The mind that never wanders remains a tiny room; travel is the key to an infinite palace.
If you believe, like me, that travel is the beautiful and crazy art of turning a page on our world, then get your spirit ready for the colourful, exhilarating chapter of Manila. I have been told that the capital of the Philippines is just a stopover, a place to stop before the famous beaches. But my loves, I am here to say that it is a vibrant, exciting place to explore on its own, a sprawling canvas that finds some of the world’s oldest history and something of the glittering modern world, a place where the craziness of life is flavoured with the sweetest, sincere hospitality. If you’re asking, is Manila city worth visiting? My answer is a resounding yes!
To travel is to live and to live a thousand lives in a golden day. In Manila, you will experience a thousand lives in a single day. You will walk for ages down a cobblestone street, eat like a king in the oldest Chinatown in the world, and sip cocktails with a skyline view fit for a queen. This is not a city to visit or stopover in; it is an experience. A full-on bliss, crazy yet pleasant overload for the senses.
As someone who has walked the streets, dealt with traffic, and fallen in love with its resilient spirit, I want to share my greatest discoveries with you. This is my personal ranking of the unique and beautiful things to do in Manila, not your average guidebook. Bring your light clothes, your camera, and more importantly, an open heart. Manila awaits to tell its story to you.
My Top 9 Things to Do in Manila
Whispers of Yesteryear – Sightseeing & Heritage
For any history lover or person interested in culture, Manila is a goldmine of culture. The historical sites are not forgotten relics, but instead live and mind-blowing sites that tell of struggle, faith, and the Filipino spirit, making Manila sightseeing a rewarding adventure.
1. Stepping into a time capsule: The Walled City of Intramuros
This is definitely my Number 1 thing to do in Manila. To step through the gates of Intramuros is to leave the present age in the 21st century and instead step into the colonial history of the Philippines. Separated by thick stone walls that are centuries old, this historical core of Manila is an oasis of cobblestones, Spanish architecture, and silence amongst the rumble of Manila. These historical core landmarks are top Manila tourist spots.
Instead of going for the boring tours, I recommend you go on a Bambike Tour. Picture itself: you are leisurely cycling on a bamboo bicycle that is eco-friendly to explore the key landmarks while feeling a calming breeze. That is a way to see an experience, and it should be on every traveller’s list of things to do in Manila. You have to visit:
- Fort Santiago: A fortress with a dark and interesting past, which was the prison of the national hero, José Rizal. Walk the footprints of heroes through the stony walls of this site.
- San Agustin Church: An amazing example of baroque architecture. Its beautiful decorations, the stunning trompe l’oeil ceilings, and the small and peaceful museum attached to it are a welcome break when you need some quiet time.
- Manila Cathedral: A lovely place with colourful stained-glass windows, is a strong symbol of faith and endurance, having been rebuilt repeatedly through war and natural disasters.
You should allow for at least half a day here. Just take your time to sit a little and soak in the charm of the old world; it is a truly lovely break in a busy city.
2. An Afternoon of Artistic Grandeur: The National Museum Complex
For those wondering and interested in high culture and art, a grand day out awaits you at the National Museum Complex, and it’s FREE! In this large area, you’ll find several great buildings, but my personal favourite is the National Museum of Fine Arts! You’ll find many key Manila tourist spots within this complex.
In this museum, you are greeted face-to-face with the awe-inspiring Spoliarium by artist Juan Luna. The massive painting depicts the horrific image of Roman gladiators being dragged to a mound, and it’s more than just a painting; it’s a rich and profound experience, as the painting represents oppression, victory, and everything in between. Standing in front of it moved me to my core as I took in its size and the emotion it conveys.
And don’t forget about the National Museum of Anthropology, where I began to learn more about the rich indigenous culture of the Philippines. Seeing the weaves, artefacts, and crafts opened my eyes and deepened my appreciation for the history and rich beauty of the Philippines beyond its colonial culture. This whole area is great for Manila sightseeing.
For reliable travel information, safety tips, and other official tourist announcements regarding the Philippines, I always recommend checking the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) official site. It’s the best resource for ensuring your trip is safe, legal, and fully informed!
3. A Taste of Modern Soul: Street Art in Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
If Intramuros is the historical past, then BGC is the clean, modern future of Manila. Wandering through BGC felt like walking through the world’s largest outdoor gallery. I loved noticing how the cold modern architecture is instantly warmed and humanised with large, colourful street murals.BGC also offers fantastic modern shopping in Manila.
These are not just blobs of colour; these are explosive narratives created by local and international artists. Wherever you go, there is something ‘Instagrammable’, but better than that, it comments on Manila’s contemporary cultural scene. It is simply fun and free to walk or ride around this area and enjoy the aesthetics. Look for works that reference Filipino mythology and the modern – these are the standout pieces.
The Golden Hour & The City Pulse – Nightlife & City Vibes
When the sun in Manila slowly begins to set, the city takes on another life. This is when the hustle becomes a polished, effervescent energy. The nightlife is also diversified, tailored for every occasion, from orderly reflection to insane madness. You’ll quickly discover why is Manila worth visiting.
4. The Stunningly Gorgeous Liquid Gold Experience – Manila Bay Sunset
Some things are classical for a reason, and watching the sunset on Manila Bay is one of them. All you need is to find a place along Roxas Boulevard or Baywalk, relax and wait for the masterpiece in the sky. This remains one of the most rewarding things to do in Manila.
I have watched the sunset worldwide, but the Manila sunset views here are in a class by themselves. The sky ignites with bold shades of flaring orange, unforgiving crimson and relaxing amethyst that reflect on the still waters. It is a tranquil, deep reflection of beauty and calmness amidst the world’s flow in a city in perpetual movement. It is the best free show in town, an absolute must-do for any first-time visitor. I like to find a cabana beachside, order my buko (fresh coconut drink) and watch the world turn. You might also consider an Evening river cruise in Manila for a different perspective on the city lights.
5. Cocktails with a View: Rooftop Bars in Makati & BGC
If you want to enjoy the fast-paced excitement of modern Manila, you need to spend a night in Makati or BGC. You will be amazed by the views of the skyline from the numerous rooftop bars. There’s no better way to enjoy the sophisticated feeling of being enchanted by the twinkling lights of the city below while sipping a wonderfully mixed cocktail in your hand and feeling right in step with the metro’s cosmopolitan vibe. This experience is a huge part of the incredible Manila nightlife.
But, if you’re looking for a more unusual and bohemian feel, I highly recommend Poblacion in Makati. This place is a lively mix of secret bars, karaoke spots, and small, tasty restaurants. If you have the time, this is a great place to bar hop, meet local people, and discover why Manila is a haven for artists and creative professionals. It has a raw, authentic, and charismatic energy and is a great place to meet friends and create memories. You’ll find the best of Manila nightlife here. For a culinary experience, consider night dining in Manila in this lively area.
6. Indie Heartbeat: Cubao Expo
If you’re after something really different, head to Cubao Expo, located in Quezon City. This incredibly artistic enclave consists of vintage shops, indie artist collectives, and bars that tend to be outfitted with a bohemian style. It offers a cool alternative to mainstream shopping in Manila.
During the day, I enjoyed walking through the interesting shops searching for strange antique finds and vinyl records. But at night is when the space comes to life as a relaxed and artistic hangout. It is not the pounding clubs of BGC; it is a place to have great conversations over a cold bottle of beer. If you love exploring the nighttime local, independent art scene, this is a beautiful and important place to visit. It showcases a different facet of Manila nightlife.
A Feast for the Soul – Culinary Journeys & Tourist Spots
Manila is a foodie’s paradise. Its culinary landscape is a beautiful tapestry of indigenous flavours, Spanish influence, and vibrant Chinese heritage. Forget what you think you know about Asian food; Filipino cuisine is something truly special.
7. A Taste of History: The Binondo Chinatown Food Crawl
This is probably the most sensory experience you’ll have in Manila. Binondo is the oldest Chinatown anywhere, but it is also a culinary shrine. The streets are a glorious, dizzying mix of smells: soy and garlic, freshly baked pastries, and sizzling dumplings. A food crawl is one of the absolute best things to do in Manila.
My advice? Take a guided food tour! While you could go on your own, the local tour guide takes you to the real and undiscovered food treats you would probably otherwise walk right past. You really must get the savoury dumplings, the traditional Hopia pastries from Eng Bee Tin, and the unique hand-pulled noodles. Every piece of food you will try is a little history lesson, a beautifully intertwined fusion of Filipino and Chinese heritage that makes Manila’s culinary heart. Street food here is an absolute must-try for any of the tourists visiting the attraction.
Extra Tourist Spot: After your meal, take a short walk to the nearby Escolota Street. It has some nice examples of Art Deco and Neoclassical architecture, an attractive, quiet reminder of Old Manila, and a nice backdrop for your Chinatown experience.
8. Comfort Food from the Philippines: Tasting the Classics
No visit to Manila is complete without tasting authentic Filipino comfort food, which is built from bold, often sour and savoury flavours that are incredibly rewarding. Sampling these dishes is one of the classic things to do in Manila. This culinary journey answers the question: Is Manila worth visiting?
You literally cannot leave without trying:
- Adobo: It is the national dish, meat (often chicken and pork) braised in a wonderful and tangy soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns. Every Filipino house has its own family recipe, and tasting the differences is fun.
- Sinigang: A wonderfully sour and savoury soup made using tamarind and a great remedy for heat, as well as a sweet expression of the local taste.
- Halo-Halo: This is the iconic dessert, a messy, wonderful dessert made using shaved ice, sweet beans, jellies, fruits, leche flan, and a scoop of ice cream. The term “halo-halo” literally means “mix-mix”, and that is exactly what you do; it’s a chaotic and sweet mix of colour and flavour.
For a classic experience, I suggest visiting heritage restaurants like The Aristocrat, which has been serving nostalgic Filipino food since the 1930s. If you’re planning a deeper dive into flavours, check out our guide on Filipino dishes.
9. The Hilltop Artistic Escape: Pinto Art Museum (Antipolo)
Even though it’s located outside of Metropolitan Manila, the Pinto Art Museum in Antipolo has a truly special and lovely experience to offer, so I gave it a high rank. Located on a hill, it has wonderful architecture, made to look like Mediterranean villas, with galleries laid out in lush courtyards and gardens. For art enthusiasts, this is one of the crucial things to do in Manila’s surrounding areas. It is an ideal spot for Manila sightseeing and photo opportunities.
Pinto is focused on modern Filipino art. It is a real escape from the hustle of the heat and the city. I loved walking around between open galleries, enjoying the way art interacts with nature. It is a serene space, clearly thinking about how the work of local artists of good quality can be celebrated. If you need a calm stop while travelling the Metropolitan Manila sprawl, this is the place for you. The travel out is well worth it for art & nature & the stunning views atop a hill. You can also find some lovely artisan souvenirs here for shopping in Manila.
Final Thoughts: My Magical Manila
Friends, that’s my own mini Manila top 9 things to do in Manila. Yes, there are a lot, and it is big and chaotic. But trust me, when you give Manila the chance to surprise you, it will surprise you.
It is a really special city. It’s the collision between wonderful history and oh-so-cool contemporary. And just like all other cities in the Philippines, Manila has a soul and spirit that is beautiful and may be felt in every corner of the metropolis. The vibrant shopping in Manila districts and the historical architecture make it a unique destination.
So yes, the loud chaos and overwhelming streets are to be embraced, the sunset views seen, and the smiling people and all the absolutely wonderful food tasted, yes, experienced! Manila is not just a passing visit but a wonderful experience you won’t forget, and with World Pinoy Flights getting you there, that journey becomes even more exciting.
Are you ready for your unforgettable experience? Get your bags packed and let the break begin!
Go on, create some epic memories! Wishing you happy, chaotic and completely brilliant holidays!
FAQs About Things to Do in Manila
Is it worth going to Manila or just a stopover for the beaches?
Absolutely yes! For some reason, many people view Manila as a place to stop before heading to the beach. However, I think of Manila as a great tourist destination, as it has a good amount of history (Intramuros), modern art (BGC), awesome food (Binondo Chinatown) and nightlife.
What is the most important historical place I should visit while I am in Manila?
You have to go to Intramuros, the Wall City! It is the historical centre of Manila and has major sites such as Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church and Manila Cathedral. Our guide recommended that we explore by going on a Bambike Tour.
Where can I find the fun and classy nightlife?
Head to the modern areas of Makati or Bonafacio Global City (BGC) for classy Rooftop Bars with spectacular views of the city skyline. Or you could enjoy the local bohemian feel of the Poblacion in Makati as you bar-hopped your evening away.
Where can I get a unique dining experience and try local street foods?
The best place is Binondo Chinatown, which is the oldest Chinatown in the world. I recommend taking a guided food crawl to try some of the savoury dumplings, traditional Hopia pastries, and other interesting fusion foods.
What is the must-try dessert while I am in Manila?
You have to try Halo-Halo. This famous Filipino dessert means “mix-mix” and describes the wonderful chaotic jumble of shaved ice, sweet beans, fruits, jellies, leche flan, and a scoop of ice cream.
