Things to do in Manta
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Street Stalls
If you're in the mood to stroll for your supper, consider the following options. In Tarqui, seafood comedores line the east end of the beach along Malecón de Tarqui. Behind them are several restaurants. Playa Murciélago has numerous cafés, front and center to enjoy beach action from beach-volleyball to beauty contests. The Hotel Oro Verde complex includes an American-style delicatessen and sushi restaurant.
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Discos
At night, downtown is deserted for the more fashionable karaoke, bar and discoteca neighborhood further south. Take a taxi to the intersection of Flavio Reyes and Calle 20, uphill from Playa Murciélago, and check out the options. Since many fashionable discos open and close in a drum beat, ask around for the latest hot spots. Don't bother going early in the week or before 23:00.
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Tarqui Beach & Boatyard
Early in the morning, the east end of Tarqui beach is a hive of activity. Vendors' carts tail the morning crowd, selling rows upon rows of shark, tuna, swordfish, dorado and others (whose size decrease with each passing year). Nearby is Manta's boatyard, where giant wooden fishing boats are built by hand on the edge of the sand. The whole scene merits an early wake-up call.
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Playa Murciélago
In Manta, Playa Murciélago is a less protected beach than Tarqui and has bigger waves (although they're not very big, there's a powerful undertow). It is a couple of kilometers northwest of downtown and is the town's most popular beach, backed by snack bars and restaurants and umbrella rental spots. Further northwest, Playa Barbasquillo is a more tranquil resort area.
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Mantai
The big drawcard of Mantai is its pretty outdoor setting, featuring paper lanterns, fairy lights and potted plants. This restaurant also offers good-looking wait staff, electronic music and enjoyable bistro meals.
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Manabí Fisherman Statue
You know you’re in Tarqui when you stumble upon the enormous Manabí fisherman statue.Beyond it is Tarqui beach, whose east end is a hive of activity early in the mornings.
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Picantería El Marino
This casual but nicely set café serves delectable seafood plates. It’s a popular place with a subdued marine theme and reliable plates of ceviche, grilled fish and several types of shrimp dish.
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Museo del Banco Central
The Museo del Banco Central reopened in its new location in 2009, and showcases valuable artifacts from pre-Columbian Manta culture, as well as quirky fishing memorabilia.
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Beachcomber
Near the heart of the nightlife, the popular Beachcomber is a favorite for its grilled meats. Dine in the lush backyard garden or on the open-sided front porch.
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Trovador Café
On a pleasant pedestrian lane near the center, this place offers frothy cappuccinos, sandwiches and inexpensive lunch plates. Outdoor seating.
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Comedor Malibu
One of many thatched huts with irregular hours serving heaping plates of fish (fried or steamed), but this one is particularly friendly.
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Trosky Burguer
This popular surfer-run snack spot serves juicy burgers grilled to order amid rock and reef sounds. Friendly English-speaking owner.
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Fishing-Boat Harbor
The fishing-boat harbor, between Manta and Tarqui, is busy and picturesque at high tide and dead in the mud at low tide.
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MAAC Cine
This former museum is now an art-house cinema and performance hall with daily film screenings (at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm).
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Bufalo Grill
Freddy cooks up tasty lunch specials in this local hole-in-the-wall favorite located between Calles 13 and 14.
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Rincon Criollo
This hopping local haunt serves up almuerzos such as traditional peanut soup, chicken and rice.
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Fruta del Tiempo
Slip into a bamboo chair near the plaza for juices, breakfasts, filling lunches and ice-cream sundaes.
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Parrillada El Colorado
A popular but very casual spot, with patrons sitting at sidewalk tables next to a sizzling grill.
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Conga
Favorite club of the moment, with a mix of salsa, reggaetón, merengue and electronica.
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Supermaxi
Shopping can be done at the new Supermaxi, diagonally across from Hotel Oro Verde.
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Tantra
Packs on the weekend with stilettoed salsa dancers and merengue mavens.
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Pizzería Topi
A popular spot with a huge menu of pizza, pasta and fish specials.
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Madera Fina
A long-time favorite featuring salsa, reggae and tropical rhythms.
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