One of your first stops in Manila should be Rizal Park. Sometimes referred to as Luneta Park, this is a peaceful and manicured outdoor garden located in the heart of the city. Throughout the park. you will see statues and monuments paying tribute to Manila’s history. Of note is the century-old Monument of Rizal, which houses the remains of one of the Philippines’ most celebrated heroes, Dr. Jose Rizal. Be sure to stroll through the park to take in the local flora and fauna. Keep your eyes open for the Narra tree, the national tree of the Philippines, and the small lake with the artistically raised archipelago structure in the middle.
1. RIZAL PARK
One of your first stops in Manila should be Rizal Park. Sometimes referred to as Luneta Park, this is a peaceful and manicured outdoor garden located in the heart of the city. Throughout the park. you will see statues and monuments paying tribute to Manila’s history. Of note is the century-old Monument of Rizal, which houses the remains of one of the Philippines’ most celebrated heroes, Dr. Jose Rizal. Be sure to stroll through the park to take in the local flora and fauna. Keep your eyes open for the Narra tree, the national tree of the Philippines, and the small lake with the artistically raised archipelago structure in the middle.
2. QUIAPO CHURCH
The Quiapo Church is one of the oldest and most admired Catholic Churches in Manila. The more formal name of the church is the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. Depending on the time of day, the plaza surrounding the century-old church can be quite congested, which makes it an interesting place to visit to admire the devotion of the Filipino people. Fridays are the busiest days, when thousands of people pile into the square and pray at the church for novena. Despite the large gatherings of church devotees, this is one of the top attractions in the city. Take time to see the inside of the church, and stroll through the market stands outside to buy fresh peanuts, mangoes, or necklaces from local vendors.
3. MANILA OCEAN PARK
The Manila Ocean Park is one of the most unique adventures in the city. Get interactive with marine life with the Sharks and Rays Encounter, Trails to Antarctica, or the fish spa where fish clean your feet in a small pool of water. The park easily fills several hours depending on how many encounters you try. In addition to the state-of-the-art aquatic facility, you will see exhibits of birds and other animals. If you plan to make several days out of it, you can stay on-site at the Hotel H20 and admire the large fish tanks in your room.
4. SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH AND MUSEUM
As a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, the San Agustin Church is a national treasure in the Philippines. The Catholic Church has a unique history that is reflected in the details of the building. If you look closely, you will see both Chinese and Spanish influences in the design. The church has been rebuilt several times after battles and natural disasters. Pay close attention to the carvings on the large wooden doors that open to the chapel. If you have an interest in history or architecture, it would be worth your time to hire a local guide who can take you on a walking tour of the area and describe intricate details of the church that you may not notice on your own.
5. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES
For a true exploration into the culture of the country, a visit to the National Museum of the Philippines is in order. The museum has four main complexes and extensive collections and artifacts relating to art, archaeology, anthropology, zoology, biology, and natural history. The museum galleries help offer a sense of place, telling the cultural story beyond what you will find on your own visiting the city’s many historical attractions.
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