Manila General Tourist Information

Manila has been attracting and receiving foreign visitors even before the Spaniards started occupying the country in 1565. Then and now, touring Manila has never failed to amaze visitors with the city’s native charm and its many uncommon sights.

What are Tourists Up Against?

Manila was mostly formed by alluvial deposits that collected along the Pasig River for centuries. From swamps abundant with mangrove plants called “Nilad” this coastal area that embraces Manila Bay has grown to the 16-district cosmopolitan city that it is today, the second largest city in the Philippines with some 1.6 million people. Touring Manila, the Philippine capital city of 38.3 square-kilometer land area, takes at least 2 to 3 days to relish.

Intramuros

Tourists often start with the walled city of Intramuros. Built in the 16th century as a Spanish premier community and a bulwark of several forts (like Fort Santiago) south of the Pasig River, the place has been preserved and developed as a major tourist destination today to appreciate Spanish colonial Architecture in the country. Touring Manila by first visiting Intramuros, tourists see what the original Manila was like. At least 10 religious edifices like the Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, Sto. Domingo Church, and Convento de Sta. Clara, among others, can be visited, as well as schools and other old buildings.

Historic Places Outside Intramuros

Then, after seeing Intramuros, stepping out of the Walled City is like going past centuries of history in fast-forward and then suddenly walking right amid the bustling modern city. However, as tourists start touring Manila, while seeing the cityscape dotted with modern buildings, transport facilities, and thriving commercial areas, they will still get doses of the past now and then. Passing by Luneta Park and seeing the old “Bagumbayan" where Rizal, the national hero, was shot by musketry, would recount to them the past again. The same with the old Luneta Theater on T.M. Kalaw Street, Malate Church, City Hall, the Senate and Tourism buildings, and many others.

Roxas Boulevard

The stretch of Roxas Boulevard from the Luneta Grand Stand to the coastal road to Cavite is lined up with tourist spots and hotels. Touring Manila along this path allows visitors to get glimpses of the Children’s Museum, the stately U.S. Embassy, the navy Club and the Philippine Navy Headquarters, sunny Board Walk, adventurous Ocean Park, the Cultural Center Complex, fun-filled Star City, Central Bank, and rows of posh and elegant tourist hotels and restaurants.

Luneta and Other Areas

Imposing government buildings styled with colonial architecture are seen in the Luneta and Lawton areas, like the Senate and Tourism buildings, the post office, city hall, Metropolitan Theater, and national museum. As they stroll Luneta Park, tourists are treated with giant bust statues of different datus or pre-Hispanic local chieftains who ruled the land. Adjacent to this location is the Rizal Amphitheater, the exact spot where Jose Rizal was said to have been shot.

Quiapo Church

For a real feel of the daily Manila life, tourists should check out the Plaza Miranda area where the old Quiapo Church stands. The church is surrounded by adjoining booths where local fortune tellers and cultic herbalists do their trade, while a stone’s throw away, on Carriedo Street, are flea market stalls or “tiangge” where shirts and accessories are cheap. Touring Manila is never complete without experiencing rubbing elbows with the masses of people crowding these places for a really cheap buy, and for sellers, a bounty of profits.

Divisoria

Divisoria is the Mother of all Flea Markets, not only in Manila, but also in the whole island of Luzon. Located in Binondo where China Town in Manila is also situated, Divisoria is popular for getting the cheapest deal possible. Touring Manila is more fun when shopping can derive more items for fewer pesos. Thus, the final and ultimate tour destination in Manila is often in Divisoria.