10 Places to Visit in Manila to Ignite Your Patriotism

Every day presents an opportunity to celebrate our country and heritage, but this sense of pride peaks during Independence Day when we honor all things Filipino. Whether you're looking to fuel your patriotic spirit or just searching for a weekend adventure, here are 10 destinations in Manila, Philippines that will help you connect with your national identity.

1. Luneta Park

Where better to start a tour to feel patriotic than our very own Luneta Park! You can visit the Rizal Monument and be proud of our national hero who gave his life for the country. If a certain building dampens your patriotic spirit while looking at the statue, you can always be proud of the ceremonial soldiers standing guard at the foot of the monument.

Location: Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila  

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 5 AM – 9 PM

2. Rizal Shrine

Located inside Fort Santiago, the Rizal Shrine is a gem of a museum dedicated to Jose Rizal. This two-storey building houses some of Rizal’s memorabilia, works, clothes, and collections. There are even sections on the insects that Rizal studied. To cap off the tour, there’s a corner where you can dress like him, complete with a bowler hat!

Location: Santa Clara Street, Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila  

Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM  

Contact: 263-8821  

Fee: PHP 75 per head (Fort Santiago entrance fee)

3. Intramuros and Fort Santiago

Nothing spells history as much as this walled city. The walls of Intramuros were built as a defense against foreign invasion. After the severe destruction from the Battle of Manila in 1945, the government formed the Intramuros Administration to reconstruct it to its former glory. Intramuros is equipped with cannons, cellars, and other battle relics. Fort Santiago also has its fair share of cannons and bullet shells. This is where Rizal was imprisoned before his execution at Bagumbayan, with his footsteps to freedom marked in bronze, leading from the Fort to Luneta.

Location: Intramuros, Manila  

Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM  

Contact: (02) 525 2000  

Fee: PHP 75 per head

4. Cultural Center of the Philippines

The CCP is dedicated to promoting and preserving the cultural arts of the country. It presents theater shows, ballet concerts, film screenings, art galleries, museums, and more. They also have a library with classical books and books on the history of films in the Philippines. Check out their upcoming shows—you won’t regret it.

Location: CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard  

Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10 AM – 6 PM  

Contact: (02) 832-5094 | [email protected]

5. Lights and Sound Museum

This museum is located inside Intramuros and uses amazing visuals, life-like wax dolls, narration, and sound effects to present history from pre-colonial times to the death of Dr. Jose Rizal.

Location: Santa Lucia cor. Victoria Street, Intramuros, Manila  

Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 9 AM – 6 PM  

Contact: (02) 524 2827 | [email protected]  

Fee: PHP 150 per head

6. Escolta

Escolta is one of the oldest streets in Manila, once bustling with newly opened theaters, restaurants, and stores. Though it’s not as busy as it once was, it still looks awesome and photogenic, housing black markets and catering to photo walks.

Location: Escolta Street, Manila, Metro Manila

7. National Museum of the Philippines

The National Museum or Pambansang Museo is a must-visit. It includes the National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, and the National Planetarium, all within Luneta Park. It boasts a wide array of artifacts and collections on Philippine history.

Location: Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila  

Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10 AM – 5 PM  

Contact: (02) 527 1215 | [email protected]  

Fee: Free entrance, National Planetarium – PHP 50 (Adult), PHP 40 (Senior), PHP 30 (Student)

8. Paco Park

Paco Park is a quiet, peaceful place popular for wedding pictorials and classical concerts. It serves as a cemetery for cholera pandemic victims from 1817 to 1824 and some Spanish officials and Filipino heroes. Rizal was secretly buried here after his execution, before being moved to Luneta.

Location: Belen, Paco, Manila  

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 AM – 5 PM  

Contact: (02) 302 7381

9. Museo Pambata

Museo Pambata is an interactive museum for children, promoting Filipino culture, history, and the arts. It offers various hands-on exhibits and programs that educate and inspire young minds about our heritage.

Location: Roxas Boulevard, Ermita, Manila  

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8 AM – 5 PM  

Contact: (02) 523 1797  

Fee: PHP 250 per head

10. Malacañang Palace Museum

Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines, offers tours of its museum. The museum showcases the history of the Philippine presidency, with rooms filled with memorabilia, historical artifacts, and artworks.

Location: J.P. Laurel Street, San Miguel, Manila  

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 4 PM  

Contact: (02) 784 4286  

Fee: PHP 50 per head

These ten destinations in Manila not only offer a glimpse into the Philippines’ rich history and culture but also ignite a sense of pride and patriotism. Whether you're revisiting these spots or exploring them for the first time, each visit is a chance to reflect on the nation's journey and achievements.