8 Manila Tourist Attractions You Just Cannot Miss

Plan your next trip to Manila, Philippines for a vacation like no other. Here is all you should explore.

Published On Apr 28, 2024 | Updated On Apr 28, 2024

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A mix of beautiful skyscrapers and historical buildings that document the past, Manila in the Philippines is a tourist destination that has it all. Whether you are headed for the beach or to explore the Spanish colonial architecture, places to visit in Manila are plenty. Being the capital city and one of the busiest in the region, there are also many things to do in Manila like experience a wild world of sea creatures at Ocean Park. Whether it is a quick solo trip or a planned family vacation these things to do in Manila, Philippines will make your trip one of the best.

Here are the places to visit in Manila that you cannot miss

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The National Museum of Philippines is an organisation that heads the National Museum of Fine Arts as well as the National Museum of Anthropology in the city of Manila as well as many other satellite museums across the country.  The National Museum of the Philippines is one of the best things to do in Manila for people who want to explore the history and cultural significance of Art in the country.  this is one of those Manila tourist attractions that will not only enrich your experience but also delight you with all that you learn.

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This defence Fortress is situated inside Intramuros which happens to be the world part of Manila. Built by a Spanish navigator and then the Governor of the newly established city, it's one of the most famous places to visit in Manila. Built in an Italian Spanish architectural style this fortress now has a museum that displays a memorial associated with Jose Rizal, the Philippines National Hero.

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Said to be the mother of all churches and basilicas of the Philippines, the Manila Cathedral is the premier church of the Philippines because it was the first church to be turned into a cathedral when the Philippines separated from the Archdiocese of Mexico. One of the most famous of Manila attractions this capital has been built multiple times after being demolished in natural disasters.

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One of the best things to do in Manila if you are headed with your family is to visit the Manila Ocean Park. The biggest attraction of this Park is the ocean area which is said to house roughly 14000 creatures from over 270 species indigenous to southeast Asia. Not only that, the Manila Ocean Park has many viewing areas dedicated to animals like sharks, stingrays, jellyfish and even the first penguin facility in the country, making it one of the best places to visit in Manila when you are in the city.

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The Philippines, like many other Asian countries, has had a colonial past. In the capital city, Intramuros happens to be one of the best places to visit in Manila if this colonial past of the Philippines is what you want to explore. What makes it one of the best things to do in Manila is the fact that it's home to many historical Manila tourist attractions Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church Museum.  

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One of the most interesting things to do in Manila Philippines is visiting this house in the walled city of Intramuros. The Casa Manila or the Manila House is an interesting museum that is modelled after an affluent Filipino family home during the late Spanish colonial period.  Whether it's the painted walls, crystal chandeliers, or gilded furniture, it is no wonder that this beautiful museum is one of the most famous places to visit in Manila.

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The oldest stone church in the country, San Augustin Church is another of the tourist attractions in intramuros that offer a glimpse into the country’s colonial past. Modelled after some of the most magnificent churches built by the Augustinians in Mexico, this tourist attraction has also been considered the most beautiful building in the Philippines for a long time making it a must in your list of places to visit in Manila.

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Like the majority of the Metropolitan cities in the world, Manila is also home to posh locales that offer you experiences like no other. If you are tired of visiting historical places to see in Manila, this should be your stop. Watch a sunset or walk on the two-kilometre boulevard,  or simply relax on the Dolomite beach, this place will easily become one of your favourite places to visit in Manila. 
 


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