The beautiful Islands of the Philippines is known for its pristine beauty and abundance in beautiful beaches; therefore, it’s only natural that a lot of tourist seek to visit such places first. However, the National Capital Region, Metro Manila also have a lot to offer! Here are the places to go and things to enjoy in Metro Manila.
1. Intramuros
What’s the best way to start your Metro Manila travel than to start from the beginning? Intramuros is a place that will bring you back to the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines, with it being the oldest district in Manila, you’ll surely fall in love with its old world charm.
There are a lot of ways to tour the walled city of Intramuros, you can try riding a kalesa, an old fashioned way to get around the walled city, you’ll definitely feel like an 18th century high official. You can also join a bamboo bike tour, an exciting and educational way to get around intramuros. Or if you want to take your time and enjoy this beautiful city, you can just get around it by feet. You can walk the cobblestone streets with 1800s lamp posts, old spanish houses, gardens, and churches that has been beautifully worn down over time.

Inside Intramuros, also hides the historical Fort Santiago that you have surely heard of from your history teachers, it’s a perfect chance to see for yourself the place in which the battle of Manila in 1945 has taken place. but that’s not the only thing Intramuros can offer, so grab your shoes, a camera and a bottle of water because you certainly have a lot to discover!
For more information, check out: https://explora.ph/note/28/intramuros-the-best-budget-tour-in-metro-manila
If you ever find yourself hungry from exploring this old city, here are the restaurants that we can recomend:
- Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant – This restaurant offers an all you can eat Filipino, Asian and even international foods! for only 895php you can also experience a Cultural show with Kultura Filipina! >> check it out on https://www.zomato.com/manila, https://en.yelp.com.ph/ or https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/
- Ristorante Delle Mitre – This restaurant offers authentic Filipino food that will absolutely hit home! along with its famous desserts, Ristorante Delle Mitre is a good place to eat after a tiring stroll throughout Intramuros. >> check it out on https://www.zomato.com/manila, https://en.yelp.com.ph/ or https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/
And if your travel made you tired, don’t worry, we also have recommended hotels for you to stay in:
- Red Planet Manila Bay – This hotel is one of the cheapest but all the rooms at Red Planet Manila Bay are simply furnished and are equipped with basic amenities. Showcasing views of the Manila Bay sunset and free WiFi, the hotel is 17-minute walk from Intramuros. >>See the best price deal & read reviews at http://Booking.com, http://agonda.com or http://Hostelworld.com
- The Bayleaf Intramuros – Located within the historic walled city of Intramuros, The Bayleaf is a 1 minute walk from Fort Santiago. It features a rooftop restaurant and bar, free parking, and free WiFi throughout the property. Its a bit pricey but the quality of service and the hotel itself makes up for the price! >>See the best price deal & read reviews at http://Booking.com, http://agonda.com or http://Hostelworld.com
2. Pagsanjan Falls
If you’re looking for waterfalls in Metro Manila, without any hassles of driving long hours, Pagsanjan Falls is the answer. Pagsanjan Falls also known as Cavinti Falls and locally called Magdapio Falls is located in the province of Laguna, the falls is one of the major tourist attractions of the region. There are boats that could take you directly to the falls from the jump-off on Pagsanjan called ‘Shoot the rapids’ It cost about 1,250 per head. There are other ways to go there through jeepney, tricycle, and Trekking. Trekking to Pagsanjan Falls is not for the weak heart, it requires a physically fit body though.
There are alot of exciting activities you can do in Pagsanjan Falls aside from swimming, one of them are getting inside the “Devil’s Cage” right under the water falls. Take a swim or board a bamboo raft through the falls into a cave behind the veil of water. This is an exhilarating, spine-tingling, adrenaline-pumping, two hour boat ride from the Bumbungan River to Pagsanjan Falls whose booming water cascades down from high atop a cliff to the river 300 feet below. Your ride downstream is an exciting rush through the same rocks and boulders you passed on your way upriver.
CAVINTI ROUTE
Ride a bus in Buendia bound to Sta. Cruz for PhP 140++. In Sta. Cruz, take a jeepney going to Cavinti (fare is around PhP 27.00), then a tricycle to Pueblo El Salvador Nature Park and Picnic Grove in Brgy Tibatib. Then entrance fee of the park is PhP 270.00 per person, which includes a tour guide to the waterfalls, bamboo raft ride, life vests, safety harness, and the use of washrooms.
Swimming and exploring this beautiful falls requires energy, here are the places to eat within the Pagsanjan falls:
- Aling Taleng’s Halo-halo – From the name itself, this restaurant is famous for its delicious halo-halo that everyone goes back for. You’ll definitely enjoy the Filipino cuisine that is served here. >> check it out on https://www.zomato.com/manila, https://en.yelp.com.ph/ or https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/
- Calle Arco Restaurant – This restaurant offers a cozy feeling that customers’ said to be as if eating in your own dining room. The price is reasonable and it has big servings, customers absolutely love this restaurant! >> check it out on https://www.zomato.com/manila, https://en.yelp.com.ph/ or https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/
After a long day of swimming and eating, nothing beats a comfortable place to sleep on, here are our recommendations:
- Caliraya Ecoville Recreation Farm & Resort – This hotel and resort is one of the cheapest but is also one of the best that we could find. >>See the best price deal & read reviews at http://Booking.com, http://agonda.com or http://Hostelworld.com
- Casa Marina Bed and Breakfast – This hotel is a bit of the pricey side, however, we can guarantee that you can have the best service and experience in this hotel. >>See the best price deal & read reviews at http://Booking.com, http://agonda.com or http://Hostelworld.com
For more information on how to get here, check out : https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Manila-Airport-MNL/Pagsanjan-Falls
3. National Museum
National Museum or National Museum Complex is composed of 4 attractions this are: National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of Fine arts, National Museum of Anthropology and the National Planetarium.
There are interesting attractions to visit in these places, it includes arts, artifacts, sculptures and many more. You could have fun learning history this way instead of just reading boring textbooks at school. Admission to the National Museums are permanently free of charge for all visitors, Filipino or foreign. The only thing you’ll have to pay for are the shows in the planetarium
Tip: Don’t touch anything unless you’ve been told that you could
And of course, a travel cannot be complete without a meal you’ll enjoy, here are the best restaurants just around the National Museum:
- Ilustrado – Is the best restaurant you can experience just after visiting the museum, because of its matching old and Spanish ambience. >> check it out on https://www.zomato.com/manila, https://en.yelp.com.ph/ or https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/
- Sky Deck at The Bayleaf Hotel – But if you want a modern and foreign foods to satisfy your palate, Sky Deck got your back. >> check it out on https://www.zomato.com/manila, https://en.yelp.com.ph/ or https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/
If you’re also finding a place to rest in, here are the best hotels near National Museum:
- Vieve Hotel – The staffs in this hotel are accommodating and Vieve hotel offers a very modern and comfortable feel to it >>See the best price deal & read reviews at http://Booking.com, http://agonda.com or http://Hostelworld.com
- Bayview Park hotel – This hotel is very cozy and is children-friendly with its playground within the premise, the food chains just outside Bayview Park Hotel is also a reason to stay in it. >>See the best price deal & read reviews at http://Booking.com, http://agonda.com or http://Hostelworld.com
To know more about the National museum and its schedule, visit their official website: https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/nationalmuseumbeta/Visit/Visit.html
4. Upside Down Museum
Upside Down Museum’s inspiration was taken from Malaysia /Thailand /Taiwan and USA.
People flock to these museums to see something familiar yet different – turning houses upside down. This Philippine edition – decided to do it ten- fold bigger and added more illusions to expand the experience.
All these in a 1,700 sq. feet of fun and excitement. All for P450.00 per person.
To date Upside Down features 15 more features and counting. We have the Leaning House, Floating Corner, Upside Down House, Mirror House, Giant Sneaker – Giant Headset, The World of Comfort , The Inverted Steel Bridge. Etc
When you get tired and thirsty from all the picture positions you’ve made, there are some restaurants inside the vicinity before you exit.
- Club Millesime — People adores this restaurant for its genuine and cheerful hospitality, alongside with it, you can also guarantee a healthy and guilt-free menu! >> check it out on https://www.zomato.com/manila, https://en.yelp.com.ph/ or https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/
- Nozomi Health Spa And Restaurant – This restaurant offers good food and you can also try its massage and spa services, its really a perfect place to relax and eat! >> check it out on https://www.zomato.com/manila, https://en.yelp.com.ph/ or https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/
Going around the museum sure is tiring so we found the best hotels near Upside Down Museum just for you!:
- Networld Hotel, Spa and Casino – Is a world-class Japanese hotel, and since Japanese brand of service is one of the best in the world, you can expect this hotel to be prompt, courteous, and highly personalized. >>See the best price deal & read reviews at http://Booking.com, http://agonda.com or http://Hostelworld.com
- Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila – Is an iconic 5-star luxury resort nestled in an expansive tropical setting. Renowned for its magnificent contrast of captivating sunsets and the sparkling waters of Manila Bay, the hotel attracts international and local travelers with its signature Filipino brand of hospitality. >>See the best price deal & read reviews at http://Booking.com, http://agonda.com or http://Hostelworld.com
To know more about The Upside Down Museum and its schedule, visit their website: https://www.upsidedown.com.ph/
5. Bonifacio Global City
BGC – it is one thing for the business community; and it is another thing for those who are looking for a great escape in the city. Dubbed as the “Home of Passionate Minds,” Bonifacio Global City (BGC), also known as Fort Bonifacio in Taguig, is considered by many as a locality of quality and privileged living. This place, blistering with vividness and vigour, an amalgamation of form and function, is identified as a true child of the 21st century – a modern wonder of contemporary living populated by great minds and passionate hearts.
In BGC, you’ll see beautiful works of art sprawled all over city walls, corners, and streets. Behind the tallest buildings, contemporary scenes, and surfeit of all things modern, BGC values art and culture more than everyone could think of.
BGC has become a thriving financial and cultural district, with gleaming skyscrapers, classy condominiums and hotels, outdoor dining and shopping, public art, performing arts centers, and even a world-class science museum.
Bonifacio Global City is a financial and lifestyle district in Metro Manila, so its no wonder that the foods in the restaurants is a bit expensive, here are the best of the bestrestaurants in the BGC:
- Mendoroko Ramenba – This restaurant offers Japanese cuisine that people can’t help but love, and it lives up to the title of having the best ramen in the Philippines! >> check it out on https://www.zomato.com/manila, https://en.yelp.com.ph/ or https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/
- Din Tai Fung – And if Japanese foods isn’t to your liking, Din Tai Fung offers Chinese cuisine, with its excelent service and good food, people can’t help but to keep coming back here! >> check it out on https://www.zomato.com/manila, https://en.yelp.com.ph/ or https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/
The same goes for the hotels in BGC:
- Elegant Condo at Forbeswood Parklane The Fort BGC – This hotel in BGC is one of the cheap ones but that doesn’t mean that it performs poorly. >>See the best price deal & read reviews at http://Booking.com, http://agonda.com or http://Hostelworld.com
- Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila – This hotel is one of the most expensive but the service and the ambience of this hotel is totally worth it! >>See the best price deal & read reviews at http://Booking.com, http://agonda.com or http://Hostelworld.com
To know more about Bonifacio Global City, visit their website: https://bgc.com.ph/
6. Binondo
You can never consider yourself a real foodie until you have scoured through Binondo. This district in Manila is considered as the oldest Chinatown in the world, which dates back to the early 1590s. Although it was established during the Spanish period, it had been an active place of commerce for Chinese traders even way before that. Today, this part of Manila is famous for Binondo Food Crawl – an activity that everyone enjoys to do with their friends and loved ones.
We have gathered the best restaurants in Binondo to give you the perfect Binondo food trip guide:
- Ying Ying Tea House Restaurant https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Restaurant_Review-g298573-d3249919-Reviews-Ying_Ying_Teahouse-Manila_Metro_Manila_Luzon.html
- Cafe Mezzanine https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Restaurant_Review-g298573-d3836076-Reviews-Cafe_Mezzanine-Manila_Metro_Manila_Luzon.html
- Sincerity Café and Restaurant https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Restaurant_Review-g298573-d2039695-Reviews-Sincerity_Cafe_and_Restaurant-Manila_Metro_Manila_Luzon.html
- New Po Heng Lumpia House https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Restaurant_Review-g298573-d10044702-Reviews-New_Po_Heng_Lumpia_House-Manila_Metro_Manila_Luzon.html
- Ongpin Manosa Restaurant https://www.pepper.ph/ongpin-manosa-restaurant-co-serves-overflowing-bowls-of-noodles-for-php180-and-below/
- ZCT Delicious Restaurant https://www.zomato.com/manila/zct-delicious-restaurant-santa-cruz-manila
And if you get tired from all the eating you’ve done in Binondo, here are the best hotels Binondo has to offer:
- Red Planet Manila Binondo – The accommodation tick all the boxes for a perfect hotel! the rooms are exquisite and its the cleanest you’ll ever see! >>See the best price deal & read reviews at http://Booking.com, http://agonda.com or http://Hostelworld.com
- Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel – This hotel is all you can imagine when you think of a chinese hotel, from its decorations to its ambience, it is clearly one of the best hotel you can find at Binondo! >>See the best price deal & read reviews at http://Booking.com, http://agonda.com or http://Hostelworld.com
To know more about Binondo, check out: https://www.traveling-up.com/food-trip-binondo/
7. Art in Island

Art in Island,is a very fun place to visit, with its 3D art and illusions that will surely bring out the child in you!
It is also a perfect place to release your creative side with funny poses to fit with every illusion and paintings that the art museum has to offer. With only 500 php, you can enter the best attraction in town and experience the fun regardless of your age!
A little warning though, all it takes is an hour to fill your camera’s memory disk because every angle of every painting gives a different side of the story, and it would really be a pity not to capture every one of it.
Want to know the directions to get to Art in Island? check this out: https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-Art_In_Island-Manila-site_46067006-1022
After a tiring day of posing and taking pictures, your stomach must be calling out to you for food, but don’t worry, there are restaurants just outside the Art in Island and here are the best ones:
- Four Seasons Buffet – Designed with a lavish and modern market interior, this restaurant serves a wide assortment of fresh and healthy ingredients that are carefully handpicked by the chefs every day, allowing hotpot enthusiasts to freely customize their own dishes. >> check it out on https://www.zomato.com/manila, https://en.yelp.com.ph/ or https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/
- Bellini’s – Bellini’s is an authentic Italian restaurant, Mr. Bellini, the owner, personally cooks delicious foods for his customers and people adore his polite and attentiveness >> check it out on https://www.zomato.com/manila, https://en.yelp.com.ph/ or https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/
And of course, you’ll need a place to rest in, here are our top picks for you:
- ZEN Rooms 10th Ave Cubao – This hotel is a very cheap hotel starting from 890 php! Zen rooms is a simple hotel featuring pared-down rooms, some with bunk beds, plus a communal lounge & free Wi-Fi. >>See the best price deal & read reviews at http://Booking.com, http://agonda.com or http://Hostelworld.com
- Novotel Manila Araneta City Hotel – And to balance it out, this hotel is expensive but its totally worth it considering that it is world class quality. >>See the best price deal & read reviews at http://Booking.com, http://agonda.com or http://Hostelworld.com
To get more information about Art in Island, check out: http://seektheworld.com/art-in-island-3d-museum-manila/
8. Manila Ocean Park
And lastly, a travel in Metro Manila cannot be complete without visiting Manila Ocean Park, it is unlike any other attraction or museum in Manila. Opened in March 2008, the park is well-known across the Philippine archipelago for its biggest draw – Oceanarium. Containing 3,000 cubic meters of sea water divided into 7 sections, the Oceanarium houses over 13,000 sea creatures from around 277 species that are indigenous in Southeast Asia.
Wondering what to do in Manila Ocean Park? There’s absolutely no shortage of colorful experiences and attractions in Manila Ocean Park. From mind-blowing shark encounters to fascinating neon rides, the park has a mishmash of diversions for visitors of all ages.
Tips: As soon as you enter the park, grab a photo of the park map to know the locations of various attractions. Then ask for a snapshot of the show schedules and attraction hours so you can plan out your time inside.
Any experience isn’t complete without the taste of good food with your friends and family. here are the restaurants inside the Manila Ocean Park:
- Makan Makan Asian Food Village – “Makan” means “Let’s eat” and the Asian delicacies on offer here, ensure the restaurant lives up to its name. >> check it out on https://www.zomato.com/manila, https://en.yelp.com.ph/ or https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/
- White Moon Bar – Is a perfect restaurant for hanging out with friends because of its delicious foods and tasty drinks. >> check it out on https://www.zomato.com/manila, https://en.yelp.com.ph/ or https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/
After sight-seeing and interacting with sea creatures, you’ll definitely need to rest, here are our top picks:
- Red Planet Manila Bay – It is a 3-star hotel that offers superb service and cleanliness >>See the best price deal & read reviews at http://Booking.com, http://agonda.com or http://Hostelworld.com
- Hyatt Regency Manila City of Dreams – Is a luxury hotel that will surely give you a memorable experience with its glamorous interior. >>See the best price deal & read reviews at http://Booking.com, http://agonda.com or http://Hostelworld.com
For more information about Manila Ocean Park, visit their website: https://www.manilaoceanpark.com/













