When you visit Manila, the Philippines' capital, with its diversity, irrepressible
vitality and a large collection of architectural and cultural landmarks, you
will never pass even a single day without having something to do or somewhere
to go! In addition, you will definitely love Manila’s all-heady and rich
cultural mix of traditional Filipino, Malay, Chinese, Spanish, American and
even Arabic influences. First of all, though, remember to take care of your
budget by using coupons for Hotels.com
to get attractive discounts on the flights and accommodation. And when planning
the itinerary, look at our guide below on what to do in Manila and in its adjacent cities as you tour:
1. Enjoy a Tour
of the Dynastic Museums
Visit the two museums, Ayala and Yuchengco, located
just one block away from each other and get all the insights you would like to
know about the way of life, traditions and family structures characteristic of
the Filipino people. The various conglomerates filling the city of Manila are
owned by powerful and influential clans whose ancient histories are inseparable
from that of the city itself. The Ayala Museum was founded by the Zóbel de
Ayala family while the Yuchengco Museum was established by a former U.N.
ambassador.
2. Visit the Intramuros
This is a 64-hectare stone citadel built by the
Spanish in the late 16th century. The architectural masterpiece has endured
numerous natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, wars and successive
droves of colonial invaders to stand tall as the modern metaphor for the city
of Manila. You can best explore it during the early morning hours before
temperatures outside it have reached unbearable levels, and then pass by the
colonial-style villa Ilustrado for some heavy breakfast of buttery ensaymada
and Spanish-style hot chocolate.
3. Shop at the
Divisoria Market
While visiting the Philippines,
and more so when you are in Manila, the Divisoria Market is one place you can’t
afford to skip. This is a market where you can purchase everything from fresh
produce to artifacts. The market is popular for its super bargains and you can
almost get whatever you want to buy in the Philippines here at the most
affordable prices. Only beware of pickpockets, especially on crowded market
days - or invest in one of these theft resistant backpacks!
4. Tour the
Manila Contemporary
The Manila Contemporary is a
slicing edge of the city of Manila's art scene and is found along Chino Roces
Avenue. It consistently hosts top world-class exhibitions from both inside the
Philippines and around Asia and the world. The Silverlens Exhibition Center is
also located nearby and exhibits some of the most splendid photography, video
and installation work that you can find anywhere in Asia.
5. Worship at the
Magnificent Greenbelt Chapel
The Philippines is a predominantly Roman Catholic country (reflecting another legacy of the long Spanish colonization). Attending mass at the splendid Greenbelt Chapel in Makati will definitely be a fantastic tour for Catholic visitors. However, the prominent domed chapel also incorporates a luxury shopping complex that intriguingly brings to bed Christianity and the commercialism of modern capitalism. As you attend Mass and atone for your sins, you can also do a lot of shopping, including for various art items.
6. Finally, the
Marikina Shoe Museum!
This is another place that fascinates Westerners a lot. At the Marikina Shoe Museum, you will find the footwear of the former dictator of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos’ wife and highly controversial First Lady, Imelda Marcos. The museum is located in the heart of the shoemaking district of Metro Manila, Marikina City, and is a good area to finish your tour by visiting and beholding her size-81/2 collection for yourself!
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this guest post are those of the guest author/advertising partner and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of www.travelingmorion.com as a whole.
It's great that you included the shoe-making scene of Marikina City which is always overlooked when it comes to destinations to see in Manila.
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