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Manila (/ m ə ˈ n ɪ l ə / mə-NIL-ə; Filipino: Maynila, pronounced [majˈnilaʔ]), officially the City of Manila (Filipino: Lungsod ng Maynila, [luŋˈsod nɐŋ majˈnilaʔ]), is the capital and second-most-populous city of the Philippines.
- 7.0 m (23.0 ft)
- Philippines
- +900 – 1-096
- National Capital Region
- Overview
- City site
- Climate
- Plant and animal life
- City layout
Manila, capital and chief city of the Philippines. The city is the centre of the country’s economic, political, social, and cultural activity. It is located on the island of Luzon and spreads along the eastern shore of Manila Bay at the mouth of the Pasig River. The city’s name, originally Maynilad, is derived from that of the nilad plant, a flowering shrub adapted to marshy conditions, which once grew profusely along the banks of the river; the name was shortened first to Maynila and then to its present form. In 1975, by presidential decree, Manila and its contiguous cities and municipalities were integrated to function as a single administrative region, known as Metropolitan Manila (also called the National Capital Region); the Manila city proper encompasses only a small proportion of that area.
Manila has been the principal city of the Philippines for four centuries and is the centre of its industrial development as well as the international port of entry. It is situated on one of the finest sheltered harbours of the Pacific region, about 700 miles (1,100 km) southeast of Hong Kong. The city has undergone rapid economic development since its destruction in World War II and its subsequent rebuilding; it is now plagued with the familiar urban problems of pollution, traffic congestion, and overpopulation. Measures have been taken, however, to ameliorate those problems. Area city, 15 square miles (38 square km); National Capital Region, 244 square miles (633 square km). Pop. (2015) city, 1,780,148; (2020) National Capital Region, 13,484,462.
Manila occupies the low, narrow deltaic plain of the Pasig River, which flows northwestward to Manila Bay. The swampy delta of the southward-flowing Pampanga River lies to the north of the city. Immediately to the northeast and east of the urban region lies a stretch of lowlands, beyond which rise the peaks of the southern range of the Sierra Madre...
The city is protected from extreme weather conditions by the hills of the Sierra Madre and the mountains of the Bataan Peninsula. The tropical climate is characterized by a wet season that lasts from June to November and by a dry season lasting from December to May. The wettest months are July, August, and September, when thunderstorms are especially common. The average annual rainfall totals about 80 inches (about 2,000 mm). There is little monthly variation from the mean annual temperature, which is in the low 80s F (about 27 °C).
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The city is dotted with palms, banyans, acacias, and other tropical trees, and bamboo grows in many public parks. Domestic mammals—such as water buffalo, horses, dogs, pigs, and goats—are common, while wild birdlife includes shrikes, doves, and pigeons. Manila Bay abounds with sardines, anchovies, mackerel, tuna, snappers, and barracuda. The city’s...
The city is bisected by the Pasig River. It is divided into six administrative divisions that comprise 17 districts. Most of the districts developed from the original fortress city of Intramuros (“Within Walls”) and the 13 villages located outside its walls. About two-thirds of the districts lie to the north of the river and the remaining third lies to the south. The two sections of the city are connected by several bridges.
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Although business areas are widespread, the districts to the north of the river—especially along the bay and in the city’s west-central region— constitute the chief centres of trade and commerce. The district of San Miguel is the site of Malacañang Palace, the presidential residence; and several universities are located in Sampaloc, on the northeastern edge of the city. Adjacent to the heavily populated districts on the northern shore is Manila North Harbor; Manila South Harbor, the main international port, is on the southern shore. Intramuros is renowned for its 16th-century San Agustin church as well as for the ruins of its old walls and of Fort Santiago. On the south shore, Ermita and Malate are choice residential districts and the sites of hotels and embassies. The districts to the southeast are generally middle-income residential areas.
- Travel Back in Time at Intramuros. Intramuros, known as the "Walled City," is the oldest district and historic core of Manila. Intramuros tours are a must-try for history buffs because there are so many things to do in Intramuros.
- Visit Rizal Park. Located in the heart of Manila is Rizal Park, a landmark full of historical significance. The park is a homage to the Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal.
- Explore the National Museum Complex. The National Museum of the Philippines has several sections included in National Museum trips: Art, Anthropology, Natural History, and the Planetarium.
- Have a Food Trip at Binondo. Image by Moneymax. Binondo is a lively and historic Manila site. It was founded in 1594 and is considered to be the world's first Chinatown.
Things to Do in Manila, Philippines: See Tripadvisor's 98,731 traveler reviews and photos of Manila tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in May. We have reviews of the best places to see in Manila. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.
Manila. Metropolitan Manila encompasses six cities and 12 towns. Located on Manila Bay in the South China Sea, and bisected by the Pasig River, the capital of the Philippines is historic and modern, rich and poor. A popular sight is the walled area called Intramuros.
- Where should I stay in Manila?We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Manila, which include: Sofitel Philippine Plaza ManilaNew Coast Hotel ManilaThe Manila Ho...
- What are the best places to eat in Manila?Some of the most popular restaurants in Manila include: Cafe Ilang-IlangSky Deck at The Bayleaf HotelHarbor View RestaurantLe BarThe Aristocrat Res...
- What is Manila known for?Manila is known for some of its popular attractions, which include: Manila Ocean ParkIntramurosDivisoria MarketFort SantiagoRobinsons Place Mall
- What is there to do in Manila?We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Manila: Amazing Manila - Tagaytay Full Day Sightseeing Tour with...
- When is the cheapest time to visit Manila?If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Manila between March and May, when hotel prices are generall...
Discover Manila's outstanding sightseeing, creative soul, and cool vibe with Lonely Planet's expert tips and recommendations. Explore attractions, articles, activities, and guidebooks for your Manila trip.
Dec 23, 2023 · Explore the history, culture, and nature of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, with this guide to the best places to visit. Discover churches, parks, museums, and more in this vibrant and diverse city.
