Attractions · Manila
Things to do in Manila.
The capital's bookable days out: the walled city of Intramuros, the museums of the old centre, the aquarium on the bay, and the science and art museums of the new districts.
Intramuros and Fort Santiago
The walled city Spain built in the 1570s: Fort Santiago and the Rizal shrine, San Agustin Church, the Manila Cathedral and horse-drawn kalesa rides along the walls. A guided walk is the way to make the stones talk; allow half a day.
How to book: Fort Santiago and the museums sell tickets at the gate; guided walking tours book online or at the Intramuros Administration office by the gate.
Search tickets and toursvia KlookManila Ocean Park
The oceanarium behind the Quirino Grandstand on the bay: the shark and ray tunnel, the sea lion show, and the hotel and spa attached. A reliable air-conditioned half day for children.
How to book: Tickets online or at the gate; the bundle with the attractions passes inside is the better value.
Search tickets and toursvia KlookThe National Museum Complex
Three grand buildings around Rizal Park holding the fine arts (Spoliarium included), anthropology and natural history collections, free to enter and the best context-setter for everything else on a Philippines trip.
How to book: Entry is free; walk in with photo ID. Closed Mondays. The planetarium sessions book on the day.
Art in Island Museum
The big 3D trick-art museum in Cubao, Quezon City: dozens of painted rooms made to be photographed inside, a reliable rainy-day hour with children and teenagers.
How to book: Tickets online or at the door; socks are required inside and sold at the counter.
Search tickets and toursvia KlookThe Mind Museum
The country's flagship science museum in Bonifacio Global City: five galleries of hands-on exhibits and a planetarium, built for school-age curiosity.
How to book: Timed tickets online or at the door; weekday mornings are quietest.
Search tickets and toursvia KlookManila Bay Sunset Cruise
The bay at golden hour from the water: dinner and baywalk cruises leave from the Mall of Asia and CCP docks, with the skyline on one side and the sunset the bay is famous for on the other.
How to book: Cruises book online or at the dock ticket offices; the sunset sailing is the one to get, and it sells out on weekends.
Search tickets and toursvia KlookEnchanted Kingdom
The country's largest theme park, in Santa Rosa, Laguna, an hour south of the metro in good traffic: the Space Shuttle coaster, the Agila flight simulator and a full day of rides, with its own fireworks on park nights.
How to book: Tickets online or at the gate; go on a weekday or arrive at opening on weekends. The park is closed some weekdays off-season, so check the calendar first.
Search tickets and toursvia KlookPlanning the stay itself: the area guides cover what is on, and the hotels page covers where to sleep near it.