Start your day at Intramuros
Intramuros or ‘within the wall’ represents the oldest district of Metro Manila, built during the Spanish occupation. It is the best place to start your day and to soak in the rich history of the Philippines. A part of the boundary walls is still well preserved, even though a huge part was destroyed in World War II, during the Japanese-American battle for Manila. Still, lots of historical buildings, museums and even two churches can be found inside the area
Get around by local transport
Originally made from U.S. military jeeps left over from World War II, jeepneys or jeeps have become a symbol of Pinoy art and culture. These days, they are the most popular public utility vehicle, dubbed the “kings of the road.” They are well-known for their crowded seating and kitsch decorations, usually with colorful airbrush paintings decorating the exteriors. Jeepneys are used everywhere in the Philippines, both in the city and in rural areas.
Visit Manila Ocean Park
Visit the only Oceanarium in Manila and interact with hundreds of marine animals. Manila Ocean Park’s best spot would be the 25-meter curved glass walkway tunnel. There, you are to encounter more than 14, 000 aquatic animals such as sharks, sting rays, jellyfishes and much more.
The Oceanarium is also offering a couple of educational tours that may help your children understand the marine biodiversity and how to protect them. There are also a few romantic sections in the park which makes it as one of the best places to visit in Manila for couples.
Dine like a local
The most famous traditional Filipino dishes that first-timers should try are Adobo (usually chicken or pork cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic), Sinigang (Filipino soup or stew seasoned with tamarind), Sisig (grilled pork face, ears, brains, snout, cheeks, and chicken liver etc.) and Kare-Kare (Oxtail stew).
Visit museums
If you are into history and culture, there are a lot of museums around Manila that you can visit including The National Museum, Casa Manila, San Agustin Museum, Metropolitan Museum, Bahay Tsinoy, Ayala Museum, Yuchengco Museum and Bahay Tsinoy. One of the newest ones in Manila is the National Museum of Natural History in Rizal Park, which offers a compelling and comprehensive view of the country’s rich biodiversity. This is hosted inside the building formerly occupied by the Department of Tourism within Rizal Park near the Agrifina Circle.
Experience nightlife in Bonifacio Global City
Once you have had a culturally enriching day, it is time to get with what Manila’s nightlife is all about. Bonifacio High Street in BGC is one of the city’s best-maintained malls where there is an ever-present social scene. It is where you can enjoy the fresh air and take leisurely walks as you shop in high-end retail stores and pick a classy place to have dinner. If you would rather go for more affordable dining, BGC has a lot of restaurants and hole in the walls in the area that will also cater to tourists on a budget.
Try the street food
Trying the street food in the Philippines should be a traveller’s mission. Not just because you will have bragging rights, but because once you taste Philippine street food, you will realise that they are not that bad. In fact, many of them are actually delicious. There is no better place to try them than in Manila where street food vendors roam both residential and commercial areas. You will even find vendors selling street food on the road while you are stuck in the infamous Manila traffic.