Often overlooked, the capital of the Philippines is a treasure trove of fun and adventure. The city is seen as a gateway to other destinations like the warm beaches of Boracay. Yet, it has so much to offer, that it’s worth spending a couple of days exploring.
Sure, the metropolis can be a bit overwhelming and chaotic, but that’s what makes it so charming and unique. With tour packages offered by Achica to this energetic city, visitors can learn about the rich history, try gastronomical specialties, go on shopping sprees and party it up all night.
Tour the Past and Present
The multifaceted city is a mix of old and new and everything in between. Lost cities filled with cobblestoned streets and ancient ruins are shadowed by the high rise buildings. Horse-drawn carriages maneuver the cobbled streets amongst luxury cars.
The city of Intramuros, known as the Walled City, is the historical centre of Manila and the former seat of power of the Spanish government. Although it was destroyed in WWII, there are still remains of ancient churches and buildings. The San Agustin Church is the oldest church in the city and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Makati, the financial centre of the city, is a stark contrast – a cosmopolitan that is pulsating with energy. Mix in with the locals and ride one of the ubiquitous jeepneys which are U.S. military jeeps transformed into public buses. The brightly coloured, eccentrically decorated and modes of transportation reflect the vibrant culture and streets.
Shopping
Manila is a haven for a shopping addict. The SM Mall of Asia is the fourth largest mall in the world. It features several name-brand stores as well as an IMAX theater and an Olympic-sized skating rink. Greenbelt is the upscale mall that sells posh brands like Prada and Gucci. The Greenhills Shopping Center is an indoor and outdoor area made up of more than 2,000 stores that sell a gamut of things like clothes and pirated DVDs.
Gastronomy
There is food galore in this bustling city. A trip is not complete without trying traditional street foods. Visitors should also head down to the market to buy fresh seafood and then pick one of the many restaurants in the area to have a chef prepare it. There are also upscale restaurants like El Cirkulo which serves traditional Spanish cuisine.
Nightlife
It can be hard to catch some shut eye in this city where entertainment is endless. Street performers vie for the attention of passersby’s, while posh bars, trendy discos and casinos provide their own form of entertainment. Manila is also home to a large performing arts center that hosts an array of events like ballets, concerts and theatre shows.