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Tourist Attractions in
If your time allows and want to explore Manila, especially for first timers, we suggest that you use guided or package tours. The traffic is heavy especially during rush hours. Using guided or package tours will get yourself free from the hassle of navigating the traffic.
You can visit this site for more information: https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/what-to-experience/manila-tourist-spots. The article offers 15 tourist spots.
For Bookings and Tour Packages (MANILA):
For Bookings and Tour Packages (MANILA):
Intramuros
Intramuros
Intramuros, known as the "Walled City," is the oldest district and historic core of Manila. Intramuros tours are a must-try for history buffs because there are so many things to do in Intramuros.
This iconic Manila landmark is actually a walled area within the modern city. It was the seat of government and political power when the Philippines was still under Spanish rule.
Intramuros is Manila's only district where travelers can see complete architectural remnants of the Spanish Era. A day trip to Intramuros is enough for you to go sightseeing in this well-preserved historical attraction.
Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago is one of the oldest fortifications in Manila built by the Spaniards in 1571 from what was once a palisaded structure of logs and earth built by Rajah Soliman on the native settlement called Maynila.
The colonizers recognized that the tongue of land where the Pasig River flowed into the Manila Bay was a very strategic location. The fort was destroyed in 1574 during the Chinese attack led by Limahong.
The stone fort was built between 1589 and 1592 and was repaired and extended after being damaged by the 1645 earthquake. Spanish, British, American and Japanese occupation forces used the fort as their headquarters and a prison for men, women, children and soldiers.
After its destruction during the Battle of Manila in 1945, the fort was used by the U.S. Transportation Corps as a depot until it was turned over to the Philippine government in 1946. In 1950, Fort Santiago was declared a Shrine of Freedom and restoration began the following year. Today, it stands as a memorial to the victims of World War II and the sacrifices of the Filipino people in pursuit of freedom.
Manila Cathedral
Manila Cathedral
When Catholicism arrived in the Philippines in 1521, it brought with it the western church architecture. One of the most significant and magnificent churches built during the Spanish colonization is the Manila Cathedral.
The first church was built in 1571 by a nonreligious priest named Juan de Vivero. The simple parish made of bamboo and nipa was known as the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate with La Purisima Immaculada Conception as the patron.
On December 21, 1581, Bishop Domingo Salazar converted the church into a cathedral, renovating the structure with nipa, bamboo, and wood. However, a typhoon came in 1582 and damaged the building. A year later, the cathedral was completely destroyed in a fire.
The second church was then built from 1591 to 1592. This time, the materials used were stones. Unfortunately, in 1600, an earthquake took place and caused total damage to the church. It was then restored and was finished in 1614. Seven years later, in 1621, another earthquake shook the site and weakened the structure of the church.
In late 1625, two strong earthquakes had completely destroyed the entire cathedral. The construction of the fourth church started in 1654 until 1751 under Archbishop de Poblete. Sadly, by the early 1700s, the building was not in good condition, so it was decided that another reconstruction needed to be done.
Juan de Uguccioni built the fifth cathedral which was again struck by another earthquake in 1862, damaging some parts of the edifice. And so the sixth cathedral was produced, replacing the baroque façade with a neoclassical one.
Unluckily, a massive earthquake occurred in 1863, destroying the cathedral and its nearby structures. In 1879, the new Manila Cathedral was inaugurated, but another quake happened in 1880, losing the bell tower. In 1945, the cathedral was again ruined due to bombings during the Battle of Manila. It was later reconstructed by Fernando Ocampo from 1954 to 1958 and was introduced in 1958.
Rizal Park
Rizal Park
Located in the heart of Manila is Rizal Park, a landmark full of historical significance. The park is a homage to the Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal.
He was a doctor and novelist who was shot by firing squad at this site on December 30, 1896, on charges of fostering local rebellion against the Spanish government.
Rizal Park features monuments, squares and gardens, large stadiums, observatories, an open-air concert hall, sound and light theaters, shops, food kiosks, playgrounds, and many fountains.
The park is split into three areas, starting with the 16-hectare Agrifina Circle adjacent to Taft Avenue. It's where the Department of Tourism and the National Museum of Anthropology are situated.
Then there's the northeastern segment; followed by the 22-hectare park extending down to Roxas Boulevard. Lastly, the central section finishing at the southwestern part contains Burnham Green. Join a Rizal Park tour with Intramuros to get a full experience of this destination.
Shopping Malls and Fine Dining
Shopping Malls and Fine Dining
Many mega shopping malls with many different restaurants and cuisines to choose from are sprawling over Metro Manila. The SM Mall of Asia and SM Mega Mall, ranks the 4th and 7th respectively, among the Top 10 Biggest Mall in the World 2024. Other big shopping mall chain, e.g. Robinson’s Mall, Glorietta Malls, Greenbelt Malls, and others are also available. You can shop till you drop!
Tourist Spots in Metro Manila
Tourist Spots in Metro Manila
Events and Entertainments
There are many different events/festivals/shows that takes place in Manila. During your visit, your favorite artists (local/international) may have a concert in town. So you may check these links:
Additionally, you may want to experience and try your luck at some casino hotels (New Coast Hotel Manila, Hilton Manila, Okada Manila, Solaire Resort Entertainment City, Hyatt Regency Manila|City of Dreams, Solaire Resort North, Nobu Hotel | City Of Dreams Manila, Nuwa Manila, etc.)
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