Things to do · Manila · Philippines
17 best things to do in Manila
17 sights and experiences ranked for a first visit, with honest notes on time, cost and crowds.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Elmer B. Domingo, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The essential sights in Manila are Intramuros, Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church. Of the 17 picks below, 11 are free, 7 work on a rainy day and 6 suit children. Allow about 3 days to see the highlights without rushing.
Key facts
- Top sight
- Intramuros
- Free sights
- 11
- Good on a rainy day
- San Agustin Church
- Time to see the highlights
- 3 days
At a glance
| Sight | Area | Time needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intramuros | Intramuros | Half a day | Free |
| Fort Santiago | Intramuros | 1.5 hours | Low cost |
| San Agustin Church | Intramuros | 1 hour | Low cost |
| National Museum of Fine Arts | Ermita and Malate | 1.5–2 hours | Free |
| Manila Cathedral | Intramuros | 30 minutes | Free |
| Casa Manila | Intramuros | 45 minutes | Low cost |
| National Museum of Anthropology | Ermita and Malate | 1.5 hours | Free |
| National Museum of Natural History | Ermita and Malate | 1.5–2 hours | Free |
| Rizal Park (Luneta) | Ermita and Malate | 1 hour | Free |
| Binondo Chinatown | Binondo | Half a day | Free |
| Quiapo Church and market | Binondo | 1 hour | Free |
| San Sebastian Church | Binondo | 30 minutes | Free |
| Manila Bay sunset | Ermita and Malate | 1 hour | Free |
| Manila Chinese Cemetery | Binondo | 1.5 hours | Low cost |
| Escolta Street | Binondo | 1 hour | Free |
| The Mind Museum | Bonifacio Global City (BGC) | 2–3 hours | Mid-priced |
| Manila Ocean Park | Ermita and Malate | 2–3 hours | Mid-priced |
The 17 best things to do
Historic site · Intramuros
1.Intramuros
The walled city founded by the Spanish in 1571 was the seat of colonial government for more than three centuries. Much was destroyed in the 1945 Battle of Manila, but its walls, bastions, churches and rebuilt colonial houses make it the best place to understand the city's history, on foot, by bamboo bike or by horse-drawn kalesa.
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
Castle · Intramuros
2.Fort Santiago
The Spanish citadel at the mouth of the Pasig River, where national hero José Rizal was imprisoned before his execution in 1896. Brass footprints trace his final walk, and the Rizal Shrine museum displays his writings and belongings amid gardens and old walls.
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
3.San Agustin Church
Completed in 1607, San Agustin is the oldest stone church still standing in the Philippines and one of four Baroque churches inscribed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its interior has a 19th-century trompe-l'oeil painted ceiling, and the adjoining monastery museum holds religious art and colonial artefacts.
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
Gallery · Ermita and Malate
4.National Museum of Fine Arts
In the neoclassical former Legislative Building, this museum holds Philippine art from the colonial period to the 20th century. Its centrepiece is Juan Luna's huge 1884 painting Spoliarium, which fills a wall of the entrance hall.
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
5.Manila Cathedral
The seat of the Archdiocese of Manila has been rebuilt several times after fires, earthquakes and war; the present Romanesque Revival building dates from 1958. Its stained glass, bronze doors and large pipe organ are highlights, on Plaza Roma at the centre of Intramuros.
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 · Intramuros
6.Casa Manila
A reconstruction of a 19th-century wealthy family's house opposite San Agustin, furnished with period furniture, a grand sala, a kitchen and an azotea terrace. It shows how the colonial elite lived in the classic bahay na bato style of stone ground floor and wooden upper storey.
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
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Museum · Ermita and Malate
7.National Museum of Anthropology
Across the plaza from the Fine Arts museum, this museum traces the Philippines' pre-colonial cultures, with the Manunggul burial jar, textiles from many ethnic groups and finds from the San Diego, a Spanish galleon sunk in 1600.
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
8.National Museum of Natural History
Housed in a restored 1940 government building, the museum is built around a central atrium with a towering 'Tree of Life' structure. Galleries cover the islands' ecosystems, from coral reefs to mountain forests, and include the skeleton of Lolong, a saltwater crocodile over 6 metres long.
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
1.Rizal Park (Luneta)
The large urban park beside Manila Bay is centred on the Rizal Monument, guarded by ceremonial sentries, near the spot where José Rizal was executed. It includes Chinese and Japanese gardens, open lawns and fountains, and fills with families at weekends.
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
2.Binondo Chinatown
Founded in 1594 for Chinese immigrants, Binondo is often called the world's oldest Chinatown. Ongpin Street and its side alleys are lined with bakeries selling hopia, dumpling houses, noodle shops, tea and herb stores, and the Binondo Church, with its octagonal bell tower, stands on Plaza Calderon de la Barca.
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
3.Quiapo Church and market
The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene houses a dark wooden statue of Christ that draws huge devotion, especially on Fridays and during the January procession. Outside, Plaza Miranda and the surrounding streets are crammed with vendors of herbs, candles, amulets and street food.
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
4.San Sebastian Church
Completed in 1891, this Gothic Revival basilica is built almost entirely of steel, with prefabricated parts shipped from Belgium to withstand earthquakes and fire. The painted interior imitates marble and stone, and restoration work has been ongoing for years.
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
5.Manila Bay sunset
Manila Bay sunsets, with the sun dropping behind ships at anchor and the mountains of Bataan, are famous. The Baywalk promenade along Roxas Boulevard and the seaside walk at SM Mall of Asia are the best places to watch.
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
Historic site · Binondo
6.Manila Chinese Cemetery
Established in the 19th century, this cemetery north of Binondo is lined with elaborate mausoleums, some with kitchens, bathrooms and air conditioning, built by Chinese-Filipino families. It is a striking look at local customs and architecture.
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
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Street · Binondo
7.Escolta Street
Once Manila's most fashionable shopping street, Escolta still has early-20th-century Beaux-Arts and Art Deco buildings such as the First United Building, where small creative shops, cafés and markets have opened as part of a heritage revival.
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
Museum · Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
8.The Mind Museum
A hands-on science museum in BGC with galleries on the universe, Earth, life, atoms and technology, plus a life-size dinosaur skeleton cast. Interactive exhibits make it one of the best indoor outings for children in Metro Manila.
Book a time slot online for weekends and school holidays.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Rainy day
Aquarium · Ermita and Malate
9.Manila Ocean Park
An oceanarium on the bayfront behind the Quirino Grandstand, with a walk-through tunnel tank, jellyfish displays and animal shows, close to Rizal Park and the National Museum.
Combine it with Rizal Park and the Natural History museum for a full family day.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Rainy day
Pick by interest
| Interest | Best picks |
|---|---|
| Art and museums | San Agustin Church, National Museum of Fine Arts, Casa Manila and National Museum of Anthropology |
| History | Intramuros, Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church and Manila Cathedral |
| Views | Manila Bay sunset |
| Outdoors and nature | Fort Santiago, National Museum of Natural History and Rizal Park (Luneta) |
| Food and markets | Binondo Chinatown |
| After dark | Manila Bay sunset |
| With children | Intramuros, Fort Santiago, National Museum of Natural History and Rizal Park (Luneta) |
| On a rainy day | San Agustin Church, Casa Manila, National Museum of Fine Arts and National Museum of Anthropology |
Plan the rest of your trip
Questions travellers ask
+What is the number one thing to do in Manila?
Intramuros. The walled city founded by the Spanish in 1571 was the seat of colonial government for more than three centuries.
+What can you do for free in Manila?
Intramuros, National Museum of Fine Arts, Manila Cathedral, National Museum of Anthropology and National Museum of Natural History. More free things to do.
+What is there to do in Manila when it rains?
Head indoors to San Agustin Church, Casa Manila, National Museum of Fine Arts and National Museum of Anthropology.
+What is there to do in Manila at night?
Manila Bay sunset are best after dark.