Manila - the capital of the Philippines where are nice mix of Spanish colonial architecture and modern business centres can be found. The heart of Manila and the main tourist attraction in this huge Asian metropolis is Intramuros - a walled city from colonial times with old churches, palaces and fort.
Manila Attractions
Intramuros
Intramuros ("within the walls" in Spanish) is the historic center and oldest district of Manila. Intramuros is also called the Walled City because this central district is almost completely surrounded by a circuit of massive stone walls and fortifications. The major attractions found within the walls of Intramuros include Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church and Fort Santiago.
Manila Cathedral
Manila Cathedral or Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is one of the most important churches in the Philippines. It’s also the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila.
San Agustin Church
San Agustin Church is the oldest stone church currently standing in the Philippines. The church is the only ancient building inside Intramuros that managed to survive the Second World War.
Rizal Park
Rizal Park, also known as Luneta, is a historical park in Manila. Situated next to the walls of Intramuros, the park is one of the largest urban parks in Asia. Rizal Park contains gardens, plazas, stadium, open-air concert hall, playgrounds, and dozens of fountains, making it a popular spot for relaxation and fun.
Manila City Hall
Manila City Hall is one of the iconic landmarks in Manila, located in the historic center of Ermita. The city hall is the official seat of government of Manila where the mayor of the city has an office. One of the highlights of this building is its clock tower - the largest clock tower in the Philippines.
Bonifacio Monument
Bonifacio Monument is a monument situated next to Manila City Hall. The monument is dedicated to the heroes of the Philippine Revolution - Filipino revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio and Philippine revolutionary society Katipunan.
Binondo / Chinatown
Manila’s Chinatown, also known as Binondo, is the oldest Chinatown in the world, established in 1594. Binondo is situated across the Pasig River from Intramuros. For years Binondo was the center of commerce and trade of Manila.
Binondo Church
Binondo Church, also known as Minor Basilica of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, is a Catholic church in Chinatown of Manila. Binondo Church is one of the oldest Christian worship places in the Philippines.
National Museum
National Museum is a building complex in Manila, composed of the National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology and the National Museum of Natural History. The complex is also home to the National Museum of the Philippines organization.
Manila Transportation
Together with ordinary train and bus systems, Manila also offers unique modes of transportation and taking any of them is quite an adventure.
Jeepney
Jeepney is the most popular mean of public transportation not only in Manila but in the Philippines as well. These vibrant colored buses are a symbol of Philippine culture and art. No trip to the Philippines would be fulfilled without an experience of taking Jeepney.
Horse Cart
Horse Cart locally called Calesa was used on the streets of Manila in the 18th century. Nowadays calesa is often used as a nice mode of transportation for getting around Intramuros.
Rikshaw
Rickshaw is a tricycle that is still a common mean of public transportation in Manila.
Flights to Manila
Most international flights land at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). There are directs flights to Manila from both Bangkok’s airports – Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). From Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) you can fly directly to Manila with full service carriers Thai Airways, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Low cost airlines AirAsia offer direct flights to Manila from Don Mueang Airport (DMK).
Flights from Bangkok to Manila can be found here: Flights from Bangkok to Manila.
Domestic Travel
The most popular domestic routes to/from Manila:
More transportation options for traveling to/from Manila can be found with the use of this search form.