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Read All About Things to Do in Manila!
BY Anindita Dey Mar 29, 2025
With the beautiful Spanish culture spread across Manila, there are a lot of places to visit. There are a lot of things to do in Manila which I will highlight in this blog so that you can plan your trip accordingly. Starting from contemporary museums to art scene, the place is the home of the oldest Chinatown across the world. Let me share with you several elements that will help you explore the place, both the old and the new. I think Manila is one of the best places to visit in February especially because the weather is dry and pleasant. You can easily explore the city during this time. Read All About Things to Do in Manila! If you are wondering about the things to do in Manila, let me share with you some of the coolest places to visit. The nightlife is good here, but I am more of a museum and art scene girlie. It is the home of several parks and museums that will express history to you. Several elements will make you feel that you have come to a previous era. Additionally, several places offer entertainment and fun to people of all ages. Rizal Park A beautiful park, open from Monday to Sunday. It is mostly open from 5 am to 10 am and 11 am to 8 pm. When you visit the park, entry is completely free. There are several gardens, laws, and other outdoor events organized across the 57-hectare park. There is also a statue of hero Jose Rizal, commemorating him, and the name of the park is given. The hero has contributed to the wellbeing of the city hence, you get to see a lot of him and his commemoration in and around the city and places to visit. There are a lot of places where you can go shopping once you explore the city. Henceforth, if you are traveling alone, carry the best travel credit card you possess. Fort Santiago It is a landmark in Manila which is open from Monday to Sunday, from 8 am to 11 pm. The place is a defensive fortress which has a museum exhibiting many arts and sculptures. The national hero, Jose Rizal is commemorated through the exhibits of the museum. In 1571, the Spanish governor and navigator, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi built the castle or the citadel. The city of Manila was newly established by then and is currently one of the oldest fortifications. National Museum of Fine Arts A massive museum, the place is a collection of fine art, botany, natural history and archaeology related to Filipino culture. The museum is open from Sunday to Monday from 9 am to 6 pm. As the home of 29 galleries and exhibitions in the hallway, it comprises national artists and Filipo masters of the 19th century. San Agustin Church A beautiful place to visit, this historic place was constructed in the 16th century. The San Agustin Church is open from Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. The ceilings are vaulted while the church exhibits detailed frescoes. It is a Roman Catholic church which is located in the intricate walled city of Intramuros in Manila. The church functions under the auspices of the Order of Saint Augustine. Furthermore, when you visit you get to see Baroque art in the church. Manila Ocean Park More of an aquarium if you ask me, the Manila Ocean Park is open from Sunday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm. The theme park is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc. and it has evolved into the perfect holiday destination for tourists. It is an aquatic theme park which you will have both fun and knowledge when you check it out. Additionally, it is a perfect place for you, if you are traveling with your kids. It is one of the best places to travel with kids. It is also an educational facility that features live shows, an oceanarium, and hands-on activities. There are all-star Bird shows, Sea lion shows and many more giving you the perfect experience and offering you the thrill of the ocean. Intramuros The meaning of the term, Intramuros, is the “Walled City” which is the oldest district in Manila. It looks like a fortified city which was one of the most important places for Spanish governor during earlier times of colonial times. If you are a lover of history, this is the place for you. The culture of the place has been heavily influenced by the colonial rule and the impact it has on ordinary people. Paco Park An urban park which offers you serenity when you visit it between 6 am to 5 pm from Monday to Sunday. The park has been developed on a cemetery site which is walled of course. There are shaded paths for people to walk along with areas dedicated for gardens. The cemetery is under the maintenance of municipality, and it was built by the Dominicans. During the Spanish colonial period, it was built and filled within it are interred remains of city figures. Ayala Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/DGpqNWWTrLn/?img_index=4 Another amazing museum that you must visit if you are going on a trip to Manila is Ayala Museum. It is open from Sunday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm. The museum has a modern touch exhibiting Filipino archeological exhibits. Starting from history to modern and cultural artifacts and exhibits are available here. There is also a research library that is quite important for you if you are writing a research paper on the history of Spanish colonial period. The place is run by the Ayala Foundation privately. It houses several ethnographic, archaeological and cultural exhibits and art. You will be fascinated to know that the place exhibits the Surigao treasure of the indigenous tribe? Arroceros Forest Park Another urban park that you must visit is Arroceros Forest Park as things to do in Manila. There are a wide variety of plants and trees in the park along with a riverside walkway and a fishpond! A perfect combination of nature and modern practices will enhance your overall experience. The park is open for you to visit from Sunday to Monday from 8 am to 5 pm. The lush green forest is filled with greenery. Did you know this place is also known as “Last Lung of Manila”? Spread across 2.2 hectares, the park is a home of many flora and fauna species. Casa Manila The Casa Manila is a house that now serves as a museum which is open from Sunday to Monday from 9 am to 6 pm. The house was built in the 1850s and is not restored to exhibit art, architecture, and colonial furniture of the Spanish colonial rule. It is often called the living museum which features the way a well to do affluent Filipino family will live. The lifestyle of this family is depicted through the arrangements of furniture, art and architecture. The colonization had severely impacted Manila and this is how we can see when we enter the museum. It is a must-do list of things to do in Manila. Wrapping Up! In conclusion, now that you have gone through the things to do in Manila, I am sure you are already planning on what to do. When you visit the place, I am sure you will experience the ancient practices and instances of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. Comment below on which place is your favorite to visit when you to Manila. You also need to share with us if you think we have missed something on the things to-do list. Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit.
