Top 7 Attractions to See in Manila, Philippines

The Philippines' capital city of Manila is often overlooked by many tourists and treat it as just a place to jump off to the next island or main destination in their itinerary. However, if you truly stop to look more closely, you'll find that Manila offers a trove of attractions and sites that will surprise and please you at the same time.
1. Intramuros
Manila's Old Town dates back to the Spanish-Colonial era and houses many buildings that reflect that time of occupation in the country. Though preserving such history is not a primary goal for the government, efforts have been undertaken to reverse the effect of this neglect. Here, you'll find the Manila Cathedral, which is the main Basilica and the highest seat of the Archbishop in the Philippines.
You'll also find parts of the defensive walls that surrounded the city still standing. And within the walls you'll find other structures that reflect the colonial architecture of Spain, such as the Casa de Manila, San Agustin Church, and Palacio del Gobernador.
2. Rizal Park
It is the heart of Manila. It is the historic centre for social movements and political protests in the Philippines. It is also where the Rizal monument is located, which is also Kilometre Zero. The marker by which all road distances the country is measured. It boasts a Chinese and Japanese Garden, an open-air concert venue, an oceanarium, and a planetarium, to name a few. It's a fantastic place to bring the family and enjoy the scenery and attractions.
3. Fort Santiago
The defense fortress that held the country's national hero Jose Rizal as a prisoner before his historic execution, is part of the structure that made up the walled city of Intramuros during the Spanish occupation of the Philippines. You can go on a guided tour of the place or explore its various areas at your own leisure.
4. Avilon Zoo
At 7.5 hectares, the Avilon Zoo in Rizal, Philippines is the largest zoological park in the country - although technically it's not located in Metro Manila. It is located in the scenic, lush hillsides of Barangay San Isidro - the perfect spot to care and keep wild animals. It houses more than 3,000 specimens of indigenous and exotic birds, mammals, fishes, reptiles, and invertebrates; as well as about 400 species of plants with more than half are endemic to the Philippines.

5. National Museum of the Philippines
Housing the cultural and historic treasures of the Filipino people, the National Museum of the Philippines is a must-see for both visitors and locals. Among the items displayed here is the famous Spolarium by Juan Luna, which won him the gold medal in the Madrid Art Exposition in 1884. Also, found in the museum are the artifacts recovered from the sunken San Diego battleship. Items include porcelain, jewelry, coins, and armaments from the 17th century.
6. The Coconut Palace
Commissioned by infamous former First Lady Imelda Marcos, The Coconut Palace was built in honor of Pope John Paul II's 1981 visit that, unfortunately, the Pope declined to use. This magnificent showpiece is octagon-shaped and built of a number of Philippine hardwood, which includes coconut and almost all its components (yes, even its roots). The palace features more than a hundred coconut shell chandeliers and furniture inlaid with the shells. Such was its beauty that it played host to guests including Brooke Shields and George Hamilton.
7. Paco Park
This 4,000 square metre recreational garden was Manila's main cemetery during the Spanish-Colonial era. It is where many of the aristocratic and wealthy Spanish families in old Manila were interred. But perhaps the most famous of its occupants were the 3 Filipino priests Mario Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora (known also as GOMBURZA) who were executed by the Spaniards in 1872. The cemetery was converted into a national park in 1966, and its grandeur restored and can still be enjoyed today. Because of its beautiful features, architecture, and lighting, Paco Park is a popular venue for weddings.