What to See
5 highlights📍 Tap the pin for directions
Intramuros & Fort Santiago
Intramuros — the original walled colonial city built by the Spanish in 1571 — is the historic heart of Manila, and the most historically significant square kilometer in the Philippines. The thick stone walls enclose a neighborhood of Spanish colonial architecture, Catholic churches, and cobblestone streets largely rebuilt after World War II destroyed the original. Fort Santiago, within the walls, is the most important single site: a 16th-century citadel used as a prison and military headquarters, most famously the location where national hero José Rizal spent his last night before his execution in 1896. The Rizal Shrine within the fort includes his cell, personal effects, and the footprints marking his final walk. Allow 2–3 hours for Intramuros and the Fort.
Bamboo bicycle tours of Intramuros are available and popular — a pleasant, eco-friendly way to cover the walled city's streets. Operators are found near the Fort Santiago entrance.
SM Mall of Asia (MOA)
One of the largest malls in the world, set on a reclaimed peninsula extending into Manila Bay — the mall's exterior promenade faces the bay directly, and the view during Manila Bay sunset is one of the city's signature experiences. The sunset from the MOA waterfront (particularly on a clear day from December to April) is genuinely spectacular. The mall itself has every shop, restaurant, and entertainment venue imaginable. The ICE skating rink, IMAX cinema, and many restaurants make it useful for a rainy day or an air-conditioned break from the city heat.
BGC (Bonifacio Global City)
If Manila's older districts feel overwhelming, BGC offers a completely different city experience — clean, walkable, modern streets with murals and public art, excellent international restaurants, and a young professional crowd. The High Street area has good shopping and dining. BGC is the safest and most visitor-friendly neighborhood in the Metro Manila area. Also the best base for nightlife without worrying about transport.
Rizal Park (Luneta)
The large public park adjacent to Intramuros — named for José Rizal, whose execution took place here in 1896. The Rizal Monument at the center is one of the most important national symbols in the Philippines. In the evenings, the park fills with families, vendors, and performances. The orchidarium (botanical garden within the park) is free and pleasant. Free to enter.
Binondo — World's Oldest Chinatown
Manila's Binondo district, just across the river from Intramuros, has been a Chinese community since 1594 — making it the oldest Chinatown in the world. The food is excellent and very different from typical Chinese-Filipino restaurant fare. A food tour of Binondo is one of the best culinary experiences in Manila: siopao, lumpia Shanghai, hopia, tikoy, Pancit Canton from decades-old shops. The streets are narrow and noisy and the energy is authentic. Walking food tours run regularly — check current operators through your hotel.