Manila Travel Guide - Manila is the capital city of the Philippines. This city is rich in history, as it was once a small tribal settlement transformed into a lively metropolis. Filipinos call Manila "The City of Our Affections." Although this phrase was initially found in old Spanish manuscripts, it also expresses a modern sentiment that the locals have for this colorful city.

Often, tourists easily dismiss Manila as simply the entry point to the rural and more interesting cities in the Philippines. Although prone to chaos and traffic, Manila is a city with strong character and it holds a few surprises for those who stop by and try to make the most out of their stay. The good things about staying in Manila are that transport is cheap, the food is good, accommodation is plentiful and English is widely spoken.

 

Manila City offers many interesting sights for tourists. The Rizal Park, which was built in honor of the Philippines' national hero, features miniature Chinese and Japanese gardens. The park is also the ideal place to view the spectacular and internationally renowned Manila Bay sunset. Aside from Rizal Park, there are also places of historical and religious significance such as the San Agustin church, Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago and the old Walls of Intramuros.

 

There is an evident mix of the old and the new in terms of the architecture in Manila. It has modern high-rise buildings, but also has colonial houses and ruins that fascinate those who are interested in its rich history.

Manila is many things to many Filipinos. It is the seat of government, the center of fashion and culture, the fountainhead of all religious and educational movements; and of course, the exciting nightlife. It is politics and art; markets and churches; banks and universities - a city that is the melting pot of all the things essential to life.