Manila

Manila

The best way to tackle the Philippines’ capital is to immerse yourself in it. Malay, Chinese, Spanish, Arabic, American – all these influences and more are found in everything from Manila's food scene to its architecture.

As well as having some of the best restaurants and street food in Asia – beef ramen is almost an obsession – the city offers some great sightseeing opportunities. Combine these with visiting the world's oldest Chinatown, in the Binondo district – the food, specifically the Hong Kong fare sold by the hawkers, is unbelievable.

There are 16 districts in what's called Metro Manila. The City of Manila – the western part of Metro Manila – is in turn made up of eight districts. To see the best sights, spend most of your time in Intramuros. The name – intra and muros – means ‘within the walls’ in Spanish. The Spaniards left in Intramuros some beautiful colonial houses and Fort Santiago, now a museum.

Also worth a visit in this district are Manila Cathedral, Metropolitan Theatre and National Art Gallery. South of Intramuros is Ermita, which also has must-see sights – Rizal Park, the Manila Ocean Park, and Museum of the Filipino People – and is a good place for bistros, restaurants and nightlife venues.

Manila is built around its energetic nightlife, creative community, and one of Asia’s coolest indie music scenes. They all come together in the city's modern galleries and live music venues. But before you hit the town, take a jeepney – old US military jeeps used as public transport – to the Port Area to see the sunset at Manila Bay.

Things to do in Manila

■ Watch sunset at Vieux Chalet
■ Visit the National Museum of the Philippines
■ Tour Intramuros
■ Take a jeepney tour
■ Shop at Salcedo Market
■ Hike Taal Volcano

Eat in Manila

■ Vask Modern Tapas & Gastronomic Cuisine (Spanish fusion)
■ Peking Garden (Chinese)
■ La Cocina de Tita Moning (Filipino)
■ Green Pastures (International)
■ El Chupacabra (Mexican)
■ Champetre (French)

Stay in Manila

■ The Bayleaf Intramuros
■ Orchid Garden Suites
■ New Miramar Hotel
■ Manila Hotel
■ Hotel H2O
■ Casa Bocobo