public school students' tickets start at P190 (about $3.43 USD). Additionally, children ages 2 to 6 may learn how to engage with others and their surroundings at the Mind Museum's one-and-a-half-hour interactive exhibit, Playtales (from P150, approximately $2.71).

BGC may appear to be a commanding commercial district. However, there are paintings made by local artists tucked away among its buildings. These colorful paintings can be as big as skyscrapers or as small as fire hydrants and control boxes.

The region is given a humorous touch by the iconography, which includes the Star Wars droid R2-D2 and the dwarf-like mythological monster Nuno sa Punso.

You shouldn't miss the paintings Dalagang Pilipina at the Maybank Corporate Center, Breathe Better next to St. Luke Medical Center, and Atin Ang Bawat Sandali along the Kalayaan Flyover.

Founded in 1594 and known as the first Chinatown in the world, Binondo Chinatown is a bustling and historic jewel in Manila. With its vibrant lanes and a variety of must-try culinary destinations, this vibrant neighborhood is a feast for the senses.

Binondo Chinatown provides a genuine gastronomic experience, with everything from traditional bakeries and inexpensive streetside businesses to secret hidden cafes.

Take one of the interesting excursions offered by Binondo Chinatown in Manila City to fully appreciate its flavor and charm. You may enjoy the rich history and delectable cuisine of Binondo Chinatown by following these guided tours, which will take you through the greatest eateries in the neighborhood as well as some hidden culinary gems.

Visit La Mesa Eco Park in Manila for further natural attractions. It is unquestionably your greatest option for all-around green beauty because it spans an astounding 33 hectares.

It provides a break from the rush of the metropolis with a variety of fascinating outdoor activities, such as hiking, trail cycling, horseback riding, and canoeing, as well as picnics, fishing, and more.

Similarly, you may take a stroll and observe people to appreciate it in a more relaxed manner. La Mesa Eco Park is a genuine green jewel in Metro Manila, which isn't often recognized for its woodland bathing options.

Without a doubt, it's among the greatest spots to taste Filipino cuisine. Filipino comfort cuisine prepared with contemporary French methods is abundant on the menu. There are several Filipino finger food nibbles, or pulutan, on the extensive menu, which emphasizes sustainable and farm-to-table methods.

Start with the kinilaw sampler, which is a traditional Filipino meal that is both tasty and nutritious, much like ceviche. It's also essential to try the bicho bicho doughnuts with fresh bananas.

Although there are several excellent local craft beers on the beverages menu, the finest is the trademark cocktails made with pineapple, calamansi, and labuyo wild chile that are cultivated nearby.

Quiapo Church is one of Manila City's most important places of worship and historical sites. The Black Nazarene, a miraculous figure of Jesus Christ and one of Manila City's most well-known monuments is housed in the church. The first to present a life-size model carved from ebony was Quiapo District in 1767.

The rolling towers on Quiapo Church's Baroque-style exterior make it stand out from both sides. While the bottom portion has a soft surface, a third of its columns twist at the base.

Balustrades and massive scrolls decorate the top of the four-story bell towers. The majority of pilgrimage journeys in the nation include this well-known church.

The omnipresent Jeepney is the quintessential icon of the Philippines. Throughout the islands, these exquisitely adorned cars transport tourists from one location to another at affordable prices.

In the Philippines after World War II, jeepneys were developed as an affordable and effective form of transportation. An iconic representation of Philippine history was created by modifying surplus jeeps with Filipino cultural components, bench seats, and expanded roofs.

Try to ride a Jeepney the way it was intended to be if you come across one. Visit the area and discover not just a fantastic car but also a means of understanding how people travel.

If you're looking to go shopping, this mall is the place to be. Situated directly behind the renowned Philippine General Hospital, this shopping center is regarded as one of Manila's most popular destinations.

This mall has a wide range of branded showrooms where you may purchase clothing and accessories. You can visit the food court to sate your appetites after a strenuous shopping session.

There are many delectable local and foreign eateries and cafes in this sizable mall. With so many well-known domestic and international brands as Bench, Uniqlo, H&M, and many more, you will enjoy an amazing shopping experience.

The Makati Central Business District is a handy starting point for exploiting Manila because it is packed with hotels and provides a wide range of transportation alternatives.

However, the privately operated Ayala Museum, which has a tastefully organized collection of cultural artifacts in one location, is a worthwhile destination for anybody looking for a crash lesson in Filipino culture among its corporate towers.

Additionally, this contemporary museum is accessible to all kinds of visitors with the help of audio tours, Braille books, and a brand-new augmented reality experience.

The most well-known Filipino painters and sculptors of the 19th and 20th centuries may be seen at this museum, which is located on the east side of Rizal Park.

These artists, who reflected a surge in Filipino art while the nation fought for independence from Spain, include Juan Luna, Fernando Zobel, and Felix Hidalgo. That is the background for Juan Luna's Spoliarium, the museum's centerpiece.

Jose Rizal recognized the meaning of this 1884 artwork, which depicted departed gladiators being hauled away from the circus, and it received the gold medal at the Exposicion Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid.

The Destileria Limtuaco Museum honors the history of the oldest liquor manufacturer in the Philippines by displaying artifacts in a historically significant stone home. An optional sampling of the brand's artisan spirits can be added after learning about the conventional distillation method.

And don't expect tasteless gins and whiskey, instead, enjoy excellent lambanog (distilled palm liquor) flavored with ingredients from various areas, sugarcane wine, and coconut vodka.

The Philippines houses some of the most beautiful university campuses, which serve not only as important educational hubs but also as well-known tourist sites in Metro Manila. Its campus combines great architecture, a lively cultural atmosphere, and a lot of history.

One of the best is the University of the Philippines-Diliman. The University of the Philippines-Diliman is a cultural and historical treasure trove that has an amazing 493 hectares to its name. This big campus is a favorite of both locals and tourists, especially on Sundays when it transforms into a haven for nature lovers, fitness enthusiasts, and walkers.

Built by the Dominicans during the Spanish colonial era, Paco Park is a tranquil haven tucked away in the center of Manila City. With its rich vegetation and ancient elegance, this historic park, which is situated on Paco's General Luna Street and stretches to the eastern portion of Padre Faura Street, provides a tranquil haven.

During the administration of President Diosdado Macapagal, it was converted from a cemetery to a national park in 1966. It is now a lovely community promenade and government beach that is perfect for walks and taking in the restored history and scenic splendor of the area.

For many years, Manila's art and vintage culture has been anchored by Cubao Expo, a sanctuary for creativity and eclecticism. A wealth of artistic establishments, art galleries, oddball secondhand shops, and quaint boutiques can be found in this lively area. Enter a world of antique comics, one-of-a-kind treasures, and quirky trinkets where you may immerse yourself.

Cubao Expo, a busy lifestyle hub, also has a number of restaurants that are ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner.

The Expo is a cultural center that offers more than just shopping; it frequently hosts events including live concerts, book sales, poetry readings, and other conferences. Anyone looking for a blend of art, culture, and unique appeal should check it out.

The President of the Philippines' official house and principal office is Malacanang Palace. This magnificent building, which is situated in San Miguel, Manila City, and is connected to the famed Mendiola Street, is extremely significant both historically and politically.

A collection of houses and government buildings, mostly in the neoclassical style, make up the palace complex. A trip to Malacanang Palace, one of the most famous locations for historical and heritage tours in the nation, is strongly advised for everyone interested in learning more about the rich history of the country.

Malacanang was once constructed as a private home before being converted into a magnificent Spanish colonial house. With its wooden structures, calm courtyards, and classic azoteas that provide a window into its colonial past, the palace has managed to preserve a large portion of its original appeal.