A trip to Manila cannot be complete without understanding its rich heritage. The art and cultural activities in Manila will give you an insight into the city's history, traditions, and artwork. While visiting the cultural attractions in Manila would prove to be informative, attending its artsy events will leave you entertained. From cultural performances to historical monuments that give you a glimpse of the past, take a look at this list to know Manila better. Include these in attractions in your itinerary for Manila and have a great vacation.
Top Places for Art and Cultural Activities in Manila
Check the list of top places for art and culture in Manila:
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Located in Intramunos and designated by UNESCO as a world heritage site, the San Agustin church is a stunning piece of art that has survived all the ordeals that this historic district has seen over centuries. The church was constructed in the sixteenth century by the Spanish. The architecture of the church is modelled over the magnificent Augustinian temples all over the world. The interiors ...Read more -
Manila Cathedral
(3936 Votes) The Manila cathedral is one of the prettiest sights in Intramunos. Officially established as the ‘Church of Manila’ in 1571, the church was raised to cathedral in 1579. It is by far the oldest church in Manila. The stained glass windows and grand architectural design is reminiscent of the Spanish rule in Philippines that paved the way for Catholicism in the country. Also, visit nea...Read more -
Quiapo Church
(1714 Votes) The Minor Basilica of the The Black Nazarene is informally known as the Quiapo church. A popular pilgrimage for the devotees of the Black Nazarene which is said to be a miraculous black statue of Jesus Christ, the church holds prominence amongst the catholic churches of Philippines. A distinctive facade instantly catches visitor’s eyes with twisted Corinthian columns and beautiful big sc...Read more -
University Of Santo Tomas Museum
(1666 Votes) The University of Santo Tomas is the oldest university in the Philippines and in Asia. The Main Building is an architectural feast. There is a museum inside the Main Building. The museum has noteworthy collections of natural history, coins, oriental and ethnographic art. The hall of Philippine religious images is also an interesting exhibit of folk objects and religious symbols spanning centur...Read more -
The Rizal Shrine is the shrine of Philippines’ most celebrated hero, Dr.Jose Rizal. A nationalist and perhaps Philippines’ most influential hero, Rizal stood up to the Spanish rule for the sake of justice and fairness. Everywhere in Philippines, you will find streets and squares named after this national hero and the Rizal shrine at Fort Santiago is one such brilliant tribute that ...Read more
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Casa Manila
(4157 Votes) Casa Manila is reproduction of a Spanish colonial house that takes visitors out of the present age and transports them to a time where the Spanish ruled and Manila was highly influenced aesthetically and culturally. Imelda Marcos had this house built lavishly, with interesting items from that period and authentic architecture. The stunning furniture and artwork are simply a delight to the eyes...Read more -
Not for the faint hearted, Manila’s Chinatown is a bit rough on the edges but charming nonetheless. Full of interesting sights and smells, Chinatown is full of souvenir shops and small eateries serving authentic food. It is the nerve of Manila; a thriving metropolis with pockets of diverse culture. The Chinese were given particular places to live in during the Spanish civilization, leadi...Read more
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Malate Church
(2733 Votes) Philippines is perhaps the only country in Asia that can boast of some of the most beautiful and varied churches in the subcontinent. It’s various colonial and cultural influences have given the country extraordinary churches that are unique and grandiose in their own right. The baroque style Malate church is one such church that inspires awe in visitors. Situated on a exquisite tree lin...Read more -
Cultural Center Of The Philippines
(1249 Votes) The Cultural Center of Philippines is the premiere showcase of arts in Philippines. Founded in 1969, it has been producing and presenting music, dance, theatre, visual arts, literary, cinematic and design events form the Philippines and all over the world . The architectural design which is the creative genius of Leandro Locsin, is simple yet stunning. Spread over 62 acres, the CCP has a numbe...Read more -
Binondo Church
(1895 Votes) Prayers at Binondo church come true; ask any Chinese. Or any other worshipper who frequents this magical church that is also known as the Minor Basilica of St.Lorenzo Ruiz. The Binondo church was made by the Dominicans. Made out of granite stone and featuring gorgeous paintings on the ceiling, the church is a sight to behold. The bell tower is the only thing that remains of the 16th century st...Read more -
San Sebastian Church
(1190 Votes) Completed in 1891, San Sebastian Church is noted for its architectural features. A brilliant example of Gothic architecture, this all steel church is magnificent and rare. The church has been designated as national heritage by the Philippines government in 1973. Built in Belgium and assembled in Manila around 1890, the church has come to be a prominent landmark in the country. Although th...Read more -
Chinese Cemetery
(794 Votes) The Chinese cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in Manila and is the resting place for the Chinese who were denied burial in catholic cemeteries during the Spanish rule. It has a number of prominent landmarks like the oldest Chinese temple in Manila, the Chong Hock Tong Temple. The Martyrs hall and the memorials are beautifully maintained. The Cemetery is special because it looks like a r...Read more
