48 hours in Manila – Weekend Edition
Manila In Less Than 48 Words
Manila is the capital of the Philippines, and is one of the most diverse and energetic cities in Asia, with a fascinating colonial heritage. It is actually a series of cities fused into one, and is thus a place where cultures and classes converge.
Manila Cathedral (Photo by Wes Knight)
First 24 Hours
You can arrive at the teeming metropolis called Manila via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which is located eight kilometers south of the city center. From there, the best way to reach the heart of Manila is by taking a pre-paid taxi. The journey lasts for about 40 minutes, and will cost you upwards of Php400. Alternatively, you can opt to hire a taxi to the nearby Baclaran station, where you can catch a Manila Light Rail Transit System train to the city center.
Manila is not an easy city to navigate, as it really is a collection of cities. In its heart lies the walled city of Intramuros, while southeast of the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) can be found its main business district, Makati. You can get valuable tourist information from its main tourist office (Room 106, Department of Tourism Building, Rizal Park, Manila, 00 63 2 525 2000, website). It is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm.
CHECK IN: Get your bearings back at Manila’s hotels
You can arrange for a nice place to stay in during your 48 hour visit in Manila at one of its excellent hotels. One of the best in the city is the Pan Pacific Manila (M. Adriatico corner General Malvar Streets | Malate, Manila, Luzon 1004, 6325360788, website). It is a five-star hotel with spacious rooms, excellent service, and a convenient central location in the heart of Manila.
Dusit Thani (Photo from Google images)
A nice alternative is the Best Western Hotel La Corona (1166 M. H. del Pilar corner Arquiza Streets, Ermita, Manila Philippines, Manila, Luzon 1000, (632)524-2631, website), which offers clean and comfortable accommodation, friendly and attentive staff, and delicious breakfast. You can also try out the Dusit Thani Manila (Ayala Center, Manila, Luzon 1223, 63 (2) 867 3333, website). It has an excellent location near major shopping malls, plus high-quality rooms and friendly service.
INTRAMUROS: Take a historical hike
Perhaps one of the most popular tourist attractions in Manila is its old walled city of Intramuros, which is located by the southern banks of the Pasig River. Built in the 16th by the Spanish settlers, it is a former city-fortress guarded by thick, high walls and moats. In fact, during the Philippines’ occupation by the Spaniards, Intramuros was technically the entire Manila. However, at the end of World War II, it was shelled by the American liberators leaving it in utter ruins – and would never be restored to its former glory. Still, you can see the ruins of various historical monuments and buildings inside the complex.
The last walk of Jose Rizal marked with the footsteps at Fort Santiago (Photo by Normann)
One of the most visited sites there is the Fort Santiago, a fortress erected for the Spanish conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1571. It is known for being the base for the Manila Galleon trade to Acapulco. You can still see some of its 22-meter high walls, as well as the bronze footsteps representing the walk of national hero Jose Rizal from his cell in the fort to his place of execution.
Another attraction in Intramuros is the San Agustin Church, which was the sole building to survive the Battle of Manila. Built by The Order of St. Augustine in 1607, it is considered to be the oldest standing church in the Philippines, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can see its exquisitely-carved main door, trompe-l’oeil murals on its ceiling, and the tombs of the Spanish conquistadors Miguel López de Legazpi, Juan de Salcedo and Martín de Goiti. It is also the final resting place of Juan Luna, one of the foremost Filipino painters.
Interiors of San Agustin Church (Photo by zimrilim)
Intramuros also boasts of the Manila Cathedral, a minor basilica with a 400-year history. It was originally made out of nipa and bamboo, which was destroyed by a fire. The structure is known for its Neo-Romanesque style of architecture, as well as the Vatican-style crypts of former prelates of the Archdiocese of Manila. Other Intramuros sights include the ruins of the Spanish Audiencia, Ayuntamiento, Intendencia, and the San Ignacio Church, among others.
RIZAL PARK: Unwind, rewind
You can relax and unwind at the Rizal Park (Maria Y. Orosa, Manila, 02 302 7381), which overlooks the Manila Bay. Formerly called “Luneta”, it is best known as the place of execution for the Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal. At its heart lies a bronze and granite monument regarded as one of the city’s defining landmarks, and is also a mausoleum housing Rizal’s remains. The park also contains the “Zero-Kilometer Marker, the point from which road distances are measured in the country. It is a popular place for picnics and entertainment events, and also for a nice view of the Manila Bay.
Rizal Park (Photo by Eric)
DINNER TIME: Discover Manila’s restaurants
You are guaranteed a delicious dinner at the restaurants available all over the city. One of the best in the city is Chelsea (Ground Level, Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, (63 2) 901-5817), which offers a well-presented Italian/Mediterranean cuisine, with excellent seafood, meat, and pasta dishes. A nice alternative is Conti’s (61 President’s Avenue, Parañaque 1720, +63 2 850 5852). It serves the best of Filipino, Spanish, and European dishes, and also has a diverse cake selection.
Have an authentic Filipino and Spanish dinner at Café Adriatico (1900 M. Adriatico Street, Remedios Circle, Manila 1004, 63 2 521 6682), which has a fine dining ambience and delicious buffets. A unique dining experience is available at Angel’s Kitchen (57 Connecticut St., North East Greenhills, San Juan, MM, 632 721-8822). It offers homemade Filipino delicacies with a twist: must-tries include the tinapa rice with tocino barbeque and the honey garlic spareribs.
Café Adriatico (Photo by Gem)
Next 24 Hours
You can discover Manila’s other tourist attractions during your next 24 hours in the city. One of the must-sees there is the National Museum of the Filipino People (P. Burgos St., Manila, 527 12 15, website). It is a museum established in 1901 as a repository of the country’s natural history and ethnography. Inside, you’ll find various cultural and natural Filipino artifacts and documents.
MANILA CHINESE CEMETERY: Pay your respects
Another noteworthy tourist attraction in Manila is the Manila Chinese Cemetery (Tiao Ki, Manila), which is considered to be the second-oldest cemetery in the Philippines. It serves as the final resting place of Chinese citizens who were refused burial in Catholic cemeteries during the country’s Spanish occupation. It is also known as the site for many infamous executions during World War II, notably those of Josefa Llanes Escoda, Rafael Roces, Manuel Arguilla, Virgilio Lobregat, and General Yang Guangsheng.
Chong Hock Tong Temple (Photo by Sharon Schneider)
At the site, you can see landmarks such as the Chong Hock Tong Temple (oldest Chinese temple in Manila), the Carlos Palanca Memorial (a memorial to the Chinese-Filipino leader and businessman), and the Ruby Tower Memorial (a memorial dedicated to the Chinese-Filipinos who died during the 1968 Manila Earthquake).
AYALA MUSEUM: Appreciate art
Art lovers will definitely enjoy themselves at the Ayala Museum (Makati Avenue cor. De la Rosa St., Makati City, +63 (2) 757 7117, website). It is an art museum considered to be one of the most important private institutions for the country’s art and culture. Inside, you’ll find a number of rare and priceless artifacts, as well as contemporary Philippine art works. One of the highlights of a visit there is the Gold of Ancestors exhibits, which features over a thousand gold objects predating the country’s 16th century Spanish occupation. The site is open on Tuesdays to Fridays from 9 am to 6 pm, and in the weekends from 10 am to 7 pm.
Ayala Museum (Photo by Elmer Borlongan)
CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES: Have a cultural visit
Learn more about the Philippine art and culture at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Manila, (632) 832-1125, website). It is considered to be the Philippines’ foremost institution for music, theater, and the visual arts. It features performances from its resident company and theater group, as well as Bolshoi, Kirov, and Royal Danish ballets. Contemporary American, German, and French theater groups have also performed at the site. It has a number of theaters dedicated to specific art niches, as well as various exhibit halls featuring artifacts and art works.
Cultural Center of the Philippines (Photo by Idsanmocte)
NIGHTLIFE: Enjoy Manila’s vibrant nightlife scene
At night you may proceed to Manila’s bars and clubs to have a taste of the city’s exciting nightlife. One of the most popular is the Penguin Café (Remedios Street Corner J. Bocobo Street Malate, Manila), which is known for its ivy-covered patio, soft light, and Art Deco designs, and is popular among the Bohemian crowd.
Local band performing at SaGuijo Bar (Photo by Marco Galsim)
You can also try out the SaGuijo Bar (7612 Guijo St, San Antonio Village, Makati, website). It is best known for hosting performances by some of the Philippines’ most eclectic and well-versed local artists and bands, and is a popular venue for hanging out and listening to contemporary Filipino tunes.
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