Must see attractions in 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…

The long-moribund National Planetarium was reopened in early 2017. Major upgrades include a Japanese–built projector and new blue seats in its central…

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…

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…

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…

Contains good resources on Filipino history, art and culture, and is also the repository of thousands of images related to the Philippines. Photography…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Beat the heat and entertain the kiddies in this enlightening science museum filled with fun facts, educational video games and dozens of interactive…

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…

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…

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…

Looming east of Intramuros, the neoclassical city hall building is distinguished by an attractive clock tower that is beautifully illuminated at night. It…

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…

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…

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…