Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is a dynamic and forward-looking metropolis that is located on the picturesque island of Luzon. It serves as the political, financial, and commercial centre of the nation in addition to being the nation’s capital. The city is the most important entry point into the nation and is well-known for the scenic splendour of its surroundings. Visitors are mesmerised by the spectacular buildings, towering architecture, shopping plazas, and other tourist hotspots that can be found around the city.
In the last five hundred years, Manila has seen both prosperous and difficult times. For many years, the city remained under the sovereignty of three different nations: the Spanish, the Japanese, and the Americans. They took with them, throughout the course of time, churches, monuments, religions, foods, and clothing, all of which are now ingrained in Manila’s culture. The city as it exists now is symbolic of a perfect combination of ancient tradition and modernity, which can be observed in the lives of the people who call it home on a day-to-day basis.
Main Tourist Attractions of Manila, Phillipines
Intramuros
The walled city of Intramuros is one of the best preserved mediaeval towns in the world. It has a variety of forts, churches, and other colonial constructions, in addition to other historical artefacts. This location is right in the middle of the action in Manila. In the year 1571, while Spain was in control of the area, construction began on the city that is now known as the walled city. The city is home to a wide variety of buildings dating back to the European period, including a number of noteworthy churches. Many of these buildings have had their exact duplicates built in other parts of the nation.
Casa Manila Museum
This museum is designed to seem like a home from the 19th century in Manila. The many rooms in this place include ancient pieces of furniture, artwork, lamps, containers, and so on. On the very top level is a room that may be used as a kitchen. Visitors are able to go down and examine the various areas of the museum from that vantage point. The museum is an excellent resource for learning in-depth information on a variety of topics pertaining to Filipino history.
El Amanecer
El Amanecer is located at General Luna Street. A number of shops selling a broad selection of works of art and handicrafts may be found in this area. The antiquities may be found at Chang Rong, while the extensive sculpture collection can be seen in Galeria de las Islas. There are also several stores where you may purchase memorable mementos to take home with you. At El Amanecer, guests will also find a selection of restaurants, movie theatres, and shops to peruse throughout their stay.
San Agustin Church and Museum
This church was built in the 16th century and is recognised by UNESCO as one of the Philippine Boroque Churches. It is included on the organization’s list of World Heritage Sites. In addition to a pulpit, chapels, and an antique pipe organ, this city’s oldest stone church also has a wide variety of other artefacts. The church’s structure was unharmed by the bombings that occurred during the Second World War. Within the walls of the cathedral is a museum that houses a significant art collection.
Manila Cathedral
The construction of this cathedral was finished in the year 1951. The first structure on this lot dates back to 1581 when it was constructed. Following it, the construction of four further buildings began, but all of them were destroyed by earthquakes and fires. The damage done to this cathedral during the Second World War’s Battle of Manila was the last time it was attacked. The many sculptures that can be seen on the exterior of the cathedral as well as the bronze doors were all sculpted in Italy.
Fort Santiago
This walled compound is the location where Jose Rizal, who is revered as a national hero in the Philippines, spent the last night of his life. In this fort, Rizal composed the renowned poem “My Last Farewell,” also known as “Mi Ultimo Adios.” He concealed it in an oil lamp, and his family was the ones who discovered it in the end. Within the fort is where you’ll find the Rizal Shrine Museum. A plethora of records, books, papers, and a variety of other objects connected to Rizal may be discovered at this location. Additionally, quarters for the Spanish army were located inside the fort for a period of time.
Rizal Park
During the time of the Spanish colonial administration, this park in the middle of Manila was known as Bagumbayan field. After that, they decided to call it Luneta, which stuck. The execution of Jose Rizal took place at the park in the year 1896. Rizal was honoured by the Nation as a figure of great national significance. The park’s name was formally changed to Rizal Park not long after the Philippines gained their independence.
National Muzeum
The natural history museum that is here now was established somewhere in the early 20th century. It is a storage facility for the natural as well as cultural assets of the nation. Within the realm of government cultural agencies, the museum functions as a preeminent institution. In addition to this, it heightens people’s awareness of other cultures. The museum showcases a variety of activities that are connected to education, culture, and scientific exploration.
Ayala Museum
This museum is located inside the Greenbelt Mall Complex, and it features the creative works of renowned painters from all around the nation. Fernando Amorsolo, Juan Luna, and Damian Domingo are a few examples of these individuals. A multimedia room titled “People Power” may be found at this location. This chamber depicts the anarchy that reigned in the nation under the Marcos administration as well as the transition back to democratic rule.
Metropolitan Museum of Manila
This is a museum of fine arts that showcases the work of both contemporary and historical artists. In this museum, you will discover an extensive collection of jewellery as well as coins that date all the way back to ancient times. In times past, the Central Bank was responsible for collecting both of these things.
Chinatown
Chinatown, which is located close to the Pasig River, is a symbol of the prosperous history of Chinese people in the Philippines. This location has recently developed into a significant part of the city’s central business district. Additionally, it is a well-liked retail complex among the community’s inhabitants. There is a good selection of places to stay in addition to several fine dining establishments and coffee shops here. Other fascinating alternatives include cultural shows, nightclubs, and other entertainment venues, among other possibilities.
UST Museum of Arts and Science
The University of Santo Tomas manages and maintains this museum. It first opened its doors in 1870 and now has a significant number of remarkable artefacts in its collection. A significant ivory crucifix may be found at this location. It is also possible to see specimens of some of the species that have since become extinct.
