Top 25 Manila Attractions (2023)
Manila is the capital of Philipines and is located on the island of Luzon. Rich with its heritage buildings and a melting pot of culture, there is so much to explore here. Places ranging from churches to ancient monuments to park and super malls. Let us uncover the city beginning with the top 25 attraction in Manila.
1. Ayala Triangle Gardens
Ayala Triangle Gardens is located in the centre of Mekati, a business district in Manila. Surrounded by the urban city, high-rise offices and commercial buildings, this garden is an intersection between Ayala Avenue, Paseo de Roxas and the Makati Avenue. This park is an escape outlet for many people away from hectic city and you will be able to see artistic artworks and monuments of Philipines heroes around grounds. During the early mornings or late evenings, you can see many people jogging and exercising in this urban nature garden.
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
2. Binondo Chinatown
The Chinatown in Manila is one of the oldest Chinese settlement in the world. Encompassing a huge area, this is a gourmet haven for many. Here you will be able to taste wantan mee, dim sum, Shanghai Fried Siopao and many more other Chinese cuisines. Besides that, it is a fascinating place to be in where you will get to see the infamous Chinatown arches, lanterns decorating the streets and also magnificent Chinese temples.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 8:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
3. Bonifacio Global City Artsy Walls
Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is an upscale commercial hub that is known as a shopping and dining destination. Spanning across the entire BGC, street arts invade building and alley, livening up the city. There are a total od 12 murals sites across the city; so why not join in the fun and explore every one of them while you are here. There is no limit to creativity when it comes to street art in Manila, you may even spot a mural dedicating to Stranger Things in the back of Lane O.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
4. Enchanted Kingdom
Enchanted Kingdom is Philipines’s first theme park and owns a variety of world-class rides suitable for the entire family. Spanning across 25 hectares of land, there are almost 20 rides, paintball courts, a giant Ferris wheels and vibrant street parades. This is a perfect place for family and friends to have fun and bond under the sun. You should try out the theme park’s signature ride, Space Shuttle for a thrilling 2 minutes where you will go through the boomerang loop for 6 times.
Operating Hours: Daily, 11:00am – 9:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – ₱800 | Students – ₱500
5. Divisoria Market
If you love shopping, especially with a cheap price tag, this is the place t be. Divisoria Market is a huge market place selling a variety of clothes, bags, shoes and many more. This is one of the popular attractions in Manila and can get very packed on weekends. We will recommend you to visit on the weekdays, and it is always good to haggle before you purchase any items.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00am – 9:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
6. Fort Santiago
Standing guard at the entrance of Intramuros, Fort Santiago is one of the popular heritage sites to visit in Manila. Fort Santiago was built in 1593 by then-governor Miguel López de Legazpi to protect the city. Within the fort, you will find remnants of cannons, prison cells and the other relics of the past. It is a magnificent building that has stood the test of time, providing you with a glimpse of the past.
Operating Hours: Daily, 2:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – ₱75 | Students – ₱50
7. Maginhawa Street
Maginhawa Street is a university street with established education bodies located here. With the student crowd, it is no wonder Maginhawa Street is also a food street that is friendly to your wallets. There are myriads of restaurants and cafes here, whipping up some of the most delicious pizzas in Manila Metro. This place not only offers you a great time but a beautiful backdrop for your Instagram feed as well.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
8. Malacañang Palace
Overlooking the Pasig River, Malacañang Palace is the official residence and workplace for the Manila President. This one hour tour will take you on a journey back to the old colonial times which could be seen in the architecture of the building; stories of the past and present Presidents. Besides then the Presidential museums and library, you will also get a chance to take a glimpse into the staterooms, the place where the President meets his dignitaries..
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – ₱50 | Students – ₱30
9. Manila Baywalk
Manila Baywalk is a 2km promenade that stretches up from the Rizal Park to the Cultural Center of the Philippines. This Baywalk overlooks the Manila Bay offering locals and visitors a relaxing time strolling along this strip. You will also find an abundance of outdoor cafes while enjoying the sea breeze. It is a lively place during the weekends, so why not come here and catch local street performers in action.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
10. Manila Ocean Park
Manila Ocean Park is Philipines first world-class marine theme park and offers you an experience like no other. Divided into eight sections, you will get to see 14,000 marine creatures that live in this place. While you are here, don’t forget to catch the live sea lion show and enter to the trail to Antarctica to see the penguins. The highlight of this park is the 55 metres long underwater tube that allows you to see your favourite marine creatures up close and personal.
Operating Hours: Weekday, 10:00am – 6:00pm | Weekend, 9:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): From ₱620 onwards
11. Paco Park
Paco Park is a quiet and scenic park outside of Manila city. What many people don’t know is that this place was once a cemetery build during the Spanish colonisation. In 1966, this park was converted to become a National Park of Philipines and is open to everyone who would like to enjoy being in the company with nature. Within this modest-sized garden, you will also find a catholic chapel in the centre dedicated to St. Pancratius during your stroll here.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): ₱5
12. Venice Grand Canal Mall
As that names states, this mall is inspired by the Venetian culture and provide visitors with a shopping experience unlike anything they have seen here in Philipines. Venice Grand Canal Mall is a lifestyle centre providing shopping, dining and leisure all under one roof. The best experience would be the Venice waterway course encircling the internal and external part of the mall, where you can experience a romantic boat ride without really travelling to Venice.
Operating Hours: Daily, 11:00am – 11:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
13. Mount Pinatubo
Mount Pinatubo is a 1,486 metres high active stratovolcano that is located on Luzon island. This is a popular attraction among tourists as many would like to see the crater and the lake, formed by a volcano eruption in 1991. The trek up to the summit will take approximately 2.5hours and reveals a gorgeous panoramic view of the area.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Subject to tour rates
14. National Museum Complex
National Museum Complex is an important heritage building that upholds the country’s identity and culture. The Museum Complex comprises of 3 other museums, housed under the same roof and they are the National Museum of Anthropology, the National Museum of Fine Arts, and the National Planetarium. You can easily spend half a day here going through the ancient relics, exhibits and also historical information. You will also get to see pre-historic finds of dinosaur bones in Philipines up for display as well.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
15. Puerta Real Gardens
Puerta Real Gardens is a gorgeous natural landscape within the Intramuros. Surrounded by 18th century stone walls, this is an enchanting place to relax and to appreciate the beauty that the garden holds. Puerta Real Garden is one of the locals favourite place for an outdoor garden wedding, so why not also pin this place the next time you plan a visit to Intramuros.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
16. Quiapo Church
Quiapo Church is one of the oldest church in Philipines. This Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene is located in the heart of Manila. Within this building, is home to a life-sized dark statue of Jesus carrying the cross over his shoulder. Another prominent feature of this church is the detailing of the building that is inspired by Baroque architecture that is highly decorative and intricate with four Jesus statues welcoming the devotees at the facade of the church.
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:00am – 8:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
17. Rizal Park
Rizal Park is one of the largest urban parks in Manila and spans across 58 hectares. Known as Luneta by the locals, you will find the Rizal Monument that symbolises Philipines independence. Standing at 46 metres and flagged by soldiers in full armour. Surrounding the monument is a vast nature area for leisure, perfect for a picnic here with family and friends.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
18. Roxas Boulevard
Roxas Boulevard is another famous waterfront boulevard in Manila. The shore is lined up with coconut trees and is a perfect place for an evening stroll. The sunset here is gorgeous, so why not come and see the sun fading to the horizon the next time you pass by this area.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
19. Salcedo Market
Opens only on Saturdays, Salcedo Market is a place where food lovers gather. Brought together by a community of foodies, you will be able to find an array of local cuisines sold here. Some stores sell fusion-Philipines foods that will tantalise your tastebuds. You can even have a taste of Pierogi which is a Polish dish resembling a dumpling but its filled with potatoes, meat and cheese. Healthier food option are also available for those who are conscious about their health.
Operating Hours: Saturday, 7:00am – 2:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
20. San Agustin Church
San Agustin Church is located within the heritage area of Intramuros. Built in 1607, this church is one of the oldest church in Philipines, surviving the aftermath of World War II. San Agustin Church is an active church and is a popular place for weddings. The church building is heavily ornamented, and while you are here, do check out the impressive tall domed ceiling with intricate designs as well.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
21. SM Mall of Asia
SM Mall of Asia is not only the largest mall in Philipines but the world. Located just next to Manila Bay, this shopping paradise is home to not only some of the top shopping brands but has an Olympic sized skating rink, an indoor theme park and also world-class movie theatre. There is an array of food joints here that you will be in a loss of what good food to try out. Just located outside the mall is a Ferris wheel which will provide people with a birds-eye-view of the size of the mall and its surroundings.
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
22. Casa Manila museum
Located just opposite of San Agustin church within Intramuros heritage sites, you will find this colonial structure built during the Spanish settlement. Replica of a Spanish mansion from the 19th century, this building was constructed using only stones and wood. It is an impressive design and what’s more interesting is the items that are housed in this museum. Here you will be able to see the interiors of the mansion being maintained with a variety of sculptures, paintings and artefacts of old.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): ₱75
23. Taal Lake
Taal Lake is situated at the south-west of Luzon and is a blue volcano crater lake created from its high sulfuric content. Even though the last eruption was in 2021, Taal Lake is still a favourite tourist spot for many. You can engage a tour operator to bring you there, where you will be able to see the blue lake from the summit. If you want to experience more of the crater, you can cross the lake and thread on Volcano Island to see it up close.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Subject to tour rates
24. The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception or Manila Cathedral, in short, is a Basilica that is raised in rank by Pope John Paul II. The church was inspired by the Romanesque Revival architecture where the designs were accentuated by the use of stain glass, cupola and mosaics. This is still an active church, so you are welcome to attend the Sunday mass if you are around the area.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 8:00am – 4:30pm | Sunday, 8:00am – 11:30am
Ticket Price(s): Free
25. Tiendesitas
First opened its doors to the public in 2005, Tiendesitas is a place where you will be able to see the best of Philipines crafts and food all under one roof. Strolling through this shopping mall, you will find unique merchandises, locally handmade goods, organic grooming products and many more. Located within Tiendesitas, you will find a Food Village that attracts the young and old crowds not only for the delicious food but the acoustic live bands that performs every night.
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 10:00am – 9:00pm | Friday – Saturday, 10:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
Home to Intramuros and many iconic heritage buildings, Manila will surprise you with the many things the city has to offer. From shopping, heritage trails or even a hike up to a volcanic crater, Manila has it all. Pin all these attractions the next time you visit this cultural city.