8 Reasons to Visit Manila in The Philippines
Find out what makes Manila worth visiting with these eight main reasons to visit Manila.
When I booked my first trip to the Philippines everyone said, “Don’t go to Manila!” and “Skip Manila!”. But, as it is the place where most international flights to the Philippines arrive and depart, I decided to spend a couple of days in the city on the end of my trip.
So… did I find Manila worth a visit? Surprisingly, I did. It’s not as beautiful as many of the smaller islands, but it does give you great insight into how many Filipinos live. In fact, it’s one of the largest and most densely populated cities in the world with a metropolitan area spanning 239.22 square miles (619.57 square kilometers) and a population of 13,484,462 as of the year 2020.
Still deciding if you want to spend any time in Manila? Let’s take a look at the 8 key reasons Manila is worth a visit and then dive deeper into the question of if you should spend a day or two on your Philippines itinerary in Manila.
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1. Cultural and Historical Sites in Manila
There are many amazing cultural and historical sites in Manila. Each one offering a glimpse into the Philippines’ past. For example, Intramuros, the old walled city, stands as a testament to Spanish colonial influence. It still has well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic churches, including Fort Santiago. The easiest way to visit is by taking a tour of Intramuros, like this one.
Rizal Park, on the other hand, is named after the national hero Jose Rizal, and is a significant open space where locals and tourists alike gather to relax. Make sure to find the giant map of the Philippines laid out in a large water pool.
You’ll also want to visit the National Museum of the Philippines. It provides a comprehensive journey through the country’s art, history, and natural heritage. Here you’ll find an extensive collection of artifacts and artworks.
Exploring these amazing things to do in Manila allows you to better understand the Philippines and Filipino people. And, it’s not things you’ll find elsewhere in the Philippines!
2. Manila Food Scene
Manila’s culinary scene offers a wide variety of flavors, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped Filipino cuisine. From the savory delights of adobo and sinigang to the sweetness of halo-halo, the city offers a delicious taste of the Philippines.
Street food vendors also are a great place to find an authentic taste of local favorites. In fact, I found there were multiple street food festivals in Manila while I was there. They were great fun to peruse and taste the local delicacies. Another fun way to experience Filipino food is with a street food tour. Check out this popular option.
If you want, you can also check out some of the cities’ high-end restaurants. They serve more innovative twists on traditional dishes. Overall, Manila’s food scene is not just a culinary experience but a cultural one.
3. Shopping in Manila
For avid shoppers, Manila is the best place to shop in the Philippines. Here you’ll find a plethora of malls and markets catering to every taste and budget. From the upscale boutiques in Makati to the vendor stalls of Divisoria, Manila offers a wide array of shopping experiences.
Greenhills Shopping Center is renowned for its diverse selection of affordable goods, including clothing, accessories, and electronics. The upscale Greenbelt Mall in Makati, on the other hand, boasts luxury brands and a sophisticated shopping environment.
Whether you seek local crafts, international fashion, or unique souvenirs, Manila provides the best shopping in the Philippines.
4. Manila Nightlife
Manila’s nightlife is one of the stand out features of the city. The central business districts of Makati and Bonifacio Global City come alive after dark, featuring an array of bars, clubs, and lounges – something for everyone!
From rooftop bars with panoramic city views (my favorite) to energetic nightclubs playing the latest beats, the city caters to those looking for a thriving nightlife. Another option is to check out one of the many live music venues showcase the Philippines’ musical talent.
Nightlife in Manila is not just about entertainment, but it’s an opportunity to experience the city’s infectious energy and the warmth of Filipino hospitality. To find the best places to go near your accommodations, ask your hotel for recommendation and check Google maps so you can read reviews before you go!
5. Traffic and Infrastructure
Navigating streets in any foreign country can be a challenge. Manila’s streets are no different. With heavy traffic being a reliable feature of the city, you’ll need to check out the many transportation options.
For example, some areas, such as Makati, have organized infrastructure and accessible public transportation options. The Metro Manila subway project, which has been underway for a while, aims to alleviate congestion and enhance transportation efficiency in the long run. It’s simple to use with straight forward ticket processes, but the trains can be warm and overcrowded.
A more local mode of transportation in Manila is taking a Jeepney. These shared rides offer two benches along the inside of a long covered pickup truck type vehicle. When you enter, you pass your fare up to the driver. Beware, they cram as many people into them as possible, there is little leg room, and even less head room. Additionally people may hop on to beg and it can be a challenge to navigate their routes. That being said, it is definitely one of the most traditional ways to get around!
Exploring the city requires strategic planning to mitigate the impact of traffic, but the vibrant neighborhoods and cultural attractions scattered across Manila make the effort worthwhile for many travelers.
6. Cultural Experiences
Like any large city, Manila hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year. If you’re fortunate enough to catch one, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the rich Filipino traditions and really get to know the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people.
Festivals, such as Sinulog and Ati-Atihan, showcase local costumes, traditional dances, and lively processions that celebrate local heritage. Meanwhile, art exhibits, theater performances, and music festivals also contribute to the city’s cultural calendar.
If its important to you to catch an event, search what’s going on before booking your trip. Otherwise, once you’re in Manila you can ask around for special events going on. There seems to always be something special going on in the city.
7. Natural Beauty in Manila
While Manila itself is a giant metropolis, those seeking natural beauty can find it nearby in the surrounding areas. The most popular must-visit outdoor destination from Manila is Taal Volcano. It’s just a short drive from the city and you’ll be able to see its crater lake and the surrounding greenery. Check out this popular day tour from Manila to Taal Volcano.
Another option is Pagsanjan Falls. It’s located a few hours away and you’ll be able to take a boat ride through a river gorge leading to the cascading waterfalls. If you’re interested, learn more about it with this awesome day trip to Pagsanjan Falls.
If you have two or three days in Manila, you may want to take advantage of these amazing city escapes. It’s helpful in balancing the busy city with the picturesque Philippine countryside.
8. Local Hospitality
One of the standout features of Manila is the warmth and friendliness of its people. Filipinos are known for their hospitality and will often go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome. As a visitor, this genuine friendliness enhanced my overall travel experience and ability to explore and get to know the city of Manila.
Whether it is interacting with locals at markets, seeking recommendations from residents, or participating in cultural events, the hospitality of Manila’s people 100% contributes to the city’s charm. This welcoming atmosphere is a key factor that can turn a visit to Manila into a truly memorable experience.
Is it worth visiting Manila?
Whether Manila is worth visiting depends on what you look for in a destination. If you’re fascinated by big cities with rich cultural and history, diverse culinary experiences, and a buzzing urban vibe, Manila can be a compelling destination.
However, potential downsides include traffic congestion and the challenges associated with its slightly lacking urban infrastructure. If you prioritize natural beauty, you might find more satisfaction in exploring the surrounding areas, like Taal Volcano and Pagsanjan Falls rather than the city.
Ultimately, Manila’s worth as a destination hinges on what you want in your travel experience. I personally enjoyed spending a few days in the area, but I also had multiple weeks in the Philippines. If you’re limited on time, I recommend you focus your itinerary around the more naturally beautiful islands and areas like Boracay and Palawan. They are after all, what makes the Philippines a true tourist destination!
Explore More of The Philippines
Now that you know why you should visit Manila in the Philippines, it’s time for you to decide if it’s for you. Fortunately, there are many other things to do in this beautiful island country. Continue planning your Philippines itinerary with these helpful posts.
- 14 Travel Tips for the Philippines: Know Before You Go
- Budgeting for the Philippines: 2 Week Itinerary plus Costs
- How to Get from Cebu City to Bantayan Island: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Renting a Motorbike to Explore Bantayan Island
- How to Get from Bantayan Island to Malapascua Island: Island Hopping in the Philippines
- How to Travel from Malapascua Island to Boracay: A Step by Step Guide
- Scuba Diving on Malapascua Island: The Essential Guide
- Spend a Day on Malapascua Island Getting the Local Experience
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