The capital of Paradise

Manila is the capital of the Philippines and the second largest city in the country, considered the most populous city in the world. The location of Manila is on the coast of the Gulf of Manila, in the subequatorial climate zone. It is the location of Manila that determines the presence of two weather seasons in the city – dry and wet. The history of Manila begins in 1571 – the year the city was founded by the Spaniards. Before the arrival of the Spaniards, Muslims lived here, who conducted active trade with their neighbors. The Spaniards began to actively Christianize the local population, and in the 17th century the first seminary opened here. In the history of Manila, there is a period when the city was ruled by the British, but not for long. Manila at different times was also captured by the Americans and Japanese. Today, Manila is the most important port city in the Philippines, as well as a large industrial and educational center.

The historical sights of Manila are very diverse and rich. The oldest area of ​ ​ the city is called Intramuros (“surrounded by walls”) and includes many ancient examples of Spanish architecture, in particular the fortress walls and the fortress of Santiago. Among the architectural attractions of Manila are many ancient churches, for example, the Manila Cathedral, the Church of Chiapo, the Basilica of St. Sebastian, the Church of San Augustine, Taoist and Buddhist temples, Muslim mosques. The Philippines can rightfully be proud of the country’s cultural center, the title of which is also determined by a large number of museum attractions in Manila: the Bahai Tsinoy Museum of the Chinese community, the Museum of Light and Sound, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Pambata Children’s Museum, the National Museum of the Philippines, the Museum of Political History. It is also worth visiting Risal Park, the site of the main historical moments of the city’s life. Here are Chinese and Japanese gardens, a national library and planetarium, a butterfly pavilion, an aquarium and an orchidarium, a relief map of the country.

Among the entertainment in Manila, lovers of cultural recreation, as well as active and party, will find suitable places for themselves. Bus and pedestrian excursions to historical places are arranged in the city, and the ancient history of the founding of the city is told. Lovers of outdoor activities should visit local beaches, swim in the bay and engage in water sports. A lot of entertainment in Manila is intended for children: water parks, rides, children’s theater and the park “Enchanted Kingdom.” Lovers of nightlife should get to the streets of Pasay Road, Nakpil or Masati, where life boils both day and night. Live music plays in bars and restaurants, there are concert venues, as well as nightclubs and discos. Shops in Manila are mainly huge shopping centers with many boutiques. In addition, there are small shops with books and antiques, souvenirs and handmade products, clothes and jewelry, and other shops in Manila.

The main urban transport of Manila is by no means the metro, which has three lines and connects only the most developed and densely populated areas of the city. The most popular transport here is colorful jeepneys, a kind of mixing of a minibus and a jeep. You can also use the services of motorcycle and cycling.