Manila is a wonderful but misunderstood city. The Philippines’ capital is often overlooked by tourists headed straight to one of the country’s pristine beaches and locals who prefer modern business districts like Makati and Bonifacio Global City (BGC). That’s a shame though because “Old Manila,” the historic center, has been undergoing a resurgence in recent years.
New hotels have opened, old buildings have turned into art spaces, and historic museums are here to stay.
We’ve previously published a short piece on “new things to do in Old Manila,” but decided that a five-item list just wasn’t enough for first-timers or those who haven’t visited the city in a while.
So without further ado, here is our significantly more comprehensive rundown of must-sees, must-dos, and must-eats in the City of Manila.
For more events in and around Metro Manila, check out Coconuts Manila’s lifestyle section.
Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago is one of the most famous tourist spots in the walled city of Intramuros. Those who remember it from their elementary school field trips can still look forward to learning about history at a museum dedicated to the life of national hero Jose Rizal, who fought for independence from Spain.
At the Museo ni Rizal (Museum of Rizal), you’ll see a recreation of the cell where he was imprisoned and read his written works like the iconic Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell), a poem Rizal wrote on the eve of his execution.
But Fort Santiago isn’t just about history, it’s also about the present too. The place is perfect for weekends with the family because of its wide open spaces and greenery. The Book Stop Project, a pop-up library, is currently inside the fort, so you can also borrow a book for free and read it under the trees.
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Address: Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila
Manila Cathedral
Churches are found all over the Philippines, but if you only have time to visit one in the city, make it the Manila Cathedral. While the church has been rebuilt and renovated several times (it reopened in 2014 after a two-year renovation), the neo-Romanesque structure still has the same imposing aura for which classic churches all over the world are known.
Address: Cabildo cor. Beaterio St., Intramuros, Manila
San Agustin Church
Another church to visit is the San Agustin Church, just a few meters away from the cathedral. The Baroque-style church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been around since the late 1500s.
Address: General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila
Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant
After visiting the San Agustin Church, walk across the street to Plaza San Luis where you can find a number of establishments including Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant. At Barbara’s, you can try classic Filipino and Spanish food like their paella de mariscos (PHP465/US$8.93) and chicken pork adobo (PHP315/US$6.05).
Address: Plaza San Luis, General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila
White Knight Hotel
If you want to stay in Intramuros overnight, you can opt to book a room in White Knight Hotel. It’s located inside Plaza San Luis and has the same colonial architecture Intramuros is known for. The hotel is also open to events like weddings and parties.
For more information, check the hotel’s Facebook page.
Address: General Luna St. cor. Urdaneta St., Intramuros, Manila
La Monja Loca
Tourists looking for gifts to bring home should skip the cheesy airport souvenir shops and go to La Monja Loca Store instead. It offers locally made goods like bags, T-shirts, and abanicos (hand fans), but instead of the typical selections, many of their products have a modern feel because they were made by up-and-coming businesses and young artists.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRQtmzlA1UC/?tagged=lamonjaloca
Address: Plaza San Luis, General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila
Bambike Ecotours
A kalesa or horse-drawn carriage is the classic mode of transportation in Intramuros, but for tourists who want to see more of the place (and enjoy it with fellow travelers), Bambike Ecotours might be better for you.
In their tours, you get to bike around Intramuros on bikes made out of bamboos and visit many of the tourist spots on this list. Their office is inside Plaza San Luis, so their tours will fit right into your itinerary.
For more information, visit the Bambike website.
Address: Plaza San Luis Complex, Real St. cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila
Destileria Limtuaco Museum
Destileria Limtuaco, the makers of White Castle whiskey, Manille calamansi liqueur, and other local spirits, has been around since 1852 and is the oldest distillery in the country. This year, the company finally opened a museum in Intramuros that chronicles its history.
Inside the bahay na bato (house of stone) structure are vintage bottles of alcohol, old advertisements, and memorabilia like one of the iconic red bikinis still worn by White Castle models today.
Address: 481 San Juan de Letran St., Intramuros, Manila
The National Museum of the Philippines
One of the best ways to learn about a country is through its art, so don’t miss The National Museum of Fine Arts when you visit Manila. It houses some of the best works of Filipino artists, like Juan Luna’s Spoliarium, and entrance is free of charge.
The National Museum of Natural History, another building run by the National Museum of the Philippines, is set to open in May and will contain replicas of the country’s flora and fauna. The building itself is also highly anticipated for its architecture and the “tree of life” structure at its center.
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Address: Padre Burgos Ave., Ermita, Manila
Rizal Park
Rizal Park or Luneta is usually just a quick stop in tours of Manila, but believe us when we say that it’s worth spending hours there, even just to lie around and relax. It’s one of the few public parks in the metro, so take advantage of it.
There, you can jog, sit by the fountain, or have a picnic. For first-timers, don’t miss a photo-op with the Rizal monument and the kilometer zero structure in the Quirino Grandstand right across.
Address: Roxas Blvd, Ermita, Manila
The Manila Hotel
After Rizal Park, cross the street to The Manila Hotel and enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail in their lobby.
The historic structure was built in the early 1900s and its penthouse was the residence of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Today, you can stay in the MacArthur Suite as a guest and enjoy its view of the Manila Bay and 24-hour butler service.
Other notable figures that have stayed in the hotel are Marlon Brando and Ernest Hemingway.
Address: One Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila
Rizal Park Hotel
If you’ve stayed in The Manila Hotel and are looking for something new, book your stay at the Rizal Park Hotel. It’s perfect for tourists because of its close proximity to Rizal Park, but is also a great staycation option for locals. You can choose from five different types of rooms, all with interiors inspired by the building’s colonial architecture.
If you don’t want to stay the night, you can also just eat at their Rizal Cafe, which offers a buffet with Western, Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino dishes.
For more information, visit the Rizal Park Hotel website.
Address: South Road, Ermita, Manila, Metro Manila
HUB: Make Lab
If you’ve gone to all the tourist spots, or simply want to skip them all together, then it’s Manila’s Escolta street you should visit.
Escolta, once called Manila’s Fifth Avenue, has mostly been abandoned, but in recent years, artists and young Filipinos have helped revitalize the area and turn it into a space for creativity, collaboration, and just plain old fun.
If it’s your first time there, head first to the First United Building, where a number of establishments are housed. There, you’ll find HUB: Make Lab, an incubation space for new businesses and artists where you’ll find crafts, contemporary art, limited edition merchandise, vinyl records, and independent clothing brands among other things.
Address: First United Building, 413 Escolta St., Manila
Fred’s Revolucion
One of the establishments inside HUB is Fred’s Revolucion. Following its first branch in Cubao Expo, another artists’ enclave, the bar opened a second one in Escolta that has the same menu of comfort food favorites like fish and chips (PHP198/US$3.80) and cheesy garlic fries (PHP148/US$2.84).
Try one of these dishes during your visit and wash it down with a cocktail or local craft beer.
Address: First United Building, 413 Escolta St., Manila
First Coworking Community
While co-working spaces are popular in business districts like Makati, BGC, and Ortigas, you probably had no idea that you could work in Manila, too. Inside the First United Building is First Coworking Community, where you can spend a day working with unlimited WiFi and coffee.
It has all the perks of a modern day office plus the added charm of the art deco building its in.
It’s open from 8am-6pm from Monday to Saturday and is also available for events.
For the latest rates, check out the First Coworking Community Facebook page.
Address: First United Building, 413 Escolta St., Manila
Folk 1006
Some consider hairstyling an art and in an art space like the First United Building, you bet there’s going to be a barbershop. Now, you can get a haircut in Escolta’s Folk 1006, a barbershop that can give you that trendy dapper cut you’ve always wanted.
The place is small and reminiscent of hole-in-the-wall barbershops found all over the Philippines but also has sleek and classic interiors made of dark wood.
Address: First United Building, 413 Escolta St., Manila
Can’t go to Escolta? Try these other barbershops in Metro Manila.
The Den
A cup of coffee is always good after walking around the city all day, but if you’re in Old Manila, skip the Starbucks and go to a local café instead like Escolta’s The Den.
Coffee is at the center of The Den’s menu and theirs is only made with locally sourced beans. Get their long black for PHP110 (US$2.11) or a manually brewed cup for PHP160 (US$3.07).
The café also features art from local and international artists and sometimes hosts art events.
For more information, visit The Den Facebook page.
Address: First United Building, 413 Escolta St., Manila
Binondo
Said to be the oldest Chinatown in the world, Manila’s Binondo district is rich in culture and should not be missed by visitors. Many skip it because of safety concerns (it has a bit of a reputation), but if you stay vigilant and go with a group of people or join a tour, then it should be OK. There, you’ll see how Chinese, Spanish, and local cultures have mixed into something uniquely Filipino.
Try restaurants like President Grand Palace for authentic Chinese food, say a prayer at the Binondo Church, or bargain shop at 168 mall.
Address: Binondo, Manila
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