https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/metro-manila/best-things-to-do/10070014597090
Best Things to Do
Top 10 Best Things to Do in Metro Manila [2025]
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Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception - The Manila Cathedral
4.6
/5
698 reviews
6.0
Based on 1,175 reviews
5.6 km from downtown
Phone +63285273093
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 872 users330 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
393 reviews
5.7
From KRW 1821
Based on 2,151 reviews
5.8 km from downtown
Phone +63285273155
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 524 users207 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
4.4
/5
360 reviews
5.5
Based on 2,269 reviews
Manila Bay | 6.3 km from downtown
Phone +63272386188
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 Metro Manila
Highlights:
25-yard curved underwater tunnel
Spot rare Philippine marine species
Saved by 896 users275 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
5.0
Based on 433 reviews
China Town | 5.3 km from downtown
Phone +6322522888
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 447 users203 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
4.7
Based on 74 reviews
5.1 km from downtown
Phone +63282981100
Address: Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Witness history & cultural heritage
Philippine artists' works & bios
Saved by 388 users32% 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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Manila Bay
4.3
/5
580 reviews
4.4
Based on 1,175 reviews
30.2 km from downtown
Address: Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No. 1 of Night Attractions in Metro Manila
Highlights:
The bay glistens under the sun
Seaside Promenade Cycling with Ocean Breeze
Saved by 205 users129 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.
7
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Rizal Park
4.3
/5
283 reviews
4.3
Based on 2,110 reviews
Manila Bay | 5.5 km from downtown
Phone +639199264413
Address: Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No. 2 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Metro Manila
Highlights:
Free nightly concerts outdoors
Rizal statue: symbol of independence
Saved by 249 users
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.
8
Robinsons Place Manila
4.6
/5
71 reviews
4.2
Based on 1,045 reviews
5.5 km from downtown
Phone +63283103333
Address: Pedro Gil, cor Adriatico St, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Seven-story mall, 2.6 million sq ft
Manila uptown mall nearby roundabout
Saved by 155 users40% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Since I was staying in a nearby hotel, I walked here for 3 minutes after registering and had lunch on the way. Although it is a bit old, the mall is probably one of the larger shopping malls in the city. It has a complete range of food and entertainment options, and there are many choices to eat. It is a good place for shopping.
One of the restaurants you must visit when traveling to the Philippines is JOLLIBEE. Jollibee Group was founded by Filipino Chinese Chen Juezhong and is the country's largest restaurant chain group. Among them, the fried chicken brand Jollibee is the only "fighting chicken" in the world that can compete with McDonald's, KFC, and Popeyes. Therefore, it is also known as the "national fried chicken" of the Philippines. In China, the well-known Hong Kong-funded Tim Ho Wan and Taiwan-funded Yonghe King have actually been acquired by Jollibee. If it were not for the impact of the epidemic, the number of Jollibee restaurants in China would have expanded to more than 600.
Today, the first meal across the ocean is Jollibee at Robinsons Shopping Center. Maybe fried chicken with rice is unconventional, but in the Philippines, this combination is the most authentic.
No.
9
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National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help
4.8
/5
10 reviews
4.0
Based on 132 reviews
9.1 km from downtown
Phone +63288321150
Address: Redemptorist Road, Parañaque, Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Verified user reviews
Reasons to Recommend: Such a tourist spot that clean and people are friendly and kind I willing to go again next time. Address: Hochiminh
As always i go here every sunday cause i feel the good ambience and I can pray peacefully here and be thanks to god very well here.
No.
10
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Quezon Memorial Circle
4.9
/5
27 reviews
4.0
Based on 415 reviews
5.5 km from downtown
Phone +63287318391
Address: Elliptical Rd, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 hour
Verified user reviews
My family and I love QMC! It’s a nice place for a morning jog. Great for picnics with family and friends too!
Massive circle in the middle of Quezon City. It consists of memorials, museums, pubic spaces, and gardens. Pleasant to walk or relax.
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