While there is plenty to keep you occupied within the confines of the hotel, there is also ample entertainment to be found across the city. Once you’ve rested after your journey, we’ll be happy to help you find a variety of attractions to keep you occupied during the day or night.
With everything from frantic shopping precincts to peaceful parks and distinctive landmarks, Manila has something to offer you – whether you’re here for business or pleasure. To help you decide how to spend your time, here are our recommendations.
Cultural Tours View the ancient pottery and banking artefacts of the Metropolitan Museum, the historically important works of art housed in the National Museums or discover the old Manila at Casa Manila, a faithfully restored Spanish colonial home.
Nightlife Visit the pulsating Malate for themed restaurants, bars and clubs such as Nuvo and Mezze at Greenbelt 3. Or guests can take a night tour of the original walled city, Intramuros, to witness local artists performing in the open spaces and amphitheatres. For more contemporary nightlife, try Greenbelt with its mass of chic restaurants.
City Tours See the famous walled city of Intramuros, tour the shopping areas around Makati or relax in the open lawns and ornamental gardens of Rizal Park. The Manila City Tour, which is run by the Tour Network, is recommended and can be booked via the Concierge.
San Agustin Museum and Church – 45 Minutes by taxi/9.3 Miles or 15 Km Located in Intramuros, the well-preserved San Agustin Museum and Church was built in 1606 and is Manila’s oldest stone church The museum showcases religious art and antiques of the church, from portraits of saints to richly embroidered vestments.
Metropolitan Museum – 20 Minutes by taxi/7.5 Miles or 12 Km The pioneering contemporary arts museum is a bright, modern building that houses a diverse collection of paintings, ancient pottery, as well as examples of the country’s past currency that belong to the Central Bank of the Philippines.
National Museum – 30 Minutes by taxi/9 Miles or 15 Km There are many treasures on display at the National Museum and one that merits a special mention is the display devoted to the San Diego, a galleon that sank off the Philippine coast in 1600.
Sports For guests looking to mix business with pleasure, there are a number of sports activities in and around the hotel to engage in. Our Concierge will gladly assist you in your enquiries.
Chinese Cemetery – 45 Minutes by taxi/12 Miles or 20 Km Founded in the 1850s, this is where the wealthy Chinese in Manila are buried, often in elaborate and sometimes extravagant mausoleums. Some of the tombs even have flushing toilets, air-conditioning and crystal chandeliers.
Rizal Park – 30 Minutes by taxi/9 Miles or 15 Km Rizal Park overlooks the picturesque Manila Bay and everyday it is the meeting place of many local people who come to stroll, sing, play music or just relax away from the bustle of the streets.
Where to Shop
Glorietta – 5 Minutes by taxi/1 Mile or 1.5 Km One of the most fashionable places to shop in Manila, it consists of a central atrium with four main shopping areas coming off this hub. These areas house a wide variety of department stores, brand name boutiques,cafes, fine dining restaurants and 11 cinemas.
Greenbelt – 5 Minutes by taxi/1 Mile or 1.5 Km This trendy area is the focal point for locals and tourists looking for upmarket restaurants and varied nightlife, including live music. Described as an oasis in the urban jungle, it has an open air plaza, fertile parkland and a man-made lake.
Power Plant – 10 Minutes by taxi/1.5 Miles or 2.5 Km The choice of the discerning shopper, Rockwell Power Plant is full of designer shops and boutiques, wine and oyster bars and the best fine dining restaurants and cafes in Manila. Housing the best cinema complex in the city, it’s a place to see and be seen.
Park Square – 10 Minutes by taxi/1.5 Miles or 2.5 Km Those visitors to Manila who are looking for fast food restaurants, electronic goods such as computer hardware and software, CDs and DVDs, musical instruments or sporting goods should head to the Park Square mall.
Bonifacio Global City – 10 Minutes by taxi/1.5 Miles or 2.5 Km This is another retail haven, an area full of upmarket shops and restaurants, as well as the city’s first ever shopping centre, Ayala Land’s Market! Market! Here you’ll find popular retail stores and speciality shops, amusement arcades and themed bazaars.
Greenhills Shopping Centre - 30 Minutes by taxi/6.2 Miles or 10 Km A 16-hectare complex just north of Makati, the shopping centre features modern shops and restaurants. Alongside these shops sits an air-conditioned flea market, featuring Asian and Filipino antique vases and artefacts, clothing and apparel.
The Tivoli – At the Hotel Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Tivoli, which offers diners the best in tableside service. A theatre for food, the chefs use showmanship to produce the best haute cuisine right at your table, making it as much a visually entertaining spectacle as it is a feast for the palate.
Paseo Uno – At the Hotel With its dramatic interior and open kitchens, this is one of the most remarkable places to eat at the hotel. Since it opened its doors in 2003, Paseo Uno has garnered a reputation as “the most fascinating restaurant in town”, which is due in part to its amazing menu and chic interior design.
Zamboanga Restaurant – 25 Minutes by taxi/7.5 Miles or 12 Km This well-established theatre restaurant provides a delightful insight to the country’s history and culture. Be entertained by cultural dances performed by the in-house dance group, which is the perfect compliment to the Filipino and seafood dishes.
Ilustrado – 30 Minutes by taxi/9 Miles or 15 Km Formed from a 19th century house that has been reconstructed to its former glory, the restaurant serves a mix of Filipino and Spanish dishes, including some exotic local specialities such as Adobadong Usa (Venison in vinegar and soy sauce).
Bistro Remedios – 30 Minutes by taxi/9 Miles or 15 Km Dine in an environment reminiscent of the refined households of 1950’s Manila and savour the tastes of the authentic but imaginative menu. If you’re looking to taste regional Filipino delicacies, this is the place.
