Top 15 Things to Do and Places to Visit in Metro Manila
- Learn about Philippine history at the National Museum
- Travel back in time by exploring Intramuros
- Explore and picnic at Rizal Park
- Eat Chinese food in Bindondo’s China Town
- Shop, bargain, and buy souvenirs at Divisoria’s flea market
- Experience Korean spa in New Lasema Spa Jjimjilbang
- Enjoy the umami taste of Japanese food in Makati’s Little Tokyo
- Shop at thrift stores (Ukay) at Makati Cinema Square
- Go on a Food trip in Maginhawa
- Van Gogh is Bipolar
- Garlic Kitchen
- Pino Restaurant
- Appreciate arts in ArtistSpace Gallery in Makati
- Have fun and be like a kid again in Star City
- Shop, dine, and have fun at SM MOA mall and amusement park
- See your favorite animal at Manila Ocean Park
- Drink, party, and bar hop around Poblacion
- Alamat Filipino Cuisine
- Kampai
- Agimat at Ugat Foraging Bar and Kitchen
- Explore BGC at night
Looking for things to do in Metro Manila? Whether you’re interested in culture, history, food, or entertainment, you’ll surely find it in its vibrant cities.
Here are the top 15 things to do and places to visit for tourists within Metro Manila (National Capital Region).
1. Learn about Philippine history at the National Museum
Address: National Museum of the Philippines, P. Burgos Drive, Rizal Park, Metro Manila
Website: https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalmuseumofthephilippines/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natmuseumph
Email: [email protected]
Contact Details: +632 8298 1100
Operating Hours:
- Monday – CLOSED
- Tuesday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
The National Museum of the Philippines houses a vast collection of artifacts and artworks that showcase the Philippines’ rich history and culture.
Exploring the museum’s collection of artifacts will undoubtedly deepen your understanding of the Philippines and make you appreciate the country more.
Pro Tip:
- Take your time. There is a lot to see and do at the museum, so don’t rush and just enjoy.
2. Travel back in time by exploring Intramuros
Address: Intramuros, Manila, Metro Manila
Website: https://intramuros.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialIntramurosAdministration
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intramurosph/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Detail: 285272961
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 6 AM to 11 PM
- Last Entry – 9 PM
Price:
- Entrance Fee – Regular – P75
– Discounted – P50 (Child 18 years old or younger, senior citizen 60 years old or older, student, PWD)
*Must present a valid ID.
Intramuros is the oldest district in Manila and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Spanish in the 16th century, Intramuros served as the capital of the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period.
To get more ideas about the things and places you can do and visit in Intramuros, check out this blog: 12 Things You Can Do In Intramuros
Pro Tip:
- Take a walking tour with a local guide. This is a great way to learn about the history and culture of Intramuros from someone who knows it well.
3. Explore and picnic at Rizal Park
Address: Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park, is a historical and cultural landmark in Manila, Philippines. It is named after José Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero, who was executed at the park by Spanish colonial authorities in 1896.
You can picnic here and explore the park to see the monuments and other parks within it, such as the Rizal Monument, the Manila Orchidarium, and the Japanese Garden.
Pro Tip:
- You can walk to the National Museum of Anthropology or the National Museum of Fine Arts, which are just 3-6 minutes away from Rizal Park.
4. Eat Chinese food in Bindondo’s China Town
Address: China Town, Binondo, Metro Manila
Binondo is the oldest Chinatown in the world, and it is a must-visit for any fan of Chinese food. Here, you can enjoy a wide variety of traditional Chinese and Filipino-Chinese dishes, all at very affordable prices.
Pro Tip:
- You must try dimsum, lumpia, pansit, and siopao if you’re in Binondo. These are all classic Chinese dishes that are popular in the Philippines.
5. Shop, bargain, and buy souvenirs at Divisoria’s flea market
Address: Divisoria, China Town, Binondo, Metro Manila
If you love shopping in flea markets or looking for souvenirs, Divisoria is a must-visit. It’s a shopper’s paradise where you can find just about anything you’re looking for, from clothes and accessories to food and electronics.
The prices are very affordable, so you can get great deals on souvenirs and gifts for friends and family back home.
Pro Tip:
- Be aware of your surroundings. It can get crowded in Divisoria, so be careful not to lose your belongings.
6. Experience Korean spa in New Lasema Spa Jjimjilbang
Address: 8846 Estrella Ave., Makati, Metro Manila
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewLasemaSpa/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lasemaspajimjilbang/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Details: 0995 871 7389
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 24 HOURS OPEN
Price:
- Sauna Package – P500 (weekday) | P550 (weekend)
*Includes full use of the Jacuzzi including towel and locker. Steam Sauna. Hot and cold shower. 2 Hours maximum stay.
- Massage Package – P1150 (weekday) | P1300 (weekend)
*Includes full use of the Jacuzzi including towel and locker. Steam Sauna. Hot and cold shower. 60-minute full body massage. 3 hours maximum, stay.
- Jjimjilbang – P888 (weekday) | P988 (weekend)
*Includes full use of the Jacuzzi including towel and locker. Steam Sauna. Hot and cold shower. Access to all kinds of Kiln: Ice Room, Amethyst Kiln, Himalayan Salt Kiln, Ochre Hot Kiln, PineTree Kiln, and sleeping cave. Gym, Entertainment area, unlimited Kdrama and movie watching, Korean photo booth. 12 hours maximum stay.
- Lasema Package – P1500 (weekday) | P1688 (weekend)
*Includes full use of the Jacuzzi including towel and locker. Steam Sauna. Hot and cold shower. 60-minute full body massage. Access to all kinds of Kiln, Himalayan Salt Kiln, Ochre Hot Kiln, and PineTreeKiln. Sleeping cave gym, Entertainment area, unlimited Kdrama and movie watching, Korean photo booth. 12 hours maximum stay.
Relive your favorite Korean drama scene in a sauna without having to go to Korea. New Lasema Spa Jjimjilbang in Metro Manila offers a traditional Korean sauna experience, complete with hot baths, a Jacuzzi, kilns, saunas, and massage rooms.
Relax and enjoy your favorite Korean drama while eating Korean snacks provided by the sauna.
Pro Tip:
- If you are prone to high blood pressure, it is important to consult with your doctor before going to a sauna.
7. Enjoy the umami taste of Japanese food in Makati’s Little Tokyo
Address: Little Tokyo, 2277 Chino Roces Ave., Pasong Tamo Corner Amorsolo Street, Makati, Legazpi Village, Makati, Metro Manila
If you want to taste and experience authentic Japanese cuisine, you must go to Makati’s Little Tokyo. This area is lined with Japanese restaurants, shops, and cafes, and you can even hear Japanese being spoken.
Popular Japanese restaurants in Little Tokyo to try include Izakaya Kikufuji, Seryna, and Okonomiyaki Kagura.
Pro Tip:
- If you are allergic to seafood, be sure to bring your own anti-allergic medication, such as cetirizine. This way, if you have an allergic reaction while eating at the restaurant, you will have something to take.
8. Shop at thrift stores (Ukay) at Makati Cinema Square
Address: 2130 Chino Roces Ave., Legazpi Village, Makati, 1230 Metro Manila
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makaticentralsquare/photos
Contact Details: 02 811 1903
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 9 PM
If you love fashion and enjoy collecting unique pieces, you must visit Makati Cinema Square. There are a lot of thrift stores to choose from, so you’re sure to find something you love.
If you want to know more about the best thrift stores in the Philippines, read the blog 12 Famous Thrift Stores in the Philippines.
Pro Tip:
- Bring a face mask and alcohol spray to disinfect the clothes you try on.
9. Go on a Food trip in Maginhawa
Address: Maginhawa St., Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Maginhawa is known as the “food street” of Quezon City. It is home to a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and food stalls serving a variety of cuisines, from Filipino to international.
Here are some restaurants you should visit while in Maginhawa.
Van Gogh is Bipolar
Address: Van Gogh is Bipolar, 154 Maginhawa St., Quezon City, Metro Manila
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vgibipolar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vangoghisbipolar/
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind dining experience, go to Van Gogh is Bipolar, which is owned by Jetro Vin Rafael, who is bipolar himself. He created the restaurant as a safe space for people suffering from mental illnesses and their supporters.
The restaurant’s interior is designed to be calming and relaxing, with bright colors and whimsical touches. The food menu features dishes inspired by Van Gogh’s paintings, such as “The Starry Night” pasta and “Sunflower” risotto.
Garlic Kitchen
Address: 56B Maginhawa St., UP Village, Quezon City, Metro Manila
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garlickitchen.maginhawa/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garlickitchenqc/
Contact Details: 0966 471 4413 | 02 85198951
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Garlic Kitchen is known for its delicious garlic-infused cuisine. This Filipino restaurant serves a wide range of garlic-inspired dishes, from appetizers to desserts.
Savor mouthwatering options like garlic fried rice, garlic chicken, garlic potato, exquisite fermented garlic croquettes, and taro chips served with sumptuous baked garlic confit.
Pino Restaurant
Address: Pino Restaurant, #39 Malingap Street, UP Teacher’s Village, 1101 Quezon City, Metro Manila
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PinoRestoPH/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinorestoph/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Details: 0945 238 5437
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Pino Restaurant is a Filipino restaurant that serves traditional Filipino dishes with a modern twist.
Their menu includes traditional Filipino dishes like Adobo rice, Bagnet ribs Sinigang, and Kare-kareng Bagnet, as well as more modern items like mini Sisig tacos and Bagnet Sisig rolls.
Pro Tip:
- If you’re planning to go on a food trip, be sure to bring some over-the-counter medicine for stomach upset. This way, you will be ready if you overeat and experience stomach pain or bloating.
10. Appreciate arts in ArtistSpace Gallery in Makati
Address: ArtistSpace, Ground Level, De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City
Website: https://linktr.ee/ArtistSpace
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artistspacegallery/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistspacegallery/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Details: 0917 826 4425
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 8 PM
ArtistSpace Gallery showcases a wide variety of art from different Filipino artists, from traditional to contemporary. The gallery provides a platform for Filipino artists to showcase their work and sell their art.
It is located in a quiet and peaceful area of Makati, making it an ideal place to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Pro Tip:
- The gallery hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, so check their website for a schedule before you go.
11. Have fun and be like a kid again in Star City
Address: Star City, Vicente Sotto St, CCP Complex, Pasay City, Metro Manila
Website: https://www.starcity.com.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarCityPH/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starcityph_official/
Contact Details: 8832 3249
Operating Hours:
- Thursday and Friday – 2 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 1 PM to 10 PM
Price:
- Star Pass – P699
- Star Pass + Snow World – 889
Star City is an amusement park with a wide variety of rides and attractions. There are rides for all ages, from kiddie rides to roller coasters.
Whether you want to scream your lungs out on the roller coasters or just relax on the Ferris wheel, Star City is the perfect place to let loose and have some fun.
Pro Tip:
- Buy your tickets online. This will save you time at the ticket booth.
12. Shop, dine, and have fun at SM MOA mall and amusement park
Address: SM Mall of Asia Complex, Jose Diokno Boulevard, 1300 Pasay, Metro Manila
Website: https://www.smsupermalls.com/mall-directory/sm-mall-of-asia/information/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smmallofasia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themallofasiaofficial/
Email: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
SM Mall of Asia, famously known as SM MOA, is the largest mall in the Philippines. It has over 1,200 stores, so you can find anything you need or want, from clothes and electronics to food and home goods.
If you have children, you can get activity ideas from the blog 10 Fun Things To Do in SM Mall of Asia With Kids.
Pro Tip:
- SM MOA is a large mall, so plan on spending a full day exploring it all.
13. See your favorite animal at Manila Ocean Park
Address: Manila Ocean Park, Luneta, Metro Manila
Website: https://manilaoceanpark.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilaoceanparkofficial
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manilaoceanparkofficial/
Email: [email protected] | [email protected]
Contact Details: +632 8567 7777
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Price:
- Early Splash Deals Online – P680
* Ticket package includes all 8 attractions
*Promo Price, subject to change
- Children 2ft and below – FREE
- Group Rates – K-12 / College – P680
- Penguin Feeding and Photo Op – P650
- Birds and Sea Lion Photo Op – P500
Learn about your favorite sea creatures by visiting Manila Ocean Park, the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia. It is home to over 14,000 marine animals from over 270 species, including sharks, rays, jellyfish, fish, and sea turtles.
Pro Tip:
- If you want to see more of the best zoos and aquariums in the Philippines, visit this link.
14. Drink, party, and bar hop around Poblacion
Address: Barangay Poblacion, Makati City, Metro Manila
Poblacion is known for its vibrant nightlife scene. There are dozens of bars and clubs to choose from, each with its own unique vibe.
To help you, here are the top bars in Poblacion that not only provide a great party atmosphere but also serve delicious food.
Alamat Filipino Cuisine
Address: 2/F 5666 Don Pedro St., Barangay Población, Makati, Metro Manila
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/alamatfilipinocuisine/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alamatfilipinocuisine/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Details: 0917 306 2024
Operating Hours:
- Monday – CLOSED
- Tuesday – 6 PM to 2 AM
- Wednesday – 6 PM to 11 PM
- Thursday to Sunday – 6 PM to 2 AM
Alamat Filipino Cuisine is a restaurant in Poblacion, Makati that serves modern Filipino cuisine and innovative cocktails.
You must try their Lambanog Chicken Inasal, a grilled chicken thigh marinated in coconut rum, lemongrass, and atsuete oil, served with suka (vinegar) and toyo (soy sauce).
Kampai
Address: Alfonso, Barangay Poblacion, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila
Website: https://linktr.ee/alamatfilipinocuisine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kampaiph/
Contact Details: 0917 306 2024
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 6 PM to 3 AM
Kampai Bar is a popular spot in Poblacion that serves Japanese-inspired cocktails, yakitori, hibachi, sushi, and DJ-played music.
Agimat at Ugat Foraging Bar and Kitchen
Address: 5972 Alfonso cor., Fermina Street, Barangay Poblacion, Makati
Website: https://www.destileriabarako.com/agimatatugat
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/agimatatugatbar/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agimatbar/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Details: 0960 388 2024
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 5 PM to 2 AM
Agimat at Ugat Foraging Bar and Kitchen is a Filipino restaurant in Makati that offers innovative Filipino cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients, many of which are foraged from the surrounding area.
Their famous dishes include Kinilaw na Tahong, Adobo, and Halo Halo.
Pro Tip:
- It is important to drink in moderation when visiting Poblacion, especially if you are alone. For your own safety, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
15. Explore BGC at night
Address: Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila
BGC is a vibrant and happening place at night. There are many restaurants, bars, and clubs to choose from.
You can go shopping, watch a movie, or simply stroll around and take in the scenery. It is one of the safest places in the Philippines, making it an excellent place for meeting new people.
Pro Tip:
- Go to this blog link for more ideas on things to do at night in BGC.
