Top Metro Manila Tourist Spots You Shouldn't Miss

Manila tourist spots are a mix of the old and the new, the peaceful and the noisy, the historical and the Instagrammable. They say, “It’s more fun in the Philippines,” and honestly, it hits different when you're in the heart of it all: Metro Manila.

About Metro Manila

Metro Manila, also known as the National Capital Region (NCR), comprises 16 cities and one municipality. It’s home to over 13 million people, plus your tita, your cousin, and probably your crush. It’s where you’ll find the country’s busiest streets, biggest malls, tallest skyscrapers, and most Instagrammed landmarks.

From Makati’s financial district to the historical core of Manila City, each area has its own flavor. You'll spot a colonial church beside a 7-Eleven, and a luxury condo beside a karinderya. That’s just how Manila rolls: chaotic, colorful, and always full of surprises.

Top Tourist Spots in Metro Manila

This list of Manila tourist spots covers history, nature, fun, and food. Here are the top places to visit in Metro Manila:

Intramuros

Intramuros is the heart and soul of old Manila. Enclosed within centuries-old walls, this historical gem takes you back to the Spanish colonial era. Walk along cobblestone streets, ride a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage), and visit iconic landmarks like Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church. The entire area is like a time machine, with street vendors and students casually sharing the space. Don't forget to snap a selfie with the guards in traditional uniforms; they never break character!

Rizal Park (Luneta)

Rizal Park, affectionately called Luneta by locals, is more than just a green space; it’s a national landmark. Located in the heart of Manila, this park is home to the Rizal Monument, a statue that commemorates the Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. It’s a popular spot for afternoon strolls, family picnics, and student field trips. The open-air ambiance and patriotic vibe make it a go-to destination for anyone seeking to experience the essence of Filipino pride.

Manila Ocean Park

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing sharks, stingrays, and sea lions up close without leaving the city, Manila Ocean Park is the place to be. This ocean-themed park features massive aquariums, interactive shows, and even a fish spa for your tired feet. Kids, couples, and curious adults alike enjoy the underwater tunnel, where sea creatures swim literally over your head. It’s one of the most exciting and family-friendly attractions in the NCR.

National Museum Complex

Art, history, and science converge at the National Museum Complex, a trio comprising the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Anthropology, and the National Museum of Natural History. Admission is free, making it an ideal destination for students, culture lovers, and anyone seeking to escape the heat (hello, air conditioning!). From Juan Luna’s Spoliarium to dioramas of ancient Filipino life, there’s plenty to explore and learn from inside these beautiful heritage buildings.

BGC (Bonifacio Global City)

For a more modern vibe, head to BGC. This clean and organized district in Taguig feels like it was designed for walking, coffee breaks, and Instagram-worthy moments. Art murals are scattered along sidewalks, green parks offer shady spots to rest, and stylish cafes and shops line Bonifacio High Street. You can also visit the Venice Grand Canal Mall for a different experience.

MOA (Mall of Asia)

Mall of Asia is more than just a mall; it’s a lifestyle experience. Located by the bay in Pasay, MOA boasts hundreds of stores, an indoor skating rink, cinemas, a giant globe, and even a Ferris wheel overlooking the water. Come for the shopping, stay for the seaside sunset and nightly fireworks. It’s one of the most well-rounded tourist spots in Manila, catering to everyone from shopaholics to romantics on a budget.

Poblacion

Poblacion in Makati is Metro Manila’s ultimate spot for nightlife and edgy culture. Once a quiet residential neighborhood, it has transformed into a lively district filled with hole-in-the-wall bars, indie cafes, street art, and eclectic restaurants. It's the go-to place for pub crawls, live music, and late-night food trips. If you're looking to chill with friends or dance till sunrise, Poblacion offers that raw, authentic Manila energy you won’t find anywhere else.

Binondo

Hungry? Binondo is calling. As the oldest Chinatown in the world, it’s a flavorful fusion of Filipino and Chinese culture. The food scene is legendary, featuring a diverse range of dishes, from dim sum and noodles to hopia and tikoy. Stroll through Ongpin Street for a taste of history and delicious eats, then drop by the centuries-old Binondo Church. 

Other Metro Manila Tourist Destinations You Can Visit

If you’ve been to all of these, check out other travel destinations in Manila:

■ Ayala Museum, Makati City

■ Manila Baywalk & Dolomite Beach, Manila City

■ Venice Grand Canal Mall, Taguig City

■ Manila Zoo, Manila City

■ Star City, Manila City

■ Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, Quezon City

■ Azure Urban Resort Residences, Paranaque City

■ Cubao Expo, Quezon City

■ Greenbelt, Makati City

■ UP Diliman Campus, Quezon City

■ Art in Island, Quezon City

■ DreamPlay, City of Dreams, Paranaque City

■ Space & Time Cube, Conrad, Pasay City

■ Mind Museum, Taguig City

■ Philippine Biodome, Manila City

You can also visit tourist destinations near Manila for a day trip or an overnight tour!

Best Filipino Restaurants in Manila

Wondering where to eat in Manila? Here's where to find the best local flavors if you’re craving authentic Filipino cuisine:

■ Ilustrado (Intramuros)

■ Barbara's Heritage Restaurant (Intramuros)

■ Bistro Remedios (Malate)

■ Aristocrat (Roxas Blvd) 

■ Manam (multiple locations) 

You can also try Filipino street foods that you can see on the streets of Manila, like kwek-kwek (fried quail eggs), pork barbeque, isaw (grilled chicken or pork intestine), balut (fertilized duck eggs), fish ball, and many more to complete the experience.

Where to Stay in Manila: Top Hotels and Accommodations

If you’re visiting these tourist spots for your entire trip, we suggest staying in the Roxas Boulevard area or the Malate/Ermita area. If you’re partying all night, stay near Poblacion, Makati. For a more luxurious experience, consider staying in BGC. If you’re into 5-star hotels with casinos, stay in the Pasay/Paranaque area.

Depending on your vibe (budget or baller), here are your best bets:

■ The Peninsula Manila (Makati) –  Elegant, timeless, and located in Makati’s business district.

■ Seda BGC – New, clean, and walkable to all the cool spots.

■ Discovery Primea BGC– A high-rise boutique feel with a rooftop pool.

■ The Bayleaf Intramuros – Historical charm meets rooftop views. Sunset lovers, take note.

■ The Manila Hotel – Iconic, elegant, and filled with Philippine history. 

■ Hotel H2O – Unique underwater-themed rooms via aquariums and direct Ocean Park access.

■ Hotel Kimberly Manila – Located near Rizal Park and Intramuros. Mid-range, family-friendly.

■ Solaire Resort and Casino – A glamorous bayfront 5-star resort in Entertainment City.

■ Okada Manila – Another 5-star icon on the bay with dancing fountains and a casino. 

■ Red Planet Hotels – Affordable and clean. Perfect for short trips or solo explorers.

■ Go Hotels Roxas Boulevard – No-frills rooms, reliable service, and super close to Luneta.

There are also many Airbnb rentals available around Metro Manila that offer a more affordable price. Just make sure to bring a portable bath towel with you, just in case they don’t provide toiletries.

Sample Manila Itinerary

Planning your Manila tourist spots efficiently? 3 days is enough to explore Manila, so we suggest you go on side trips to Pampanga, Subic, or even Batangas if you’re staying longer than 3 days. Here are flexible itineraries for every type of visitor:

3D2N Manila Itinerary

4D3N Manila Itinerary with Pampanga Side Trip

5D4N Manila Itinerary with Pampanga and Subic Side Trip

How to Get to Metro Manila: Transportation Options

You’ll likely fly into NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport), but you can also land via Clark International Airport, which is 1.5 to 2 hours away from Manila. 

When you’re in Manila, you can take the following:

■ Take a Grab taxi for convenience (just beware of surge pricing).

■ Jeepneys for the full local experience.

■ MRT/LRT for fast city access, if you’re brave enough during rush hour.

■ Buses and UV Express vans for provincial travellers coming from nearby cities.

Pro tip: Always check Google Maps before heading out to avoid getting lost. We also suggest taking a tour, especially if you’re planning multiple side trips.

Explore The Capital of the Philippines Today

Metro Manila is a whirlwind. One moment you’re walking through centuries-old walls in Intramuros, the next you’re sipping coffee in a sleek BGC café or devouring xiao long bao in Binondo. It’s a place where history and modern life blend seamlessly, and where every street tells a story, sometimes through heritage, sometimes through food, and often through a little chaos (plus traffic).

Whether you’re staying for a quick 3-day adventure or extending your trip with side tours to Pampanga or Subic, the capital has more than enough to keep you entertained, enlightened, and well-fed. 

So book that flight, prep your itinerary, and explore the rich, noisy, beautiful mess that is Metro Manila. The capital of the Philippines is ready to welcome you with open arms, warm food, and probably a bit of traffic. But hey, that’s all part of the charm. Tara, let’s go!