Manila City Guide — Attractions, Food & Tips

Manila City GuideA vibrant, sprawling capital where Spanish colonial fortresses, American-era boulevards, towering skyscrapers, and some of the warmest people in Asia come together in a city of boundless energy.Key Facts

Country: Philippines

Currency: PHP (Philippine Peso)

Language: Filipino / English

Time Zone: UTC+8

Best Time to Visit: December–February

Top Places to Visit

Intramuros — The historic heart of Manila, a 64-hectare walled city built by the Spanish in 1571. Cobblestone streets, baroque churches, Casa Manila, and the evocative ruins of the old city within massive walls.

Rizal Park — A 58-hectare urban park centred on the monument to Jose Rizal, the national hero. Features gardens, a planetarium, the National Museum complex, and a Chinese-Japanese garden.

San Agustin Church — The oldest stone church in the Philippines (1607), with a stunning trompe l'oeil ceiling, hand-carved doors, and a courtyard museum. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Manila Ocean Park — An oceanarium and marine park with a walk-through aquarium, jellyfish pavilion, sea lion shows, and a beachfront area on Manila Bay. Fun for families and marine enthusiasts.

Fort Santiago — A defence fortress at the mouth of the Pasig River where Jose Rizal was imprisoned before his execution. The Rizal Shrine displays his final writings and personal effects.

Local Food

Adobo — The unofficial national dish — chicken or pork braised in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns until tender and deeply savoury. Every family has their own recipe.

Isaw & Kwek-kwek — Grilled chicken intestines (isaw) and deep-fried quail eggs in orange batter (kwek-kwek) — Manila's beloved street food duo, served with spiced vinegar dip.

Sinigang — A sour tamarind broth with pork, shrimp, or fish, loaded with vegetables. The tangy, comforting sourness defines Filipino home cooking. Perfect with rice.

Lechon — Whole pig roasted over charcoal until the skin is impossibly crispy and the meat juicy. The star of every Filipino fiesta and celebration. Cebu-style is legendary.

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