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All the Philippines Manila

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Manila

13 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Manila, Philippines

Updated June 2, 2025

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Unusual Attractions in Manila

San Sebastian Church

Manila, Philippines

San Sebastian Church

A church made of steel.
Classic Filipino dishes get a modern makeover here.

Parañaque, Philippines

Linamnam

Feast on contemporary Filipino cuisine in a chef’s backyard.
Temporary Burial Site of Rizal on Paco Cemetery.

Manila, Philippines

Paco Park Cemetery

The cemetery was built for the Spanish colonial elite, but its most famous residents were all buried in unmarked graves.
Closer look of the clock tower.

Manila, Philippines

Manila Clock Tower

This iconic clock tower is the largest in the Philippines.
Lagusnilad (Manila City Hall Underpass)

Manila, Philippines

Lagusnilad (Manila City Hall Underpass)

Once a crime hotspot, this refurbished underpass is now home to a bookstore and a mural celebrating the history of Manila.
Forest park entrance

Manila, Philippines

Arroceros Forest Park

Known as Manila's "last lung," this park used to house a market, garrison, and various government buildings.
Facade of the Manila Metropolitan theater

Manila, Philippines

Manila Metropolitan Theater

This historic Art Deco building embellished with local tropical fruits had fallen into disrepair before a recent restoration.
San Agustin Church

Manila, Philippines

San Agustin Church

The first religious structure on the island of Luzon and a survivor of World War II.
See All 13 Things To Do in Manila

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Manila

Classic Filipino dishes get a modern makeover here.

Parañaque, Philippines

Linamnam

Feast on contemporary Filipino cuisine in a chef’s backyard.
In partnership with KAYAK

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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Manila, Philippines

A
13
Architecture 6
History & Culture 6
Churches 2
Theaters 2
Art Deco 2

Manila Leaderboard

Places Added

  1. Jon Opol
    8
  2. Fred Cherrygarden
    2
  3. ToriElliott
    1
Join the Ranks!
Add an unusual place to Manila.

Places Edited

  1. Jon Opol
    10
  2. Collector of Experiences
    4
  3. icatsstaci
    3
  4. Fred Cherrygarden
    2
  5. CK KNiRSCH
    1

Places Visited

  1. Jon Opol
    12
  2. cheenaabellon
    9
  3. SimNShy
    9
  4. warwickwandering
    8
  5. icatsstaci
    7

Recent Manila Activity

  • eeit207

    wants to go to San Agustin Church

    6 days ago
  • Gabes

    has been to San Sebastian Church

    5 days ago
  • awesome

    has been to GOMBURZA Monument

    4 days ago
  • awesome

    has been to Manila Clock Tower

    4 days ago
  • jeffbezitos

    wants to go to Burke Building

    4 days ago

Stories About Manila

Josefine Guerrero carried a map of the minefields in the north of occupied Manila to approaching U.S. troops.

The Invisible, Afflicted Spy Who Led the U.S. Army Into Occupied Manila

As a woman with leprosy, Josefina Guerrero was ignored by Japanese forces as she carried messages of resistance in World War II.
by April White
March 7, 2022

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