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Philippines · City guide
What to do in Manila
16 vlogs from 14 channels mention 101 places in Manila; 5 of them appear in at least half of the vlogs. Places are ranked by how often the vlogs mention them. Press the play button on any place to watch that exact moment.
- 101places
- 16vlogs
- 219moments
- 6.1 hof video
101 places · most mentioned first
Intramuros
The walled Spanish colonial heart of old Manila, with cobblestone streets and historic architecture, often toured by horse-drawn kalesa.
1:03· Niana Guerrero and Ranz Kylein 14 vlogsFort Santiago
A Spanish citadel founded in 1571, where José Rizal was imprisoned before his execution, with old walls and WWII-era dungeons. Entry costs 75 pesos.
3:00· Dale Philipin 11 vlogsRizal Park
Manila's large historic urban park, also known as Luneta Park, near Intramuros, with free entry, the Rizal statue and evening light shows.
9:14· Niana Guerrero and Ranz Kylein 10 vlogsSan Agustin Church
Historic Spanish-era stone church inside Intramuros, one of the walled city's key attractions.
3:04· Dale Philipin 8 vlogsBinondo
Manila's Chinatown, said to be the oldest in the world, with red lanterns, dragon lampposts, bakeries and dim sum shops.
50:39· Dale Philipin 8 vlogsManila Cathedral
Manila's principal Catholic cathedral, a landmark church within the walls of Intramuros.
3:55· Island Hopper TVin 6 vlogsCasa Manila
A house museum recreating the life of a wealthy Spanish-era family, with a courtyard fountain, period bedrooms and a long dining table seating many guests.
1:34· Niana Guerrero and Ranz Kylein 6 vlogsManila Ocean Park
An oceanarium opened in 2008 with an underwater tunnel, penguins, sharks and a bird, reptile and sea lion show. Its Philippine Biodome houses birds and otters.
11:15· Niana Guerrero and Ranz Kylein 5 vlogsSM Mall of Asia
The largest mall in the Philippines, with its own sports arena and a bayside boardwalk with carnival rides.
9:17· Travel For Phoebein 5 vlogsBarbara's Heritage Restaurant
A restaurant at Casa Manila serving a Filipino lunch buffet with a cultural dance show.
5:18· Angelica & Aileen Wandersin 4 vlogsNational Museum of Natural History
Modern museum on Philippine biodiversity and geology, centred on the Tree of Life structure rising through its atrium. Entry is free.
2:17· Sammy and Tommyin 4 vlogsVenice Grand Canal Mall
Venetian-themed mall built around a canal, with gondola rides, bird feeding, riverside gelato and a top-floor trampoline and zip-line play area.
7:22· SEOHEE TRAVELin 4 vlogsBonifacio High Street
Open-air pedestrian strip in BGC lined with high-end international restaurants, manicured lawns and giant video screens, with a polished, big-city feel.
0:26· SEOHEE TRAVELin 4 vlogsBonifacio Global City (BGC)
Modern high-rise district with upscale malls, restaurants and condos, including the Forbes Town area; known for being clean, green and pet friendly.
4:11· Island Hopper TVin 4 vlogsDivisoria
Manila's famous bargain market district, packed with stalls selling cheap clothing, replica goods and everyday items. Pickpocketing is common.
15:11· Nomac Guidesin 3 vlogsStar City
An amusement park in Pasay, bigger than SM by the Bay and often described as the only proper amusement park in Manila.
5:45· Nomac Guidesin 3 vlogsNational Museum of Fine Arts
National art museum in Rizal Park, one of the free National Museum complex buildings.
9:03· HG Virtual Tourin 3 vlogsMakati
Metro Manila's older business district, with dense high-rises, malls, cafes and nightlife, and more character than neighbouring BGC.
9:46· Nomac Guidesin 3 vlogsToyo Eatery
A one-Michelin-star restaurant that reimagines traditional Filipino ingredients in a modern tasting menu.
4:46· MICHELIN Guidein 2 vlogsCabel
A Bib Gourmand Filipino heritage restaurant serving pre-colonial specialties from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
9:29· Blondie in Chinain 2 vlogsThe Alley at Karrivin
A compact enclave of gallery spaces and restaurants, several of them listed in the Michelin Guide.
26:48· Adellein 2 vlogsSM Mall of Asia Arena
Large indoor arena hosting PBA games; basketball is the Philippines' most popular sport.
6:42· Sammy and Tommyin 2 vlogsUptown Mall
BGC mall surrounded by towers, known for its fountain show that combines water, music and bursts of fire.
26:20· SEOHEE TRAVELin 2 vlogsBinondo–Intramuros Bridge
Modern bridge over the Pasig River linking Intramuros with Binondo; skaters hang out in the space underneath.
27:42· Dale Philipin 2 vlogsLucky Chinatown Mall
Chinese-themed mall in Binondo with statues of the three star gods and a dragon display made from Rubik's Cubes.
1:01:21· Dale Philipin 2 vlogsMakati Avenue
Main avenue of Makati's business district, known for its high-rise skyline and as a scenic drive.
9:43· Island Hopper TVin 2 vlogsGreenbelt
Walkable shopping and dining complex in Makati with garden common areas and a church.
22:25· Adellein 2 vlogsClub Intramuros Golf Course
Playable golf course along the old Intramuros walls, linked to General Douglas MacArthur's former headquarters.
0:57· Island Hopper TVin 2 vlogsManila Bay Dolomite Beach
Beach strip on Manila Bay, popular for sunset views and photos rather than swimming.
1:10· Nomac Guidesin 2 vlogsNewport World Resorts
Integrated resort with a mall, casinos and several high-end hotels right next to Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
10:30· Island Hopper TVin 2 vlogsSM by the Bay
Small seaside entertainment area by SM Mall of Asia with a Ferris wheel and amusement rides.
4:54· Island Hopper TVin 2 vlogsCity of Dreams Manila
Casino resort complex near SM Mall of Asia, an adult playground with some kids' attractions and museums.
7:22· Island Hopper TVin 2 vlogsTaal Volcano
Volcano sitting inside a lake south of Manila, a striking sight in one of the country's seismic hotspots.
15:18· Island Hopper TVin 2 vlogsTagaytay
Ridge town south of Manila overlooking Taal Volcano, the area to base a trip outside the city.
13:31· Nomac Guidesin 2 vlogsP. Burgos Street
Makati street considered Manila's main nightlife area, lined with clubs and bars plus street-food vendors.
16:12· Island Hopper TVin 2 vlogsNational Museum of Anthropology
Museum in Rizal Park on pre-colonial history and the Philippines' many indigenous and Austronesian groups. Entry is free.
9:03· HG Virtual Tourin 2 vlogsRobinsons Place Manila
A large mall near Manila Bay whose maze of walkways and towering floors makes it much bigger than it first looks.
11:27· Nomac Guidesin 2 vlogsRizal Shrine
A museum dedicated to national hero José Rizal, located near his former prison at Fort Santiago.
3:01· HG Virtual Tourin 2 vlogsPlaza San Luis Complex
A complex of restored Filipino-Spanish colonial buildings around a courtyard with a fountain, souvenir shops and restaurants.
6:48· Angelica & Aileen Wandersin 2 vlogsSky Deck View Bar (The Bayleaf Intramuros)
A rooftop deck serving food and drinks with views over the city skyline.
9:40· Angelica & Aileen Wandersin 2 vlogsBatala Bar
A bar and café in Intramuros serving ice cream, a good spot to cool down after a bike tour.
19:11· Angelica & Aileen Wandersin 2 vlogsBelfry Café
A charming café set in centuries-old architecture beneath the Manila Cathedral bell tower.
12:14· Angelica & Aileen Wandersin 2 vlogsLa Cathedral Café
A café near Manila Cathedral with a rooftop for dining.
1:30· Angelica & Aileen Wandersin 2 vlogsIlustrado Restaurant
A famous Spanish restaurant in Intramuros, known for its paella.
13:44· Angelica & Aileen Wandersin 2 vlogsBambike Ecotours
Guided and self-guided bike tours of Intramuros on handmade bamboo and abaca bikes, stopping at historic sites.
8:45· Angelica & Aileen Wandersin 2 vlogsQuiapo Church
Iconic church housing the Black Nazarene, a centuries-old statue of Jesus Christ that draws millions of devotees each year.
3:49· TRIP XTREMEin 2 vlogs
Mentioned once
53 more picks, each from a single vlog, so not ranked.
University of the Philippines Diliman
The main campus of the national university, a lively student area with street snacks and a campus museum.
1:26· MICHELIN Guide1 vlogMorning Sun Eatery
A busy, no-frills Bib Gourmand eatery serving classic Filipino home cooking at great value.
1:53· MICHELIN Guide1 vlogFirst United Building
A heritage building filled with local brands, creatives and a coffee spot, and a pleasant place to explore.
11:29· MICHELIN Guide1 vlogKasa Palma
A one-Michelin-star contemporary Filipino restaurant serving beloved flavours in a modern setting.
12:49· MICHELIN Guide1 vlogGreenhills Shopping Center
Sprawling shopping complex with tiangge stalls known for cheap replica goods, where bargaining is expected.
6:43· Jaycation1 vlog999 Shopping Mall
Crowded wholesale-style bargain mall in the Divisoria area, popular for cheap goods.
12:51· Jaycation1 vlogSolaire Resort & Casino
Large integrated resort and casino on Manila Bay offering legitimate, Vegas-style gaming.
15:24· Jaycation1 vlogOkada Manila
Luxury integrated resort and casino in Entertainment City for legitimate gaming.
16:00· Jaycation1 vlogSalcedo Saturday Market
Upscale weekend farmers market in Jaime Velasquez Park selling food, produce, artisanal products and handicrafts.
5:38· Sammy and Tommy1 vlogUgbo Street Food Market
Busy evening street-food strip with grilled seafood, Filipino snacks, halo-halo and more adventurous bites.
6:14· Sammy and Tommy1 vlogMcKinley Hill Village
Upscale residential village in Taguig with large, palace-like houses.
8:00· SEOHEE TRAVEL1 vlogCuartel de Santa Lucia
Barracks built in 1781, used by the Spanish and later by the Americans; it was the original site of the Philippine Military Academy.
6:48· Dale Philip1 vlogFr. Blanco's Garden
Botanical garden named after Father Blanco, a priest known for his discoveries about herbal medicine.
15:10· Dale Philip1 vlogBaluarte de Santa Barbara
A bastion of Fort Santiago that now houses a small air-conditioned exhibit.
35:32· Dale Philip1 vlogIlang-Ilang Restaurant
Chinese restaurant in Binondo serving a long menu of specialities, including lomi with thick egg noodles, peppery gravy-like broth and beef.
52:02· Dale Philip1 vlogCafé Mezzanine
Upstairs Binondo café featured on CNN Travel, recommended by locals as a good food stop.
1:08:09· Dale Philip1 vlogRodic's Diner
Long-running Filipino diner known for silog breakfasts of garlic rice, fried egg and a protein, especially its famous tapsilog.
1:54· Blondie in China1 vlogEsmeralda Kitchen
Filipino restaurant serving home-style classics like kare-kare, sinigang and chicharon, best shared as many dishes eaten together.
3:12· Blondie in China1 vlogLechon Diva
Iconic Manila lechon specialist known for fusion roast pigs with very crispy skin and creative stuffings.
6:44· Blondie in China1 vlogPalm Grill
Restaurant focused on spicy, pre-colonial Mindanao cuisine with charred coconut, sambal and fire-cooked dishes.
11:21· Blondie in China1 vlogBinondo Bites
Popular Chinatown snack spot selling crispy-bottomed, juicy pan-fried shengjian buns with a zesty garlic-chili sauce.
19:54· Blondie in China1 vlogThe Mind Museum
Science museum near High Street in BGC with hands-on exhibits and an outdoor science park, popular with families.
1:48· Island Hopper TV1 vlogGrand Hyatt Manila Rooftop
Rooftop atop the Grand Hyatt, BGC's tallest building, with sunset views across Makati, good food and high-quality drinks.
1:58· Island Hopper TV1 vlogManila American Cemetery and Memorial
World War II memorial and military cemetery where American and Filipino soldiers who fought in New Guinea and the Philippines are buried.
3:03· Island Hopper TV1 vlogMasungi Georeserve
Mountain conservation area outside Manila in Rizal province, a nature escape from the city.
15:06· Island Hopper TV1 vlogCentral Square
A BGC retail complex with upscale shops and many restaurants, prettily lit at night.
4:58· Adelle1 vlogManam
A Filipino restaurant serving Filipino dishes in small, medium and large portions, making it easy to sample many.
7:20· Adelle1 vlogHarlan + Holden Coffee
A stylish coffee shop with upstairs seating where people come to work.
10:04· Adelle1 vlogThe Kind Cookie
A cookie shop in Makati selling freshly baked cookies whose smell reaches the street.
26:17· Adelle1 vlogThe Drawing Room
A small, free contemporary art gallery next to The Alley at Karrivin.
27:54· Adelle1 vlogDesign Story
A furniture and homeware store at Karrivin with stylish pieces and lamps.
28:02· Adelle1 vlogThree Squares
A coffee shop upstairs at Karrivin, next to the Design Story furniture store.
28:02· Adelle1 vlogThe Spirits Library
A speakeasy-style bar behind a hidden door that looks like a closed shop, with a grand library interior, jazz music and creative cocktails.
31:39· Adelle1 vlogAyala Triangle Gardens
A green park surrounded by Makati's skyscrapers that mixes nature with modern architecture and hosts seasonal markets and events.
16:21· Nomac Guides1 vlogBasilica of St. Martin de Tours
Taal Basilica, near Taal Volcano, is said to be the largest church in the Philippines.
3:30· Island Hopper TV1 vlogForbestown Center
A BGC dining hub with high-end restaurants and cafes, recommended for a more upscale night out.
6:28· Island Hopper TV1 vlogBig Boss Barber
A barbershop at Venice Grand Canal Mall offering local-style cuts and line-ups at fair prices.
9:28· Island Hopper TV1 vlogBaluarte de San Diego
A 16th-century stone bastion with thick walls and cannons, well-preserved ruins, panoramic views and peaceful gardens.
The Walls Spicy Chicken
A viral budget eatery known for spicy chicken and creamy chicken rice meals with a well-balanced sweet-spicy sauce.
Cold Treats
A tiny shake spot in an old brick building on the Casa Manila grounds, opening onto the Plaza San Luis courtyard.
Pasig River Esplanade
A free public riverside walkway along the Pasig River with skyline and river views, and food stalls lining the path.
1:31· HG Virtual Tour1 vlogJones Bridge
Historic bridge over the Pasig River, known for a vibrant light show that illuminates it at night.
2:01· HG Virtual Tour1 vlogOngpin Street
Binondo's main street, with busy side alleys full of heritage shops, old bakeries and family-run restaurants.
4:32· HG Virtual Tour1 vlogQuiapo
One of Manila's most colourful districts, with deep history, market alleys and a trending street-food scene.
6:41· HG Virtual Tour1 vlogSM City Manila
Iconic downtown mall with fashion and gadget shops, restaurants and budget food stalls.
10:38· HG Virtual Tour1 vlogManila Zoo
One of the oldest zoos in the Philippines, with tigers, birds and reptiles, spacious grounds and play areas for kids.
11:24· HG Virtual Tour1 vlogAqua Adventure
Water playground inside Manila Ocean Park with slides, sprays and fountains for kids and adults.
12:59· HG Virtual Tour1 vlogPhilippine Biodome
Dome-shaped sanctuary near Manila Ocean Park with native plants, birds and local animals in a designed habitat.
13:41· HG Virtual Tour1 vlogNational Museum of the Philippines
Four-complex national museum with extensive collections on art, archaeology, anthropology, zoology and natural history that tell the country's cultural story.
2:21· TRIP XTREME1 vlogManila Baywalk
Free scenic waterfront promenade along Manila Bay with skyline views, boats in the harbor and open-air cafes, popular with morning joggers.
3:02· TRIP XTREME1 vlog