1. Manila Cathedral (The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception)

The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, or Manila Cathedral, is one of the most prominent churches in the Philippines. In 1851, it became a cathedral - the first one in the country. The original church was made in bamboo and nipa. However, a fire destroyed it and a stone church was built on the site. Every time the structure was destroyed by natural calamities, a new one was built on the original site, with each structure built in the current architectural style. It was renovated several times until it attained its present grandeur. Today, visitors come to see this historic and magnificent structure that stood witness to the steadfast faith of the Filipinos and the evolution of architecture in the country.

Manila Cathedral

Address: Beaterio St, Cabildo St, Intramuros, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila

Website: Manila Cathedral

2. National Museum of the Philippines

If you’re looking for some interesting things to do, try to visit the National Museum of the Philippines, one of the best attractions in Manila. Located at the heart of Manila, the nation’s capital, it spans Padre Burgos Avenue, Rizal Park. The complex is composed of the National Art Gallery, now known as the National Museum of Fine Arts, housed in the Old Legislative Building; Museum of the Filipino people, which used to be the Finance Building; and the National Museum of Natural History, which is located in the Old Tourism Building. Construction of the National Museum of Fine Arts started in 1901 and finished in 1928. It was designed by Ralph Harrington Doane, an American Architect, and his assistant, Antonio Toledo. Featuring a Neo-classical architectural design and Greek Corinthian columns, the building is considered an architectural wonder.

The Museum of the Philippines

Address: Padre Burgos Ave, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila

Website: National Museum of the Philippines

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

3. San Agustin Church

San Agustin Church is the oldest church in the Philippines. It was built between 1587 and 1606 in Baroque and Spanish Colonial architecture. During World War II, it was the only building spared from destruction in Intramuros. It has weathered several earthquakes and other natural calamities. The facade is massive, and when you step inside, your eyes are met by the grandeur of the elaborate interior. The vaulted ceiling displays intricate and colorful frescoes. Glass chandeliers hang over the nave. These 19th-century fixtures were purchased from Paris.

San Agustin Church

Address: General Luna St, Manila, 1002 Metro Manila

Website: San Agustin Church

Opening hours: 8am - 12pm, 1 - 6pm (daily)

4. Zuellig Building

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Zuellig Building in Makati is a skyscraper that offers office spaces. At 33 levels, one can enjoy a fascinating view of Manila and a lot more. The structure has sustainable features that allow the efficient use of water and energy and improves the quality of air inside the building. Amenities include a food plaza, a sky garden, and a restaurant. Zuellig Building looks imposing as it seems to reach up to the sky.

Zuellig Building

Address: Makati Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati, 1225 Metro Manila

Website: Zuellig Building

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

5. Cultural Center of the Philippines

The Cultural Center of the Philippines is another impressive building in Manila that is highly popular. It is admired by art enthusiasts that come to the center to see live artistic performances. Designed by Leandro Locsin whose works are known to appear like floating masses, the Cultural Center of the Philippines has a capacity of 8,458 divided into 10 sections, Established in 1966, the CCP has been tasked to oversee the development, promotion, and preservation of the arts and culture of the Philippines. The building has been the venue of several national and international events relevant to the culture and arts.

Cultural Center of the Philippines

Address: Roxas Boulevard, Malate, Pasay City, 1307 Metro Manila.

Website: Cultural Center of the Philippines

6. Parish of the Holy Sacrifice

The Parish of the Holy Sacrifice was another project of the famous Filipino architect Leandro Locsin. This was the first church in the country to have a circular shape and a dome that was designed with a thin shell. It serves the faithful of the UP Diliman Campus and the parishioners of Cubao, Quezon City. The circular design gives a sense of active participation of the congregation during the masses and other church events. The altar is found in the middle and the circular wall features 15 murals that illustrate the Stations of the Cross. The 15th mural depicting Christ’s Ressurection adorns the sacristy wall.

Parish of the Holy Sacrifice

Address: Parish Office, Apacible St, Diliman, Quezon City, 1101 Metro Manila

Website: Parish of the Holy Sacrifice

7. Philippine Arena

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Philippine Arena has been named the world’s biggest indoor arena. It is a multipurpose structure with a capacity of 55,000 people. Designed using the modernist style, the building was inspired by the country’s national tree, the narra tree, as well as the roots of the banyan tree, and the nipa hut. Located in Ciudad de Victoria, an enterprise zone in Bocaue, Bulacan, it has served as the venue for basketball, boxing, tennis, football, music performances, concerts, and even cockfighting. It was featured on the Discovery Channel as among the structures in the Philippines that can withstand typhoons and earthquakes.

Philippine Arena

Address: Ciudad de Victoria, Santa Maria, Bulacan

Website: Philippine Arena

8. Malacañang Palace

Malacañang Palace is the official residence of the president of the Philippines. It was originally built as a summerhouse of a Spanish nobleman in 1750. Its name was derived from the words “May Lakan Dyan”, which, in English, means, “there lives a nobleman here”. The Spanish government purchased it in 1825 to be used as the official home of the governor-general. Throughout the years, major renovations have been made. In 1979, renowned interior decorators were hired to give the palace a makeover. Today, it has several halls and within the premises were several buildings. The palace has a vast garden and park that is now called the freedom park.

Malacañang Palace

Address: Malacañan Palace, JP, Kalayaan Hall, 2/F Jose Laurel St, San Miguel, Manila, Metro Manila

Website: Malacañang Palace

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

9. Manila Hotel (from USD 158)

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Manila features plenty of old and famous hotels, The Manila Hotel being the oldest leading hotel in the Philippines. This hotel was inaugurated in 1912, making it more than a century old already. It stands near South Harbor and Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park. The rooms in the upper levels command an unobstructed view of the surrounding areas, including the historic Intramuros. Considered as the address of prestige in the Far East, dignitaries and celebrities from all over the world make it their temporary home while in the Philippines. Designed and renovated by famous architects, the hotel has lovely rooms designed for luxurious living.

10. Grand Hyatt Manila (from USD 313)

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Eco-hotels and resorts are abundant in Manila, but if you’re looking for an accommodation that is both luxurious and famous, then consider staying in Grand Hyatt Manila. This hotel boasts an architectural design that is similar to the Empire State Building in Manhattan. Located in Grand Central Park, the hotel offers an unobstructed view of the surrounding areas and the skyline of Manila. There is ample parking space in the basement and valet parking services are also available. With spacious rooms, luxurious beddings, and spotlessly clean bathrooms, staying in Grand Hyatt Manila spells comfort and opulence. Take a swim in the spacious swimming pool, work out in the fitness center, or get pampered at the spa. Enjoy gourmet food, excellent drinks, and a fantastic view at the roof deck restaurant of the hotel.

See the grandeur of the best famous buildings in the Philippines

With its history and diverse culture, the country takes pride in its magnificent buildings that feature different architectural designs. People visiting Manila can not experience only the best theme parks and other attractions, but they can also take pleasure in viewing the best famous buildings in the Philippines - some of which were designed during the Spanish Era while others show modern styles. We hope our list helped add more interesting things to your Philippines travel bucket list!