Top Manila Hotels

There are a few interesting Spanish colonial remnants in the capital and major ones can all be visited in less than a day. Most are churches which form the focal point of passionate worship for the predominantly Catholic population. Dating back to 1571, Intramuros, the walled city, marks the original capital. The seat of the Spanish colonial government, Intramuros still has some traces of European architecture in its reconstructed cobblestone streets. Some structures survived the ceaseless pummelling of WWII when much of it was reduced to rubble. Since restored and featuring a few interesting buildings, Intramuros is the only area of charm in Metro Manila and in cooler weather could be an enjoyable stroll.

Within Intramuros is the strategically important Fort Santiago, prison of Dr Jose Rizal who was executed by Spain for rebellion in 1896. Exhibits connected with the national hero are displayed within the Rizal Shrine. During the Japanese Occupation the photogenic Fort housed torture chambers where countless prisoners of war were killed.

Other buildings within Intramuros include the understandably mundane cathedral - destroyed and rebuilt five times, with the new version built in 1958, and Casa Manila, a furnished 19th century Spanish mansion complete with period antiques.

Outside the walled city is Rizal Park or Luneta, a great place to people-watch in relatively fume-free air. It is full of vendors, lovers, photographers, prostitutes, and faith healers. At 7.30 p.m. the park features a light and sound show of Rizal's execution. Rizal is buried at the Rizal Monument, the park's centrepiece.

Government buildings in the park's vicinity were built during the American Period at the turn of the last century and designed along classical lines. Among these are the Department of Tourism, where you can get copies of tourist brochures, and the newly refurbished National Museum which houses Filipino cultural, historical and natural artefacts and documents. Behind it, the Museum of the Philippine People is recommended for an overview of Philippine life and culture. Other museums in the area, Museo Pambata (Children's Museum) and Metropolitan Museum, are worth a quick look if you want something else to visit while in the area.

The Malacanang Palace, official residence of the Republic's President has a museum of presidential portraits and memorabilia along with other historical items. Interesting displays here used to be Imelda Marcos' infamous three thousand pairs of shoes, and other glimpses at how the dictator Ferdinand Marcos and family lived off the country's coffers in royal luxury. Otherwise the museum is somewhat boring unless Philippine history excites you.

The culturally inclined will appreciate the Cultural Centre of the Philippines in Pasay. This arts centre contains exhibition halls, museums and performing arts theatres.

Quiapo is not your regular tourist attraction but is definitely the district that has the most character. Famous landmark is the once-impressive baroque Quiapo Church, now just a dull cement building due to a well-meaning but badly-executed restoration. Lots to see here: Chinese and Muslim merchants manning all sorts of shops and stalls, Catholic devotees in fervent prayer, lines of fortune tellers near sidewalk stalls selling images of Catholic saints alongside folk talismans and Buddhist charms. The place is crowded, and some parts very seedy but if you fancy seeing Manila as the common folk know it and don't mind socialising with the hoi polloi, then Quiapo will give you a feel of the city you won't find in any museum.

Tourist Information Offices are located at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and in Rizal Park, close to the skating rink.

Lively Metro Manila lacks nothing when it comes to having a party. It's very much a night city brimming with bars, nightclubs, karaoke joints, discos, live music and pubs.

Although much of it has been cleaned up, only Bangkok can rival Metro Manila's liberal night scene. The freewheeling red light districts are centred mainly around Ermita, Malate and Pasay. The capital also has broad choice of cosmopolitan restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets and the food is generally good.

The tourist belt is loosely based around Ermita and Malate and offers many restaurants and bars that range from the hip and trendy to the downright sleazy. The area presents a very wide variety of cuisine: spiffy French and Spanish restaurants among traditional Chinese dim sum and noodle houses, as well as Indian, African and Mediterranean places. Some eateries in the area may look like holes-in-the-wall but can be surprising finds. Generally, a quick look at the clientele will tell you if the place is worth trying.

Chinatown's many tea and noodle houses may not look snazzy but the food is decent and the atmosphere is non-touristy. In Intramuros, the established Ilustrado is an excellent restaurant that serves Spanish and Filipino cuisine. Superb dining is also available in top hotels in the Makati and Malate areas.

In the upmarket business district of Makati, Glorietta, Greenbelt, The Fort and Rockwell Centre are the fashionable places for entertainment, dining and shopping. Jupiter Street has a considerable number of good quality restaurants and bars, and the area along Makati Avenue, Kalayaan and P Burgos streets are dotted with nightclubs.

A twenty minute drive away, El Pueblo and the Strip in Ortigas Centre, Mandaluyong are lively places at night, with coffee shops and bars filled to the brim on weekend nights.

In Quezon City, the tourist hub is centred around Tomas Morato Avenue. The street is literally lined with familiar international franchises as well as stylish local bars and restaurants which serve cuisine almost as varied as that in Malate. Mama Rosa, located right beside the street's roundabout serves local dishes in a refreshingly non-traditional atmosphere. Nearby West and Timog Avenues are also known for their restaurants and bars.

The city's newest happening spot is Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City. The commercial complex has more than its fair share of up-and-coming restaurants, but it's best to be picky as some can disappoint. The bars and clubs in the Libis area are mostly frequented by the young, sophisticated college set.

The ubiquitous fish-ball hawker stands are fixtures in almost every city street. They sell fried balls of all sorts - squid, fish chicken, etc - skewered onto barbeque sticks. Some also sell hard-boiled eggs fried in batter and banana-cues, fried bananas coated with caramelised sugar. At night, they're joined by stalls that sell barbequed innards. Safety is uncertain, but if you must try these stick to the franchised stalls.