Did you know that the metropolis Manila is one of the most visited places in the Philippines? Well, there are plenty of landmarks in the area you should add to your Philippines itinerary. But before you do that, you should discover more information about Manila. And this is why we’ve shared this article with you! Read on to find out all you need to know about traveling to Manila, Philippines.
Manila vs. Metro Manila – what’s the difference?
Many tourists feel confused about the distinction between Manila and Metro Manila. But in fact, it is simple to differentiate the two areas. Manila usually refers to the city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. It consists of several districts, one of the most popular being Ermita, Malate, and Quiapo. At the same time, the vast Metropolitan Manila is referred to as Metro Manila. It consists of the City of Manila, Makati, Quezon City, Paranaque, Pasay, and many other nearby areas.
When to visit Manila?
If you want to make the best of your trip to the Philippines, we highly encourage you to visit Manila between September and December. It is the perfect time of the year to explore the area on foot, while plenty of local festivals are organized. Still, plenty of tourists prefer visiting Manila between January and April, when the tourist crowds are smaller.
What to visit in Manila?
Discover the oldest district and historic center of Manila
One of the must-do things in your Manila itinerary is a visit to Intramuros. This is one of the oldest areas of the city, and it is a landmark with historical significance. You can opt to stroll around the site, or you can rent a bike and join a guided bike tour in Manila.
Make sure you take the time to visit the Manila Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the Philippines, along with Fort Santiago and San Agustin Church.
Include in your itinerary as many museums as possible
Manila is home to many important museums in the Philippines. So, your travel itinerary should include a visit to the National Museum of the Philippines, the Dessert Museum, or the Upside Down Museum in Pasay.
Don’t forget to try the local food
No matter if you’re looking for some street food or a dish with authentic local cuisines, Manila is the go-to place for any food traveler. And besides this, you get access to plenty of other international restaurants. Our tip is to check the StreetSide eateries in the city center. You will be amazed by how tasty the food is!
Visit Poblacion for the best nightlife experience
For those that enjoy partying, a visit to Poblacion is a must. It is the go-to place for backpackers, but at the same time, you will find here plenty of pubs and bars. Overall, this place is viewed as the meeting point for tourists visiting Manila.
Traveling to Manila is a must if you want to experience the big city, with all its charms and downfalls. But if you are more of a nature lover like us you should check the nature lover’s heaven: Sagada, Mountain Province.
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