Mostly, Manila is merely considered a stopover between flights on the way to another destination. But the decision to stay over in Manila will take you to the fun, crazy, artistic and adventurous parts of the city.
The Philippines is a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean. The city of Manila is situated in the eastern part of Luzon Island.
Manila holds the reputation as the capital of the Philippines, and it has a significant portion of the country’s population. Manila may portray itself as a tropical, crowded city with old buildings and modern superstructures.
But this fast-growing city will never disappoint you when you decide to stop and stay over to take a trip around it. So, what’s on your list?
Best things to do in Manila during the day
- Visit Intramuros
Intramuros means ‘within the walls.’ It was built as a protection from foreign invasions. The historic district has many buildings and churches with 100-year- old architectural structures. Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), San Agustin Museum, and Casa Manila are some of the important structures.
Adventurous fact – The district of Intramuros is where significant battles took place in history. There was a belief that there was something supernatural in the district. A few years back, an event called Intramuros Ghost Night Walk happened with paranormal investigators in the district of Intramuros.
- Visit the National Museum Complex, a great place to know Filipino art and culture.
- Visit Rizal Park, the largest urban park in Asia with 58 hectares of land.
- Shop in the enormous and fancy SM Malls.
These malls are capable of converting the anti shoppers into desired shoppers.
Fun things to do in Manila, Philippines at night
First and foremost, do not miss the sunsets in Manila Bay while sipping a cocktail in the nearest fancy pub before you step into a glamorous night. If you are planning your trip with friends, fun is guaranteed. Because the following are the solid fun things to do in Manila with friends.
- Visit Bonifacio Global City – Manila’s happening nightlife falls here with live music and bars with unique cocktails.
- Crawl in Poblacion Pub
The Most popular thing to do in Manila every night. The streets of Poblacion are lined with exciting pubs and colourful neon lights. Poblacion offers you whatever Filipino liquor you ask for, including Casinos. This is one of the fun things to do in Manila with friends.
- Visit Cove Manila – Glamorous party destination in Manila, a beach club during the day and club spot at night.
Crazy things to do in Manila, Philippines
- Visit Yexel’s Toy Museum
The museum is a life-size toy colection. If you are a crazy toy collector, graphic novel fan, or a crazy Game of Thrones fan who wants to sit on the throne at least onc in your life, then the throne awaits at Yexel’s Toy Museum in Manila.
- Take Bambike Ecotours – Tours around Manila riding a bicycle made of bamboo.
- Visit Distelieria Limtaco Museum – Liquor themed museum with guided tours. They have their line of craft spirits – mango rum, coconut vodka, sugarcane wine and more.
- Visit the World’s first Selfie Museum – there are 3D replicas of paintings, and you know what to do!
Romantic Things to Do in Manila Philippines
Are you going to take the Manila trip with your partner? You may have been on many dates in many places, but the cafes in Manila will sprinkle glitters on your date.
The cafes are incredible date spots; there are various themed cafes with different kinds of fantastic food.
Moreover, Fountain shows at Okada Manila are one of the free things to do in Manila if you are interested.
Last but not least, try lumpiang Shanghai (egg rolls with meat, fish, and vegetables), mami (noodle soup), and hopia (bean-filled pastry) in the food stops in Chinatown.
Wait, does Manila have a beach?
Manila has its bay; the Manila Bay is the Philippines’ major centre of economic activity ranging from shipping, industrial, commercial, fishing, aquaculture and tourism activities.
The city is not really a beach destination, but there are beaches near Manila which need hours of driving. Batangas is an ideal spot that is 3 hour’s drive from Manila if you really crave beaches.
Every year, millions of tourists visit Manila. Tourists from China, Japan, India, Korea, and Australia. Tourists even fly all the way from the United States and from London to Manila to spend their vacations.
Manila can be overwhelming, with many things to do in Manila. But if you plan the trip well, it will be one of the best trips you will ever have. So, why wait? Manila awaits!
