Manila provides visitors with many amazing experiences, from shopping and dining in one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world to an interactive marine theme park and hotel like Manila Ocean Park’s Hotel H2O.
Unlearn more about Intramuros, Spain’s walled city, on either a guided walking tour or bamboo bike ride with us! Don’t miss seeing its breathtaking San Agustin Church as part of your tour. And you can always visit much more thanks to the routes from Vancouver to Manila offered by Cathay Pacific.
1. Intramuros
Intramuros is an iconic historic district filled with old structures that showcase Philippine culture and history. Intramuros has long been part of Filipino life – families gather there during lunchtime for lunch meetings or couples stroll through its streets at night admiring buildings’ facades; young people meet there after school or work to hang out together or relax after a day’s work or schooling.
Intramuros is one of Manila’s top tourist spots and an attraction for both local and foreign visitors due to its rich heritage. This old walled city contains some of the country’s most important historic structures from churches to museums; and has stood up through centuries of wars, earthquakes and typhoons, while still boasting modern amenities like shopping centres.
As both a tourist and local, walking Intramuros is by far the best way to experience it. Walking lets you take in all its attractions at your own pace while seeing all its sites. However, if you prefer saving time and moving more quickly you could always take an Uber taxi ride or bus ride instead.
Start off your visit at Manila Cathedral, an impressive building that serves all Catholics in the Philippines and features architecture that blends Catholic and Philippine themes, European abstraction and Mexican realism. Also noteworthy is Baluarte de San Diego – part of Intramuros fortification system which has endured wars, earthquakes and even typhoons!
San Agustin Church, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Asia’s oldest churches, stands out as another prominent attraction in this area. Boasting Romanesque, Baroque and Renaissance styles alongside Philippine craftsmanship; particularly noteworthy is its trompe l’oeil ceiling paintings.
Are you an art enthusiast? Visit Casa Manila – a two-building museum complex featuring artwork and artifacts that reflect life during Spanish colonization in the Philippines. Opened only recently (2019), this museum makes for a refreshing new travel attraction in Manila.
2. National Museum of the Philippines
The National Museum of the Philippines chronicles thousands of years of Philippine history and anthropology through five permanent exhibitions, featuring its extensive collections. Discover ancient stone tools and pottery in Origin exhibit, or admire a skull cap belonging to Tabon Man – considered to be humanity’s oldest human relic – while enjoying ethnographic and archaeological collections that appeal to families with children as well as adults alike.
New to Manila’s museum scene is Rizal Park’s Neoclassical Icon Museum; an architectural marvel with four floors of exhibits surrounding a steel “Tree of Life”. Boasting interactive spaces and learning experience corners, it makes an excellent option for kids and adults alike; furthermore it serves to introduce visitors to Philippine flora and fauna biodiversity.
Backpacks and bags larger than brief bond paper are prohibited from entering the museum, while guests should refrain from touching or leaning on any objects and displays on display.
The museum features oil paintings that highlight the Catholic influence on Philippine culture and tradition, covering themes such as birth, suffering and reincarnation. By contrast, the second floor features contemporary Filipino art such as wood carvings and pearl shell works, traditional clothing displays as well as family heirlooms to illustrate this aspect of Filipino culture.
Gallery 3 provides an in-depth exploration of the archipelago through time. Here, visitors can see gold coins, an ivory beaded rosary rosary and remnants from an old Spanish galleon that sank off Manila Bay in 1600 – alongside salvaged cargoes from ships at Five Centuries of Maritime Trade.
Science fans will find much to admire at the Mind Museum, which opened in 2012. Situated within an old Agricultural and Commerce building, this interactive museum fuses art, science, technology and educational displays for an amazing experience that caters both students and adults. Within walking distance from Ayala Museum’s entrance lies this magical destination!
3. Baluarte de San Diego
Manila is an energetic and colorful metropolis with a long and rich history, evidenced by reconstructed colonial homes, monuments to its 16th-century foundation and delicious cuisine like adobo (chicken or lamb cooked in garlic-rich sauce) and lumpia (spring roll wrappers). Furthermore, Manila also embodies creativity through art galleries and an active indie music scene.
Visitors looking to explore Manila’s cultural side should head towards Intramuros’ historic district. Here you’ll find numerous museums and attractions ranging from restored churches to the nation’s first presidential palace; plus guided visits can allow people to relive history at sites such as Baluarte de San Diego dating back to its foundation of Manila.
The fortress is one of Manila’s premier tourist spots, thanks to its impressive remnants from Spanish colonial period relics like memorabilia of Jose Rizal at Rizal Shrine and replica of his ancestral home in Laguna province. December through May is best for visiting so as to minimize rain-induced obstruction of views of its stone walls.
For those seeking respite from city life, Manila offers several parks. If you want a peaceful respite, head for Arroceros Forest Park; often referred to as “Last Lung of Manila,” its lush green lawn features native trees for you to unwind under.
4. Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago’s wide open spaces make Intramuros an excellent place for a leisurely stroll away from Manila’s bustle, providing an escape from its hectic pace. Guided tours are offered but it is simple enough to explore these well-preserved walls and dungeons on your own; simply wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat and sunscreen, and stay mindful as you enter or exit Fort Santiago structures.
Fort Santiago was constructed by Spain to protect urdu techy their spice trade, but became a symbol of Philippine independence after they gained freedom from Spain in 1896. Unfortunately, during World War II when Japanese forces used it as their headquarters and tortured prisoners there. To honor those who perished at Fort Santiago during this period and also house the Rizal Shrine Museum where Jose Rizal was imprisoned and eventually executed, memorial walls have been constructed; both facilities house the Rizal Shrine.
As you wander the fort’s walls, you will discover an eclectic mixture of architectural styles from throughout its long history. Take some time to admire San Agustin Church cloisters – exquisite pieces of Philippine baroque that blend Catholic and Byzantine tropes with European abstraction and Mexican realism; its crypt holds conquistadors and martyrs while its trompe l’oeil ceilings provide stunning detail!
From the church, take a short walk over to Plaza Moriones where tickets for Fort Moriones can be purchased. Its ornately carved entrance gate bears Spain’s seal while inside there’s an exhibition honoring its namesake with memorabilia from his life displayed within.
For a quick tour of the fort, join one of the guided walking equiim and learning programs offered throughout the day. For longer stays, stay at a nearby hostel such as Monchere Dormitory which is within walking distance to both Malacanang Palace and Fort Santiago – offering both private rooms and dorms with complimentary breakfast service and Wi-Fi connection.