Manila travel guide

Best Things to Do in Manila

The number one thing to do in Manila is Intramuros — the 16th-century Spanish walled city with Fort Santiago and UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church. Walk the ramparts, take a bamboo-bike tour, then cross to Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, for a food crawl, ending with the Manila Bay sunset.

Best things to do in Manila — skyline over Manila Bay at fiery sunset, Philippines
best things to do in Manila — updated 24 September 2026 | original AmazingAsia artwork

What to do in Manila

Manila’s best day is a history day: Intramuros on foot, Binondo on appetite, the bay at sunset. Modern Manila — BGC’s skyline, Makati’s museums — fills a second day easily.

The best things to do in Manila

  1. Intramuros · Walled city

    The 1571 Spanish citadel — Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, rampart walks

    Area: Old Manila · Time needed: Half day · Cost: Free (Fort Santiago ₱75)

  2. Binondo · Chinatown

    The world’s oldest Chinatown (1594) — a legendary food crawl

    Area: Binondo · Time needed: 2–3 hours · Cost: Free (dishes ₱80–250)

  3. San Agustin Church · Church

    UNESCO-listed 1607 stone church with trompe-l’oeil ceilings

    Area: Intramuros · Time needed: 1 hour · Cost: Free (museum ₱200)

  4. Rizal Park & Manila Bay sunset · Park & bay

    The national park honouring Rizal, ending in the bay’s famous sunset

    Area: Ermita · Time needed: 1–2 hours · Cost: Free

  5. National Museum Complex · Museums

    Fine Arts, Anthropology and Natural History — all free

    Area: Ermita · Time needed: 2–3 hours · Cost: Free

  6. BGC (Bonifacio Global City) · Modern district

    Manila’s gleaming new core — street art, dining, safe night walks

    Area: Taguig · Time needed: Evening · Cost: Free

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best things to do in Manila — FAQs

What is the number one thing to do in Manila?

The number one thing to do in Manila is Intramuros — the 16th-century Spanish walled city with Fort Santiago and UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church. Walk the ramparts, take a bamboo-bike tour, then cross to Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, for a food crawl, ending with the Manila Bay sunset.

Is Manila worth visiting or just a gateway?

Manila is worth 1–2 full days, not just a gateway. Intramuros’ Spanish walls, Binondo’s 400-year-old Chinatown food scene, the free national museums and Manila Bay sunsets reward the effort. BGC and Makati show the modern city. Then fly on to the islands.

Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.