As the capital center of the Philippines, Manila is a mix of urban development and historical nostalgia. It is one of the busiest and most diverse cities in the world, and there is always something new to do in its sprawling metropolis.
From historical museums and Spanish colonial architecture to an exciting nightlife, Manila has everything that every traveler is looking for. If you only have 24 hours to explore Manila, what would you do? Below are some activities for you to make the most out of your short trip in Manila.
Experience Pinoy breakfast
The best way to truly immerse yourself in a country’s culture is to try their food. Skip your usual bacon and eggs in the morning and have some of our Filipino breakfast instead.
You should try “tapsilog,” which is a combination of tapa (cured beef), sinangag (fried rice), and itlog (egg), then partner this with Kapeng Barako, a strong variation of coffee from Batangas and Cavite. This meal is served almost everywhere, may it be in the hotel that you are staying in, restaurants, or at a nearby carinderia (small eatery).
Explore Intramuros
No first-time traveler would dare miss the remnants of the
Spanish colonial era in Manila, which can be found in the walled city of the Philippine capital, Intramuros. This historic area is the heart of the old Manila that houses Fort Santiago, which was witness to numerous lives lost during the Spanish occupation.
The country’s national hero, Dr. José Rizal, spent his last days and wrote his famous literary work, Mi ultimo adios, in Fort Santiago. Within the area, there are old churches such as the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church, colonial houses, and defense structures being preserved by the government today.
Take a ride in a Jeepney
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| Photo JustinJamesWright |
There are few things as iconically Filipino as the Jeepney. These brightly coloured and dramatically decorated jeeps are a popular form of public transportation in Manila. The Jeepney has face-to-face seating and an opening at the back to let passengers on and off. They grumble vibrantly from stop to stop along their pre-determined route, and you pay for whatever length of the route you take. It’s the cheapest way to get around Manila and certainly the most entertaining.
Chicken Adobo for lunch
Time to replenish your stomach after a morning of exploration in
Manila! If you are looking for Filipino food to add to your historical tour, you can eat at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant right in front of San Agustin Church. It is the perfect place to go if you want to try Filipino dishes.
Visit the National Museum
Within walking distance from Intramuros is a chance to immerse yourself further in Filipino culture and history as you visit the National Museum. This museum, which houses the country’s famous works of art and preserves historical artifacts, has two great divisions including The National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Anthropology.
Be amazed by the innate talent and creativity of both young and old artists in the country at the National Museum of Fine Arts. But you will also appreciate the Philippines more as you navigate through the historical and contemporary galleries of the National Museum of Anthropology. You will spend a good two hours going through the halls of the buildings.
Take a sunset stroll on the bay walk
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| Photo Klook |
Running alongside Manila Bay is the BayWalk. This paved walkway extends for several kilometres along the waterfront. It is a hub for locals to stroll and cycle, as well as food and trinket vendors to gather.
City nightlife
Manila is also known to have great nightlife.
Filipinos know how to party, so before leaving Manila, make sure to grab a few drinks. Some recommended places for your dose of Manila nightlife are Palace Pool Club, Revel, and Valkyrie in Bonifacio Global City.
See more:
Things to know before visiting Manila
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