| The largest as well as the official capital city of the | | | | the largest of its kind in Asia. |
| Republic of Philippines, Covering an area of about 39 | | | | Another worth visiting attraction in the city is the |
| square kilometers and with a population of about two | | | | magnificent Malacanang Palace, which now serves as |
| million people, Manila is the world's most densely | | | | the official residence of the Philippines president. |
| populated city. | | | | Located along the northern banks of the Pasig River, |
| Located at the mouth of the Pasig River on the | | | | this palatial complex is noted for its unique |
| Manila Bay's eastern shores, in southwestern Luzon - | | | | architecture, and consists of sections such as |
| the largest island in the country, Manila is actually a | | | | Malacanan Palace; the Bonifacio Hall, which was |
| part of the Metropolitan Manila or Metro Manila, also | | | | formerly the office of Ferdinand Marcos successor |
| referred to as the National Capital Region (NCR.) | | | | Corazon Aquino; Kalayaan Hall, built under the |
| Once a stronghold of the Spanish Empire during the | | | | American administration. |
| colonial times and a point of trade between Europe | | | | Mabini Hall - the administration hall; and above all a |
| and Asia, Manila has now become one of the most | | | | guest house. Also, a significant attraction in Manila is |
| prominent cosmopolitan cities in the world. Lying on a | | | | Bahay Tsinoy, which is an interesting museum that |
| narrow strip of land between Manila Bay and Laguna | | | | has on display collections related to Chinese-Filipino |
| de Bay, the Metropolitan Manila is made up of 17 | | | | culture. Housed within the Kaisa Heritage Center, the |
| cities and municipalities. Further, Metro Manila is | | | | museum's collections include pictures depicting life of |
| regarded as one of the world's mega metropolises, | | | | Chinese immigrants, and Chinese artifacts such as |
| and serves as the economic, educational, industrial, | | | | coins, pottery, and kitchen utensils. |
| and cultural center of the country. | | | | Further, popular attractions in Manila cover Paco Park, |
| From historic buildings, monuments, and interesting | | | | which is probably the one of its kind in the whole of |
| museums to entertainment facilities and parks and | | | | the world. Considered a historical shrine, the park was |
| gardens, attractions in Manila are truly endless. | | | | once a cemetery. With a unique design, the park |
| Perhaps the greatest of all attractions in Manila is | | | | consists of two circular structures with different |
| Intramuros, which is a medieval fortified city designed | | | | levels of recesses. In short, the way the park is |
| in European style. Once served as the focal point of | | | | designed is truly stupendous. |
| the Spanish colonial rule, the city was the seat of | | | | Other not to miss attractions in Manila are Manila |
| administration for a period spanning from 1571 to | | | | Zoological Garden, which is home to some rare |
| 1898. | | | | collection of Philippine as well as African wildlife; Carfel |
| In 1945, many of the city's portions were destroyed | | | | Seashell Museum, which has on display some rare |
| by the Americans, which were later restored. A visit | | | | seashells; Kanlungan ng Sining, where you can find a |
| to this walled complex is a great way to experience | | | | unique variety of sculptures, paintings and |
| the rich heritage of the region. Few among many of | | | | photographs; Ayala Bridge, which connects San Miguel |
| the highlights of this complex are Fort Santiago - a | | | | to Arroceros; Meban Garden, the city's first botanical |
| beautiful fort that was erected on the ashes of a | | | | garden; and Liwasang Bonficacio, a park that has |
| Muslim ruler during the 16th century; Manila Cathedral | | | | been built to commemorate a Philippine hero, Andres |
| and San Agustin Church, which is the oldest of its | | | | Bonifacio. |
| kind in the city; and Casa Manila, a 19th century | | | | Hence, no wonder why tourists flock to Manila |
| mansion noted for its beautiful furniture. | | | | all-year round. Manila has accommodation options to |
| A museum, exhibiting some rare collections of oil | | | | cater every taste and pocket. From budget villas and |
| paintings, can also be found within the San Agustin | | | | hotels to high-end resorts and apartment, Manila's |
| Church's old monastery. Apart from these, attractions | | | | accommodation choices are superb. There are also |
| also include the Rizal Park, an excellent area for | | | | some hotels that provide services in the form of |
| enjoying recreational activities. Named after the | | | | packages, covering accommodation, dining, and |
| national hero, Jose Rizal, the park is credited to be | | | | facilities to explore the attractions of the place. |