The Philippines may be a Third World country, a place where slum areas with derelict conditions are found in many areas, where traffic is bad, and where the local economy isn’t perfect. But, if you don’t mind landing in this country with these before you, this Southeast Asian nation has a lot of things to boast to tourists. The Philippines is known for its beautiful beaches, far from its crowded capital, Manila, and many other attractions. If you are visiting this country and want to experience its cities, you might want to get started with Manila. There’s magic in Manila, and there are various things to do in Manila. 

Bursting with its own distinct energy and history, this bustling metropolis still has a plethora of activities and attractions travelers can enjoy. From exploring historical landmarks to indulging in delicious recipes, Manila promises a wide range of experiences. Whether colonial architecture intrigues you, or you want to experience having fun in the most unique way, Manila definitely has something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do in Manila. 

Best Things To Do In Manila

Find out the best things to do in Manila with this guide. 

1. Unravel And Learn The Country’s History At Intramuros – The Walled City – And Fort Santiago

The Philippines was colonized by the Spanish for over 300 years, you read that right. Much of the turning points in the country’s history are during this time. And, the influences of Spain to the Philippines are still seen even until today. For instance, many of Manila’s streets and landmarks have Spanish names, such as what you’ll learn next. 

Start your things to do in Manila by getting to know the country’s history at Intramuros and Fort Santiago. Let’s begin with Intramuros. Intramuros, which is also referred to as “the Walled City,” is where you can find remnants of Spain housed within a European-styled landmark.

Just by looking at it, it will have you second-guessing whether you are still in the Philippines or somewhere in Europe. Being the former colonial outpost of the Spanish empire, Intramuros has cobblestoned streets, towering churches, and colonial-style villas that seem like they’ve been inherited from Europe.

Intramuros is like another dimension from the towering high-rises around it. The place is best explored on foot, as you weave your way past colonial villas, Baroque churches, and administrative buildings. And when Manila’s heat is already scorching you too much, take a rest at the nearby Casa de Manila, which also showcases Spanish colonial architecture, and there’s also a restaurant here.

Then, you’ve got Fort Santiago. Located within the walled city of Intramuros, Fort Santiago has been a part of Philippine history. Here, there are structures like the Rizal Shrine which is dedicated to the country’s national hero, and a prominent player during the country’s revolution against Spain, José Rizal. 

Fort Santiago has shaped Manila from the time when it was still ruled by Spain to World War II. Aside from being a place for sightseeing, there are also several photography spots in this landmark.

2. Ride The Philippines’ Premier Modes Of Transport, The Jeep And The Tricycle

Your travel to and things to do in Manila won’t be completed without experiencing rides on the country’s primary modes of transport, the jeepney and the tricycle. While you can take the trains plying around the Philippine capital, or are ready to spend more riding the local taxis or Grab, a digital transport hailing platform that has been very friendly to the Philippines, nothing beats the experience with the jeeps and the tricycles. 

The jeep and the tricycle are a preferred mode of transport of the Filipinos because their fares are cheaper than other transportations’. Philippine jeepneys are minibus-like public utility vehicles that appear to be the counterpart of Bangkok’s tuk tuks, or open-air cabs. Also open-air, these jeeps are said to have been inherited from the original jeeps that American GIs used before they departed the Philippines after World War II ended. Then, Filipinos recycled the original jeepneys as buses with bodies made of galvanized or stainless steel, fabric covers instead of side windows, and benches inside that can accommodate around 20 passengers or more. Jeepneys ply routes in almost every major city in the country.

On the other hand, another popular form of transportation for Filipinos is the tricycle. Tricycles are actually motorcycles with side cabins, and comprise of only three wheels, hence the name. Like the jeepneys, these tricycles also evolved from abandoned military vehicles from foreign invaders, particularly from Japanese retreating forces this time.

But, here are some reminders. If you are riding the jeepney or the tricycle, have a lot of patience. The jeepneys, for one, carry several passengers, and when it is full, it can get really cramped inside. Both these modes of public transport are also not air-conditioned, so prepare your towels for your sweat. You can also hear the running of their engines from inside. But nonetheless, they are a fun experience.

If you are liking this “things to do in Manila” piece so far, we got more guides about the Philippines you must also read: 18 Best Photography Spots In The Philippines

3. Try The Country’s Street Food

The country has an extraordinary culinary scene, consisting of recipes that are relatives of its Southeast Asian neighbors, and those inherited from its colonizers. But, if you really want to get down and dirty, you will be willing to risk your liver (well, we’re overstating), and try the Philippines’ street food. 

Like the jeepneys in Manila, for instance, stalls that sell these gastronomic goodies are almost everywhere – near malls, near schools, and near famous landmarks. Most of these street foods come on sticks with delectable sauces, whether you want sweet or spicy. Some of the most popular foods of this kind are fish balls on sticks; isaw, or pork or chicken intestines, also on stick; kwek kwek or quail hard-boiled eggs wrapped in breading; and the famous balut or fertilized duck egg. Be sure to try the balut.

4. Try The Juicy And Crispy Fried Chicken Of Jollibee

If you think that the local street food is a bit unsafe for you, of course, there are cleaner and more decent options. If the United States has In-N-Out Burger, the Philippines has Jollibee. 

Jollibee is a fast-food chain founded and owned by a Filipino. And like how the Filipino masses prefer jeepneys over the more expensive transportations, both the country’s rich and poor are patrons of Jollibee. This fast-food restaurant serves affordable burgers, spaghetti, rice meals, ice creams, and more. But do you know what Jollibee’s specialty is? It’s their juicy and crispy fried chicken that the restaurant brands as the “Chickenjoy.” This is a must-try. 

On a side note, Jollibee is a true pride of the Philippines as it has also earned a reputation internationally. It has branches worldwide, such as in Saudi Arabia, China, and the United States, so you might find a Jollibee near you. Certainly one of the must-try things to do in Manila.

Welcome to our “things to do in Manila” guide. There are more stories about the Philippines from our blog: Best Photography Spots In El Nido, Palawan

5. Meet The Filipino-Chinese Community In Binondo, The World’s Oldest Chinatown

The Filipinos and the Chinese have strong relations. Aside from a non-stop flight from Manila to Beijing being just around five hours, according to statistics, there are around 1.35 million Filipino-Chinese people in the Philippines. These Filipino-Chinese also generally have a stronghold in the country’s economy, as they own some of the biggest businesses here, such as SM Supermalls, which you learn about later on.

Many of the country’s Filipino-Chinese people consider Binondo as their home. Touted as the oldest Chinatown in the world, Binondo – located just a few minutes away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the main airport in the country – was established in 1594 by Spaniards as a settlement near Intramuros for the Catholic Chinese. Interestingly enough, it was positioned such that these colonial rulers could keep a close eye on their Chinese migrant subjects.

There are so many things to do in Manila here in Binondo. You can embark on a food tour trying Chinese food – from dumplings to noodles – ride a horse-drawn carriage that can bring you around this community, and go bargain hunting along Ongpin Street. Plus, every Chinese New Year, the people in Binondo light up fireworks to welcome the brand new year.

6. Shop At SM Malls, Where They ‘Got It All For You’

During their free time, or on a weekend, Filipinos with a means to spend head over to a popular mall chain in the country, SM Supermalls. Marketing themselves as a mall that has everything for every shopper, with their slogan, “We got it all for you,” well, SM Supermalls is also making this come true, as there are many shopping finds while you are here, from essentials to home goods, and apparel to electronics, name it. 

This mall has also been a popular meeting place for friends who just want to relax and escape Manila’s heat, as it offers several spaces where people can bond together, as well as restaurants to enjoy various food choices, from Filipino dishes to foreign delights. SM Supermalls has branches in almost every major city and municipality in the Philippines.

7. Find The Lowest Bargains In Divisoria

If the prices at Philippine malls like SM are too high for you, perhaps the best bargains when you are here in Manila are in Divisoria. It may just be the Philippines’ version of bargain shopping destinations like Bugis Street in Singapore.

Divisoria is a commercial center located in Manila’s districts of Tondo, Binondo, and San Nicolas. This bargain shopping destination is known for its shops that sell incredibly low-priced goods. 

Some of the products you can find here are textiles, fruits, toys, school supplies, and a whole lot more. If you are looking for things to do in Manila wherein you can save your money, go to Divisoria. 

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8. See Local Artworks At The National Museum

The National Museum is the country’s principal museum, making this one of the must-try things to do in Manila. It is also a great place to bring your kids if you want them to learn about art and history. 

Admission to the National Museum is free, and some of the artworks here are those from the country’s most respected artists, such as “Spoliarium” and “The Parisian Life” by Juan Luna, a Filipino painter and also a major player during the revolution. 

9. Take A Cooking Lesson In A Colonial-Style Home

The Philippines has some of the most interesting cuisines, so it will be a worthwhile experience to learn how to cook these local recipes. There are tours in the Philippines wherein you can learn how to cook authentic Filipino food, and not just cooking them, but making them in a beautiful colonial-style home. With this setting, you’ll really enjoy the experience.

Join a local home chef as he conducts a private cooking lesson with you. They will tell you all about Filipino cuisine, as well as its history and influences. After the cooking lesson, you can go ahead and eat the dishes you’ve prepared with the chef. 

10. Experience The Philippines’ Upscale Lifestyle At Bonifacio Global City

If those activities you’ve learned about so far are too immersive for you, and if you are looking for things to do in Manila where you’ll bump with the country’s elite, head over to the Bonifacio Global City. 

There’s plenty of things to do in Manila while you’re here in this place. Bonifacio Global City was a former military base later converted into a well-planned neighborhood. It is a financial, lifestyle, and business district. 

Aside from being a place for shopping, entertainment, dining, and nightlife, the Bonifacio Global City is also the home of the offices of many of the top businesses in the country. Here you’ll see towering skyscrapers, high-end hotels, world-class museums, and more. 

Some of the most popular attractions here are the Mind Museum – perfect for the kids – and the Bonifacio High Street for some shopping and dining. That wraps up our things to do in Manila guide, but there are definitely more so don’t be afraid to expand this list.

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Things To Do In Manila: Getting Around

With so many people in this city and with so many places to visit while you’re here in Manila, it can be tough to get around. It can be easy to get lost. Manila may not be a city with the best transportation systems, but the modes of transport here are a fun experience, like seriously. So here are some tips on getting around this place so you can make the most out of the best things to do in Manila. 

Transport options around Manila include taxis, jeepneys, motorcycles, buses, trains, and Grab. If you want to save money, you can ride the jeepneys, buses, and two major train systems in the city, the Light Rail Transit or LRT, and the Metro Rail Transit or MRT. These train systems are the counterpart of the MTR in Hong Kong, for instance. 

You may also hail a motorcycle to bring you to the destination. It pretty much works like the scooters in Vietnam that offer public transportation. But, if you want more convenience, you can take the taxi, but beware because Manila is notorious for taxi drivers who trick commuters into paying more. The safest would probably be taking a Grab ride.

Fun In The Philippines

The Philippines is a country known for its massively wide economic gap, and this is evident in its cities like its capital, Manila. There’s the rich Manila, and the poor Manila. In this city, you’ll find areas in poor conditions, and you’ll also find upscale and sophisticated locations frequented by the country’s elite. It’s full of contrasts. 

But Manila is a tourist destination that has something unique to offer. In the heart of Manila lies a series of captivating experiences and things to do. From exploring historical landmarks to savoring its mouthwatering culinary scene, Manila really knows what it means to be fun. The city invites you to embrace its story and the hospitality of its people. 

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