The document provides recommendations for must-see places to visit when in Manila, Philippines. It recommends visiting several UNESCO World Heritage sites like the San Agustin Church, the country's oldest church built in 1607. It also recommends visiting historical sites like Intramuros, which contains Fort Santiago, the oldest Spanish fortress in Manila built in the late 1500s, and Baluarte de San Diego. The document further recommends immersing in Philippine culture and history at the National Museum Complex, and enjoying the food and shops in Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world.
The document provides recommendations for must-see places to visit when in Manila, Philippines. It recommends visiting several UNESCO World Heritage sites like the San Agustin Church, the country's oldest church built in 1607. It also recommends visiting historical sites like Intramuros, which contains Fort Santiago, the oldest Spanish fortress in Manila built in the late 1500s, and Baluarte de San Diego. The document further recommends immersing in Philippine culture and history at the National Museum Complex, and enjoying the food and shops in Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world.
The document provides recommendations for must-see places to visit when in Manila, Philippines. It recommends visiting several UNESCO World Heritage sites like the San Agustin Church, the country's oldest church built in 1607. It also recommends visiting historical sites like Intramuros, which contains Fort Santiago, the oldest Spanish fortress in Manila built in the late 1500s, and Baluarte de San Diego. The document further recommends immersing in Philippine culture and history at the National Museum Complex, and enjoying the food and shops in Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world.
MUST-SEE PLACES WHEN VISITING THE CAPITAL CITY OF THE PHILIPPINES
Manila can offer so many rich experiences for a first-time visitor. While the city may be known for its modern structures, lifestyle centers, and bustling nightlife, it's also home to a number of historical and cultural spots that shouldn't be missed. Did you know Manila is home to a famous UNESCO Heritage Site? The San Agustin Church along General Luna Street in Manila is one of the four Spanish Colonial-era baroque churches in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was completed in 1607, making it the oldest church in the Philippines. It features intricate art, grand vaulted ceilings, 3D carvings, and majestic Parisian chandeliers. Its beauty makes it a popular choice for weddings. Suppose you're into this type of cultural immersion. Why not visit the Philippines' three other baroque churches that also made it to the UNESCO list? Go on a road trip up north to visit the Santa Maria Church in Ilocos Sur and the Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte. The Miagao Church in Iloilo might take you off course. Still, it's well worth visiting - perhaps on your second or third time to the Philippines. Did you know that the oldest Hispanic stone MANILA
fortress is in Manila? And it's quite close to San Agustin Church, too! So while you're in the area, make sure to visit Fort Santiago in vintage Intramuros.
It was constructed in the late 1500s to serve as
one of the Spaniard’s defense lines. Fort Santiago has a rather dark history as it served so many purposes - it was a storage for war ammunitions, and its dungeons were turned into cells for political prisoners.
The National Hero of the Philippines, Jose
Rizal, was detained in Fort Santiago before his public execution. Continue traveling back in time at the Baluarte de San Diego
Part of Manila's colonized historical era is
the Baluarte de San Diego in Intramuros.
Like Fort Santiago, it served as part of the
colonial fortification of the Spaniards. The beautiful gardens, rich history, and Baluarte de San Diego's structural intricacies make it a must-visit. Did you know that a replica of the eight-foot Statue of Liberty used to stand in the Baluarte de San Diego? Rumor has it that it mysteriously disappeared in the early 1970s.
The Statue of Liberty's replica was a gift of
the United States to celebrate the Philippines' struggle for liberation and independence from foreign rule. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Philippines at the National Museum Complex The National Museum of the Philippines is an umbrella organization that manages the country's four major museums, all located in Manila. The four major museums are the following:
The National Museum of Anthropology,
The National Museum of Fine Arts, where you can learn about the where The Spoliarium by Juan Luna baybayin or the country's oldest script is housed. handed down from ancestors.
The National Museum of Natural
The National Planetarium, History, where the skeletal remains of where real-life displays of celestial the largest crocodile in captivity Lolong bodies are projected. hang from the second floor. Oh wait! Before you go... Go on a satisfying food crawl in Binondo - the oldest Chinatown in the world. It was established in 1594 by the Spaniards as a settlement area for Chinese migrants.
Enjoy authentic Cantonese meals from hole-in-the-wall restaurants,
and take home freshly-baked treats, such as hopia, tikoy, and Macau egg tarts, to end your Manila adventure on a sweet note. Rent a bike as you alternate from one Manila must-see site to the next. This is also a smart way to avoid traffic!
And if you ever see a kalesa, don't miss
the opportunity to ride on one for a truly local Manila experience. While you're still in Manila... Score cheap finds and hunt for bargains in Divisoria. It has literally everything you might need. Just make sure to get that extra baggage allowance once it's time to go home. KITAKITS SOON! MANILA WILL BE WAITING FOR YOU.