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Best Attractions in Manila (2026)

Manila's main sights fall into two clusters. The first is Intramuros, the walled city on the south bank of the Pasig River, where Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral and Casa Manila are all within a short walk. The second lies just south, around Rizal Park, where the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Anthropology and the National Museum of Natural History face each other across Agrifina Circle. Together they can fill two full days, and both clusters are easy to explore on foot once you are there.

The national museums are free, which makes them excellent value, and walk-in visitors are welcome. Fort Santiago opens early at weekends and stays open until 10pm every day, so it is a good choice for a cooler morning or evening visit. Casa Manila is closed on Mondays, so plan your Intramuros day for Tuesday to Sunday. In Makati, the Ayala Museum's historical dioramas give a clear overview of Philippine history, and in Taguig the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial is a quiet, moving place for an hour. Start early, carry water and sun protection, and allow for traffic when moving between districts.

10 places · Updated October 27, 2026

Our top 3 attractions in Manila

  1. Fort Santiago Spanish colonial citadel, IntramurosThe stone citadel at the mouth of the Pasig River, begun by the Spanish in the 1590s, where José Rizal was held before his execution in 1896.
  2. San Agustin Church Baroque church and museum (UNESCO World Heritage), IntramurosCompleted in 1607 and survivor of eight major earthquakes, this Intramuros church is part of the UNESCO-listed Baroque Churches of the Philippines and has a museum in its former monastery.
  3. Manila Cathedral Cathedral and minor basilica, IntramurosManila's neo-Romanesque cathedral and minor basilica, completed in 1958 on a site that has held the city's principal church since 1571.

Attraction

1. Fort Santiago

Spanish colonial citadelIntramuros

The stone citadel at the mouth of the Pasig River, begun by the Spanish in the 1590s, where José Rizal was held before his execution in 1896.

View details — Fort Santiago

Attraction

2. San Agustin Church

Baroque church and museum (UNESCO World Heritage)Intramuros

Completed in 1607 and survivor of eight major earthquakes, this Intramuros church is part of the UNESCO-listed Baroque Churches of the Philippines and has a museum in its former monastery.

View details — San Agustin Church

Attraction

4. Rizal Park

Historic urban parkErmita

Manila's 58-hectare bayside park, also known as Luneta, where José Rizal was executed in 1896 and where his monument stands under a ceremonial guard.

View details — Rizal Park

Attraction

8. Ayala Museum

History and art museumMakati

A private museum in Makati's Greenbelt known for its 60 historical dioramas, more than 1,000 pre-colonial gold objects and works by Luna and Amorsolo.

View details — Ayala Museum

Attraction

10. Casa Manila

Colonial house museumIntramuros

A museum in a recreated 19th-century bahay na bato opposite San Agustin Church, showing how wealthy families lived in Spanish-era Manila.

View details — Casa Manila