Manila, Philippines - Travel Guide

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Plan a free trip to Manila

Updated: 2026-10-10

Manila is the vibrant capital city of the Philippines, blending rich history with a modern pace of life. Visit to experience its unique mix of cultures, diverse cuisines, and the warm spirit of its locals.

Top things to do in Manila

Things to do in Manila include Intramuros, National Museum of Fine Arts, Manila Cathedral. Here are 15 places worth knowing, with a short note on each.

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A sample 3-day itinerary for Manila

Here is what 3 days in Manila look like when the planner builds them: stops grouped by proximity so no day doubles back, one full day at a time. The same route can be built for any length, from two days to a week.

Day 1

Historic Heart of Manila

Stops
4
Walking
49 min
  1. 1
    Minor Basilica of San SebastianChurch · Quiapo
    1.5 km (🚶 25 min)
  2. 2
    San Agustin ChurchChurch · Intramuros
    500 m (🚶 9 min)
  3. 3
    National Museum of Fine ArtsArt museum · Ermita
    950 m (🚶 15 min)
  4. 4
    Rizal ParkPark · Ermita
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Day 2

Chinatown Heritage & Quiapo

Stops
6
Walking
59 min
  1. 1
    Binondo ChurchChurch · Binondo
    250 m (🚶 4 min)
  2. 2
    Escolta StreetStreet · Binondo
    300 m (🚶 5 min)
  3. 3
    Jones BridgeBridge · Binondo-Intramuros
    300 m (🚶 7 min)
  4. 4
    Manila CathedralChurch · Intramuros
    1.1 km (🚶 20 min)
  5. 5
    Divisoria MarketTondo
    1.3 km (🚶 23 min)
  6. 6
    IntramurosIntramuros
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Day 3

Makati Culture & Malate Bay

Stops
5
  1. 1
    Ayala MuseumMuseum · Makati
    4.4 km
  2. 2
    Cultural Center of the PhilippinesArts centre · Pasay
    2.1 km (🚶 35 min / 🚌 14 min)
  3. 3
    Malate ChurchMalate
    1 km (🚶 20 min)
  4. 4
    Roxas BoulevardAvenue · Malate-Ermita
    1.1 km (🚶 16 min)
  5. 5
    Metropolitan Museum of ManilaArt museum
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This is an example. The planner builds a different route for your dates, real opening hours, how you get around and your own preferences.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Manila?

Intramuros, National Museum of Fine Arts, Manila Cathedral, Rizal Park, San Agustin Church, Ayala Museum and 9 more. Intramuros: This historic walled city offers a fascinating glimpse into the Philippines' Spanish colonial past.

What can you do in 3 days in Manila?

Day 1: Minor Basilica of San Sebastian, San Agustin Church, National Museum of Fine Arts, Rizal Park. Day 2: Binondo Church, Escolta Street, Jones Bridge, Manila Cathedral. Day 3: Ayala Museum, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Malate Church, Roxas Boulevard.

Which areas should you explore in Manila?

The itinerary for Manila runs through Quiapo, Intramuros, Ermita, Binondo, Binondo-Intramuros and Tondo.

Which museums are worth visiting in Manila?

Museums worth visiting in Manila: National Museum of Fine Arts (Ermita), Ayala Museum (Makati) and Metropolitan Museum of Manila.

Which churches are worth seeing in Manila?

Churches worth seeing in Manila: Manila Cathedral (Intramuros), San Agustin Church (Intramuros), Binondo Church (Binondo) and Minor Basilica of San Sebastian (Quiapo).

What parks and gardens are there in Manila?

Parks and gardens in Manila: Rizal Park (Ermita) and Paco Park (Paco).

Destinations near Manila

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