Bustling with energy, history and people, Manila is the ever-growing capital of the Philippines. Though many of what were considered the city’s most beautiful sites saw a lot of destruction in World War II, Manila has built itself back up and never lost its position as the country’s center in every way.
Manila the Metropolis
Divided into different districts, Manila is home to 9.5 million people who are known for their hospitality and friendly behavior to visitors. Though there are several historic and modern sites to see in this impressive city, Manila is often visited just as a one or two day stop on the way the islands.
Intramuros
Intramuros, the oldest district and the historic center of the city, is the most popular with tourists. Characterized by a three-mile long stone wall that surrounds the area, this neighborhood is filled with historic churches, monuments, fortifications, plazas and museums. Fort Santiago, the former military headquarters of the Spanish colonial government, is probably the most popular site. The Spanish Baroque style San Agustin Church is also located here and is said to be the oldest stone church still standing in the Philippines and is a popular site for weddings.
Rizal Park
Right outside of Intramuros next to Manila Bay is Rizal Park, also known as Luneta. Here tourists will find the Manila Hotel, a historic site that holds particular importance in the American colonial era, as well as several museums, a planetarium and restaurants. Luneta is home to a popular open-air theater that offers free classical music concerts. The park is also the perfect place to enjoy a stroll or a leisurely picnic by the water.
Chinatown
A popular, more metropolitan neighborhood is the city’s Chinatown, which is one of the largest in the world. Offering exotic Chinese goods, including teas and herbal remedies, as well as amazing cuisine and drinks, Manila’s Chinatown is very crowded but worth walking through, even if you only stay on the neighborhoods main street.
Quiapo
Quiapo is also a very busy district of the city, but an important stop for bargain hunters, who will appreciate the area’s inexpensive electronics, handcrafted goods, foods and beyond. Quiapo is also home to the Black Nazarene, a life-sized, dark-colored wooden sculpture of Jesus Christ. It is believed that the sculpture has miraculous healing powers and each day thousands of people walk through Quiapo just to touch it.
Other Places to See
Other important sites in Manila include the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Chris), which features distinctive green and white gothic spires, the Coconut Palace, a mansion made of hardwood, coconut shells and coconut lumber that was originally built as a guest home for Pope John Paul II, and the Malacanang Palace, home to the country’s president. Though the palace is heavily guarded, some areas and the nearby gardens are open for tours.
Dining and Nightlife
The cuisine in Manila is truly one-of-a-kind and has influences from all over the world that can be seen on ever street corner. The city is also known for it’s lively nightlife and, depending on the neighborhood, you will find many bars and lounges that are open all night. To accommodate, most of the restaurants and fast food chains are open 24 hours a day so that those stumbling out after a night of partying can enjoy a bite to eat.
Hotels
The accommodations in Manila vary widely and you truly get what you pay for. Those looking to spend a bit more are treated to contemporary, elegant accommodations while those on a strict budget often stay in crowded hostels. There are a number of budget-friendly, clean hotels for the middle class, but they can be a bit more difficult to find.
