How to spend 24 hours in Manila, Philippines

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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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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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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5 fun things to do in Manila, Philippines

More than just an in-between when flying to the Philippines’ beautiful beaches, Manila is a buzzing metropolis with lots to offer. When visiting the country’s capital, expect to find beautiful historic spots, amazing sunset views, bang-for-your-buck shopping, and to-die-for culinary experiences.

Go back in time at the old city of Intramuros

Ask any local for tips on what to do in Manila, and usually you’ll get the same answer: Visit Intramuros. The historic ‘Walled City’ dates back to the Spanish occupation, when Intramuros was the colony’s centre, and walls were built to protect it from foreign invasions. Back in the day, only the wealthiest and most influential citizens resided here. Today, you can still revel in its old-world charm. Intramuros’ cobbled streets are lined with old Spanish houses that have been restored and turned into museums, beautiful churches and parks, and eight different museums.

There’s so much to see, but in particular, you’ll have to visit historical sites like Fort Santiago (Intramuros’ citadel back in the day), the Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church (which proudly stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), San Agustin Museum, and Casa Manila. Also, if you’re on the adventurous side, you can even opt to join a ghost tour.

Go on a food crawl around Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown

Ready your stomachs, because you’re in for a gastronomical adventure! Binondo is Manila’s Chinatown, where you’ll find quaint, affordable eateries at almost every corner. Here, you’ll get your fix of dim sum and roast duck, as well as your fill of Filipino-Chinese favourites like lumpiang Shanghai (egg rolls with meat, fish, and vegetables), mami (noodle soup), and hopia (bean-filled pastry).

You can opt to craft your own foodie itinerary, or join a food crawl like the Big Binondo Food Wok with Ivan Man Dy, who once toured culinary legend Anthony Bourdain around Manila. On the tour, you won’t just be exploring Binondo’s food scene, you’ll also get to learn about the town’s historical spots.

Get a breathtaking view of the Manila Bay sunset

There’s nothing quite like golden hour at Manila Bay. When the sun starts to set, make sure to stop and take in this world-renowned view while going on a leisurely stroll along the Baywalk on Roxas Boulevard. You also have the option to enjoy the scene over cocktails at a nearby al fresco bar or restaurant.

Explore Rizal Park

One of the top attractions in Manila, Rizal Park is just a short walk from Intramuros. It is one of Asia’s largest urban parks, and a favourite spot for Manila dwellers to relax on weekends. But more than just a bright, breezy place to hang out, Rizal Park is a historical site that holds a great significance for Filipinos.

The vast 58-hectare park is home is to the Rizal monument, which houses the remains of the Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal, at its base. Here, you can even visit the very spot where Rizal was executed by the firing squad; it’s marked by a life-size diorama illustrating his final moments. In addition, you’ll also find statues of many national heroes, two beautiful gardens (the Chinese Garden and the Japanese Garden), and Manila’s very own point of origin, Kilometer Zero.

See your aquatic dreams come to life at Manila Ocean Park

The oceanarium is the Philippines’ very first world-class marine park, a cute date spot, and a frequently chosen venue for school trips. More than just a place to stop and stare at sea creatures behind glass, the amusement park has lots of exciting things for both children and adults to enjoy. Some of their most interesting attractions include feeding the penguins and learning to swim with a mermaid tail. My personal favourite, though, would have to be the fish spa. During the treatment, small fish nibble at your feet’s dead skin — doesn’t that just sound intriguing?

See more: Visit Manila's 7 best ramen restaurants

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Best souvenirs to buy in Manila, Philippines

Filipinos are generally known to exhibit the cultural habit of buying and bringing pasalubong (souvenirs) to their loved ones, whether a key chain, shirt, or food delicacy from a place they have recently traveled to. For travelers visiting Manila anytime soon who would like to buy a memento to remind them of their trip, finding souvenir items here surely will not be a problem.

Piña Cloth

There are many types of beautiful fabrics made in the Philippines, but the queen of them all is the piña cloth, which is extracted from pineapple fibers. When done the traditional way, the process of making piña cloth is hard and laborious.

Though it looks soft and delicate on the outside, this cloth is downright durable. It is often used to make the traditional Filipino dress, the Saya and Barong Tagalog, but you can also find bags, table linens, and other home décor made of this.

Philippine Pearls

It is said that the pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens. The pearl is the oldest valued gem, but unlike other gems, it is derived from living organisms, such as mollusks - the oyster. This hard and ideally round and smooth object is naturally produced and is cultivated or harvested. Pearls come in varied colors. In the Philippines you can take fancy in the various colored pearls, such as cream-roses, cream-whites, and assorted yellows and golds.

Kubing

Music is always a huge part of local culture, no matter where you are in the world. Musical instruments make great souvenirs, since they capture the spirit of a place through sound.

A popular instrument that will be easy to bring home is the “Kubing,” or jaw harp. It is made of bamboo and about 25 cm long, so it will be easy to pack. The instrument is played by pressing the mouthpiece to the lips and plucking the end to create a sound. Kubings are generally played during courtship (usually by the man) or in traditional ceremonies.

Barako Coffee

Grown mainly in Batangas, Barako coffee is the best gift to take home to your coffee-loving friends and family members. It is of the Liberica variety and is popular and well-loved for its strong aroma and rich fruity taste. You can serve it black or with honey or sugar as a sweetener, and it is best paired with the Filipino pan de sal or cakes and pastries.

Capiz Items

Capiz is both a geographical location and the name of a shell that is used largely in interior decorating and for decorative gifts and accessories found in the Philippines. Geographically speaking, Capiz is a province of the Philippines facing the Sibuyan Sea to the north. Capiz shell, which is used for decorative purposes, is the outer shell of the marine mollusk, Placuna placenta, found in the shallow coastal waters of the Philippines.

Banig products

Banig products are woven from grasses such as Tikog and Romblon, and have vibrant colors and patterns. Banig bags, banig mats and banig placemats can add a lovely pop of color to any home. Bring back the Banig mats for friends who are into camping or the outdoors, and Banig bags for those who love fashion with a funky touch.

See more: Top best shopping malls in Manila, Philippines