Manila may not be famous for its beauty, but its magnetic energy gives you the special feel. Diverse and lively in so many ways, it’s a great city to explore!

Admire the Manila Bay sunset

Watch the amazing colors of the skyline, as the sun covers all the Manila bay in an orange glow. For the best views, go to the Baywalk along Roxas Boulevard, especially the portion facing Malate Church.

Step back in time at Intramuros and Escolta

Nicknamed the Walled City, Intramuros is a centuries-old Spanish fortress that’s home to various heritage sites. These include San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1607.

Then cross the Pasig River using the Jones Bridge to go to Escolta. This street offers the finest examples of architecture from the American colonial period, such as Capitol Theater, Regina Building, and First United Building.

Ride the local transportation: Jeepney

Be one with the local! Ride a jeepney to your destination. Jeepney, has become a popular local icon. Decorated with flags, paintings and fitted with loud stereos that play all day, it is the most common form of transportation preferred by the masses.

Chinatown eats

Just next door to Intramuros, Binondo grew and prospered as the main trading hub for intrepid merchants, many of them Chinese or of Chinese descent. This is Manila’s Chinatown, and you can get inside it with a culinary walking tour by Old Manila Walks opens in new window – just one of the walks offered by this fantastic outfit.

Shop the markets

Weekends in the central business district of Makati City bustle with a different kind of trade. The Salcedo Weekend Market in Salcedo Village on Saturdays and the Legazpi Weekend Market on Sundays are a showcase of gourmet cuisine, homemade treats, organic produce and artisan crafts.