The Philippine nation's capital, Manila, is home to a wide variety of fascinating landmarks.
Museums, parks, theaters, shopping hubs, and a wide variety of eateries are just a few of the attractions in this thriving southeast Asian city.
The colonial buildings of Intramuros and the mesmerizing sunsets over Manila Bay are what make Manila so renowned.
9 Best Places In Manila To Visit For Free
If you're on a tight budget, Manila is a very economical destination.
Considering that there are wonderful locations that are open to everyone. From museums to parks, there's something for everyone.
What's more important is many of these tourist attractions are free. No hidden charges.
So what are we waiting for, let's get started!
1. National Museum of Natural History
The Philippines' official natural history museum is called the National Museum of Natural History. It can be found in Rizal Park, Manila, along Agrifina Circle.
Along with several intriguing exhibitions covering a wide range of natural history topics, the interior architecture is interesting.
The museum houses a vast collection of plant and animal species endemic to the Philippines.
2. National Museum of Anthropology
A part of the National Museum of the Philippines, the National Museum of Anthropology, originally the Museum of the Filipino People, hosts ethnological and archaeological displays.
It is situated next to the National Museum of Fine Arts building on Agrifina Circle, Rizal Park, Manila.
This museum, which is spread out across four floors, provides a very thorough overview of Filipino culture and customs.
3. National Museum of Fine Arts
Formerly known as the National Art Gallery, the National Museum of Fine Arts is a museum of art in the Philippines.
On the eastern side of Rizal Park, on Padre Burgos Avenue, the National Museum of Fine Arts is situated beside the National Museum of Anthropology.
The National Museum of the Philippines owns and runs the art museum, which has a collection of works by traditional Filipino artists from Juan Luna to Guillermo Tolentino.
The Spolarium by Juan Luna is the first significant painting you'll see upon entering the museum.
4. Intramuros
Manila was known as Intramuros from the time the city was established in 1571 until the end of Spanish administration in 1898.
Originally constructed as the residence for Spanish government officials, Intramuros—whose name means "within the wall"—served as the hub of the Spanish occupation for 400 years.
A notable tourist attraction inside Intramuros is the Fort Santiago.
After admiring Fort Santiago's stone exterior, visitors can explore the fort's interiors, where they'll discover a wealth of historical artifacts and memorabilia, including items belonging to Jose Rizal, the fort's most well-known prisoner.
5. Arroceros Forest Park
A riverfront metropolitan forest park called Arroceros Forest Park may be found in Manila, the Philippines, on Antonio Villegas Street in the hub of Ermita's neighborhood.
The Arroceros Forest Park, which is the only natural park in Manila, has earned the moniker "Manila's last lung" since it contributes to the city's air purification.
It is managed by the City of Manila in collaboration with the nonprofit environmental organization Winner Foundation.
6. Quiapo Church
In the Quiapo neighborhood of Manila, the Philippines, stands the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, popularly known as Quiapo Church and known officially as the Parish of Saint John the Baptist.
The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene houses the Black Nazarene, a miraculously preserved statue of Jesus Christ bearing a cross.
With its baroque design, the Quiapo Church's exterior stands out.
7. Hidden Garden
The Hidden Garden in Lawton, one of City of Manila's tourist attractions, was inaugurated in the 16th of February, 2021.
The city government asserted that there were numerous outdoor green areas opened in Manila, including the Hidden Garden.
Prior to being renovated and transformed into an open garden space with a coffee shop by the local administration, it was a former parking and dump area.
8. National Library
The Philippines' official national library is called the National Library of the Philippines.
The building complex may be found at Ermita on a section of Rizal Park that faces T. M. Kalaw Avenue, which is close to places of cultural value like the National Historical Commission and the Museum of Philippine Political History.
The country's printed and recorded cultural history, as well as other scholarly, academic, and informative sources, are all housed in the National Library of the Philippines.
9. Rizal Park
Known also as Luneta Park or just Luneta, Rizal Park is a historic metropolitan park situated in the heart of Manila, the Philippines.
It is regarded as one of the Philippines' biggest metropolitan parks, with a 58-hectare footprint (140 acres).
During the time of Spanish colonialism, the area where the park is located was first referred to as Bagumbayan.
It borders the storied Intramuros Walled City.
Jose P. Rizal's memorial monument serves as the park's symbolic center and bears the name of the park that was formally established in his honor.
Verdict
The city of Manila is a beautiful mess.
There are various distinct words used to describe the capital of the Philippines, including gaudy, frenzied, striking, and vibrant, but one is used more often than any other.
Numerous articles have been written about the various forms of disorder and disarray that best characterize Manila, the country's capital.
Nevertheless, it's a stunning city chock full of delights and incredible experiences.
How would you describe your experiences in visiting Manila?
