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Parks and Key Landmarks in Manila

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There are many attractions in Manila that draw visitors from all over the world by their beauty and significance. Some of these are the lovely parks and landmarks in the city. Examples of some of the key attractions in the city are:

• Rizal Park. Also called Luneta, this 143 acre area is one of the most spacious parks in all of Southeast Asia. Rizal Park was named after Dr. José Rizal, an honored Philippine thinker and anti-colonialist. The park is full of many beautiful gardens, ponds, a chess plaza, and a skating rink. It also includes several museums, public buildings, and an open-air auditorium. Entrance into Rizal Park is free.
• Intramuros. This city was founded by the Spanish in the 16th century and is a historical landmark in Manila. Much of the wall and gates around the city still remain and have been restored for visitors to come and see. Many important buildings from the past also remain, making Intramuros a historical site hard to match in other Asian locales. Admission into Intramuros is free.
• Fort Santiago. This is one of the oldest buildings in the Philippines left over from the colonial times. It imprisoned many famous Filipinos – like José Rizal and freedom fighters. Now a park with a theatre company and a museum, Fort Santiago is a key attraction for those visiting Manila. There is a charge for admission.
• San Agustin Church and Museum. This church building lies within Intramuros and is Manila’s oldest church of stone, dating back to 1606. It is also connected to the San Agustin Museum which holds much religious art from the colonial period. There is a charge for admission into San Agustin Church and Museum.
• National Museum of the Philippines. This museum was originally designed as the Insular Museum of Ethnology, Natural History and Commerce, a place that would hold much wealth regarding the environment and history of the Philippines. It now is divided into two different areas, the National Museum and the Museum of the Filipino People. It holds many archaeological and historical wonders from the country’s history. The National Museum may be entered free of charge; the Museum of the Filipino People requires an admission fee.
• Malacañang Palace and Museum. This palace is the home of the head of state and is the seat of government. The museum holds keepsakes from each of the Filipino presidents and is considered by most locals to be a historic building. There is a charge for admission.
• Chinese Cemetery. This place was designed in the 1850s as burial grounds for the Chinese who were not allowed to be buried in Catholic cemeteries. It is marked by incredible gardens, excessively complete tombs (for example, toilets and chandeliers grace the resting place.), and even streets to honor the families of the deceased. Guided tours are available for free.

Other excellent options for popular parks and landmarks in Manila include:

• The Supreme Court of the Philippines
• Manila Baywalk
• Raja Sulayman Park
• Manila Boardwalk
• Manila Zoo and Botanical Garden
• National Library of the Philippines
• Paco Park
• Malacañan Palace
• Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion
• The Planetarium
• Quirino Grandstand
• Liwasang Bonifacio
• Plaza Miranda
• Remedios Circle
• Corregidor Island

Next Page: Religious Sites in Manila

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