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The Pearl of the Orient

Manila architecture

Manila is one of the world's most densely populated cities, with over 70,000 people per square kilometer in some districts. The Philippines is the only predominantly Christian nation in Asia, a legacy of over 300 years of Spanish colonial rule from 1565 to 1898. The walled city of Intramuros, built by the Spanish in 1571, still stands at the heart of Manila and remains one of the most intact examples of Spanish colonial urban planning in the world. The Philippines is also one of the world's leading producers of English-language call center services.

  • 5Landmarks
  • 1571Oldest · Intramuros
  • 20 mTallest · National Museum of Fine Arts (Philippines)
  • 5Architects

Before you go

  • Fly intoNinoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)

    Ninoy Aquino International Airport is named after Benigno Aquino Jr., the opposition senator assassinated on the airport tarmac in 1983 — an event that triggered the People Power Revolution and the end of Marcos's dictatorship. The airport serves one of the world's busiest aviation markets and has four terminals. A new Manila International Airport (Bulacan) is under construction to relieve congestion at the existing facility.

  • CurrencyPhilippine Peso (₱)
  • LanguageFilipino & English

    The Philippines has two official languages: Filipino (based on Tagalog) and English. English is used in government, education, and business, giving the Philippines one of the highest English proficiency rates in Asia. Filipino is a blended language that incorporates Spanish loanwords extensively — numbers, days of the week, and many household items are Spanish-derived. The country has over 175 distinct languages spoken across its 7,000+ islands.

  • Getting aroundJeepneys & MRT

    Manila's iconic jeepneys — originally converted U.S. military jeeps left after World War II — are one of the Philippines' most recognizable cultural symbols. These colorfully decorated vehicles serve fixed routes and remain a primary form of public transport. The MRT-3 and LRT lines cross key urban corridors but struggle with capacity during peak hours. Grab (ride-hailing) is widely used by locals and visitors for more reliable point-to-point travel. Manila's notorious traffic is one of the most challenging in the world.

5 landmarks in Manila

  1. Intramuros
    Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Intramuros

    Intramuros, Manila, Philippines

    The historic walled city of Manila, built by Spanish colonisers in 1571 and the seat of colonial power for over 300 years — a city within a city of cobblestone streets and Baroque churches.

    Built
    1571
    Architect
    Spanish colonial engineers
    Style
    Spanish colonial / Baroque
    Stories
    2
    Today
    Historic district / tourist site
  2. Rizal Park
    Photo: Ernest Malsin, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Rizal Park

    Roxas Blvd, Ermita, Manila, Philippines

    Manila's most important public park, site of the execution of national hero José Rizal in 1896 and home to a monument marking the zero kilometre point of the Philippines.

    Built
    1820
    Architect
    Various
    Style
    Landscape / monuments
    Stories
    1
    Today
    National park / cultural space
  3. San Agustín Church (Manila)
    Photo: Johngaje92, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    San Agustín Church (Manila)

    General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines

    The oldest stone church in the Philippines, built in 1607 and the only structure to survive the destruction of Intramuros in WWII — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Built
    1607
    Architect
    Fray Juan Macias
    Style
    Baroque
    Height
    18 m (59 ft)
    Stories
    2
    Today
    Church (active) / museum
  4. Fort Santiago
    Photo: Elmer B. Domingo, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Fort Santiago

    General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila, Philippines

    A 16th-century citadel within Intramuros where national hero José Rizal was imprisoned before his execution, and where thousands of Filipino and American POWs perished in WWII.

    Built
    1593
    Architect
    Spanish military engineers
    Style
    Spanish colonial fortress
    Height
    15 m (49 ft)
    Stories
    2
    Today
    Historical park / museum
  5. National Museum of Fine Arts (Philippines)
    Photo: Tagaaplaya, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    National Museum of Fine Arts (Philippines)

    Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, Philippines

    Housed in a Neoclassical former legislature building, the museum holds Juan Luna's Spoliarium — a 4×7 metre painting that won the 1884 Madrid Exposition gold medal and became a symbol of Filipino nationalism.

    Built
    1918
    Architect
    Juan M. Arellano
    Style
    Neoclassical
    Height
    20 m (66 ft)
    Stories
    3
    Today
    Art museum

More cities in Asia

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