Manila is the capital of the Philippines and is a very big city in general. This can make it hard sometimes to know what you need to visit and see when you’re there. To help you with this, I have provided a list of 5 things to do in Manila. So, if you’re interested, keep reading to find out some of the most amazing experiences that Manila has to offer! You can also check out a Manila hotel here too.
- Visit Rizal Park
Rizal Park was named after Jos Rizal, a Filipino freedom fighter that fought for social justice, among other things. In comparison to the biggest part of Manilla, Rizal Park can provide you with a lot of beautiful greenery and nature. This park is perfect for many things, ranging from taking a stroll in the park and having a classic picnic to the opportunity to do some great people-watching! If you’re lucky, you might even be able to enjoy one of the many inspiring events that are being organized in Rizal Park throughout the year.
- Visit Manila Bay
If you’re looking for a fun night, you should visit Manila Bay when you’re in Manila. This is a very cozy place where a lot of people come together in the evening to enjoy each other’s company. When you visit this place, you will find that it’s one of the best ways to get acquainted with the locals of Manila and you will be able to get a taste of the generosity of the people there. Furthermore, this place is filled with many authentic food stalls where you can enjoy some of the most delicious traditional Filipino snacks. Lastly, Manila Bay is one of the best places in Manila to watch the sun go down, leaving you with a truly magical sight that surely won’t be very easy to forget!
- Go on a tour through the slums
Unfortunately, poverty is still a very big issue in the Philippines to this day and that’s why there are a lot of slums to be found in Manila. So, if you want to get a good picture of how the poor people in Manila are living exactly, you should take a tour through the slums. Those kinds of tours are being organized by Smokey Tours and they pride themselves in offering you the most authentic and ethical experience. While such a tour won’t provide you with the most fun-filled day, it will give you the opportunity to really think about the horrible living circumstances that those people are living in and thus, you might get an actual reality-check.
- Visit Chinatown
Chinatown is one of the most well-known neighborhoods in Manila. Moreover, this is a really great place to visit when you’re looking for a typical touristic day and if you want to immerse yourself in the Filipino culture. In Chinatown, there are a lot of great Filipino clothing boutiques and restaurants, among other things. Also, you can find a stunning arc there and that arc is supposed to symbolize the truce and friendship between the Philippines and China. Thus, Chinatown will allow you to have a day filled with both fun and culture!
5.Attend a cockfight
While this activity might not be the most ethical one, it’s still a great way to get a real taste of the Filipino culture. In the Philippines in general and in Manila especially, it’s a cultural custom to organize cockfights during the week, but mostly at the weekends. When you attend such a fight, you can bet on which rooster you think will win the fight. However, that’s not the most important part about this experience. On the contrary, the most important part is that you can soak up the enthusiastic vibes and experience how the people in Manila get competitive when it comes to their roosters.
Conclusion
All in all, Manila is a great place to visit and should be on your travel bucket list. It should be noted that these 5 activities can only give you a glimpse of what Manila has to offer. Of course, there is a lot more to do than this, these are just the most prominent highlights. If you do decide to visit Manila, I promise that you won’t be disappointed!
