Going around Manila is like having a glimpse of the past 500 years of Filipino history. Up to present day, there exists everyday relics of pre-Hispanic era and each of the colonization eras the Philippines have gone through in the past centuries - Spanish, American, and Japanese.

The best way to go around Manila is by jeepney, the most common mode of transportation in the entire nation. The jeepneys have very convenient stops - anywhere. Just tell the driver anytime to drop you off along his route.

Intramuros

The walled city of Intramuros is by far Manila's richest location when it comes to culture and history. Inside the walls, you can experience pre-Hispanic era, all the way through Spanish colonization and revolt and Japanese occupation. Fort Santiago and the Jose Rizal Shrine tell the story of the national hero's life through relics and artifacts. San Agustin Church and Museum features the life of the Filipino and how it evolved through the centuries.

Ride the kalesa, a traditional horse-drawn carriage, to see all the sights of Intramuros. There are also many restaurants serving traditional Filipino food. Being popular with tourists, there are also many little trinket shops so you can bring home a slice of Filipino culture.

Quiapo

Quiapo's center is the Quiapo Church, where devout people from all over the nation go. Religion is a big part of Filipino culture, and you can see in Quiapo Church the many interesting marks that make Filipino Catholicism unique. In the streets of Quiapo, see also the old houses defining mid-20th century architecture. Some houses are open for viewing, so that you can experience living in a traditional Filipino home. Check out also the flea markets and boutiques lining Rizal Avenue. They have everything from amulets dating from the pre-Hispanic era, to traditional medicinal herbs, to discounted fashion items.

The Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex

The CCP complex is one of the more modernist buildings in Manila, originally commissioned by the former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos, to promote and preserve Filipino art and culture.

There are galleries showing Filipino artworks, with the ultimate goal of promoting Filipino art and making it accessible to all sectors of the society. It also houses the Theatre of Performing Arts where artists both local and foreign perform. If you can catch a traditional performance, you can be acquainted with traditional forms of theatre mostly centered on Filipino songs. There is also a little theater for drama, solo recitals, and film screenings.

Manila Bay

End the evening with a leisurely walk along Manila Bay, starting from the CCP complex to Luneta Park. Manila Bay is picturesque all throughout the day, but especially stunning during sunset. Photographers, both amateur and professional, can be found along Manila Bay as the afternoon turns to night in a dramatic burst of deep reds and oranges.

As soon as night falls, you can find a variety of restaurants and bars around the area, with choices to fit every palate. You can even venture to the nearby Malate red light district for a more interesting Manila experience.