How to spend One Day in Manila

How to spend One Day in Manila

calesas in Bustos by JFVelasquez Floro from Wikimedia Commons

While Manila may be known for having some of the worst rush-hour traffic, there is undoubtedly no shortage of tourists drawn to the city by its magnificent landscapes, historical sites, and spontaneous encounters that make it special and worthwhile to explore. In order to make the most of your visit to Manila, read our guidance if you only have 24 hours to tour the country’s capital.

1. Have a hearty breakfast 

Lutong Bahay by dbgg1979 from Wikimedia Commons

Start your adventure off right by indulging in a hearty breakfast in the city. The good news is that there are lots of breakfast and brunch spots in Manila where you can have your preferred spread of toast, pancakes, bacon, and eggs!

Of course, you might wish to visit these eateries if you want to forego your regular meals and experience the regional delicacies. Consider ordering longganisa, a type of sausage popular in the Philippines.

2. Discover Intramuros

The remains of the Spanish colonial era in Manila can be found in Intramuros, the walled city of the Philippine capital. No first-time traveller would dare miss them. The centre of ancient Manila is this historic district, where Fort Santiago is located. During the Spanish occupation, many lives were lost here.

Dr José Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, authored his renowned literary work, Mi ultimo adios, and passed away there. Old buildings like the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church, colonial homes, and defence structures may all be found in the region and are still being protected by the government.

3. Check out the National Museum

National Museum Cardiff by Adam Saif from Wikimedia Commons

The National Museum provides a chance to fully immerse yourself in Filipino culture and history within a short stroll from Intramuros. The National Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Anthropology are the two major divisions of this museum, which houses some of the most well-known works of art in the nation and preserves historical relics.

Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts and be astounded by the intrinsic brilliance and inventiveness of both young and experienced artists in the nation. But as you explore the National Museum of Anthropology’s historical and modern exhibitions, you’ll also come to love the Philippines more. You’ll spend at least two hours walking around the buildings’ hallways.

4. Trip to Binondo for food

Binondo Chinatown by patrickroque01 from Wikimedia Commons

It’s finally time to explore Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world, which is thankfully located in the Philippines’ capital city, after taking a trip down memory lane within the historic buildings. Beyond your typical dining adventures, explore walking around Escolta’s extensive and crowded streets.

Enjoy the sights of several eateries while being enticed to try some real Chinese food by the mouthwatering aroma coming from their stoves. At Lan Zhou La Mien, you may sample the tastiest dumpling in the nation or eat at the roadside Quick Snack. The tasty, inexpensive meals are definitely worth the wait!

5. Explore Rizal Park

Rizal Park Manila by Wolfgang Hägele from Wikimedia Commons

Spend some time exploring Manila more in the late afternoon by taking a leisurely stroll in Rizal Park. Families in the metro area now enjoy visiting this historic urban park, which is named for the nation’s national hero.

It is possible to locate artwork, the Chess Plaza, magnificent dancing fountains, and sculptures of other Philippine heroes inside this renowned park, which spans over 60 hectares of open lawns and decorative gardens. Because of its tranquil atmosphere in the late afternoon, the largest public park in the city has in fact become a favourite spot to wander.

6. At Manila Baywalk, watch the sunset

Manila Bay by Vyacheslav Argenberg from Wikimedia Commons

Most foreign visitors would concur that Manila offers one of the most picturesque locations in the world to watch the sunset, particularly during the country’s summer season. You’ll be pleased to learn that, after visiting Rizal Park, the best sunset views in the metro are close at hand.

Simply keep going along Roxas Boulevard to reach the Manila Baywalk, where curious bystanders and tourists jog or stroll in the early morning hours to catch the sunrise. In addition, this two-kilometre stretch has developed into a well-liked location for artistic performances.

7. Attempt the seafood dampa

If you’ve ever wondered why foreigners keep returning to Manila despite the terrible traffic, one of their many reasons is cuisine! There are a ton of Filipino dishes you should try, and each city has its own specialities. You may have a memorable eating experience in Manila at the well-known seafood dampa restaurant.

Dampa cooking is as follows: buy kilos of seafood you like, go to the restaurant door, and have it cooked to your preferences! There are many seafood stalls to select from, so don’t worry if you’re unsure what to order.

8. Sip beverages in Malate

Streets Adriatico Pablo Ocampo by Judgefloro from Wikimedia Commons

Do you want to take in the city’s nightlife? It’s a myth to believe that Old Manila’s liveliness has diminished, even if it still offers the best art, music, and cuisine. In reality, some of its well-known businesses, such as Cafe Adriatico and Barbara’s are still operational today.

Additionally, a new wave of eateries (including shawarma, ramen, and bars) is prepared to revive Malate’s once-defunct nightlife scene and shed the neighbourhood’s reputation as a red-light district.

9. Embark on a guided tour

Joining guided tours led by local tour guides or travel companies is the ideal way to make the most of your 24-hour trip and ensure convenience. Take Carlos Celdran’s “Walk This Way” tour if you’re visiting Intramuros, and he will show you around Manila’s walled city.

You’ll undoubtedly learn more about Manila’s past as a result of this eccentric and entertaining tour guide, who elevates his outing by dubbing it a “one-man performance tour.” Take the tour of Ivan Man Dy instead if you’re in the mood for a Binondo food crawl. To sample the best-tasting goodies of Manila’s Chinatown, you’ll visit a number of culinary establishments and navigate tight spaces.

10. Take a calesa and a jeepney trip

CalesaManila by Shoestring at wts wikivoyage from Wikimedia Commons

The calesa (horse-drawn calash) and jeepney are currently exclusively available in the Philippines. Don’t pass up the opportunity to board these rides and have the unique travel experience you’ve been yearning for!

In addition, it won’t be long until the classic jeepneys in the Philippines are replaced by cutting-edge, environmentally friendly public utility vehicles.