10 Instagram-worthy Places to Visit in Manila

The UST Campus along España Blvd dates back to more than 400 years. The campus stretches out to around 21.5 hectares, and presents several opportunities for great shots with historical and newer buildings in the background. You can also go for landscape shots as the UST campus has lush vegetation that is usually where you can find students studying, eating and more.

The Intramuros compound has a rich history surviving Spanish colonial times in the Philippines, as well as a great many battles. Go around the walled city and check out Bahay Tsinoy, Fort Santiago - check out dungeons, the old theater and the gardens, also don’t forget to visit The Manila Collectible, Rizal Shrine and the Rizaliana Furniture Exhibit. If you’re in the mood to check out the other museums, you should visit the San Agustin museum which houses a lot of religiously themed art, the Bagumbayan Light and Sound Museum - which showcases the life of Rizal, from birth to execution.

The famous Manila Bay along Roxas Boulevard is a destination for both tourists and the locals alike. Apart from the magnificent view that it gives during sunsets, it’s a nice place to take a leisurely walk in and enjoy the Manila view without the traffic. Enjoy the gentle breeze that rolls in as the water cascades against the rocks, watch families spend their days bonding and laughing , and of course enjoy the magnificent view that you have.

The Metropolitan Theater was designed and inaugurated in 1931, and for several years, was the symbol for Philippine arts. During World War 2, the MET was partially destroyed and left unused. It is currently being renovated so that it can be brought back to its former grandeur but even in its dilapidated state, the MET remains hauntingly beautiful. You may want to take a few snaps now before scaffolding completely takes over the structure.

The Manila Central Post Office is a marvel to behold. This imposing edifice boasts of neoclassical architecture. It was designed by Juan M. Arellano and Tomas Mapua. Although it was damaged in 1926, it was restored to its former glory twenty years later. Its 16 pillars is what makes its iconic and is why the structure is often pictured for postcards. Wander in and check out the semicircular wings and domes that comprise this colossal building. The Manila Central Post Office serves as the head office of the Philippine Postal Corporation.

Divisoria is a shopper’s haven - sure, you could go to the mall and enjoy shopping in an air-conditioned facility, but nothing beats the prices at Divisoria. You can buy anything from clothes, fashion accessories, shoes, children’s toys, food, and more, while the hustle and bustle of people, and haggling of prices add to the chaotic atmosphere. The busyness of it all has oftentimes been used as a backdrop for several fashion shoots and would serve well for you, too!

Casino Español de Manila is one of the oldest clubs established in the Philippines. Once exclusive for the Spaniards as a venue for their social and recreational activities, they later extended membership to Filipinos as a means to strengthen ties. Previously exclusive for club members, it now opens its doors to guests and visitors. The club has a “Filipino-California-Spanish” style and arched verandas surrounding a courtyard. If it was elegant enough to welcome the King Juan Carlos de Borbon of Spain in 1962, and Queen Sofia in 2000, then it’s elegant enough for you to take a snap or two within their operational hours.

Once a municipal cemetery built by the Dominicans, Paco Park is currently a park full of luscious greens and vibrant flora. In fact, the park is so beautiful it’s played host to several wedding and engagement shoots. The park is quiet and relaxing, and is truly a breathtaking reprieve from the concrete jungle surrounding it.

Escolta Street in the district of Binondo is an artist’s hub. There are a couple of groups that hold drawing lectures, workshops and sketch walks - all for good reason: there are several neoclassical buildings that line up the street that are as majestic now, as they may have been back then. The Roman-Santos building, the Regina and First United buildings, the Capitol Theater, the BPI Escolta building and more are all Instagram-worthy and are sure to enrich you historically, as much as it will aesthetically for your IG feed.

Luneta Park or Rizal Park comprises of sprawling pathways, historical relics and tributes, luscious flora and lots of fun for the entire family. It’s comprised of 58 hectares of history and is home to the country’s most renowned landmark that commemorates our national hero, Jose Rizal. A couple of meters away is the actual place where he was executed. In this area, you’ll also find the tallest flagpole in the country, and Kilometer Zero the marker where all distances to and fro cities in the Philippines are measured. We highly suggest you snap a photo of the Rizal monument, the markers of the execution sites of Rizal and GOMBURZA, the Statue of the Sentinel of Freedom, the relief map of the Philippines on the man made lake and of course, other featured artworks of featured Philippine artists.

Learn more about Manila. Discover cheap hotel deals and cheap flights from carriers like Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, and more with Traveloka!

]]>