Manila is a vibrant city that takes pride in its rich colonial past and modern influences. As much as it is a historical reminder, it is a cosmopolitan city alive with endless activities and modern establishments for the younger crowd.  

Traveler’s Checklist

WHAT TO SEE

RIZAL PARK
Just in front of Manila Hotel, Rizal Park is at the northern end of Roxas Boulevard overlooking Manila Bay. Just like our hotel, it has been the site of some of the most significant moments in Philippine history. With a number of attractions like the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, the National Museum of the Filipino People, the National Library of the Philippines, the Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion, the Planetarium, the Quirino Grandstand, and a lot more, Rizal Park has been a major tourist attraction of Manila. 

INTRAMUROS
Adjacent to Manila Hotel, Intramuros was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century and is the oldest district of the city of Manila. Its name, which means “within the walls” in Latin, describes its structure, as it is a fortress surrounded by thick, high walls and moats.Today, it houses a museum, an open-air theatre, art galleries, a park lush with tropical flora and homing pigeons, fine restaurants, craft shops and souvenir stalls. 

FORT SANTIAGO
A part of the structure of Intramuros, Fort Santiago is located at the mouth of the Pasig River and was built as the main defense fortress during the Spanish colonization. Jose Rizal, the Philippine National Hero, was imprisoned at the Fort while waiting for his execution. The fort also features bronze markers tracing the footsteps of Rizal from his cell to his execution site. 

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES
The National Museum of the Philippines serves as the official repository of the country’s natural and cultural heritage. With its extensive collection covering the sciences, education, and culture, the National Museum of the Philippines gives a sense of pride and nationalism to the Filipino people and raises awareness of the rich Philippine history. Across the museum is the Museum of the Filipino People that houses the Anthropology and Archeology Divisions.

MANILA OCEAN PARK
Situated behind the Quirino Grandstand, it is one of the nearest tourist spots around Manila Hotel. Manila Ocean Park is the Philippines’ first state-of-the-art Oceanarium, which has an open water marine habitat, a boutique mall, a restaurant row, and function facilities all located in one complex.

SM MALL OF ASIA
This 407,000 square-meter mall is the Philippines’ largest and world’s third largest mall. It raised the standard of shopping, leisure and entertainment in the Philippines. The SM Mall of Asia is made up of four establishments interconnected by walk paths. One of its interesting services is the 20-seater tram to make it easier for tourists and shoppers to move around. 

For more information, visit the Philippine Department of Tourism Website. 

GETTING AROUND
Getting around Manila is quite straightforward. Transportation is cheap and there are taxis available to take travelers to most part of the city. To avoid the traffic rush, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) pass on the main thoroughfares of the city. But for short distances, the colorful jeepney is your best choice.