10 Memorable Things to Do in Manila for First-Time Travelers

The Philippines is an amazing travel location, known for its welcoming people and excellent vibes. For first-time visitors, the capital Manila is a great place to start a trip to the Philippines.

Manila is the perfect combination of old and new. The city’s skyline features storied Spanish architecture blended with modern skyscrapers. Whether you’re traveling solo or planning a trip with friends, this city does not disappoint.

Manila is the Philippines' capital and home to over 1.7 million people. It’s a diverse and exciting city, no matter how many times you visit! You can visit historical sites and enjoy the hustle & bustle of a modern metropolitan city.

Is Manila Worth Visiting?

The Philippines is a country consisting of over 7,000 islands and Manila is its cultural hub, home to countless restaurants, museums and historical sites to see. It’s often the first place people visit when traveling the Philippines.

You can see remnants of Spanish architecture throughout Manila. You can still visit the fortified city of Intramuros and learn about the intricate past of Manila. Being in the capital, you’re front and center to many events of the Philippines’ past.

Whether you’re looking for a beach getaway or a history-filled adventure, Manila offers something for everyone.

If you’re a first-time visitor to Manila, you might feel overwhelmed by all the possibilities. Start curating your itinerary with this list of 10 memorable things to do in Manila. There are parks, plazas, cathedrals and more!

Top 10 Things to Do in Manila, Philippines

Add these to your Manila travel itinerary for an unforgettable trip! 

1. Rizal Park

Named after Jose Rizal, a Philippine National hero, Rizal Park is one of the largest urban parks in Asia. Inside the park, you’ll find gardens, historical monuments, picnic areas, and even a museum. The park itself is free to enter, although some attractions inside have an entrance fee.

This park is a perfect place to get some fresh air and spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. As you walk around, you can find the tallest flagpole in the country. There are also horse-drawn carriages for a unique travel experience around the park.

Pro tip: check the rates before your ride to ensure fair prices.

2. San Agustin Church and Museum

Completed in 1607, San Agustin is the oldest church in the Philippines. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church has survived multiple earthquakes, fires, World War II, and hundreds of years of wear and tear.

Its old beauty and charm make it a popular destination for tourists, and is a must visit for any history enthusiasts. The San Agustin Museum offers an opportunity to learn about the church and the Spanish conquistador era.

Within the church, there's a lot of artwork to take in, such as paintings, statues, and pipe organ music to enjoy.

To learn more about Philippine history, book this Introduction to Philippine History tour. It makes several stops at different historical sites, including San Agustin Church. It takes a few hours, but it is one of the easiest ways to see the area's history.

3. Shangri-La Plaza

After a busy day of sightseeing, you might want to kick your feet up and go shopping! With over 300 shops and restaurants, Shangri-La Plaza is a great place to take a well-deserved shopping break in Manila.

Visitors like its spacious interior and the upscale shops. The Plaza also has air conditioning, which is perfect to cool off on hot days. You can grab a quick bite, and browse local brands to pick up souvenirs from your trip.

4. Chinatown

Also known as Binondo, Manila's Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown District in the world. It offers an exciting mix of Chinese culture with Manila energy. There's plenty to see in this part of the city. 

There are many churches, including two famous Buddhist temples and the 16th century Binondo church. 

Be sure to also check out the shopping on Biscolota Street. Though known for jewelry, many other types of businesses and sellers are along this stretch of road. 

Remember to try the unique food offered in Binondo. You'll find classic Chinese dishes, as well as a vibrant street scene offering up Chinese-Filipino fusion dishes. Check out Ongpin Street for the widest variety of food. It’s not uncommon for visitors to create their own Ongpin Street Food Crawl.  

For a true taste of the food in this part of Manila, consider joining the Manila Chinatown Food Tour Experience.  

5. National Museum of the Philippines 

The National Museum of the Philippines is made up of four national museums, and several regional museums. Located next to Rizal Park, the museum allows you to learn about the Philippines’ history, ethnography, anthropology, fine arts and more. 

The four national museums are:

• National Museum of Fine Arts
• National Museum of Anthropology
• National Museum of Natural History
• National Planetarium 

Whether you’re interested in visiting all four museums, or doing an in-depth tour of one, entry is free.  

If you want to focus on the National Museum of Fine Arts, and learn more about Filipino art, consider taking a Private half-day tour of museums in Manila.

6. Manila Baywalk

While it’s great to explore the historic sites of Manila, you should also spend some time breathing in the sea breeze. Manila Baywalk is a 2 km walk along the coast. Besides basking in the sun, you’ll also find many cafes and restaurants for a peaceful break in your day.

The Baywalk is a great place to enjoy a beautiful view and relax. It’s also a favored spot for city runners if you want to keep the habit up during your travels.

You can also keep walking and make it to one of the largest malls in Asia, SM Mall of Asia.

Manila Baywalk is also a trendy nightlife spot. Come back at night to hop on one of the night cruises available. You'll get to experience the city lights with a different view. Hop off and dine at one of the higher end restaurants to treat yourself.

7. Manila Ocean Park

Manila Ocean Park is the country’s first marine theme park. Whether you want to visit the oceanarium, or encounter sea life up close, this is a go-to for many visitors to the city. 

The water for this attraction is from Manila Bay and houses sea life native to the area. The Oceanarium is home to 14,000 marine creatures, all indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. 

One of its main attractions includes a long viewing tunnel where you can come face-to-face with the marine life. There are also some opportunities to meet animals up close, such as penguin feeding, or a sea lion encounter. 

With bird and sea lion shows, this is a fun way to spend the day while learning about hundreds of native marine life species. It’s also a unique experience. 

If you're looking for more unique things to do in Manila, the Zenyu Eco Spa onsite offers a Full Body Fish Spa experience. Take a dip at the fish spa and the dead skin on your feet nibbled off by Dr. Fish. It's truly an extraordinary spa experience. 

8. Divisoria Market

If you’re looking for a shopping bargain, or to experience a Manila flea market, Divisoria Market should be on your itinerary. 

The outdoor market is made of stands in a maze-like configuration. Haggling for the lowest price is the norm in this market, and you'll get some great finds for a bargain.

But be warned, it can sometimes be very crowded and, at times, hard to navigate. If you don't plan to buy anything, it’s still worth a visit for the experience.

9. Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago is a Philippine National Landmark that celebrates the freedom of the Philippines. Built to protect the city, Fort Santiago makes up a key part of the Intramuros - the walled city.

It costs around $2 USD to enter the Fort, and inside you can marvel at the Italian-Spanish architecture or take a stroll around the Plaza De Armas. There are plenty of things to do once you’re inside this national monument. 

You can also get food within the park at several cafes. The Pasig River runs alongside the fort, giving you a beautiful view of the river and the Binondo-Intramuros bridge. 

For tours of this significant part of Philippine history, consider joining this sightseeing tour of Intramuros and Fort Santiago. 

10. Manila Intramuros

One of Manila’s oldest districts is known as Intramuros - the Walled City. This walled city comprises almost 3 miles of wall, and was completed in 1571 by the Spaniards.

Tall walls and moats surround the city and it is considered one of Manila's most visited destinations. It is all that remains of the walled citadel that formed the fortified city. You can wander the cobblestone streets of the walled city and admire the Spanish-style buildings.

While you can immerse yourself in the culture by spending the day getting lost in this walled city within a city, you should also spend some time learning about the history. With a walking tour of Intramuros, you can learn the history of Old Manila.

Honorable Mention: Manila Nightlife

Seeing the sights during the day is important to visiting Manila, but why not also enjoy yourself at night? The nightlife in Manila offers ample opportunities to have some fun! Whether you’re looking for a night of lights, dancing or food, there is something for everyone in Manila.