52 Cool Things to Do in Manila, Philippines
Looking for cool things to do in Manila?
Well, the beaches of the Philippines may be a-calling but I wouldn’t dash off too quickly. Fresh off the flight, give yourself a few days to adjust to the time zone while also soaking up a little of the Manila mayhem before you then hop over to one of the many islands.
From its quirky art scene to bustling food markets, the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ has much more to offer than you might think.
As a former Spanish colony and a city that had to rebuild itself after World War II, it’s packed full of history, culture and cemeteries that strangely are worth seeing. For the top things to do in Manila, take a look at the list below.
52 Cool Things to Do in Manila, Philippines
1. Have a wander around the Plaza de Roma and say hello to the statue of King Carlos IV.
2. From the king to the queen – stop by the Puerta de Isabel II Gate and see the queen’s statue on the top.
3. Stop trying to battle the traffic and get in amongst with it a motorised tricycle tour of the city.
4. Get one or more of your five a day at San Andres fruit market.
5. Feel that sugar hit by trying the local delicacy, Halo-Halo.
6. Time your visit to the Manila Cathedral with a local wedding so you can have a snoop and see how they do it.
7. Congratulate yourself on finding secret bar, Bank Bar, with a cocktail.
8. Visit the country’s oldest stone-built church and UNESCO World Heritage site, the San Agustin Church.
9. Then go next door to the San Augustin Museum to learn about the colonial times.
10. Continue your history lesson with a visit to Casa Manila.
11. Indulge yourself with a day pass to the Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort just outside the city.
12. Try your hand at cooking like a local with a cooking class.
13. Resist the urge to buy all the woven baskets at Silahis Arts & Artifacts.
14. Put on your fanciest attire and do a tour of the Malacanang Palace.
15. Get all the feels with a sunset cruise of Manila Bay.
16. Take a calesa ride around Chinatown.
17. In the same area, stock up on your favourite remedies at the herbal stores along Ongpin and Carvajal Streets.
18. Pick up your holiday reads at the Solidaridad Bookshop