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Capital of the Philippines
Photo: Ranieljose, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Manila (Tagalog: Maynila) is the capital of the Philippines and a major attraction in terms of culture and heritage in the country. Sprawling, congested and polluted will likely be the first words to enter your mind when you think of Manila but don't let that impression stop you from exploring its places of interests: its churches; its diverse and complicated culture; colonial history; gigantic malls; bustling markets; hidden architectural gems and vibrant nightlife. Take the opportunity to explore Manila and make your own personal connection with the city.
The oldest Chinatown in the world, famous for its authentic Chinese and Hong Kong cuisine. Its church is a fascinating fusion of Spanish Baroque & Chinese styles as shown in its pagoda bell tower.
One of Manila's vibrant districts, once known as the only Red Light District converted into a major tourist area which contains some of the most historically and culturally significant landmarks and institutions of the country such as the Rizal Park, Manila Ocean Park, National Museum of the Philippines, and the Manila Hotel.
Taken from the Spanish words, intra & muros, literally means "within the walls". Known as the History Town of the Philippines and considered as Old Manila itself during Spanish times. This district contains numerous Spanish colonial attractions such as the Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, Casa Manila, and many more.
One of Manila's centers of tourism, recreation and entertainment, home to several cheap and expensive hotels, large shopping malls, educational institutions and also shares a portion to the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex which resembles Beijing's Tienanmen, Moscow's Red Square and Singapore's Marina.
Originally known as Downtown Manila, it is home to Plaza Miranda, Manila's original answer to Trafalgar Square. It is also a place famous for flowers, herbal remedies, love potions, fortune tellers, religious items, and electronic goods.
On the edge of the Manila Chinatown, the district of usual frenzied mix of commercial and residential premises. It's where Escolta starts - the main artery that used to be Manila's old Wall Street and 5th Avenue during the early American Colonial period to the 1960s. Contains the Manila Chinese Cemetery with its stunning mausoleum architecture.
One of the most densely populated areas of the country, with a diverse culture but with a sketchy background for gangs. Known as one of the best food tripping area in the city due to its abundant Chinese food stalls/restaurants. Together with San Nicolas, this district forms the Divisoria, a hub for bargain buys.
Composed of Sampaloc, San Miguel, and Santa Mesa, it is the education center of Manila, home to numerous universities. San Miguel houses the Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the Philippine president.
Composed of Paco, Pandacan, San Andres Bukid and Santa Ana, they are mostly worker class communities with a taste of history, showcased by Paco Park, the Paco Train Station, and the Santa Ana Heritage District.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Universidad de Santo Tomas (UST)
This university is oldest and first university in Asia and the Philippines. It was used as a camp by the Japanese during their occupation where the imprisoned about 10,000 people even though it only can hold 4,000.
Pambansang Museo ng Pilipinas
Built and opened in the 1900s, the museum showcases significant collections from archaeology, arts, cultural properties, zoology, botany and many more. The National Museum of the Philippines is a government institution in the Philippines and serves as an educational, scientific and cultural institution in preserving the various permanent national collections featuring the ethnographic, anthropological, archaeological and visual artistry of the Philippines. Since 1998, the National Museum has been the regulatory and enforcement agency of the National Government in the restoring and safeguarding of important cultural properties, sites and reservations throughout the Philippines. The National Museum operates the National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology, and the National Museum of Natural History, all in the vicinity of Rizal Park.
One of Manila's well-known museums; see Chinese biographies and their contributions in the history of the Philippines.
A children's interactive museum, the first of its kind in the Philippines. Opened in 1994, Museo Pambata is the dream come true of Nina Lim-Yuson, who was inspired by the Boston Children’s Museum to open up a similar facility in Manila.
Has since reopened after heavy renovations. The Manila Zoo covers an area of 0.055 km². Accessible via LRT-1 Quirino station.
For more information check the section on airports in the Metro Manila article.
Read in the guideBy bus or jeepney
Several city and provincial bus routes either cross through or terminate in Manila.
By taxi
Taxis (usually marked by the words 'taxi' on the sides of sedan cars) are plentiful and easy to find.
By tricycle or pedicab
Tricycles and pedicabs are, in the City of Manila, limited to short distances as it can access hard-to-reach areas.
By calesa
In Ermita, Intramuros and Binondo, it is still possible to ride a calesa, traditional horse-drawn carriage.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Manila (Pasay) · International · MNL
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