Interesting Tourist Destinations in Manila - Philippines

Manila, which is the capital of the Philippines, is a place where you can fully experience the Philippines best features, if you are familiar with where to look for it. Aside from the usual tourist sites, there are a lot of destinations in and outside the city that will keep you interested and busy especially if you are a tourist looking to explore this interesting country.

Rustic colonial churches that have remained untouched despite the test of time are well-worth to visit and Manila is at par with other cities in Asia in terms of shopping and entertainment options. The Walled City of Intramuros and the 150 hectare area around Rizal Park are also important stops for tourists.

The local fiestas and celebrations are also something worth checking out. The nightlife in areas like Makati, Libis, Malate and Pasig are also a great draw for foreign and local tourists that are looking for an interesting nightlife. But if you are not accustomed to a tropical climate, then you should postpone your trip to the country until the month of October until the month of January.

The wet and dry climate of the Philippines can be unpredictable and balmy. If you are looking for a peaceful experience, then staying in the city is not for you. You can choose to relax on the provinces outside of Metro Manila. But if you do not have any problem with the weather, you can go to Manila anytime you want.

Fiestas of different patron saints are observed around the Philippines and since each patron saint has its own day of celebration, there is always something going on in any town or barangay every month. Every May, there are a lot of fiestas like the evening parades of maidens in beautiful gowns that are a good treat for local and foreign tourists alike.

Consumerism is at its highest level during important seasons like Christmas and you can find bargain items in every shop particularly in Quiapo and Divisoria. If you do not have any relatives or friends in the country where you can stay during the duration of your visit, there are a lot of hotels that offer excellent service at a reasonable price, like the Manila Hotel near Baywalk.

There are also a lot of boarding options for tourists that are on a shoestring budget like bedspaces, condotels, apartelles and others. But be sure to check out the credentials of the place that you will stay before paying the fee. You can also try out the nightlife at the Glorietta Center in Makati or enjoy Malate and Libis. You can also try out the different restaurants on the SM Mall of Asia, which is just a short ride from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The dress code in this place is usually laid back.

Similar restaurant blocks can also be seen in West Avenue and Timog in Quezon City and Ortigas area in Mandaluyong. Some other things that you can try out during your visit are visiting old churches in Manila (like the San Agustin Church in Intramuros), watch a performance at the CCP, experience the Chinese culture in Binondo, watch the sunset in Manila Bay or just about anything.

You can rest assure that you will truly enjoy the different tourist spots in Manila as well as outside of the city during your stay.