Famous for its pristine coral reefs, powdery white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters, the Philippines' islands draw thousands of tourists annually. Yet, Manila is frequently ignored. With direct flights from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to the Philippine capital, numerous UAE travelers merely transit through Manila without stepping outside the airport. This oversight is regrettable. Beyond its urban expanse, the city teems with historical landmarks, vibrant food markets, lively nightlife, and numerous free museums. I managed to explore many of its captivating attractions during a whirlwind day at the end of my recent Philippine sojourn. I'm delighted I did. Distinct from any other city globally, Manila is a dynamic and bustling cultural hub that offers more than meets the eye. Whether you're beginning or ending your Philippine adventure, here are seven top ways to experience authentic Manila in just 24 hours.
Step back in time in Intramuros. Entering this historic walled district, meaning 'within the walls,' feels like teleporting to a different world, or at least a different continent. With its ancient streets lined with beautiful churches, charming vine-covered cafes, horse-drawn carts, and remarkable UNESCO-listed monuments, Intramuros more closely resembles a rural Spanish town than a Southeast Asian city. Pedestrian and bicycle-friendly, it provides a serene escape from the city's hustle, offering a well-preserved homage to the country's Spanish era and rich history. Churches and cathedrals are open for free, making it a delightful place to stroll for a few hours. Must-see spots include the stunning San Agustin Church, the imposing stone gate and courtyards of Fort Santiago, and the ornate Manila Cathedral. After sightseeing, head to the Instagram-worthy Cafe Intramuros for a generous slice of cake, a refreshing iced coffee, and some people-watching through the shuttered windows.
Dine at Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant. Located in the heart of Intramuros, Barbara’s has been a Manila icon since the 1970s. The lunchtime buffet is popular with large families and tour groups, while the extensive menu features a mix of Filipino, Spanish, and Mexican dishes. A roaming mariachi band entertains diners, and the daily Kultura Filipina Dinner Show is a renowned cultural experience. The walls are adorned with intriguing photographs and artifacts from past decades, ensuring it will be one of the most memorable meals of your trip. Indulge in Filipino sorbetes in Rizal Park. Adjacent to Intramuros, Rizal Park is a vast green space offering a dancing fountain, various manicured gardens, and the grand Rizal Monument, commemorating Filipino nationalist José Rizal. A relaxing spot to chat in the shade, you'll soon encounter brightly painted wooden carts selling Filipino sorbetes, a type of ice cream made from coconut or carabao (water buffalo) milk. Despite the nickname 'dirty ice cream,' it's perfectly safe and incredibly delicious. With a unique texture compared to Western ice cream, I highly recommend the avocado flavor, also available in cheese, purple yam, young coconut, and other local varieties.
Visit the free museums. On the edge of Rizal Park, you'll find the National Museum of Anthropology and the National Museum of Natural History. Both housed in impressive buildings and free to enter, they provide a deeper understanding of the Philippines' rich heritage and remarkable wildlife. Ride a jeepney. Every Southeast Asian city has tuk-tuks, but only the Philippines boasts jeepneys. A cultural symbol and proudly Pinoy creation since the 1950s, these colorful and elaborately decorated jeeps are impossible to miss. Costing less than one dirham per ride and accommodating up to 25 passengers, hopping on a jeepney is an incredibly fun and affordable way to navigate the city and interact with locals. Get lost in Binondo. Built in the 1590s, Binondo is considered the world's oldest Chinatown, with its red-lantern-lined streets teeming with hawker-style street food stalls offering authentic Chinese dim sum, grilled meats, snacks, desserts, and more. Arrive hungry and prepare for one of the best food crawls of your life. Go rooftop bar hopping in Makati. Though not geographically part of Manila, neighboring Makati City boasts bar-lined streets that can get lively, but its numerous rooftop bars offer a more refined scene. Almost every hotel features a stunning sky-high terrace with panoramic views of the skyline, with Firefly at the City Garden Grand Hotel and Mistral at Raffles Makati being just two of the many excellent options. Even if you're in Manila for just one evening, heading to the rooftops for sunset is a fantastic way to see the city and experience its distinctive, refreshing charm.
Practical tips. Download the 'Grab' app, Manila's equivalent to Uber. Withdraw pesos from the airport, as card payments are more widely accepted than on the islands, but smaller shops and street stalls still require cash. Traffic around Ninoy Aquino International Airport can be heavy, so consider staying in the modern Newport City area near the airport to save time and stress. The terminals are quite far apart, so double-check which one you need before setting off.
