Manila is a thriving cultural center located in the mid-northern heart of the Philippines. It is one of the country's busiest cities, and visitors will never run out of things to do and attractions to see.
Manila Attractions
The city is rich in history. There are more than just a couple of sites for people to visit that will guarantee amusement and entertainment and enlighten visitors of the country’s colorful past.
In the center of Manila, Intramuros, and its beautiful Casa Manila, was once the walled capital of the Philippines during the Spanish occupation. You can tour the area while riding a Kalesa (horse-pulled carriage) and visit its many antique shops, museums, and restaurants, which are preserved in their historical grandeur.
There are historic churches and museums in almost every corner of Manila. There are also specialty museums such as the Marikina City Footwear Museum. Among other historic homes, the Coconut Palace is a famous guesthouse made of coconut shells and wood.
There are also beautiful parks to explore like Paco Park, an ancient cemetery turned into an oasis of greenery, and the large Rizal Park.
When in Manila, there is always a place to visit and enjoy. Things never get boring, day or night.
Shops and Restaurants
From shopping to dining, Manila offers choices to satiate every individual’s mood, taste, and lifestyle. Shops and markets surround the city. Almost every district of Manila has its own bargain shops or flea markets, such as the famous Divisoria shops and the Quiapo district, which is popular with shopping enthusiasts because people can haggle shops in these areas (which makes the shopping more fun). Here, you can buy native Philippine products and crafts for half the price! You must also visit shops in Binondo, located in Manila’s China Town, and the Tutuban Mall, an old train station that has been restored and transformed into a shopping center.
Manila is also surrounded by numerous malls and department stores that provide specialty shops and boutiques. There are the Ayala Town Centers located in Makati and Alabang and the series of SM (Shoemart) Supermarkets located all over the country.
Restaurants such as Kamayan, Max’s, Gerry’s, and Sentro are some of the many famous restaurants that serve Filipino delicacies. Sentro is located in Greenbelt 2, in Makati, while Kamayan, Max’s and Gerry’s have branches all over Manila and even some branches outside the city. The city is also home to many restaurants offering Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and other cuisines. Anywhere in Manila, there will be a restaurant guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.
Nightlife in Manila
>If there’s one thing Filipinos love, it is music. Who does not love singing karaoke? Karaoke bars such as The Library makes karaoke more memorable with its stand-up comediennes performing for their nightly visitors. Bars, restaurants, and cafes such as Blue Onion in Quezon City provide a wide variety of good food and drinks served in a very cozy atmosphere and provide live music performed by bands on certain nights.Manila is also surrounded by clubs playing all sorts of music. In the mood, located in the Malate district, it is an alternative for those interested in ballroom dancing.