7 THINGS TO SEE IN MANILA17 min read

7 THINGS TO SEE IN MANILA

As a beach destination, the Philippines has the best of the best. With over 7000 islands and more beaches to last several lifetimes (and some), including some of the best I have seen, it’s clear why so many people like to visit.

MANILA IS THE TRUE SOUTH EAST ASIAN EXPERIENCE YOU’RE AFTER!

Because of this, the capital Manila can often get overlooked. Do not be put off when reading the many itineraries telling you to head straight to the islands. It is easy for us to fly in and sit on a beach or island hop for the next few weeks, but spending a few days in Manila will open your eyes to things to see in Manila, Philippines, you will have never experienced and will leave you much better off for it. I will admit even I was not won over on my arrival, but I got out, accepted it for what it was and explored the city. It was not long until it had completely won me over! I enjoyed the chaos and meeting some of the most charming locals I have ever met!!

WHERE IS MANILA?

7 THINGS TO SEE IN MANILA

7 THINGS TO SEE IN MANILA

1. VISIT THE VENUE OF THE THRILLA IN MANILA

One of the most unique sights to see in Manila is not a church or a colonial ruin; it is a sports arena with one of the greatest stories in boxing history attached to it. If you are a sports fan and wondering what to see in Manila that you simply cannot see anywhere else in the world, this is it.

The Thrilla in Manila is one of the most famous sporting events of all time. It was the deciding fight between two of the world’s best ever fighters, Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali, who went on to win the bout after the 14th round, when both fighters wanted to quit. However, it was Joe who threw the towel in first.

Now, it’s not like the world-class venues some might be used to in the West, but because of its history, it’s certainly worth a visit!

It was the government that decided they wanted to capture a global audience and host the fight here in Manila at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City, and what a decision it was, as it would go down as one of the best fights of all time and was dubbed, The Thrilla in Manila. The arena is one of the largest in Asia and hosts a number of sporting events every year, including basketball and music concerts. Take a look at their calendar, and if there is something on during your stay, be sure to visit and take yourself back to 1975!

2. INTRAMUROS

Intramuros is at the top of almost every list of things to see in Manila, Philippines, and rightly so.

Intramuros is the old town of Manila and the only part that existed before the 20th century. For a settlement so far from the continent, it has a unique European vibe with its fortified walls, courtyards and colonial architecture, a huge contrast to the rest of the city. If you want to learn something about the town, then check out a walking tour, or if you don’t fancy the walk, a horse-drawn carriage or a tour on a tricycle is also possible.

7 THINGS TO SEE IN MANILA

3. FORT SANTIAGO

Fort Santiago is one of the most emotionally significant sights to see in Manila.

While you are in Intramuros, be sure to check out Fort Santiago. Built in 1571, it was originally the base for the Spanish government, which suffered during the Second World War, most notably the battle of Manila. Fortunately, it has been restored and is now back looking like its old self. It was also where Jose Rizal (leader of the Philippine national movement) was imprisoned and executed. Be sure to check out his cell and pay homage at his shrine.

7 THINGS TO SEE IN MANILA

4. MALLS MALLS MALLS

It might sound like an unusual entry on a list of what to see in Manila, but the malls here are genuinely a cultural experience in their own right and not just a place to shop.

Malls in Manila are no joke; there seems to be one on every corner, and they aren’t the type I see at home. If the Philippines knows one thing, it’s how to build a mall. After all, with the heat and humidity, no one wants to be walking outside if they can help it.

If you don’t fancy messing about, then head to the Mall of Asia, the 3rd biggest mall in the world. Here you can enjoy malls within a mall and anything you would ever need on a day, week or month of shopping, eating and entertainment, but don’t forget to get outside and check out the promenade to meet some of the locals.

7 THINGS TO SEE IN MANILA

To give you an idea of the size of this mall, its younger sister, SM Megamall, records a daily footfall of 800,000 people PER DAY!!!! This place has everything from cinemas, bowling alleys, food courts and of course, countless shops! A few options worth visiting are the Rockwell Centre and the impressive Greenbelt Mall, both located in the city centre near Makati.

5. SEAFOOD!!

The Philippines isn’t known for its food the same way as its Asian counterparts, such as Thailand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. However, visiting Manila brings a host of invaluable opportunities to try unique dishes, hard to find when on the tourist trail.

If you want the ultimate seafood dining experience, then look no further than Pasay Seafood Market. It is an essential experience for anyone figuring out what to do and see in Manila on a food-led trip.

Set alongside the promenade at the Mall of Asia, you can enjoy many of the day’s best catches, such as lobster, shrimp and crab. Just hand-pick your fish and then take it to one of the restaurants that will cook it to your preference!

7 THINGS TO SEE IN MANILA

6. TONDO MARKETS

The Tondo Markets are among the most sensory and overwhelming sights to see in Manila and are absolutely not on any standard tourist itinerary, which is exactly why they should be on yours.

Tondo district is home to some of Manila’s best local markets and a place full of Filipino culture. Expect crazy heat, humidity and traffic, as well as almost anything ever invented!

Need a Tamagotchi, sorted! Need some Sisig (pig head and chicken liver), sorted, need a water pistol, sorted, need a pet bird, sorted! The list goes on.

With the Muslim and Chinatown areas, Tonda is a crossroads of diversity, as if Manila couldn’t be any more unique! To get the most out of this huge place, hiring a guide might be your best shot.

7. VISIT MANILA’S URBAN SETTLEMENTS

What better way to appreciate the life so many of us complain about than visiting Manila’s famous urban settlements, full of happy smiles! Filipinos are known for their happy-go-lucky attitude, and at times, I could learn a thing or two from the way they think!

For these sorts of experiences, it’s best to get a guide who not only knows where to go and who to talk to but will also know how to get out. These places are huge! Expect to be shocked by some of the living conditions and humbled by the locals’ attitude and smiles of contentment.

UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

Be sure to experience the public transport while you still can. The infamous jeepneys, which fill the city’s roads, are slowly dying off. Legislation was passed back in 2017 to remove these environmentally unfriendly icons. If you wonder how much they are part of the scenery, then think of the black cabs of London or the yellow cabs of New York.

A MUST DO!

After a long day travelling around the city, head to a Karaoke Bar for some drinks to unwind.

The private room karaoke bars scattered across the city are one of the most joyful and unexpected things to see in Manila, Philippines, after dark.

Here you can rent a small room (or do it in public if you’re daring), have some table service and sing along to karaoke to your heart’s content. It’s big business here in the Philippines, so don’t expect to have to look too far!

FINAL THOUGHTS

ISo if you were searching for what to see in Manila or debating whether to include the capital in your Philippines itinerary, I hope this list has settled it.

It might not have the same pull as many of Asia’s 21st-century capital cities, which have managed to clad themselves with a false persona thanks to their countless skyscrapers, casinos and resorts.

People should know that when they visit cities like this, it’s rarely the real Asia that many people talk about and love. However, rather than visiting these cities that all offer the same thing, visiting Manila will show you an insight into the real hustle and bustle of Asian life.

SAFE TRAVELS, DS x

To read about my time in the Philippines, click here.