8 Attractions in Manila for an Unforgettable Stay in the Philippines’ Capital

The Philippines is best known for its beaches, but there's a whole world of other exciting attractions in Manila, its capital, waiting to be explored — from the aquatic wonders at Manila Ocean Park to the cool science vibes at The Mind Museum, the creative 3D paintings at Art in Island, and the sweet adventures at the Dessert Museum!

Make your travel even more enjoyable by renting a private car charter for added convenience and flexibility. If you're flying into NAIA Airport, don't forget to arrange for a swift and hassle-free NAIA Airport transfer. Now, get ready because we're about to take you on a whirlwind tour of eight awesome things to do in Manila!

First up on our list of attractions in Manila — Manila Ocean Park, the Philippines' premier oceanarium! Get up close and personal with sharks, graceful birds, and friendly stingrays, or immerse yourself in captivating exhibits that uncover the mysteries of marine life.

With Klook's Ocean Park exclusive passes, explore eight of the best attractions, such as Trails to Antartica (a penguin exhibit), the Jellies Dancing Sea Fairies (a jellyfish exhibit), and the All Star Bird Show. 

Klook Tip: Check the feeding schedules for a chance to see the creatures in action!

Unleash your inner scientist at The Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City (BGC)! Explore the Atom, Life, Earth, Universe, and Technology galleries — each offering a unique perspective on the science that shape our world. 

Learn about carbon’s versatility through a cool game and witness the playful effects of gravity with whirlpools. Head to the Universe Gallery via a melodic piano staircase and dive into 250 interactive exhibits across 5,000 square meters with a flexible, discounted Mind Museum ticket from Klook!

Klook Tip: As one of the top attractions in Manila, consider visiting on weekdays to avoid the weekend rush. And don't miss the planetarium show for a fascinating journey through the cosmos!

When planning your trip to Manila, Philippines, places to be visit should definitely include Art in Island! Be the work of art that you are with 3D paintings and create Instagram-worthy photo ops at every turn. Step into a world of mixed media magic, featuring dazzling light displays, animated projections, and captivating art installations. 

Klook Tip: Bring a camera with a wide-angle lens or a smartphone with a panorama feature to capture the 3D art from the best angles. Remember, it's all about perspective!

Got a sweet tooth? Then, one of the newest attractions in Manila, the Dessert Museum, is a must-visit! Located in Conrad Hotel Manila’s S Maison, slide into eight mouthwatering rooms, each with its unique theme, like fortune cookies and gumball machines. Don't forget your camera because every corner is Insta-worthy

Klook Tip: Bring your sweet tooth  ‘cause they give three to four treats!

Looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? You’re in for a treat because the adventure doesn’t stop at Manila’s city limits! We’ve rounded up the best day trips that’ll whisk you away from the urban jungle. So, take a breather from the city buzz and dive into these awesome day tours! 

Escape the city and set your sights on the charming Tagaytay, a favorite day trip spot for locals and tourists alike. Join a day tour of Tagaytay and enjoy stunning views of Taal Lake. Arising within it is the Taal Volcano, the smallest active volcano in the world. 

Visit Tagaytay Picnic Grove for its lovely outdoor relaxtion spot, Sonya's Garden for its charming garden and restaurant, and Mahogany Market for its culinary delights. Don't miss trying bulalo, a lip-smacking local specialty of savory beef shanks and marrow bones simmered in a flavorful broth!

Klook Tip: Stop by the local markets and savor freshly picked fruits, like pineapples. For a romantic touch, consider booking a lunch at one of the many restaurants overlooking Taal Lake.

Experience Filipino culture at Villa Escudero Resort, a three-hour car trip from Manila. Enjoy a delicious Filipino buffet with a waterfall as your backdrop, meet exotic birds, and catch the Philippine Experience Show, showcasing the country’s traditional dances and music. Plus, with Klook, your Villa Escudero tour includes a carabao ride, a museum tour, bamboo rafting, and pool access!

Klook Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the tour — there’s be lots of walking!

With 25 hectares and eight themed zones, the theme park Enchanted Kingdom whisks you into a fantasy world with various rides and attractions. We especially love the Space Shuttle (the thrilling triple-loop roller coaster) and the Rio Grande Rapids (a wet-and-wild raft ride)! An hour and a half away from Manila, maximize your time by booking your Enchanted Kingdom admission ticket on Klook. Skip the lines and head straight to the Grand Entrance — zero hassle.

Klook Tip: Arrive early to make the most of your visit. Don’t forget to download the Enchanted Kingdom app for ride updates and to plan your day efficiently.

If you’ve got a hankering for a wild adventure, hop onto your ride and drive for only an hour and a half from Manila to Avilon Zoo in Rizal — the Philippines' largest zoological institution. Explore almost eight hectares of exhibits featuring over 3,000 exotic species, from the Samar Cobra to the Philippine Falconet and more. 

Enjoy fun and educational animal shows and activities, discover 500+ wildlife species, and learn about the zoo's vital conservation efforts for endangered animals. 

Klook Tip: Bring sunscreen and a hat for sun protection, as parts of the zoo are open-air. Check the feeding and animal encounter schedules for a chance to get up close and personal with some of the animals.

With this fantastic lineup of attractions in Manila, and a little bit outside of it, your adventure is bound to be a blast. Now, you're all set for an unforgettable, fun-filled exploration of all the incredible things to do in Manila.