#Chef Jose Villareal | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

touristguidebuzz · 7 years

Text

Manila Itinerary: Exploring Manila in One Day

Out of Town Blog Manila Itinerary: Exploring Manila in One Day

Exploring Manila in One Day: An Itinerary

For most people, capital city Manila is the jump off point to other Philippine tourist destinations like Cebu, Davao, or Boracay. Because of this, it is easy to overlook the history, culture, and notable tourist destinations within Manila itself.

Manila in One Day – Sunset in Manila Bay

In 1571, one of the first Spanish conquistadors arrived in Manila and declared it as a territory of Spain. From that point onwards, most Spanish activities were anchored in Manila. Although the Spanish are long gone, many buildings, traditions, and different aspects of life continue to be felt in the city.

This bustling city, unsurprisingly, is full of wonderful surprises. Hidden amongst soaring towers and hectares of malls are culture untainted, remnants of history, and wonderful, local Filipino life.

Morning Manila itinerary

1. Reconquer Intramuros first thing in the morning

Historic Intramuros Tour

The historic walled city of Intramuros is one of the most notable Spanish settlements in Manila. It was the center of government, and the walls were constructed to fortify the defense of the area, particularly against foreign invaders from the nearby vulnerable Manila Bay. The Walled City has had its long history of attempts of invasion, natural disasters, and more. Today most parts of Intramuros continue to stand as symbols of the past.

2. Stop by Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago

One of the many defense structures in the fortress that is Intramuros is Fort Santiago. The reason why this is very significant fort because it is where the national hero, Jose Rizal, was imprisoned. Within the fort grounds is the Rizal Shrine, which preserves the last footsteps of Rizal leaving the fort before proceeding to his execution in Bagumbayan, which will later be called Luneta Park.

3. Pray at the Cathedral of Manila and San Agustin Church

Manila Cathedral in Monochrome

Just a short walk from Intramuros and Fort Santiago is the Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, or more known as Manila Cathedral. The church was originally built under the direction of a priest who came to the country in the 16th century. It was briefly closed and reopened in 2014 after being restored.

`The San Agustin Church is another parish church that is located just a few meters away from Manila Cathedral. In 1976, it was declared a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government. Years later, in 1993, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

4. Check out the National Museums

National Museum of the Philippines

A few kilometers southeast of San Agustin Church are the tree separate structures of the National Museum of Fine Arts; Anthropology; and Natural History. Nearby is also the National Planetarium. All buildings are operated by the government. Take your time exploring either one or all of them.

5. Lunch break at Rizal Park

Rizal Monument in Rizal Park

Observe the locals and have your lunch at Rizal Park, oftentimes called Luneta Park. If you don’t have packed lunch or you simply don’t fancy eating one in a public area, feel free to visit the many restaurants nearby, which include:

Mabuhay Restop, which sells Filipino cuisine, including breakfast dishes

Emerald Garden Restaurant, whose chefs specialize in Chinese and seafood dishes

Ocean Park Bistro Restaurant, where you can get a wide variety of Italian and Filipino food

Pantalan ng Maynila Seafood Restaurant, where you get authentic Filipino dishes like Sinigang, Enselada, and the house special Pantalan Fried Chicken

Afternoon Manila itinerary

1. Ride a jeepney

Ride the jeepneys

Jeepneys are the symbol of Philippine transportation. These public transportation vehicles each have their own routes, which are displayed in the front and sides of the vehicle. You can sit anywhere and ask for other passengers to lend your fare to the driver in front, and you can stop the jeepney by saying “para po!”. If you are a foreign tourist, you should definitely try riding a jeepney. It’s way cheaper than getting a cab and it’s more immersive, too!

2. Get the most delicious dumplings from Chinatown in Binondo

Dumplings

In the past, Chinese traders repeatedly came into contact with the locals. Inevitably, they have left some influence in the area. This is most especially true when it comes to food. Chinatown in Binondo has the best of Chinese food, especially dumplings. Be it fried, boiled, or steamed, you can find it here in Chinatown—and for the lowest prices too.

3. Get a Kalesa Ride to Roxas Boulevard

Kalesa with Tourists

The perpetually busy streets of Metro Manila are dominated by cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles. Sometimes, however, you will spot a kalesa or two, a horse-driven carriage. During the Spanish Era, the kalesas are the primary mode of transportation, especially by high-ranking officials. Today, kalesas still serve as transportation, too, but mostly for tourists who want to go sightseeing.

4. Watch the sunset in Manila Bay

Manila Bay Sunset

It would be sundown by the time you reach the end of your kalesa ride. Before the sun completely sets, catch it sink slowly in the horizon of Manila Bay. The sun sets usually at around 5:30 PM, so don’t worry if you come too early from your kalesa ride.

5. Shop in Malate

If you go further north along Roxas Boulevard, you will reach Malate, a busy commercial area in Manila. Shops here are open until 9 to 10 PM. Places like Harrison Plaza, Shopwise, and BLGT are all located here in clusters, so shop to your heart’s content. Larger malls include Robinsons Place Manila and Holler Mall. After shopping, you can party all night in Manila‘s Malate district.

Travel Tips

If you plan to get a kalesa ride earlier than suggested here, avoid getting one when you are in Intramuros. The kalesa drivers will charge you more if you get one in Intramuros, compared to when you get one in Ermita.

Manila is busy all year round, so there are no particular months to avoid when it comes to tourist influx. The season is that something you should consider more. The Philippines has two seasons: the wet and dry. If you plan to have a bright and sunny walking tour, come visit during the months of December to early June.

Make sure to bring water with you. Manila is generally hot except during December and January, so do not forget to bring water or a fan to stay cool and hydrated.