Be it in terms of history, culture, tradition, architecture, food or shopping, Manila appeals to even
the most choosy travellers. It offers quite a perfect picture of the remarkable tourist destination, the
Philippines, in the minuscule form. There are numerous places to visit in Manila that promise a lot
of enchanting experiences to the tourists. Travellers can create several beautiful memories to
cherish for a lifetime.
Here’s the list of top 7 attractions to visit in Manila:
FORT SANTIAGO: A site of great historic relevance
About
Located within the walled city of Intramuros, Fort Santiago is one of the most prominent attractions
to explore on a Manila tour. Built on the banks of the River Pasig, this magnificent citadel was
constructed by Spanish governor and navigator Miguel Lopez de Legaspi as a defence fortress. Apart
from being historically relevant and architecturally famous, the fort is also popular for housing well-
manicured gardens, glittering fountains, beautiful lily ponds and sturdy plazas. Moreover, it is used
as a picnic spot by many travellers these days. Even scenic walks around the fort are quite a
favourite activity of tourists discovering the history of the city here. Bateria de Santa Barbara, Gate
of Fort Santiago and Plaza Moriones are some of the other key attractions of the fort.
Historical Importance
One of the main highlights of this fort is the Rizal Shrine Museum, which is home to the relics and
memorabilia of the Filipino nationalist, Jose Rizal. This citadel holds testimony to the struggle faced
by hundreds of soldiers at the hands of the Japanese.
Nearby Place to visit
Arroceros Forest Park is another must-visit attraction that can be explored at a short distance from
the fort.
How to Reach
One can reach the fort easily through any public transport. It is at a walking distance from the LRT
Central Station. From Carriedo Station, one can take a Jeepney to reach here conveniently.
Additional Information
Tourists can explore this attraction during any day between 8 am to 9 pm except Monday. For
travellers planning to visit the fort solo, there is nothing to feel anxious about. For added
convenience, there is a parking facility available at the fort.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS: A glimpse into the city’s artistic grandeur
About

Often regarded as the National Art Gallery, National Museum of Fine Arts is a well-known art
museum located across the National Museum of Anthropology in Manila. It is a place that is majorly
thronged by contemporary artists, art buffs and tourists. It is spread over two floors. Level 2 displays
the Philippine art ranging between the 17th and 20th centuries, whereas Level 3 serves home to the
modern and contemporary artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries. Portrait of a Lady (1885), La
Barca de Aqueronte (1887), The Burning of Manila (1942), Rape and Massacre in Ernita (1947) and
Planting of the First Cross (1965) constitute the collections of this art gallery.
Historical Importance
Established in the year 1998, the museum is popular for displaying stunning paintings and colossal
artworks belonging to the contemporary and classical Filipino artists.
Nearby Place to visit
Divisoria Market is another popular place that can be explored near National Museum of Fine Arts.
How to Reach
The best way to reach here is by hiring a private taxi or cab.
Additional Information
Tourists can visit the gallery any day between 10 am to 5 pm except Monday. The place is
considered safe for solo travellers. Though parking is available, it is limited and requires a certain fee
to be paid by the tourists. Before visiting the gallery, travellers must be aware of certain norms
followed here. Firearms, bottled water, food, and ball pens are not allowed inside the gallery. Even
smoking, touching and clicking photos of the exhibits is strictly prohibited.
RIZAL PARK: A place where history and fun comes together
About
Owing to its historical importance, Rizal Park lies very close to the hearts of the Filipinos. It is the
biggest public park in the city, which is popularly known as Luneta Park. Spread across an expanse of
about 140 acres, this park is believed to be one of the largest green spaces all over Asia. It is not just
the historical relevance of the place but also its beauty that attracts tourists from all over the world.
An Orchidarium, well-groomed flower beds, statues of historical figures, ornamental lawns and
paved walkways further elevate the charm of this park. It is here that couples love to walk hand-in-
hand in beautiful avenues and lawns of the park. Be it with family, children or partner in love, it is a
great place to celebrate the joy of togetherness.
Historical Importance
One of the key highlights of this park is the central Rizal Monument, which has the mortal remains of
the freedom fighter and national hero of the Filipinos, Jose Rizal.
Nearby Place to visit
Sto. Niño de Paz Greenbelt Chapel is another attraction in Manila that lies quite near the park.

How to Reach
United Nations (U.N.) Avenue Station serves as the closest LRT 1 Station to reach here. Also, there is
a bus service provided from different corners of the city to reach the park conveniently.
Additional Information
It is open every day between 5 am to 9 pm; however, the hours may slightly differ on Sundays. Also,
it is quite a safe place to spend some time in peace. Pablo Mañalac Parking Lot, located at a distance
of 350 metres from the Rizal Park, features parking spots for the vehicles.
MANILA OCEAN PARK: A unique adventure
About
Manila Ocean Park is one such place in the city that enchants both children and adults alike.
Oceanarium is the main attraction of this park as it houses thousands of aquatic animals. Also, it
serves as the world’s biggest aquarium. All Star Bird Show, Penguin Show and Sea Lion Show are
some of the must-watch shows here. Furthermore, the park features interesting exhibits such as the
Birds of Prey Kingdom, World of Creepy Crawlies and the Sharks and Ray Encounter. Another prime
highlight of the park is the 25-metre glass tunnel, offering a chance to register a firsthand experience
of the marine life.
Historical Importance
Opened in the year 2008, this premier marine-themed park in the Philippines is said to be the first of
its kind in the entire archipelago.
Nearby Place to visit
Notably, it is a special experience to discover Casa Manila, a museum in Intramuros, close to the
park.
How to Reach
South Drive and Roxas Boulevard are the landmark streets to reach here. United Nations (U.N.)
Avenue Station is the nearest LRT 1 Station providing hassle-free transportation to the park.
Additional Information
Tourists are advised to wear comfortable footwear as exploring the park involves a lot of walking.
Also, they must keep a note of the park’s timings, which is from 10 am to 8 pm on weekdays and 9
am to 8 pm on weekends. For people travelling solo or with friends or family, it is quite adventurous
yet safe to visit the place on a Manila trip. There is a parking area available for travellers’
convenience. Smoking and flash photography are not allowed in the premises of the Oceanarium.
MANILA BAYWALK: A romantic walk amidst beautiful surroundings
About

Manila Baywalk is a perfect leisure spot ensuring moments of relaxation and rejuvenation to the
tourists. It is a stunning seaside esplanade, which has many open-air cafes. It is that spot in Manila
which remains crowded till the wee hours of the morning. Here, the pedestrians run for 2 km along
Roxas Boulevard till the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Calm bay waters, lush greenery and
splendid sunset views make it a popular tourist destination in the city of Manila. As it is fringed by a
vast stretch of palm trees and colourful lamp posts, it is here that the travellers can relax and enjoy
conversing with locals. Also, tourists can enjoy finding skyscrapers and watching song and dance
performances given by artists from time to time. Further, they can relish a lot of mouth-watering
delicacies offered at several eating joints across the area. Bicycling and skating are the crowd
favourite activities that one can enjoy with children at the Baywalk.
Nearby Place to visit
Travellers can indulge in a unique shopping experience at SM Mall of Asia, which is at a distance of
just 5 km from the Manila Baywalk.
How to Reach
The most convenient way to reach here is by getting down at United Nations Station and walking
towards the Bay.
Additional Information
This spot usually functions between 5 am to 12:30 am. As it remains crowded most of the time,
there is nothing to worry for solo travellers. Blue Bay Walk Open Parking is just 4 km from the Manila
Baywalk.
STAR CITY AMUSEMENT PARK: Have some fun with children

Mithilesh Joshi