Manila Sights and Landmarks Guide, Philippines

Mesmerized by Manila

Manila is the place to experience a variety of cultures at play. It is a place to satisfy inquisitive travelers who have adventure in their veins. So if its excitement you seek, it’s time to get mesmerized by the sites and sounds of Manila.

Traveling to Manila

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport is your gateway to Manila. From this bustling airport you can take a cab that can lead you to different parts of the metropolis. On your way out of the airport, don’t forget to convert your cash to Philippine Pesos, which is the country’s form of currency.

Getting Around Manila

Getting around Manila is easy especially with a tourist map on hand. Otherwise, it also helps to ask around since almost everyone speaks English. Manila offers interesting modes of transportation aside from the usual trains, buses and taxis. You can try out the colorful jeepneys, which is the city’s signature transportation. Aside from these, the city offers smaller forms of transportation which can be found in minor streets called tricycles that are as colorful as the jeepneys.

The Sites of Manila

To truly get soaked into the very heart and culture of Manila, visit Intramuros and witness Manila in its pre-Hispanic beauty. From there you can visit Fort Santiago, which not only used to be a palace of a chieftain but now also houses the national hero Jose Rizal’s Shrine. It’s a tourist spot not only for its rich history but its Spanish architecture.

Nearby, it’s best to check out the San Agustin Church and Museum. This baroque style church is the oldest standing church in the country and also has its own museum showcasing its rich history.

Manila is also a shopping destination and the SM Mall of Asia is a site to behold. Located in Manila’s Pasay city, it’s not only the biggest shopping mall in the Philippines but also the third largest in the world. This mall offers endless shopping and dining options, an IMAX theatre and an Olympic size ice skating rink. The mall also offers views of the magnificent Manila bay.

The Sounds of Manila

A visit to Manila is not complete without a taste of its vibrant nightlife. The place to be is at Greenbelt 2 at the Ayala Center. Its home to Manila’s upscale bars and restaurants guaranteed to satisfy the partygoer until the early hours. Notable bars to visit are Nuvo, Uva, Masas, the Temple Bar and Spicy Fingers.

But if you’re up for a grittier atmosphere, head on out to Malate Manila. Check out the streets of Mabini and Adriatico, which are brimming with bars that will delight the senses.

Manila is a hotspot of cultures with influences of Spanish, American, Chinese and Malay which makes for an interesting mix. The people you see and the places you visit truly reflect Manila’s diversity, and here lies its allure and beauty. It’s a city you can’t get enough of.