https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/manila/best-things-to-do/100000006889
Best Things to Do
Top 8 Best Things to Do in Manila [2025]
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Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception - The Manila Cathedral
4.6
/5
698 reviews
6.1
Based on 1,172 reviews
1.1 km from downtown
Phone +63 2 8527 3093
Address: Cabildo, 132 Beaterio St, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Stained glass & Neo-Gothic style
Romanesque arches & religious statues
Saved by 773 users339 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
beautiful cathedral! must see when you’re walking around Intramuros. passing by during weekends gives you an extra treat to see the cathedral dressed up for a wedding
The Manila Cathedral, officially known as the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, is a breathtaking symbol of faith, history, and architectural grace in the heart of Intramuros. Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by the grandeur of its interiors—soaring arches, intricate stained-glass windows, and a peaceful atmosphere that invites reflection. The cathedral’s history, having risen from war and natural disasters, makes it even more awe-inspiring.Whethe
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Fort Santiago
4.6
/5
389 reviews
5.7
From AU$ 2.06
Based on 2,147 reviews
977m from downtown
Phone +63 2 8527 3155
Address: Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Spanish gatehouse reliefs: governor's tale
Monument symbolizes national liberation
Saved by 436 users208 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Historical park with a lot of greenery. For history enthusiasts, highlights include the Rizal Museum and underground tunnels detailing Japanese atrocities during WWII. You also get a great view of the river.
If you like going to museums and historical sites then definitely Fort Santiago is worth a visit! I would recommend this place for those people visiting Manila. Worth a visit!!
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Manila Ocean Park
4.5
/5
359 reviews
5.7
Based on 2,264 reviews
Manila Bay | 2.4 km from downtown
Phone +63 285677777
Address: Quirino Grandstand, 666 Behind, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Manila
Highlights:
25-yard curved underwater tunnel
Spot rare Philippine marine species
Saved by 788 users277 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
I really enjoy seeing aquariums like this. There are quite a lot of shows, including penguins, sea lions, reptiles, and jellyfish. There’s also a special aquarium for sharks. However, I recommend not going on weekends because you’ll have to compete with other visitors for photo spots.
nice and amazing performance im happy na nadala ko ang family ko sa manila ocean park na enjoy din naman nila pumasyal dahil sa ganda ng mga view.
No.
4
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Chinatown
4.4
/5
316 reviews
5.2
Based on 430 reviews
China Town | 265m from downtown
Phone +63-2-2522888
Address: 864 Masangkay St, Binondo, Manila, 1006 Metro Manila, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Traditional Chinese goods & streets
Historic Chinese district since 11th century
Saved by 395 users205 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
[View] Not far from the China-Philippine Friendship Gate is Manila Cathedral, and there are many historical attractions nearby. [Fun] There are fewer places to entertain, and try not to go out at night. [Cost-effective] Food accommodation is cost-effective, and there are Chinese restaurant shops everywhere.
absolute a must do in Manilla ❤️you will love the authentic experience, the food and the people.let grab drop you off at the lucky mall, which a really nice mall and beneath the mall there is a food market.
No.
5
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National Museum of Fine Arts
4.4
/5
138 reviews
4.8
Based on 74 reviews
1.7 km from downtown
Phone +63 2-8298-1100
Address: Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.2 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Manila
Highlights:
Witness history & cultural heritage
Philippine artists' works & bios
Saved by 329 users35% positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
The National Museum of Fine Arts is a must-visit! I love how it preserves so much history while still feeling fresh and inspiring every time. Walking through the grand halls surrounded by masterpieces like Spoliarium always gives me chills. It’s a beautiful, nostalgic spot that reminds me of school trips, but now I appreciate it even more. A timeless gem in the heart of Manila!
This is free for everyone to see. At the entrance, Spoliarium will great you! This is an amazing piece of art. Huge! Inside, you will see all the amazing art pieces by Filipino artist. The atmosphere is good, and temperature is just okay.
No.
6
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Rizal Park
4.3
/5
283 reviews
4.4
Based on 2,109 reviews
Manila Bay | 2.1 km from downtown
Phone +63 919 926 4413
Address: Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.3 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Manila
Highlights:
Free nightly concerts outdoors
Rizal statue: symbol of independence
Saved by 218 users26% positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Surrounded by multiple national museums covering a wide area and close to Intramuros - two must-visit places in a Manila itinerary.
Rizal Park, or Luneta, is a chill spot in Manila where you can relax and soak in some history. It’s got green spaces, cool monuments like the Rizal Monument, and plenty of room for walks or picnics. Perfect for a break from the city hustle, whether you’re with family or just want to hang out.
No.
7
Manila Bay
4.4
/5
580 reviews
4.4
Based on 1,171 reviews
25.2 km from downtown
Address: Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.4 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Manila
Saved by 159 users142 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Oh my god. That sunset. The most amazing view of my life was in Manila Bay. It was a great evening to spend the night with my Philippine friends there.
The view of Manila city can be seen from here. It’s best to visit at dusk when it’s windy and the weather is not too hot. There are many cafés, restaurants, and food vendors as well.
No.
8
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San Agustin Church
4.5
/5
286 reviews
4.2
Based on 1,600 reviews
1.3 km from downtown
Phone +63 2 8527 2746
Address: General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Baroque chapel: murals & rose columns
Choir loft overlooks entire church
Saved by 290 users
Verified User Reviews
The Cathedral of St. Augustine in Manila, Philippines, consists of two parts: the chapel and the monastery. The Baroque-style chapel is the architectural essence of the entire St. Augustine, while the monastery is a museum, which houses a large number of precious items such as vestments, golden chalices, silver crosses, ivory statues, silk cloaks embroidered with gold thread, and oil paintings. The focus of this article is the organ in the church, which is rare to see.
As a world historical and cultural heritage, the Cathedral of St. Augustine has also experienced the destruction of war, and many precious collections have been lost in various wars. After the end of World War II, St. Augustine was rebuilt. The church and the first monastery have restored their appearance. In 1965, in order to commemorate the 400 years of the spread of Catholicism in the Philippines, St. Augustine exhibited photos of hundreds of churches built between the 16th and 19th centuries across the country, which gave rise to the idea of creating a museum. Since then, St. Augustine has continuously collected various precious cultural relics lost in various wars and displayed them in the monastery for the public to see. Today, St. Augustine is not only a church and a monastery, but also a museum that houses many Philippine and Spanish art treasures. It is an important place to display the historical and cultural treasures of the Philippines and is well worth visiting. I think a whole day is not enough.
The Cathedral of St. Augustine in Manila, Philippines, consists of two parts: the chapel and the monastery. The Baroque-style chapel is the architectural essence of the entire St. Augustine, while the monastery is a museum with a large collection of precious items such as vestments, golden chalices, silver crosses, ivory statues, silk cloaks embroidered with gold thread, and oil paintings. A large number of photos were shared in the previous few days, and here are some videos.
As a world historical and cultural heritage, the Cathedral of St. Augustine has also experienced the destruction of war, and many precious collections have been lost in successive wars. After the end of World War II, St. Augustine was rebuilt. The church and the first monastery have restored their appearance. In 1965, in order to commemorate the 400 years of the spread of Catholicism in the Philippines, St. Augustine exhibited photos of hundreds of churches built across the country between the 16th and 19th centuries, which gave rise to the idea of creating a museum. Since then, St. Augustine has continuously collected various precious cultural relics lost in successive wars and displayed them in the monastery for the public to view. Today, St. Augustine is not only a church and a monastery, but also a museum that houses many Philippine and Spanish art treasures. It is an important place to display the historical and cultural treasures of the Philippines and is well worth visiting. I think a whole day is not enough.
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