Manila Tourist Attractions

Manila, the capital of Philippines abounds in various types of attractions. Manila tourist attractions have fascinated tourists and travelers from a long time. The city has both natural as well as man-made attractions.
Manila is also popularly known as the Pearl of the Orient for the splendid attractions that the city offers. Apart from historical and religious sites, Manila also has many museums, parks and squares. The tourist attractions of Manila also include some beautiful and scenic places, where tourists go to relax and enjoy themselves.

Some of the major tourist attractions in Manila include the following:

• Casa Manila - This city provides a glimpse of Manila, when in the 19th century, it was under the dominance of the Spanish invaders.

• Manila Cathedral - Constructed in 1951, this cathedral is one of the major attractions in the capital city of Philippines. The cathedral is recommended to be visited during the afternoon, when the rays of the sun fall directly on the stained glass panes and present a spectacular sight to the visitors.
  
  
• Malacanang Palace - This is one of the most popular attractions at Manila, Philippines. It is a historical landmark in the city as it is the official residence of the President of the country.
  
  
• San Augustin Church - This is an ancient church in Manila that has a museum in its premises along with a lavishly spread garden.
  
  
• Fort Santiago - Manila's historical landmark, Fort Santiago was a famous walled city during the Spanish rule.
  
  
• Rizal Park - The Rizal Park in Manila has a strong historical significance. It served as the execution ground for the Spaniards.
  
  
• The Chinese Cemetery - This is an extremely interesting place to visit in Manila. Visiting this place gives a clear idea that Chinese believe in life after death.

Apart from these major places of tourist attractions, Manila, there are many other places too that are worth visiting in the city. A list of some of the popular destinations in Manila is as follows:

Japanese Garden Pagsanjan Falls Malate by Night Corregidor Island Ayala Museum of Philippine History and Iconographic Archives Manila Bay Coconut Palace Intramuros Plaza Sampalucan

Archdiocesan Museum of Manila Metropolitan Museum of Art Malate Church Bonifacio Shrine Manila American Cemetery and Memorial Bahay Tsinoy Binondo Church Plaza San Luis

Manila museums

Manila museums throw a deep light on the art and culture of the city of Manila. There are a large number of museums in Manila. There are museums on contemporary art, architecture and design, science and technology, history and culture and sculpture.
They are a major tourist attraction of the city. Not only the tourists, but a number of historians and architects from various corners of the world visit these museums.

Some of the well-known museums of Manila are as follows:

National Museum (Old Congress Building) Padre Burgos Street Old Congress Building Manila 1000 Phone: +63 2 527 1215

Apolinario Mabini Shrine Malacanang Parkv Manila 1011 Phone: +63 2 524 7141 CCP Museum and Galleries Roxas Boulevard 3rd and 4th floors, Cultural Center of the Philippines Manila 1004 Phone: +63 2 832 1125 National Museum of the Philippines Valenciana Circle Rizal Park Manila 1000 Phone: +63 2 527 1215

San Agustin Museum 2/F San Agustin Monastery, General Luna Street Intramuros Manila 1002 Phone: +63 2 527 4061 UST Museum of Arts and Sciences Espana Calle Main Building, University of Santo Tomas Manila 1008 Phone: +63 2 731 3101 Casa Manila Museum Calle Real del Palacio (General Luna Street) Plaza San Luis Manila 1002 Phone: +63 2 527 4084

Metropolitan Museum of Manila BSP Complex Roxas Boulevard Manila 1004 Phon63 2 521 1517 Bahay Tsinoy 32 Anda Street corner Cabildo Street Kaisa Angelo King Heritage Center Manila 1002 Phone: +63 2 526 6798 Coconut Palace Roxas Boulevard Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex Manila 1307 Phone: +63 2 832 0223

Parks and Gardens in Manila

The parks and gardens in Manila are one of the popular attractions of the city. They are visited by a large number of locals as well as tourists especially during evening time. Some of the parks are also used for picnics.
A few of them have facilities like restaurants, children's play area and other stalls. The Manila parks and gardens have been beautifully maintained with tress and small plants dotting the park area.

Some of the well-known parks and gardens of Manila City are:

Everest Hills Memorial Park Address: Susana Drive Manila, Luzon 1700 Philippines Tel: +63 2 816 1822

Father Blanco's Garden Address: Intramuros Manila, Luzon Philippines Japanese Garden Address: Maria Orosa Street corner Padre Burgos Street Manila, Luzon 2004 Philippines Tel: +63 2 302 7381 Paco Park San Marcelino and General Luna Sts Manila, Luzon Philippines Tel: 3027381 Greenbelt Park Makati Avenue, Makati City, Manila, Philippines Tel: +63 2 523 8411

Chinese Garden Address: Between Roxas Boulevard and Taft Avenue Rizal Park Manila, Luzon 1000 Philippines Tel: 63 2 302 7381 Luneta Park Address: Manila, Luzon Philippines Fort Santiago Address: Gen Luna St Intramuros Manila, Luzon 1002 Philippines Tel: 63 2 527 1572

Rizal Park

The Rizal Park is a popular tourist destination of Manila City that is ideally located at the northern end of Roxas Boulevard. It is 500 meters long and 250 meters wide. This park lies next to Intramuros.

It overlooks the famous Manila Bay. This park was previously known by the names of Luneta and Bagumbayan. It has beautiful gardens, fountains, a grand stadium, plazas, an open-air concert hall, an observatory, a light-and-sound theatre, an artists' sanctuary and restaurants.

The Rizal Park of Manila City was built to pay a tribute to the national hero, Jose Rizal. He was a novelist and doctor, who was shot by the firing squad on 30th December, 1896 at this place. He was executed on account of initiating a rebellion against the Spanish government. The Philippine Independence from American rule was declared over here on 4th June, 1946. This has also been the site for 1986 political rallies of Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino.

San Agustin Museum

San Agustin Museum is located at Intramuros in Manila. Originally, the museum was a monastery, which was used by the Augustinians. It is spread across two floors. The shape of the museum in Manila is that of a square. It has a huge courtyard in the center. There is a huge bell weighing 3400 kg in the museum.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art, Manila is one of the prime tourist attractions of the city of Manila. This museum of Manila is known for its exquisite collection of artworks. One will get to see both traditional and contemporary art works over here. There are four exhibit halls that display:

• contemporary arts
• architectural design works
• urban planning works
• fashion works

The Metropolitan Museum of Art of Manila also possesses an ancient 'Pottery Gallery' and 'Gold Gallery' at the basement level. They have exhibits that date back to 220 BC. Besides, there are other galleries too, which are:

• Catwalk Gallery
• Upper Level Gallery
• Tall Galleries

The two-level space houses the 17th to 20th century 'Windows into Haven Exhibit' of the Russian Icons. The BSP Painting Collection from 8th to 13th century is displayed at the Galeria Bangko Sentral. The Manila Metropolitan Museum of Art is open for the visitors from 10 am to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday. The entry fee is P30 for children and students, P50 for adults and P40 for senior citizens.

Pagsanjan Falls

Pagsanjan Falls is one of the prime natural attractions located southwest of Manila. Manila Pagsanjan Falls is situated at a distance of 60 kilometers from Manila. It takes 9 hours to reach the falls from Manila.

Visitors are advised to leave early in order to enjoy the natural beauty of the falls. Travelers from all over the world visit the waterfalls and the river in order to explore the natural beauty of the place. Canoe ride is one of the various options though which the landscape of the place can be explored. The Pagsanjan Falls can be reached by the South Luzon Expressway from Manila.