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Photo: Maynard Rabanal (Greedyplus), CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Nearest railway station: United Nations (LRT-1). Manila's green lung, this large urban park stretches from the Quirino Grandstand in the west to Taft Avenue in the east, with the historic walled district of Intramuros bordering it to the north. The park's most famous landmark is the Rizal Monument, a stone obelisk with bronze statuary erected near the site of Philippine national hero José Rizal's execution in 1896. All distances in the Philippines are measured from the large flagpole near the monument, which serves as the country's Kilometre Zero. Other prominent features include a statue of Lapu-Lapu (the native chieftain who repulsed Magellan's expedition in 1521) and a giant relief map of the Philippines (set within a reflecting pool near the Taft Avenue end). Well-known landmarks within the park's boundaries include the Museum of the Filipino People (inside the old Finance Department building), the Department of Tourism building, the Manila Planetarium, and the National Library. Many locals (including taxi drivers) still refer to the park by its old name: Luneta.
Rizal Park, Luneta, also known as Rizal Park, Luneta Park, or simply Luneta, is a historic urban park located in Ermita, Manila, Philippines. It is one of the largest urban parks in the country, covering an area of 58 hectares. The area now occupied by the park was known as Bagumbayan during the Spanish colonial period. It is adjacent to the historic walled city of Intramuros.
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Historical landmark, Small marble marker, reference point for all Filipino distance measurements & popular for photo ops.
This museum is geared towards keeping children entertained (and informed) through educational hands-on exhibits and special activities. Themed galleries cover a variety of subjects ranging from history to science to art. Don't put a short leash on the kids here: they're expected to touch and play with most of the stuff on show. Admission ₱100 adults/children. Streetchildren, infants (under 2 years), museum workers and teachers (with valid IDs) get in free.
Museum of space history, Small venue with educational displays on planets & space plus shows in a dome-shaped theater.
Opened in 2008, this is Manila's first major oceanarium. Although not quite as large and well-equipped as some of Asia's more famous oceanaria (including those in Hong Kong and Singapore), it's still a popular attraction among locals and could be a very interesting diversion for families with children. The centrepiece is the Living Ocean exhibit with large aquariums and an underwater acrylic walkway.
Stately, neoclassical museum housing a broad collection of Filipino cultural materials & artifacts.
Almost a twin of the former Finance Department headquarters nearby, this Neoclassical building is a prominent feature of the eastern end of Rizal Park. The colossal statue of Lapu-Lapu - a fairly recent addition to the park - stands between the two buildings, and the giant relief map of the Philippines is just a short walk away.