Free things to do · Manila · Philippines
11 free things to do in Manila
Manila without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Johngaje92, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
You can fill at least 4 days in Manila without paying an entry fee: Intramuros, National Museum of Fine Arts, Manila Cathedral and National Museum of Anthropology are all free. The National Museum complex and many churches are free.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 11
- Low-cost extras
- 4
- Cost level
- Affordable
- Lowest hotel prices
- June–October
Free sights and experiences
Historic site · Intramuros
1.Intramuros
Walk part of the walls near Baluarte de San Diego, and consider a guided walking or bamboo-bike tour for the stories behind the ruins.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- History
- Free
- Architecture
- Kids
Gallery · Ermita and Malate
2.National Museum of Fine Arts
Entry is free; bring an ID and leave large bags at the entrance.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Art
- Rainy day
- Iconic
Religious site · Intramuros
3.Manila Cathedral
Check the mass schedule if you want to hear the organ, and dress respectfully.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- History
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Museum · Ermita and Malate
4.National Museum of Anthropology
Start on the upper floors with the archaeology galleries, then work down.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Rainy day
Museum · Ermita and Malate
5.National Museum of Natural History
A favourite with children; weekends are busy, so go on a weekday morning.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Nature
- Architecture
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Park · Ermita and Malate
6.Rizal Park (Luneta)
Visit in the late afternoon, then walk to the bayfront for the sunset.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- History
- Outdoors
Neighbourhood · Binondo
7.Binondo Chinatown
Go hungry at lunchtime and graze from shop to shop; a guided food walk helps you find the long-running places.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Food
- History
- Shopping
Religious site · Binondo
8.Quiapo Church and market
Keep valuables secure in the crowds, and visit on a weekday morning for a calmer experience.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Photo spot
Religious site · Binondo
9.San Sebastian Church
Combine it with Quiapo, a short walk away; look closely at the columns to see they are metal.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- Off the beaten path
- History
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Waterfront · Ermita and Malate
10.Manila Bay sunset
Clear evenings in the dry season, roughly December to April, give the best colours.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Couples
- Views
- After dark
- Photo spot
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Street · Binondo
11.Escolta Street
Visit when a weekend craft market is on to see the street at its liveliest.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- Off the beaten path
- History
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Intramuros | Intramuros and Manila Cathedral | Half a day + 30 minutes |
| Ermita and Malate | National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Rizal Park (Luneta) and Manila Bay sunset | 1.5–2 hours + 1.5 hours + 1.5–2 hours + 1 hour + 1 hour |
| Binondo | Binondo Chinatown, Quiapo Church and market, San Sebastian Church and Escolta Street | Half a day + 1 hour + 30 minutes + 1 hour |
Worth a small ticket
Castle · Intramuros
Fort Santiago
Visit late afternoon for cooler air and river views from the ramparts.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Iconic
- Outdoors
- Kids
Religious site · Intramuros
San Agustin Church
Enter the church through the museum to see the cloisters and the choir loft view down the nave.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Art
- Iconic
- Rainy day
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Museum · Intramuros
Casa Manila
Combine it with San Agustin across the street; the courtyard café is a good rest stop.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Rainy day
Historic site · Binondo
Manila Chinese Cemetery
Go with a guide or arrange one at the entrance; the grounds are large and easy to get lost in.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Off the beaten path
More ways to save
- The National Museum complex and many churches are free.
- Eat at carinderias (canteens) and mall food courts for low-cost local meals.
- Ride-hailing fares surge at rush hour and in rain; travel off-peak where you can.
- ATMs are everywhere, but some charge fees for foreign cards; withdraw larger amounts less often.
- Hotel prices are lowest in the rainy season, from about June to October.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Manila expensive to visit?
Manila is affordable for most visitors, but 11 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in Manila?
Intramuros: Walk part of the walls near Baluarte de San Diego, and consider a guided walking or bamboo-bike tour for the stories behind the ruins.