Manila
Housed in the superb American–era main building of the University of Santo Tomas, this museum lays claims to being the oldest in Asia (the university's…
Must-see attractions in Manila
Manila
The long-moribund National Planetarium was reopened in early 2017. Major upgrades include a Japanese–built projector and new blue seats in its central…
Manila
The Golden Mosque was constructed in 1976 as something of a welcoming gift for the late Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi, although his scheduled visit…
Manila
The vast Bahay Tsinoy museum showcases the important role played by the sangley, as the Spanish called the Chinese, in the growth of Manila (sangley means…
Manila
Down by the river, the Museo Ng Makati is a classic old Manila house from the 1800s (look for the capiz-shell windows). Inside are some great photos of…
Manila
Contains good resources on Filipino history, art and culture, and is also the repository of thousands of images related to the Philippines. Photography…
Manila
Those seeking a place of solitude, head to the leafy oasis of Paco Park near Malate, where sturdy stone walls surround a picturesque circular park. It's…
Manila
In the middle of Quezon Memorial Circle rises this 36m towering art-deco monument topped by three angels above the mausoleum of former president Manuel…
Manila
This ambitious museum dedicated to the galleon trade between the Philippines and Mexico was set to open in late 2017. It's in an impressive domed…
Manila
Opened in 2015, this modest museum is dedicated to Sy Lian Teng (1904–2004), a self-made Chinese tycoon whose family still owns the First United Building…
Manila
This attractive baroque-style church, first built in 1588, is looking in fine fettle after an overhaul in 2015. This version of the church dates from the…
Manila
The long-running Concert at the Park takes place at this open-air auditorium near the Central Lagoon in Rizal Park; it’s free and starts at around 6pm on…
Manila
Beat the heat and entertain the kiddies in this enlightening science museum filled with fun facts, educational video games and dozens of interactive…
Manila
At the northern end of Paredes St stands the attractive granite-stone bell tower of Binondo Church, an unusual octagonal structure dating back to 1596…
Manila
In the middle of Rizal Park are the Central Lagoon, a pool lined with busts of Filipino heroes and martyrs, and a dancing musical fountain that erupts in…
Manila
This simple but moving outdoor memorial in a small shady square honours the approximately 150,000 civilian Manileños who perished in the Battle of Manila…
Manila
Looming east of Intramuros, the neoclassical city hall building is distinguished by an attractive clock tower that is beautifully illuminated at night. It…
Manila
A giant Ferris wheel, à la the London Eye, smack dab on the Mall of Asia promenade abutting Manila Bay. It's surrounded by various other amusement park…
Manila
This charming children's museum is near Rizal Park. Its interactive, hands-on exhibits explore Manila through the eyes of kids. Efforts are made to bring…
Manila
Baluarte de Santa Barbara, a restored 18th-century Spanish military barracks where hundreds of Filipino and American POWs were killed in WWII, is now the…
Manila
Standing as a beacon of serenity among its bawdy surrounds, this Taoist temple is both peaceful and beautiful, and worth popping into for a look.
Manila
The smell of incense wafts out of the large Seng Guan Buddhist Temple, the centre of Manila’s Buddhist community. It's just north of Chinatown in the hard…
Manila
A shady spot in Rizal Park where regulars test each other and look for new blood with shouts to visitors of ‘Hey Joe, do you play chess?’.
Manila
This is a famous Ninoy Aquino statue that shows him right before he was shot. It’s built on the spot where many pro-democracy rallies took place in the…
Manila
A rotunda memorial at the busy intersection of T Morato and Timog Ave, which commemorates the 24 boy scouts who died in a plane crash in 1963.
Manila
Fortified bastion shaped like an ace of spades dating back to 1586, making it one of the oldest stone fortifications in Intramuros.
Manila
This gigantic 3D relief map of the Philippines is at the far eastern end of Rizal Park.
Manila
A gallery and creative events space in Makati. Soon to relocate to upper Burgos St.
Manila
Plaza Miranda has some history. This is where the common folk came to watch beauty contests, political rallies, and various events and festivities, until…
Manila
In the centre of Teodoro Valencia Circle in Rizal Park stands a triumphant Lapu Lapu, the 16th-century national hero famous for slaying the Portuguese…
Manila
This triangular defensive fortification was built to help protect Intramuros after a Chinese uprising in 1603. Parian were the ghetto-like districts where…
Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch
Manila
Ornate arch marking the entrance to Chinatown when coming over the Jones Bridge. Do not confuse it with the gargantuan new (2015) Chinatown Arch, which is…
Manila
This is where Philippine presidents take their oath of office and deliver their first address to the nation. It's at the western end of Rizal Park.
Manila
Offering a sanctuary from the mayhem of downtown Manila, the flower-filled Manila Orchidarium is a relaxing spot, with orchids growing among water…
Manila
Stone defensive bulwark that was part of the original fortification of Intramuros. It dates back to 1592 and is named after the Japanese enclave it faced…
Manila
This gate to the walled city of Intramuros, built in 1662, led to the palaces of the Spanish governor general. José Rizal passed through here on the way…
Manila
This gate to the old walled city of Intramuros was built in 1663 for the exclusive use of the Spanish governor general during important state functions.
Philippine International Convention Center
Manila
This monumental convention centre dating from the Marcos era is still used for bazaars, government summits and other events.
Manila
The Lapu-Lapu Statue in Rizal Park sits in the middle of Teodoro Valencia Circle.
Manila
The Spanish built this pentagonal stone redoubt outside the walls of Intramuros, and used it to store ammunition.
