Visit Manila | The Most Visited City in the Philippines
The Philippines is composed of roughly around 7,107 islands, all having their own unique features and tourist spots. Among these 7,107 islands are 145 cities that are scattered throughout the country. Now if you can well imagine when you visit the Philippines, choosing which ones to visit isn’t something that is as simple as choosing what clothes to wear.
When you are in the Philippines, it is highly recommended that you visit Manila. It is the country’s capital and is the most densely populated city in the world. It has the greatest number of people in proportion to its size.
Despite being densely populated, Metro Manila does offer many sights and sounds that any budding vacationer will most certainly enjoy. The city, as the country was occupied by Spain for more than 300 years, has lots of sights that are evidently influenced by Spain.
Baroque churches, for example, can be found in the city. The San Agustin Church of Paoay is one of the most well-known Baroque churches in the country. This type of architecture is also called Earthquake Baroque due to the fact that the Philippines experiences earthquakes more often than other countries and the churches had to be styled in Earthquake Baroque to be able to withstand the tremors.
Aside from historic Baroque structures, Manila also features modern skyscrapers and high-rise buildings like the ones in BGC or Bonifacio Global City. If you fancy a bit of fine dining, good music, bars, and malls, then this is the place to go. Women in Manila will surely love a romantic dinner for two in this modern city.
Must-See Places in Manila
Manila is a place where family activity is never in short supply. Anywhere you go, you’ll find that there is always something that you and your family can enjoy. When you travel to Manila, you might not have enough time to visit all the beautiful sites, so here is a list of places that we recommend you must visit while in Manila:
- San Agustin Church in Paoay
- Intramuros
- Rizal Park
- Bonifacio Global City
- Binondo
- Manila Ocean Park
San Agustin Church is a baroque-style church that is inscribed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This church is one of the few remaining baroque churches in the country. Located in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, the church features a three-storey bell tower that is built some distance from the church as a protection from earthquakes.
The famous walled city of Intramuros is also a popular tourist destination in Manila. The fortress was built by the Spanish as a defensive structure for when Fort Santiago gets invaded. The Fortifications of Manila, as it is also known, was declared as a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines by the National Museum of the Philippines. San Agustin Church can be found within this walled city.
Rizal Park was built in commemoration of Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero, for his bravery and dedication to oppose Spanish rule during the Spanish era. The park, commonly known as the Luneta Park, is located along Roxas Boulevard. It is said to be the spot where Jose Rizal was executed by firing squad. It is one of the many popular Manila vacation spots that you can visit while in Manila.
When you visit Manila, it can’t be helped that you may also want to enjoy its modern nuances from the usual historic spots and structures. Within this modern city, one can find shopping malls, luxury hotels and condominiums, and restaurants that will tickle your fancy for fine dining and delicious food. A trip through this part of Manila is something that the whole family can enjoy.
Binondo, Manila, is where the world’s oldest Chinatown can be found. If you are a foodie who wants something that is beyond fancy restaurants, then Binondo is a must-stop destination for you. Here, you will find authentic Chinese cuisine that you cannot find anywhere else in the country. Hundreds of stalls and Chinese food shops line the streets of Binondo for your dining pleasure.
Manila Ocean Park is one of the best places to visit in Manila. The ocean park is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc. The oceanarium features hundreds of fish species that you might never have seen before. You can step into rooms with aquariums as walls and enjoy the view below the ocean without having to get wet. You can also go scuba diving with the fish or simply swim around with them—all, of course, while a trained professional is nearby.
The list could go on if we are to include all the popular tourist spots you can go to when you visit Manila. This list should be more than enough to get you excited about your next trip to Manila.
While you’re enjoying the sights and sounds of Manila, you can also get a chance to meet hundreds of beautiful Manila women.
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