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If you’re looking for a city that never sleeps, look no further than the capital of the Philippines. From its bustling nightlife to historical landmarks and casual restaurants, there’s something for every type of visitor at any time of day. Manila is a great place to experience first-hand as it offers something for everyone—culturally, economically, and ecologically. The city is situated on five lakes making it a perfect spot to explore by boat or car rental. Here are 20 things to do in Manila once you’ve landed.
Before traveling abroad – get vaccinated! However, before you go on a trip, you should take care of your teeth.
Plan Your Trip to Manila Before you Book
If you’re looking for a city that never sleeps, look no further than the capital of the Philippines. From its bustling nightlife to historical landmarks and casual restaurants, there’s something for every type of visitor at any time of day. With a tropical climate, a thriving cultural scene, and blue waters, Manila is a great place to experience first-hand as it offers something for everyone—culturally, economically, and ecologically. The city is situated on five lakes making it a perfect spot to explore by boat or car rental. Here are 20 things to do in Manila once you’ve landed.
Explore the Streets of Manila
If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, Manila’s narrow alleys and alimango tree lined streets are the perfect place to start. This is the city’s original heart and many of the earliest buildings and neighbourhoods can still be seen today. You can experience the authentic local lifestyle by dining in a local restaurant, renting a bike from a street stall, and sitting on a park bench to people watch.
Before traveling abroad – get vaccinated! However, before you go on a trip, you should take care of your teeth.
Take a Skyshow in the City
With countless skyscrapers and bridges, the skyshow in Manila is one of the most impressive in the world. Though there are other skyshow sites in Asia, Manila’s is among the most beautiful and it’s a perfect way to experience Filipino culture and history at the same time. The skyshow takes place at sunset and is best viewed from a vantage point that offers a good perspective on both the city and bay.
Eat Breakfast at a Filipino Restaurant
Everyone loves a great breakfast but if you’re looking to experience different Filipino dishes, head straight to a restaurant specializing in them. Filipino restaurants specialize in dishes like lechon (roasted pork), adobo (meat in a soy sauce), pancit (rice and veggies), and lumpia (fried spring rolls). If you’re looking for something more western, try a local bakery that bakes freshly made breads and pastries.
Visit a Shrine or Temple in the City
Manila is full of shrines and temples that can be explored as a day trip from the city. One of the oldest and most famous is the San Agustin Church in Intramuros, which was built in the 15th century. You can also travel to the nearby Parian Jewish Heritage Center to learn more about the city’s Jewish population. The other temples that can be visited include the Santuario De San Nicolas in Otay, Intramuros, which dates back to the 1500s and is dedicated to the town’s patron saint. If you have time for just one temple, make it the Sto. Domingo Church in Quiapo, which is home to one of the world’s most impressive collections of religious artwork.
Go Shopping at Market and Flea Markets
If there’s one thing Filipinos are famous for, it’s shopping. The country is home to some of the world’s largest and most popular markets. Manila, being the capital, is the main hub for all of these markets, where you can shop for authentic Filipino and Asian goods. There are also some unique flea markets in the city that are great for finding cheap and unique souvenirs. One of the most popular is the Mall of Asia, which is a five-story shopping center featuring luxury stores, souvenir shops, and food offerings. Another alternative market is the Binondo Market, which is home to stores selling antiques, clothing, and household items. The market is also perfect for people-watching with its narrow streets and alleys.
Enjoy Dinner with Family and Friends at Local Restaurants
For a cultural experience that’s beyond compare, invite your family and friends over to dine at a Filipino restaurant. These restaurants are famous for their flavoured chicken and pork dishes. If you’re craving for something more western, you’re in luck as a lot of Filipino restaurants offer western food too. One of the best ways to experience Filipino cuisine is by booking a table at a restaurant that serves Filipino cuisine. You can also try asking the hotel concierge for recommendations or asking locals for their favourite restaurants. The Filipino staple of rice paired with vegetables and meat, as well as unlimited servings of siopao (steamed buns with meat inside) are some of the main staples of Filipino cuisine. Other delicacies like honey de leche (sweetened milk), adobo (meat in a soy sauce), and lechon (roasted pork) can be sampled in any restaurant.
Indulge in the Nightlife of Manila
With its lively nightlife, the city is one of the most popular places in the world to party. The best way to experience this is by booking a trip to the Philippines to explore all that Manila has to offer. A local tour is one of the best ways to experience the culture and people of a new place. If you’d prefer to go with a group of people, you can try the nightlife of Manila at clubs, bars, and lounges. The city is full of amazing bars and clubs that are perfect for anyone looking to have a good time. You can expect to find everything from casual hangouts to luxurious lounges, and everything in between. If you’re new to the city, it’s best to get yourself to a busy area to find big crowds and see lively nightlife. Try going to a bustling area like the financial district or Makati. You can also walk around the city to find people enjoying life in the streets.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a city that never sleeps, look no further than the capital of the Philippines. From its bustling nightlife to historical landmarks and casual restaurants, there’s something for every type of visitor at any time of day. With a tropical climate, a thriving cultural scene, and blue waters, Manila is a great place to experience first-hand as it offers something for everyone—culturally, economically, and ecologically. The city is situated on five lakes making it a perfect spot to explore by boat or car rental. Here are 20 things to do in Manila once you’ve landed.
Before traveling abroad – get vaccinated! However, before you go on a trip, you should take care of your teeth.