Top 5 Unique Manila Attractions Outside of Rizal Park and Intramuros
If you're booked at a hotel in Manila, Philippines, then don't just limit your sightseeing to Rizal Park and the Intramuros areas. There are several unique attractions scattered throughout this historical capital, and here are 5 of them:
Roxas Boulevard Baywalk
A visit to the capital is not complete without seeing the famous Manila Bay sunset, and there's nowhere else to best view it but from the Baywalk. This promenade along Roxas Boulevard is bordered by Rizal Park and the US Embassy to the north, and ends at the Manila Yacht Club at the south. While chunks of this strip are still being repaired after previous typhoons demolished part of the seawall, it is still a nice place to take a quiet stroll. The surrounding area is also filled with many establishments offering accommodation in the capital, from 5-star institutions to cheap hotels in Manila.
Malate Church
This Baroque-style church facing Manila Bay is popular among the Filipino faithful, and it is dedicated to Nuestra Señora de Remedios (Our Lady of Remedies), the patroness of childbirth. As such, its altar houses an image of the Virgin Mary brought from Spain in 1624. However, this is not the only reason to visit this house of worship, one of the oldest churches in Manila that's outside of Intramuros. It also bears historical significance, as the British used it as their base when they invaded the fort city in 1762.
The Aristocrat
There might be branches of this Filipino restaurant scattered across the metro today, but the original branch just across Malate Church is still said to serve the best food. Offering favorites such as their Filipino-style Chicken Barbecue with Java Sauce, The Aristocrat is a great stop for anyone who wants an introduction to the country's cuisine.
Ermita Shrine
It is the home of one of the oldest statues of the Virgin Mary in the Philippines, Nuestra Señora de Guia (Our Lady of Guidance), patroness of travelers and navigators. Historical accounts state that this image was actually found by the crew of conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in the 16th century, venerated by residents along the shores of Manila. Made of wood, the image portrays Mary with slanted eyes, thick curly hair, and brown skin - much unlike most Western interpretations.
Hobbit House
One of Lonely Planet's Top 10 Bizarre Bars and Restaurants in the World, the novelty behind Hobbit House is implied by the name. It is entirely staffed and partly owned by people all below 4 feet in height. Established by a former Peace Corps volunteer in the 70's, this bar is an institution in Manila's nightlife scene, especially famous for its wide beer selection and live entertainment. Located just a few meters from BEST WESTERN Hotel [http://www.bestwesternhotelmanila.com/packages.php] La Corona Manila and other discount hotels in Manila, it is a great place to end the day in the city.
With all these options outside Rizal Park and Intramuros, there's no reason to just stay inside your hotel in Manila, Philippines.
Roxas Boulevard Baywalk
A visit to the capital is not complete without seeing the famous Manila Bay sunset, and there's nowhere else to best view it but from the Baywalk. This promenade along Roxas Boulevard is bordered by Rizal Park and the US Embassy to the north, and ends at the Manila Yacht Club at the south. While chunks of this strip are still being repaired after previous typhoons demolished part of the seawall, it is still a nice place to take a quiet stroll. The surrounding area is also filled with many establishments offering accommodation in the capital, from 5-star institutions to cheap hotels in Manila.
Malate Church
This Baroque-style church facing Manila Bay is popular among the Filipino faithful, and it is dedicated to Nuestra Señora de Remedios (Our Lady of Remedies), the patroness of childbirth. As such, its altar houses an image of the Virgin Mary brought from Spain in 1624. However, this is not the only reason to visit this house of worship, one of the oldest churches in Manila that's outside of Intramuros. It also bears historical significance, as the British used it as their base when they invaded the fort city in 1762.
The Aristocrat
There might be branches of this Filipino restaurant scattered across the metro today, but the original branch just across Malate Church is still said to serve the best food. Offering favorites such as their Filipino-style Chicken Barbecue with Java Sauce, The Aristocrat is a great stop for anyone who wants an introduction to the country's cuisine.
Ermita Shrine
It is the home of one of the oldest statues of the Virgin Mary in the Philippines, Nuestra Señora de Guia (Our Lady of Guidance), patroness of travelers and navigators. Historical accounts state that this image was actually found by the crew of conquistador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in the 16th century, venerated by residents along the shores of Manila. Made of wood, the image portrays Mary with slanted eyes, thick curly hair, and brown skin - much unlike most Western interpretations.
Hobbit House
One of Lonely Planet's Top 10 Bizarre Bars and Restaurants in the World, the novelty behind Hobbit House is implied by the name. It is entirely staffed and partly owned by people all below 4 feet in height. Established by a former Peace Corps volunteer in the 70's, this bar is an institution in Manila's nightlife scene, especially famous for its wide beer selection and live entertainment. Located just a few meters from BEST WESTERN Hotel [http://www.bestwesternhotelmanila.com/packages.php] La Corona Manila and other discount hotels in Manila, it is a great place to end the day in the city.
With all these options outside Rizal Park and Intramuros, there's no reason to just stay inside your hotel in Manila, Philippines.