12 must-do experiences in Manila

30.09.2024 - 18:03 / lonelyplanet.com

Sep 30, 2024 • 6 min read

Most travelers flock to the Philippines for tropical beaches and laid-back island life. Yet regardless of which idyllic point you’re headed to, chances are you’ll be landing in the bustling capital of Manila. 

The vibrantly chaotic city offers a whirlwind of history, culture and cuisine for adventurers up for something new. Here, you can dive into different facets of the country’s past, savor local flavors and soak up the city’s frenetic energy before heading onward to relax.

If you’re lucky enough to be passing through Manila soon, here are a few experiences you shouldn’t miss.

The historic quarter of Intramuros is where most visitors to Manila start off – and the best way to soak in the atmosphere of walled district is on a traditional bamboo bicycle. Set a leisurely pace as you pedal by centuries-old churches, pocket parks and cafes exuding charm – and then cap off your tour with craft beer at Batala Bar, beside the bike-rental spot.

Planning tip: Set out in the morning before lunch or in the late afternoon right before sunset to beat the heat. Bambike offers guided tours and a wide variety of rentals for DIY exploration.

Thanks to its manicured gardens and the shrine of famed nationalist Dr Jose Rizal, Fort Santiago, one of Manila’s oldest structures, has long been a cornerstone attraction. After you’ve admired the iconic arched gate and paid respects to a Filipino national hero, a hidden cafe awaits in an expected place.

Papa Kape is a bike-friendly heritage cafe housed within Aljibe de la Fuerza, a 400-year-old water cistern within the historic citadel. On offer are unexpected coffee and tea concoctions like tahoat (an espresso with soy curds and tapioca pearls), black gulaman americano (with grass jelly) and tangy mango sampalok Iced Tea.

Planning tip: Fort Santiago’s opening hours are longer than at other attractions. The park is magically quiet at dusk and early morning, so save this one for your first or last stop.

A tour of Casa Manila, a museum that depicts the lifestyle of an affluent Filipino family in the 19th century, is a quintessential Manila experience. The ornamental windows, crystal chandeliers and elegant furnishings offer a view of high-end life in the late Spanish-colonial period.

One of the country’s four UNESCO-listed baroque churches, San Agustin hides another underrated museum. In a former monastery are galleries filled with ecclesiastical relics, sacred statues and accounts of Christian colonization, all providing insights into the country’s religious history.

Showcasing memorabilia in a stone house steeped in history, the Destileria Limtuaco Museum celebrates the history of the Philippines’ oldest liquor maker. After learning about the traditional