Best Things To Do in Manila

Manila combines the charms of Asia in a single place thanks to its cultural diversity and neighbourhoods with unforgettable proposals. From riding bamboo bicycles to delighting in traditional dances, you will undoubtedly be immersed in a journey of contrasts.

Can you imagine visiting a neighbourhood in the middle of a cemetery? In Manila it is possible and I promise you that it has a history worth knowing. Between each visit you can take advantage of gastronomic and cultural stops to make your trip more enjoyable.

Bamboo bikes are a must-see attraction in Manila, as they are a cultural experience and a way to see the city without compromising the environment. These rides are usually concentrated in the historic Intramuros district, which is the most beautiful and oldest area, where time seems to have stood still.

This neighbourhood offers a lively atmosphere and curious nooks and crannies, such as speakeasies. It is also hidden within the walls of Manila and is a window into the city's past. Booking a bamboo bike ride through the Intramuros district is the best way to experience this activity. This way, a tour guide will organise the most convenient itinerary and you won't have to worry about anything.

Santiago Fort

You should not miss a stop at the Fort of Santiago, whose foundations were built around the year 1571. In this Citadel of the Spanish Philippines you can see fragments of Manila's past and discover how it survived the fighting of World War II.

Don't expect to see the original façade, however, as other conflicts destroyed much of the city. The fort was rebuilt, but for some strange reason the façade has remained weathered, and even the stonework is mouldy.

Walk inside and you'll discover the story of Jose Rizal, a key figure in Philippine independence.

Luneta Park

Luneta Park is a very popular park in Manila, perhaps because of the famous Kilometre 0, which marks the beginning of all roads in the Philippines. Many people come here in admiration of the José Rizal memorial, which has an exact replica in Madrid to commemorate his childhood in the city.

In the park there is also a diorama, a kind of 3D model depicting his execution and previous struggle for the country's freedom.

Manila Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is the most imposing church in Manila. Its name is as long as its aisles that display stained glass windows and altars with a solemn atmosphere. Although it was built in 1571, today you can only see fragments of the original façade, as it has been rebuilt several times.

Piazza Roma

In the heart of Intramuros, Plaza Roma awaits you, an exceptional place to take pictures and a nice souvenir of Manila. In the middle of it you can see the statue of Charles IV of Spain, to whom the Filipinos extend their gratitude for providing the first smallpox vaccine. From here you can wander through the alleyways of the neighbourhood to the cathedral.

Manila is a city that holds on to its traditions and the locals love to share them with new visitors. The dance shows are a window into the indigenous and Spanish heritage, where you will be told moving stories and the struggle of the Filipino people.

When you book a dance dinner show in Manila you are in for a wonderful evening and a glimpse of traditional costumes, ancestral movements and scenery that will transport you to different eras of the Philippines. You will enjoy a buffet style dinner in a cosy atmosphere, ideal to let yourself be carried away by the refreshing flavours that will remain engraved on your palate.

You will not have to worry about anything, just enjoy themost famous choreographies and delight yourself with typical artistic expressions such as the ones I am about to tell you about.

• Singkil dances: see how a Muslim princess tries to escape an earthquake as she winds her way through the towers of Mindanao, the second largest island in the Philippines. Filipino fans will simulate the wind currents that hit the country after an earthquake, while the bells on her skirt fill the atmosphere with tension.
• Tinikling dances: a dance that originated during the Spanish Philippines and is characterised by the use of bamboo poles. It is considered one of the most demanding dances in the world, as one second of uncoordination can cause the dance to lose its meaning.
• Pandanggo sa ilaw: this is a folk dance performed in villages and is inspired by the Spanish fandango dance. During the show you can delight in the graceful movement of torches contoured by Filipino dancers.

Manila is a charming city and its colonial buildings tell the story of moments in history. A walking tour is a great way to explore the streets and familiarise yourself with the main tourist attractions.

If you don't know where to start, you might consider taking a guided tour of Manila. These types of experiences offer a window into daily life and are quite enjoyable because they take care of the entrance fees for some attractions. Here are some of the must-see sites that are often included in this type of tour.

Manila House

The streets are full of history, but I dare say nothing compares to Casa Manila. It was built during the colonial era and is one of the few examples of bahay na bato, a type of stone house that marked Philippine architecture during this period. Take advantage of the tour to stop and see exhibits of ancient artefacts and discover what life was like centuries ago.

Memorare Manila Monument

Manila witnessed several wars, the bombings of which left significant human losses. The Memorare Manila Monument is a tribute to the victims of World War II and a way to remember the bravery of citizens throughout history.

San Agustin Church

This is the oldest stone church in Manila. St. Augustine's Church has seen wars, typhoons and earthquakes, but surprisingly its facade has never collapsed and is a mystical place worth visiting. In addition, at the Museum of St. Augustine you can delve into all the anecdotes and curiosities of the church from pre-Columbian times to the present day.

Manila is one of the most complete cuisines in the world, and you have to set aside time and budget for food. Malay, indigenous, Chinese and Spanish influences, as well as age-old techniques and the effort behind family recipes, can all be felt in the dishes. For tasty food I recommend exploring local places, as well as popular restaurants in neighbourhoods such as Binondo or Intramuros.

If you want to go to fancy restaurants you should divert your GPS to the Makati neighbourhood. If street food is more your thing, however, you can explore the streets and indulge your senses at Quiapo Market, the largest market in the Philippines.

A holiday should be a time for relaxation, so if you'd rather not deal with the itinerary and logistics, you can book a food tour of Manila. With a local foodie you'll have access to tastings of typical food and drinks at various venues. Behind every bite there is a story and it's more fun when someone tells you every detail. Here are some dishes and desserts you should try during your visit.

Typical dishes of Manila

• Adobo Filipino: it is impossible to go to the capital and resist trying the typical national dish. Here you will find the best proposals and it is pleasant to feel how the tender chicken or pork meat melts on your palate.
• Sinigang: it is a sour pork, fish or shrimp broth that achieves this flavour thanks to the fact that it is marinated in tamarind sauce.
• Kare-Kare: a thick meat stew served with vegetables, peanut butter sauce and bagoong (fermented shrimp paste).

Traditional Manila desserts

• Ensaimada: this is the star of Filipino pastries and is notable for its soft dough that is sprinkled with cheese and sugar. And no, it is nothing like the one from Mallorca.
• Halo-Halo: a colourful shake of assorted fruits combined with condensed milk, jellies, ice cream and sweet beans.
• Leche Flan: this is a melt-in-the-mouth flan, a favourite dessert of Filipino families, made with condensed milk and egg yolks.

Manila Street Snacks

• Isaw: chicken intestines marinated in a Filipino sauce.
• Balut: a duck egg served boiled or steamed. It can be a bit weird at first because you eat it straight out of the shell, but I promise it's delicious.
• Kwek-Kwek: is a typical snack consisting of breaded and fried quail eggs. They are tastier when dipped in a sweet and sour sauce.

Typical Manila drinks

• Tuba: an alcoholic drink made from fermented coconut flowers.
• Sago't Gulaman: a cold drink made from sago pearls that tastes like tapioca.

Manila is home to the oldest Chinatown outside of China. Binondo fuses Filipino and Chinese culture and marks the fraternity between the two nations. Its heritage has been solidified since 1594 and as you walk through its streets you'll find yourself surrounded by colourful shops, posters and enticing aromas mingling together.

I suggest you start in the heart of the neighbourhood, where the first thing you'll notice is the Santa Cruz Church. If you'd like to take some Chinese goods home with you, just walk down Ongpin Street, which is also considered a haven for jewellery and medicinal herbs.

Take lots of pictures of its unforgettable streets that are always decorated with mythological figures, such as Chinese dragons, and a variety of street murals. Here it is impossible not to be tempted to try various street dishes and many people recommend a siopao tasting at different venues.

In the financial centre of Makati it's as if you suddenly find yourself in a completely different city. The cultural and architectural diversity is evident in this neighbourhood, where you can marvel at the skyscrapers and make the most of the nightlife.

If you'd like to meet other tourists and socialise during your holiday, you're in the right place! Makati has a myriad of bars and other entertainment ranging from the trendy Greenbelt and Glorietta shopping malls to Ayala Triangle Gardens which is considered the green lung of this neighbourhood.

Manila is famous for being home to some of the world's strangest cemeteries. They have designs that seem to have hidden messages, as well as shared tombs for the living and the dead. I know it's hard to get a picture of these, so I'll tell you a little more about each one.

Manila American Cemetery

The Manila American Cemetery is the resting place of thousands of World War II casualties, especially a large number of American soldiers who fell in the Philippines. What attracts the curiosity of visitors is its peculiar circular design with small limestone crosses that at first glance resemble a military formation.

Manila Chinese Cemetery

The Manila Chinese Cemetery is the resting place of thousands of Chinese who were buried during the colonial era and were forbidden to use Catholic cemeteries.

It's certainly a window into Chinese burial traditions and at first glance they look like mausoleums, but some recreate houses and mansions inside to make the spirits feel more comfortable. Above the tombs you can see photographs, flowers and candles surrounded by bedrooms or living rooms.

Although it seems impossible to live in a cemetery, some of them are actually inhabited! They have all the necessary comforts and that is why they are known as the neighbourhood of the living and the dead.

Another neighbourhood you should visit is Quiapo, a vibrant and chaotic district where you can see eccentricities that contrast with the tranquillity of the Filipinos. Although it seems to have an exclusively religious aura, it goes beyond that and in the streets of Plaza Miranda you can find vendors selling secret potions, amulets and Arab handicrafts.

Its main attraction is the Muslim culture and you can take the opportunity to visit the Golden Globe Mosque, which is not unnoticed as you walk around the city, as well as the Green Mosque.

Of course, I recommend you visit the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, where the carved image of the Black Nazarene is carried in procession every January 9th. You must also stop by the Church of San Sebastian, the only steel church in the Philippines.

From Manila it's easy to get to other magical places in the Philippines, as well as getting off the beaten track. If you have enough days in your itinerary, you could include a getaway such as booking a trip to Tagaytay from Manila.

It's a paradise about an hour's drive from the city where you can breathe in the fresh air, get up close to the Taal volcano and take advantage of several hiking trails. There are plenty of places in the area offering adrenaline-pumping activities such as zip-lining or a ride on the Sky Eye.

If I had to choose a getaway to Manila's rural landscapes, I'd probably book a trip to the Villa Escudero Plantation. It's a bit more remote than Tagaytay, but I can assure you it's worth it. It's a popular destination because the Escudero family has been a pioneer in coconut and sugar cultivation.

You can learn about agricultural production and explore the mansion's museum, whose display of antiques and artefacts is fascinating. In this area it's not uncommon to coincide with folk performances celebrating Filipino culture. But there are also thrilling adventures such as a buffalo cart ride to Labasin Falls, known for its bamboo tables that invite you to sit and enjoy a gastronomic experience surrounded by a natural paradise.