Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a densely populated bayside city on the island of Luzon, which mixes Spanish colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers.
Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a densely populated bayside city on the island of Luzon, which mixes Spanish colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers. Intramuros, a walled city in colonial times, is the heart of Old Manila. It’s home to the baroque 16th-century San Agustin Church as well as Fort Santiago, a storied citadel and former military prison.
Peak travel is during the tropical dry season (Dec–May), when the weather's hot but relatively dry. It's warm and humid during the rainy season (Jun–Oct). The Christian holidays of Holy Week and Easter (varies Mar/Apr) and Christmas (Dec) are also busy periods. Cinemalaya (Aug) is a festival of independent Philippine cinema.
10:00am-1:00pm : Manila Cathedral
Originally a small, 16th-century parish church, Manila Cathedral rose from the ashes a total of eight times before becoming the ornate European-style basilica you see today. As you approach the major public square where the cathedral lies, notice the stone statues of saints and artistic bronze carvings embellishing the main facade. Step inside to observe rose-glass windows, a total of eight chapels dedicated to saints, the principal altar bearing the image of the Blessed Mother, and the episcopal throne made of Italian marble. Masses tend to draw large crowds, which can limit your movement and chances to explore.
1:30pm-3:30pm : Casa Manila
Get a good look at the lifestyle of Manila's 19th-century aristocracy at Casa Manila. The replica of the original San Nicolas house (1850) was designed during the 1980s by Imelda Marcos. Visit the colonial stone-and-wood building to learn about the history of the residence and the particular era of its origin. Inside, you'll see a whole host of original period objects, including furniture and paintings. Take a break in the central courtyard and soak in the colonial ambiance.
4:00pm-6:00pm : San Agustin Church
Part of a World Heritage Site with three other Baroque churches, San Agustin Church stands within Manila’s Intramuros, the second oldest church in the country. Completed in 1587, the church takes after some Augustinian-built churches in Mexico, testifying to the area's Spanish colonial heritage. Great trompe l’oeil murals on the ceiling, 14 side chapels, classical marble columns, an intricate rose window, carved doors, and a large garden make this place a must-visit and a great escape from the busy city. While on site, visit the museum adjacent to the church, which details the edifice’s rich history.
10:00am-12:00pm : Intramuros
One of the largest malls in the Philippines, SM Mall of Asia boasts 42 ha (104 ac) of land and 406,962 sq m (4,380,500 sq ft) of gross floor area located in Bay City. Offering a combination of shopping, leisure, and entertainment, the place features a large cineplex, a skating rink, a carousel, a children’s playground, and a sports area with year-round events. Browse through classy shops or take a stroll along the paved seafront walkway. Consisting of four huge buildings interconnected by walkways, the mall complex features a ferris wheel, a convention centre, and a science development center. With 5,000 parking spaces, the mall has a daily circulation of 200,000 people.
12:30pm-5:30pm : SM Mall of Asia
Within a palace that served as the seat of power for the Ming and Qing dynasties, The Palace Museum houses a massive collection of artifacts that include ceramics, porcelain pieces, paintings, bronzeware, steles, sculptures, and much more. Built in the early 15th century, the palace holds the honor of being a World Heritage Site and contains an unparalleled number of preserved ancient wooden structures. Bring your ID or passport to purchase entry tickets.
10:00am-10:30am : Manila Bay
With its paved, gently curving 2 km (1.2 mi) promenade lined by palm trees, Manila Bay makes a popular spot for strolling, relaxing, and people-watching. Stretching between the U.S. Embassy and the national cultural center, the area features many cafes and restaurants, plus live music performances complementing the sea views. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride, or simply cruise the area on foot. At night, the area buzzes with open-air cafes and itinerant artists, but you should watch your wallet.
11:00am-11:30am : Malate Church
Malate Church stands as a 16th century Baroque church whose patroness saint is Nuestra Senora de los Remedios (Our Lady of Remedies). A statue of the Lady stands at the altar and looks over the whole church. The statue, only 60 cm (2 ft) tall, arrived in the Phillipines from Spain in 1624, and represents the Virgin Mary as protector of women and children. The ornate design of the facade, madeof stone, shows an interplay between Muslim design and Mexican baroque.
1:30pm-2:30pm : Tierra de Maria
Small and tranquil, Tierra de Maria offers a place to reflect and pray in a calm atmosphere. A 15 m (50 ft) statue of the Virgin Mary guards the entryway, and the leafy surroundings create a sense of intimacy and welcome. Inside, among the walls strewn with dried flowers and framed religious images, you'll find pieces of paper where you can write your troubles or prayers. Head to the deck for views of the verdant hills and sea beyond.
3:30pm-4:30pm : Caleruega
Nestled in lush, verdant grounds, Caleruega serves not only as a church, but also as a sanctuary retreat, with a koi pond, rope bridge, and many other interesting structures, aside from the main building of worship. Founded in 1995, the spot has deservedly become a popular site for wedding ceremonies, with the grounds affording peaceful and picturesque strolls to enjoy before heading into the main building, the Chapel of Transfiguration. Inside the chapel, you can observe vibrant stained glass windows above the altar, and grand architecture throughout. If you need a break and refreshments, order a drink at the cafe in the green grounds.
11:30am-4:30pm : Nuvali
Volunteer to plant trees, reduce your stress, and attend outdoor movie nights at Nuvali, a sustainable, eco-friendly community. Go wakeboarding and ride a bike along the trail to enjoy the natural scenery, then engage in activities to learn about trees at the tree nursery and onsite farm. Alternatively, take a more peaceful approach by relaxing on the grass or going bird-watching. You can sample local seafood, burgers, and desserts at a handful of onsite restaurants, or pick a spot with great view and enjoy a picnic.
11:00am-12:00pm : Barasoain Church
Barasoaín Church (officially as the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish) is a Roman Catholic church built in 1888 in Malolos, Bulacan. It is about 42 kilometers away from Manila. Having earned the title as the "Cradle of Democracy in the East, the most important religious building in the Philippines", and the site of the First Philippine Republic, the church is proverbial for its historical importance among Filipinos.
10:30am-1:00pm : SM Megamall
Shop, dine, and entertain yourself at SM Megamall, the largest mall in the Philippines. Initially designed as a complex of two buildings linked by a bridge, the mall has been expanded over the years, with the addition of an atrium, another building--which houses offices and a bus terminal--and a mega fashion hall. The mall features all the usual contents, including a department store, a supermarket, a food court, movie theaters, bowling alleys, and an ice skating rink. Eateries and restaurants serving local and international dishes occupy the bridge and the atrium. Be prepared to ask staff for directions, since the mall is huge and not well marked.
1:30pm-4:30pm : Greenhills Shopping Center
A vibrant retail complex packed to the rafters with stores, stalls, and dining options, Greenhills Shopping Center also plays host to the majority of the country’s South Sea pearl traders. As you move through this seemingly endless stretch of shops within a sprawling two-story development, browse in air-conditioned comfort, finding hidden bargains, replica designs, and, of course, pearls. When you need to rest your feet, stop off at one of the many restaurants and cafes, serving both Western-style and Filipino cuisine. Vendors expect to haggle, so engage with the bargaining culture and don’t accept the initial price.
10:00am-12:00pm : Rizal Park
Located at the heart of the capital city, Rizal Park represents a tribute to the Philippine national hero--Jose Rizal--who was shot during a local rebellion against Spanish colonialists. Overlooking the Manila Bay, the park contains many recreational, cultural, and educational facilities, including historical markers, an observatory, an open-air concert hall, and lots of colorful fountains.
12:30pm-3:00pm : Greenbelt Mall
A complex of five modern buildings, Greenbelt Mall offer a combination of high-end retail, dining, and entertainment. With two open-shop areas and a large movie theater, the malls provide a pleasant visiting experience. Relax amid the bronze sculptures set in tropical gardens with palm trees and artificial streams. The complex also features a half-domed open-top Roman Catholic chapel.
4:00pm-6:00pm : Fort Santiago
Guarding the strategic mouth of the River Pasig, Fort Santiago played an important role as the citadel of Intramuros, the old city of Manila, and the seat of Spanish rule. Dedicated to Saint James the Moor-Slayer, the fort served as the key defense fortress for Spaniards, defending the most important spice trade port for 333 years. Nearly triangular and 620 m (2,030 ft) around, the stone-walled complex with an impressive carved gate now houses muzzle-loading canons and World War II grenades, set in a lovely, well-manicured garden with a water fountain. You can see the brass steps that commemorate Jose Rizal’s last walk to the firing squad, while Rizal Shrine displays a collection of memorabilia from the national hero’s life.
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