Metro Manila

Things to do in Metro Manila

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Metro Manila

View all Attractions
Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Manila Metropolitan Cathedral
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Metro Manila

Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Manila Metropolitan Cathedral

4.8
4.6/5
700 reviews

Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Manila Metropolitan Cathedral was first built in 1581. Located near Fort Santiago, it is the main building of the Archdiocese of Manila. The church has suffered repeated damage from typhoons, earthquakes, and wars. The current structure is the 6th reconstruction, featuring a weathered Romanesque design and an elegant dome that exudes a classic, antique charm. In front of the church is Plaza Roma, which was once a bullring, with the ruins of the city hall nearby. Horse-drawn carriages frequently pass by the church entrance, adding to its rich, rustic atmosphere. Exterior The cathedral has a magnificent and ornate exterior. 3 massive arches sit atop a flight of stairs, with 6 white statues of saints on the front wall, and 2 cute cherubs and a solemn cross carved at the top. If you look closely at the arches, you can see intricate patterns carved into the layered archways. Interior Stepping inside, the spacious interior and golden tones create an impressive atmosphere. A gilded altar, a pipe organ with 4,500 pipes, and rose windows inlaid with exquisite stained glass are all worth admiring. There are also 3 smaller chapels beside the cathedral, which feature beautiful mosaic decorations. Religious activitiesMinor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Manila Metropolitan Cathedral hosts regular religious activities such as Mass, confession, and baptisms. If you happen to be there, you can watch quietly from a distance. Wedding services are also offered here, so you can often encounter couples holding weddings or taking wedding photos.

Philippines · City of Manila

Experiences you can't miss in Metro Manila

Featured Culture & history in Metro Manila

View all Culture & history
SM Mall of Asia Ice Skating Experience
󱌍
32 booked
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Book now for tomorrow
FromDKK 54.83
Manila City Tour: Intramuros, Manila Bay, Cathedrals, and Castles
󱌍
4.8/5
· 11 reviews· 155 booked
Duration: 6.8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
68 travellers saved
FromDKK 394.55
Popular Manila City Tour in the Philippines: National Museum & Venice Grand Canal & Manila Bay Sunset
󱌍
5.0/5
· 3 reviews· 25 booked
Duration: 4.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromDKK 386.7
Manila Food Tour: Explore World's Oldest Chinatown
󱌍
5.0/5
· 80 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
80 consecutive positive reviews
FromDKK 336.81
Manila: 2-hr guided tour of Manila Ocean Park
󱌍
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromDKK 425.93
Manila: Cycling through 400 years of Spanish walled city · 2-hour cycling guided tour
󱌍
FromDKK 369.89
Manila Highlights Audio Tour: Colonial Treasures and Cultural Heritage
󱌍
Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromDKK 38.8DKK 48.5
Manila: How a conquest changed Manila · 2-hour Intramuros walking tour
󱌍
FromDKK 258.92

Featured Day tours in Metro Manila

View all Day tours
Classic 1-day tour of Manila - churches/castles/Rizal Park/Manila Bay
󱌍
4.3/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 6.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromDKK 402.39
Taal Volcano Experience: Scenic Countryside and Volcano Tour
󱌍
4.8/5
· 63 reviews
Duration: 6–8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
96.8% of travelers recommend
FromDKK 1,751.37
Manila's popular attractions day tour: National Museum & Venice Grand Canal & Manila Bay
󱌍
FromDKK 392.31
Philippines + Manila Ocean Park with customizable itinerary
󱌍
FromDKK 1,793.39
Manila bamboo bike tour: meet at the meeting point
󱌍
5.0/5
· 3 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
FromDKK 201.76

More things to do

Free things to do in Metro Manila

What travellers say about Metro Manila

user-avatar
_TI***52October 27, 2026
4.0
it was really fun actually, we had such a good time when we arrived, thanks u so much ocean park. ❤️perfect for family bonding

Manila Ocean Park

user-avatar
Crystallee travel blogNovember 10, 2026
5.0
Fort Santiago 🇵🇭Senior citizens aged 60 and above can enjoy discounted admission tickets!💡 Tip: Buy your tickets through Trip.com for a cheaper price compared to purchasing on-site, where tickets are around ₱75 per person.Definitely worth visiting if you enjoy taking photos and learning about Philippine history. There are plenty of historical spots and beautiful photo opportunities around the fort.A nice place to explore, take a walk and learn more about the country’s past! 📸

Fort Santiago

user-avatar
Jj4ype3August 30, 2026
5.0
It remains an active place of worship, a key historical landmark in Intramuros, and a major site for Marian devotion (especially during the December feast of the Immaculate Conception and the Intramuros Grand Marian Procession).

Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Manila Metropolitan Cathedral

user-avatar
Mushfiqur Rahman ChowdhuryFebruary 16, 2025
5.0
Surrounded by multiple national museums covering a wide area and close to Intramuros - two must-visit places in a Manila itinerary.

Rizal Park

user-avatar
Ulzii MongoliaApril 5, 2025
5.0
Oh my god. That sunset. The most amazing view of my life was in Manila Bay. It was a great evening to spend the night with my Philippine friends there.

Manila Bay

user-avatar
Exploring NomadJune 20, 2026
5.0
Casa Manila Museum felt like stepping into a beautifully preserved slice of colonial life. The details inside, from the antique furniture to the intricate wooden interiors, made everything feel so authentic and thoughtfully curated. Walking through each room gave me a glimpse of how people used to live, and it was both fascinating and a little surreal. The atmosphere was calm yet rich with character, making it easy to take your time and appreciate every corner. It’s a great spot if you’re into history, design, or just want a slower, more immersive experience in Intramuros.

Casa Manila

user-avatar
EMdiELJanuary 10, 2023
5.0
My family and I love QMC! It’s a nice place for a morning jog. Great for picnics with family and friends too!

Quezon Memorial Circle

user-avatar
Irene BlonesJuly 2, 2022
5.0
You’ll feel blessed 🤍

St. John the Baptist Parish • Quiapo Church

user-avatar
Chorn Vichet MorkotJanuary 1, 2025
3.0
Reasons to Recommend: Such a tourist spot that clean and people are friendly and kind I willing to go again next time. Address: Hochiminh

National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help

Trip Moments in Metro Manila

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Metro Manila?

Don't miss these attractions in Metro Manila: Manila Ocean Park, Fort Santiago, and Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Manila Metropolitan Cathedral. If you like Culture & history, try SM Mall of Asia Ice Skating Experience. If you enjoy Day tours, try Classic 1-day tour of Manila - churches/castles/Rizal Park/Manila Bay.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Classic 1-day tour of Manila - churches/castles/Rizal Park/Manila Bay, Taal Volcano Experience: Scenic Countryside and Volcano Tour, and Manila's popular attractions day tour: National Museum & Venice Grand Canal & Manila Bay. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 12, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Metro Manila is around DKK 201.76 – DKK 1,793.39. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.