Manila’s Best Hidden Gems: A Local’s Guide

Alright, so you think you know Manila? Maybe you’ve seen Intramuros, probably you’ve hit up a mall or two, yet there is that other side of this always surprising, always lively city, just kind of waiting for you to see it. We are talking, like your quirky cafes tucked away in quiet neighborhoods, that one street with amazing street art, or a museum that you absolutely never see in those normal tourist guides. That’s the Manila that, to be honest, locals like your truly know and like to keep a bit secret. That being said, ready to explore some spots that are really unique and cool?

Escolta Street: Manila’s Historical Heart

Okay, so Escolta Street? Very long ago it used to be the core, like your main commercial district back when Manila was at its most sophisticated. So now, well, you will see it’s definitely got this specific old charm that you really can’t find anywhere else. You have buildings showing styles of design from the late 1800s and the early 1900s, plus, surprisingly enough, it’s becoming somewhat of a cool spot for art. Check out the Calvo Building – inside there is a cool little museum with cool photos, old stuff from Manila. Then there is the First United Building; you get independent shops, plus art pop-ups all the time. Give yourself time to explore, and very maybe grab yourself a coffee from one of those new cafes – you might very be able to feel all that history.

San Sebastian Church: The Steel Church

Ever seen a steel church? Yeah, that’s what I thought! The San Sebastian Church is actually a really fantastic structure, built with steel from Belgium. Basically, the outside and all the inside columns are constructed from metal; that’s just unusual! Yet, so, it’s really more than that, like a quiet, peaceful space. You could probably go during a weekday if you want to avoid like loads of crowds, just so you have a chance to actually appreciate that pretty stained glass and architecture. In a way, It’s a cool place for photos too, if you’re all about that Instagram life.

Binondo Chinatown: More Than Just Food

Everyone might just say Binondo’s got all the best eats, is that so? Of course, you have got your dumplings, that crispy pata, that siopao… yet, to be honest, it’s a culture thing more than that. Binondo happens to be one of the oldest China towns globally, yet its streets and just the culture going on have been blending with Manila life for centuries. Basically, get walking around Ongpin Street, like visit the temples, very try the street food. And more than anything just basically observe that lifestyle. I tell you that, it will offer you something memorable, like you actually saw that history going on, just right there.

Intramuros at Night: A Different Perspective

Okay, yeah Intramuros might be something everyone visits during the day. Yet, have you tried exploring it after the sun sets? It has that different feel, so very cool. Plus the walls, old churches have some pretty atmospheric lighting going on. Rent a bamboo bike and just start exploring. Very take a tour with guides, so you could have some storytelling regarding the happenings there way long ago. When the temperature goes down it actually feels much better walking all over too. Believe me or not, It’s really way different experiencing all the history that way.

Hub Make Lab: Supporting Local Artisans

Interested with locally handmade kind of stuff? Head directly over there at Hub Make Lab. What is that you might wonder? Well, this really is actually a cool creative collaborative spot located at Escolta; you would very discover various different unique artisan pieces from different locals, which include like ceramics and cool clothing to those awesome handcrafted accessories. This is a particularly awesome place, not to just shop for souvenirs or those rare type gifts, that support all local crafters too! Hub Make Lab displays Manila’s creativity, as well as helps entrepreneurs just show all they’ve got.

Bonus Finds: Random Cool Spots to Visit

You like more quirky places, right? Just saying so, check out the Legazpi Sunday Market for the artisanal goods also yummy foods – this just usually is a chill kind of place to spend some time Sunday mornings. The Dessert Museum is where you can be that crazy kid that you secretly were, taking many pictures. And there are also those escape rooms if you are looking for fun to keep yourself busy indoors with all of your friends. Manila offers that wide array for what you’re really looking for – so, try wandering off from there and basically you might stumble onto all kinds of random unique locations yourself, very possibly.