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2018 • 06 • 26

Manila is a bustling city that will elicit extreme views from those who visit it. The metropolis offers contrasts — old and new, rich and poor with little to nothing in between. Amid the concrete jungle are shopping malls, fast food chains, towering skyscrapers, shantytowns, museums, decrepit buildings, and structures that have been around for centuries.

The most famous attractions during a trip to Manila are Intramuros, Fort Santiago, and San Agustin Church. These remnants of the past remind visitors of the Spanish colonial era with its cobblestone streets, imposing walls, old churches, and restored mansions.

Fort Santiago is an important historical destination. The Spaniards and the Japanese after them used it as a citadel and prison. Inside it, you’ll find the cell where the national hero, Jose Rizal, was kept imprisoned before his execution. As you explore the fort, you can also visit the Rizal Shrine and learn more about the life of Jose Rizal. San Agustin Church received World Heritage Site status in 1993, under Baroque Churches of the Philippines.

Corregidor Island is also a possible day or overnight trip from Manila. It has ruins of a military fort that played an integral role in the liberation of the Philippines during World War II. The Spanish conquistadors also used it as a fort during their colonial rule. You’d have to book in advance to get slots; a package includes boat transfers and lunch.

There are also several shopping centers and malls for various budgets in the city or within reach of it. Chinatown is famous for discounted items that you can buy during your stay. There are also nearby Robinson’s and SM branches if you want to buy branded items.

You have a number of options if you’re looking for a hotel while in Manila City; there are affordable, mid-priced, and high-end choices. The places you want to see and things to do are also factors when it comes to choosing accommodation. Here are the top hotels in Manila as rated by Agoda users, in no particular order.

Note: Rates MAY not yet include taxes and other fees. Ranking and rates may change over time, so always double-check before booking.