About
The Philippines' capital and most populous city, rich in Spanish colonial history and modern urban culture. Known for its historic districts and vibrant nightlife.
Manila is the capital of the Philippines and the country's most populous city. It sits in Metro Manila, on the island of Luzon in Asia, and it combines a long Spanish colonial past with a busy, modern urban life. Visitors come for the historic districts and for the energy of the city's nightlife.
What the city offers
- Historic districts: Manila's older quarters carry the marks of its Spanish colonial history, and they make a natural starting point for anyone interested in the city's past.
- Modern urban culture: Beyond its old streets, the city is a place of contemporary life, with a pace and character that reflect a large, working metropolis.
- Nightlife: Manila is known for a lively evening scene, which suits visitors who want to see the city after dark.
Planning a visit
Because Manila is a vast metropolitan area rather than a compact town, it helps to choose a few areas to focus on rather than trying to see everything at once. Pairing a walk through the historic districts with an evening in one of the city's livelier neighbourhoods gives a good sense of its contrasts. Metro Manila as a whole is large, so allow time for getting between places.
